How to Fish Lake Hickory: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Lake Hickory

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Hickory

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	54-60	Bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging points, showing increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise into the mid-50s Fish are relating heavily to transition areas between deep and shallow water, particularly using points and dock areas as staging locations	Secondary points near spawning pockets Docks in transitional areas with nearby brush piles Wind-blown main lake banks with gradual transitions	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around points Shakey Heads worked slowly around brush piles and dock posts Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along transitions	Shad schooling in transition areas Crawfish becoming active in brush piles and rocky areas	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-65	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are suspending in 7-15ft zones near staging areas, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water as they follow temperature changes	Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with standing timber Dock structures in 7-15ft of water, particularly those near channel swings Brush piles positioned on transitional banks between spawning pockets and winter areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near suspended fish Spinnerbaits slow-rolled along timber edges and dock posts Shakey Heads worked methodically around brush piles and points	Shad schools suspending in transition areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie staging near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves before spawn Fish transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallower pre-spawn locations, particularly around points and creek mouths Aggressive feeding patterns during warming trends, with fish relating heavily to structure	Main lake points and creek mouths with brush or timber Secondary points with standing timber in 8-15 foot depths Shallow brush piles near spawning flats	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Shad schools concentrating around structure Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas Juvenile sunfish in shallow brush	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Bass actively moving into spawning areas, with some already on beds while others staging nearby Fish showing aggressive response to moving baits around docks and brush, indicating pre-spawn feeding	Docks with adjacent spawning flats Flooded brush in shallow water Secondary points leading to spawning areas	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and spawning areas Bladed Jigs around flooded brush and transition areas Shakey Heads worked behind docks	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Shad moving into shallow water Minnows around dock areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	61-78	Spotted bass are in spawn/pre-spawn mode, staging near spawning flats and actively feeding on crawfish while moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Fish are suspended in the 7-15ft range, making frequent movements between staging and spawning areas, particularly around complex structure	Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with access to deeper water Standing timber in 7-15ft depth range Dock areas providing shade and structure	Wacky Rigs worked slowly off ledges Shakey Heads around timber and points Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish	Crawfish Shad	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are in spawning mode, moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) near cover, with males guarding nests and females staging nearby Fish are highly territorial and aggressive during this period, actively defending nesting areas and responding well to both small bait presentations and sight feeding	Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns in 2-8 feet of water Protected areas between docks with stable spawning substrate Creek arms with standing timber and brush in spawning depth range	Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching fish under docks and other cover Bobbers - perfect for maintaining precise depth control in shallow spawning areas Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - allows for accurate presentations to visible beds	Small shad (1-2 inches) congregating in spawning areas Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in shallow areas Various small minnows utilizing similar shallow cover	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-78	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing shade from docks and ambush points during increased daylight hours Feeding activity intensifies during early morning and late evening periods	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas with access to deeper water Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range	Swim Jigs worked parallel to dock lines Texas Rigs (Worming) through brush piles Spinnerbaits along shade lines	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn areas Bluegill in shallow areas around docks Crawfish active in brush pile areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	61-65	Post-spawn spotted bass are transitioning to deeper water, suspending 7-15ft deep and showing selective feeding behavior Fish are skittish and finicky due to recent weather changes and water level fluctuations from dam operations	Secondary points with access to deep water Standing timber in 15-20 feet of water Floating dock areas with 20+ feet of water	Shakey Heads worked slowly along points and timber Drop Shot rigs fished vertically around suspended fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along points	Shad schools in mid-depth zones Baitfish suspending near standing timber	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to deeper water, staging near vertical cover and drop-offs as they recover from spawning Fish are actively feeding to regain energy, with most feeding activity occurring during early morning and late evening periods Schools are beginning to reform and will relate strongly to structure and baitfish concentrations	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Creek channel edges with standing timber Dock edges that provide shade and vertical cover	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad schools beginning to form in deeper water Small bluegill and sunfish near brush Various minnow species around dock structures	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-84	Bass are establishing deep water summer patterns due to high water temperatures (84°F reported), requiring slower presentations Fish are utilizing both deep structure and dock areas as primary feeding zones, with more active feeding during low-light periods	Deep water structure with submerged vegetation Docks with adjacent rock structure Deeper brush piles near primary points	Drop Shot with slow, methodical presentation in deeper water Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around docks and rocky areas Wacky Rigs with Senkos around cover	Shad (confirmed in recent reports) Bluegill around dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-78	Spotted bass are actively feeding on shad in deeper water during summer, often suspending near vertical structure and moving to points during low light periods Fish are holding tight to standing timber and ledges during the day, moving up to feed on baitfish schools during morning and evening	Standing timber in 15-25 foot depth range, especially near channel swings Secondary points with access to deep water Brush piles positioned on ledges and drop-offs	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along timber edges and points Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits for suspended fish near vertical structure Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through brush piles and timber	Shad schools suspended in the water column Smaller sunfish around brush and timber	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Crappie are suspending near deeper structure during the hot summer days, typically relating to brush piles, standing timber, and dock posts in 12-20 feet of water Early morning and late evening feeding periods are most active, with fish moving shallower to feed on shad around points and creek mouths	Deeper brush piles and standing timber in 12-20 feet of water, especially near creek channels Main lake and secondary points with access to deeper water Shaded areas under and around docks, particularly those near deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging - Effective for targeting suspended fish around deeper structure Crappie Dock Shooting - Perfect for targeting shaded fish under docks during hot days Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - Ideal for working brush piles and standing timber	Shad schools congregating around structure and points Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in and around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Hickory

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Fish are in a transitional feeding pattern, following baitfish from deeper water to shallow areas, particularly active around woody cover and laydowns Showing aggressive topwater feeding behavior during low-light periods, with secondary feeding windows throughout the day	Laydowns and woody cover in 2-8 feet of water, especially in coves and along points Secondary points with access to deeper water Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly where baitfish are present	Hard Topwater (Popping) worked slowly around cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting laydowns and woody cover Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure	Shad schools moving into creek arms and coves Crawfish active around wooden cover and rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Spotted Bass	68-78	Actively chasing shad in shallow water during early morning, exhibiting aggressive topwater feeding behavior as evidenced by recent buzzbait success Moving between points and timber throughout the day, following shad schools and utilizing the complex shoreline features	Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly during morning hours Secondary points with standing timber where shad schools congregate Shallow brush piles near irregular shoreline features	Buzzbaits worked quickly across points during early morning hours Spinnerbaits parallel to timber edges when shad are present Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around points	Shad schools moving along points and timber edges Bluegill in shallow brush cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are actively schooling and following shad schools as they migrate to creek channels and deeper structure Fish are transitioning from shallow to intermediate depths, becoming more structure-oriented as water cools	Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 12-20 feet of water Main lake points with standing timber or laydowns Deep dock structures near creek channels	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Small bluegill near brush piles Young-of-year baitfish around structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-45	Bass schooling in deeper areas around brush piles, following baitfish schools for efficient feeding during cold conditions Reduced movement and slower metabolism, requiring slower presentations and concentrated in high-percentage areas	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range, especially those near channel swings Deep points adjacent to winter creek channels Secondary channel ledges with vertical cover	Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through brush piles Structure Jigs worked methodically around brush and timber Blade Baits vertically jigged in deeper water	Schooling shad in deeper water Dormant crawfish in brush piles	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass concentrate in deep water areas near primary structural elements, especially around standing timber and ledges Fish are schooling with shad in deeper water, making periodic feeding movements to shallower zones during warmer periods	Deep standing timber adjacent to channel ledges 15-25 feet deep Secondary points with access to deep water Brush piles positioned on deep water structural elements	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly Spybaits worked slowly through suspended fish	Schooling Shad in deeper water Small Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-55	Concentrating in deeper creek channels and main lake basins, typically schooling near structure in 15-25 foot depths Feeding patterns are most active during mid-morning and late afternoon, with schools becoming more concentrated due to cold water temperatures	Deep brush piles and standing timber in creek channels Main lake points with access to deep water Bridge pilings and deep dock areas with vertical structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Suspended schools of shad Small bluegill and young-of-year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Hickory

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points near spawning pockets	Docks in transitional areas with nearby brush piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with standing timber	Dock structures in 7-15ft of water, particularly those near channel swings
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Main lake points and creek mouths with brush or timber	Secondary points with standing timber in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent spawning flats	Flooded brush in shallow water
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns in 2-8 feet of water	Protected areas between docks with stable spawning substrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats	Dock areas with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with access to deep water	Standing timber in 15-20 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas	Creek channel edges with standing timber
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep water structure with submerged vegetation	Docks with adjacent rock structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Standing timber in 15-25 foot depth range, especially near channel swings	Secondary points with access to deep water
Summer	Crappie	Deeper brush piles and standing timber in 12-20 feet of water, especially near creek channels	Main lake and secondary points with access to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover in 2-8 feet of water, especially in coves and along points	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly during morning hours	Secondary points with standing timber where shad schools congregate
Fall	Crappie	Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 12-20 feet of water	Main lake points with standing timber or laydowns
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range, especially those near channel swings	Deep points adjacent to winter creek channels
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep standing timber adjacent to channel ledges 15-25 feet deep	Secondary points with access to deep water
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and standing timber in creek channels	Main lake points with access to deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in transition areas	Crawfish becoming active in brush piles and rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending in transition areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating around structure	Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Shad moving into shallow water
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish	Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad (1-2 inches) congregating in spawning areas	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to gather in post-spawn areas	Bluegill in shallow areas around docks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in mid-depth zones	Baitfish suspending near standing timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools beginning to form in deeper water	Small bluegill and sunfish near brush
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad (confirmed in recent reports)	Bluegill around dock structures
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Smaller sunfish around brush and timber
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools congregating around structure and points	Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in and around brush piles
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creek arms and coves	Crawfish active around wooden cover and rocky areas
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving along points and timber edges	Bluegill in shallow brush cover
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Small bluegill near brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Dormant crawfish in brush piles
Winter	Spotted Bass	Schooling Shad in deeper water	Small Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Crappie	Suspended schools of shad	Small bluegill and young-of-year baitfish

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Hickory

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

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