Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 48-60 | - Pre-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to shallower staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise
- Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly targeting larger meals when available
| - Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access
- Docks and man-made structure in 5-10 foot depths that provide warmth and cover
- Deep weed edges in 7-15 feet that provide staging areas near spawning flats
| - Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation and along transitions
- Bladed Jigs around dock areas and vegetation edges
- Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in staging areas
| - Bluegills holding in emerging vegetation
- Small baitfish schools in staging areas
- Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Walleye | 42-52 | - Pre-spawn walleye are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding during low-light periods and becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise
- Fish are primarily bottom-oriented, making frequent movements between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn locations
| - Deeper dock areas adjacent to potential spawning flats, particularly those with hard bottom
- Ledges and transitions near submerged vegetation
- Hard-bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range with access to deeper water
| - Blade Baits worked with slow lifts and drops near bottom structure
- Live Bait Rigs with slow dragging presentations
- Ned Rigs worked methodically along bottom transitions
| - Bluegill concentrating near dock areas
- Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
- Crawfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Northern Pike | 42-52 | - Staging in shallow bays and near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
- Most active during dawn and dusk, but will feed throughout day in overcast conditions
| - Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning bays (2-8 feet)
- Dock structures in protected areas (4-10 feet)
- Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges
- Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near structure
- Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily in shallow areas
| - Bluegill congregating in pre-spawn areas
- Minnows schooling in warming shallows
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Muskie | 45-58 | - Muskie moving from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallower pre-spawn staging areas, primarily active during warming trends
- Feeding becomes more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with fish starting to target larger forage in preparation for spawning
| - Shallow weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in areas that warm first
- Secondary break lines near spawning areas, typically in 8-15 foot depth range
- Docks and man-made structures that provide warming effect in protected areas
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
- Inline Spinners
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')
| - Bluegill concentrating in warming shallows
- Shad schools moving into pre-spawn staging areas
- Minnows gathering in emerging weed growth
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Crappie | 52-62 | - Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warmer, shallower zones, staging near spawning areas
- Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving in loose schools
| - Protected dock areas in 8-15 foot depths that provide staging areas near spawning zones
- Secondary break lines in 12-20 foot depths where fish transition from winter to spring locations
- Shallow protected pockets where water warms first
| - Crappie Dock Shooting
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
| - Young-of-year baitfish from previous fall
- Small panfish
- Emerging aquatic insects
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Catfish | 55-65 | - Catfish beginning to move from deep winter holes to shallower feeding areas as water warms, actively searching for food after winter dormancy
- Fish primarily active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased feeding activity during warming trends
| - Deep holes adjacent to shallow flats, particularly near dock areas
- Main basin transition areas where depth changes from 15-25 feet
- Bottom channels and deeper depressions in 20-30 foot range
| - Live Bait Rigs with extended soak times in deeper holes
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along depth transitions
- Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly near dock areas
| - Bluegill concentrating near dock areas
- Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish
| - Dark Neutrals
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 52-65 | - Pre-spawn bluegills moving from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallower staging areas near spawning locations
- Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during mid-afternoon when water temperatures peak
| - Protected areas between docks in 7-12 foot depths with emerging vegetation
- Transition zones where weeds meet deeper water, especially in 8-15 foot range
- Secondary points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas
| - Live Bait Rigs with slow, methodical presentations near structure
- Ice Fishing Jigs (small presentations) worked vertically in cover
- Bobbers with suspended baits over emerging weed growth
| - Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water
- Tiny crustaceans in and around developing weed growth
- Small minnows gathering in warming shallows
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 55-65 | - Largemouth bass are transitioning into spawning behavior, moving from deeper winter areas to shallower spawning flats. Males are creating and guarding nests while females stage nearby.
- Fish are becoming more aggressive and territorial as water temperatures rise, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning.
| - Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation, particularly in 2-6 foot depths
- Areas adjacent to docks that offer both spawning habitat and quick access to deeper water
- Secondary points leading into spawning bays with vegetation
| - Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible structure and vegetation edges
- Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas
- Spinnerbaits for covering water between likely spawning locations
| - Bluegills gathering in similar spawning areas
- Small baitfish moving shallow with warming temperatures
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Walleye | 42-52 | - Walleye are transitioning to spawning areas, actively feeding during low-light periods with increased daytime activity due to turbid conditions (1.9m Secchi)
- Fish are primarily bottom-oriented, moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning locations near hard-bottom areas
| - Hard-bottom areas near depth changes, particularly around dock clusters where spawning substrate is available
- Submerged vegetation edges that intersect with ledges, providing staging areas
- Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition
| - Blade Baits worked with slow lifts and drops along bottom transitions
- Live Bait Rigs with slow dragging presentations near spawning areas
- Finesse Jigs worked methodically around dock structures
| - Bluegill concentrating around dock areas
- Small baitfish utilizing emerging vegetation edges
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Northern Pike | 40-55 | - Northern Pike are in spawning mode, moving into shallow bays and flooded vegetation immediately after ice-out when water temperatures reach 40-50°F
- Post-spawn pike become highly active feeders, using weed edges and dock structures as ambush points to replenish energy
| - Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water
- Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 6-12 feet
- Dock structures near spawning bays providing ambush points
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas
- Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges
- Live Bait Rigs positioned near spawning areas for post-spawn fish
| - Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning bays
- Minnow schools moving into warming shallows
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Muskie | 48-58 | - Female muskies will be moving into shallow spawning areas near weed edges and sheltered bays, while males patrol these areas
- Post-spawn fish will be recovering in adjacent deeper water, making short feeding forays into shallower areas
| - Shallow weed edges in 4-8 feet of water, especially near spawning areas
- Protected shoreline areas with emerging vegetation
- Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
- Inline Spinners
- Spinnerbaits
| - Bluegill congregating near shallow spawning areas
- Shad schools in transition areas
- Minnows in emerging weed growth
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Crappie | 58-65 | - Crappies moving into shallow spawning areas near docks and any available structure in 2-6 feet of water
- Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper
- Aggressive territorial behavior during pre-spawn, becoming more stationary during actual spawn
| - Protected dock areas in 2-6 feet of water
- Any shallow flat areas adjacent to deeper water
- Shallow areas with scattered wood or brush if present
| - Crappie Dock Shooting
- Bobbers
- Finesse Hair Jigs
| - Small minnows and juvenile baitfish
- Micro invertebrates
- Small aquatic insects
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Pink Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Catfish | 58-70 | - Catfish transitioning to spawning areas, becoming more aggressive and territorial around suitable nesting sites near docks and other structures
- Pre-spawn feeding increases as water warms, with fish actively searching for food in shallower areas during dawn and dusk
| - Protected areas around docks with firm bottom composition for spawning
- Deeper channels adjacent to spawning flats for staging areas
- Main basin areas near drop-offs where pre-spawn fish gather
| - Live Bait Rigs with longer leader lengths to allow natural presentation in turbid water
- Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along bottom structure
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near dock structures during active periods
| - Bluegill concentrating around dock areas
- Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish becoming more active in warming water
| - Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 65-72 | - Actively spawning in shallow protected areas, males guarding nests while females stage nearby
- Feeding opportunistically between spawning activities, particularly during early morning and evening hours
| - Protected areas between docks in 2-4 feet of water with firm bottom
- Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 4-7 feet
- Secondary points with submerged vegetation in 5-8 feet
| - Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly around spawning areas
- Live Bait Rigs with small plastics or live bait near staging areas
- Finesse Hair Jigs worked methodically through shallow cover
| - Small insects and larvae near spawning areas
- Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation
- Small minnows along weed edges
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Pink Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 58-68 | - Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on bluegill near vegetation
- Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, using vegetation edges as primary cover
| - Submerged vegetation edges in 7-15 foot range
- Secondary points with vegetation near spawning flats
- Docks adjacent to spawning areas with vegetation
| - Wacky Rigs worked slowly through vegetation
- Texas Rigs (Worming) along weed edges
- Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive fish
| - Bluegill concentrated around vegetation
- Young of year baitfish emerging in vegetation
| - Dark Neutrals
- Vibrant Craw Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Walleye | 58-70 | - Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn and dusk periods, with some daylight activity due to the turbid conditions (1.9m Secchi)
- Fish are primarily bottom-oriented, making frequent movements between feeding areas and resting spots along structural elements
| - Dock areas with adjacent deeper water, particularly those near depth changes
- Submerged vegetation edges where they intersect with harder bottom areas
- Ledges and depth transitions, especially those within casting distance of docks
| - Ned Rigs worked with slow drags and occasional pops along bottom structure
- Blade Baits worked with short hops near dock posts and along edges
- Live Bait Rigs slowly presented along weed edges and depth transitions
| - Bluegill concentrated around dock structures
- Young-of-year perch beginning to emerge in vegetation edges
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Northern Pike | 52-65 | - Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow vegetation edges and adjacent deeper water
- Fish are establishing predictable daily patterns, ambushing prey from weed edges and dock structures during prime feeding periods
| - Emerging weed edges adjacent to deeper water
- Dock structures with nearby vegetation
- Shallow flats with scattered vegetation patches
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges
- Spinnerbaits retrieved with slow, steady cadence
- Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near structure
| - Bluegills congregating near shallow vegetation
- Minnow schools moving along weed edges
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Muskie | 55-65 | - Post-spawn muskie are actively recovering and beginning to feed, primarily during dawn and early morning periods in shallower zones due to the turbid conditions
- Fish are utilizing weed edges and dock structures as primary ambush points, showing increased activity when water temperatures reach optimal range
| - Shallow weed edges in 4-8 feet of water, especially where they meet deeper water
- Dock areas with nearby vegetation or depth changes
- Protected shallow bays where water warms first
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges
- Inline Spinners near dock structures
- Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges
| - Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow areas
- Shad schools moving into developing weed growth
- Minnows gathering around dock structures
| - Bold Striped Patterns
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Crappie | 62-72 | - Recently completed spawning, transitioning to deeper suspended positions near structure, actively feeding to recover energy
- Forming loose schools around key feeding zones, particularly near dock structures and their associated shade lines
| - Deeper dock edges in 8-15 feet of water, especially those near channel swings
- Secondary points and transitions between spawning bays and summer holding areas
- Suspended positions near vertical structure, particularly dock pilings
| - Crappie Dock Shooting
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
- Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
| - Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school
- Small invertebrates around dock structure
- Emerging aquatic insects
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
- Pink Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Catfish | 62-72 | - Post-spawn catfish beginning to actively feed, recovering energy and transitioning to summer patterns
- Fish moving between deeper holes and shallower feeding areas, especially during low-light periods
- Aggressive feeding behavior near structure, particularly around docks and bottom transitions
| - Deep holes adjacent to shallow flats, especially near dock areas
- Main basin areas with significant depth changes
- Dock areas with 8-15 feet of water
| - Live Bait Rigs with extended soak times
- Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along bottom
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure
| - Bluegill
- Small bottom-dwelling fish
- Crawfish
| - Dark Neutrals
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Bold Striped Patterns
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Panfish / Bluegill | 65-72 | - Post-spawn bluegills transitioning to summer patterns, actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation and dock areas
- Most active during morning and evening hours, seeking shade during bright midday periods
- Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper staging areas along weed edges
| - Weed edges in 7-15 foot depth range, especially where they intersect with docks
- Shaded areas under and between docks with nearby vegetation
- Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 4-7 foot range
| - Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly through cover
- Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges
| - Small aquatic insects and larvae
- Tiny crustaceans
- Small minnows
| - Chartreuse Colors
- Pink Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|