How to Fish Lake Ida (9): Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Ida (9)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Ida (9)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-70	Bass are actively moving into pre-spawn staging areas, cruising shallow flats and points adjacent to spawning bays with water temperatures in mid-60s Fish showing aggressive behavior in shallow water, particularly around emergent vegetation and riprap, making feeding passes along shoreline structure	Edge of old reeds in shallow water, particularly on north side of bays Riprap banks with access to deeper water Protected points leading into spawning bays	Wacky Rigs worked slowly along shallow structure Hard Topwater (Prop) near emergent vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure	Bluegill moving shallow and becoming more active Young perch in shallow vegetation	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Aggressive feeding behavior increases as water temperatures rise, with fish becoming more active during warming trends	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access Inside turns of points adjacent to spawning bays Areas where coontail edges meet deeper water staging zones	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through staging areas Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow spawning bays Spoons worked with a flutter action along deep-to-shallow transitions	Perch congregating near emerging weed growth Bluegill schools in warming shallow bays Small baitfish schools transitioning to shallower water	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, particularly along points and inside turns with access to deeper water Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Moving in waves or groups, following primary migration routes from deep wintering areas to spawning flats	Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel, especially those adjacent to deeper wintering areas Secondary points in major bays leading to potential spawning flats 12-15 foot offshore humps that serve as staging areas between deep and shallow water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses over structure Tubes dragged slowly on bottom near staging areas	Perch schooling near rock-to-sand transitions Crayfish becoming more active in warming shallows Small baitfish relating to emerging weed growth	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegills are moving from deeper wintering areas to warming shallows, especially around brush piles and emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths Fish are beginning to feed more actively as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during mid-morning and afternoon hours	Brush piles in 4-8 feet of water, especially those near emerging weed growth Protected bays with early-growing vegetation like coontail Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, particularly on the north side of the lake where water warms first	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep over brush piles and emerging vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small ice fishing jigs worked slowly around cover Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near structure	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans around vegetation Small minnows in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleyes are staging near spawning areas, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower rocky areas and points in preparation for spawning Feeding activity is increasing but remains somewhat selective, with fish most active during dawn and dusk periods	Rock piles and gravel points in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning grounds Wind-swept shorelines with good rock or gravel content	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits worked slowly along transition areas	Small perch in the 2-3 inch range Minnows gathering near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-73	Actively spawning and spawning-related behavior in shallow water (1-3 feet), with fish cruising reed edges and protected bays Fish are highly visible and actively moving in the shallows, especially around spawning areas and adjacent staging zones	Shallow protected bays with bulrush/reed edges in 1-3 feet of water Docks and laydowns in protected areas Shallow submerged vegetation edges	Wacky Rigs worked slowly back to boat Swim Jigs along weed edges Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in spawning areas	Perch Bluegill	Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-54	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation for spawning Post-spawn fish staging near spawning areas, beginning to feed more aggressively as water warms Fish becoming more active during warming trends, particularly during mid-morning to early afternoon	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Inside turns of points adjacent to spawning areas Shallow flats near drop-offs where pre-spawn staging occurs	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along emerging weed edges Live Bait Rigs positioned near staging areas	Perch congregating in similar shallow areas Bluegill moving into warming shallows Small pike and other minnows in spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and transitioning to spawning areas as water temperatures rise Males actively guarding nests in protected areas while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Aggressive territorial behavior, especially from males protecting nests	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom and scattered rock Secondary points leading into spawning bays Gravel or rock flats in 4-8 foot depth range	Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas Ned Rigs on transition areas between deep and shallow water Soft Jerkbaits for cruising pre-spawn fish	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas Young perch near weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	63-76	Bluegills are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around brush piles and vegetative cover Males are establishing and guarding nesting colonies in protected areas with firm bottom composition Aggressive territorial behavior makes fish more likely to strike at small presentations	Brush piles in 4-8 feet of water, especially in protected bays Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition	Bobbers with small live bait or micro jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically around brush piles Micro Crankbaits worked slowly parallel to weed edges	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Small crustaceans near brush piles Newly hatched fry in spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning to spawning areas, with males moving to rocky shorelines and points first, followed by females Feeding activity is sporadic during spawning, with short intense feeding windows that are most active during dawn and dusk Males will stay longer on spawning areas, while females move to recovery areas post-spawn	Rocky shorelines and points in 2-8 foot depths with good water flow Adjacent deep water breaks near spawning areas for staging females Rock piles and offshore humps that provide spawning substrate	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs Blade Baits worked slowly along rocky transitions	Small perch in shallow spawning areas Minnows around rocky structure Young-of-year baitfish near weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding in and around vegetation Fish are establishing predictable daily movements between shallow and mid-depth areas, with increased feeding activity	Sparse lily pad fields in protected coves, especially on the north end Vegetation on slopes adjacent to shallow flats in 10-15 foot depth range Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet deeper water	Grass Jigs worked slowly through sparse vegetation Structure Jigs along weed edges and transition areas Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation in clearer water	Bluegill in shallow pad fields and vegetation Perch along deeper weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow warming bays and adjacent deeper water Fish are utilizing weed edges and inside turns of points as primary ambush locations Aggressive feeding patterns during prime morning and evening periods, with more scattered activity during bright midday hours	Inside turns of points with emerging weed growth Shallow bays with coontail edges (8-12 feet) Scattered lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation	Perch schooling in emerging weed beds Bluegills moving into warming shallows Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear in shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Smallmouth bass are beginning to move off spawning areas to adjacent feeding zones, actively targeting forage around transitional structures Fish will be found in small groups or lone individuals recovering from spawn, gradually increasing their feeding activity	Secondary points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depths Coontail weed edges near deep water access in 12-15 foot range Isolated rock humps surrounded by deeper water, especially those near spawning areas	Drop Shot with subtle presentations around deeper structure Ned Rigs worked slowly along transitional areas Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky points	Small perch gathering around weed edges Juvenile bluegills near shallow structure Crayfish emerging in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	63-76	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily using vegetation edges and brush piles as primary feeding zones Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting locations throughout the day	Weed edges and transitions in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly near coontail and cabbage beds Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 6-12 foot depths Protected bays with emerging vegetation in 5-8 foot depths	Bobbers with small ice fishing jigs suspended at specific depths around vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light finesse presentations around brush piles Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics along weed transitions	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Tiny crustaceans in and around weed beds Small minnows relating to brush and vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleyes transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are primarily active during dawn and dusk, utilizing the moderate water clarity to feed in 10-15 foot ranges near weed edges	Weed edges and emerging cabbage/coontail beds in 10-15 foot range Rock piles and offshore humps adjacent to spawning areas Points and irregular shoreline features with quick access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along weed edges	Perch concentrating near emerging weed growth Bluegills moving into warming shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Bass are actively feeding along deep weed edges, particularly where vegetation meets depth changes or hard bottom transitions Fish are showing clear preferences for irregular features in vegetation, especially coontail and cabbage clumps in 8-12 feet of water	Deep weed edges adjacent to deeper drop-offs, especially in 10-15 foot depth range Irregular patches and clumps in vegetation, particularly coontail and cabbage beds Thick lily pad fields in 4-6 feet of water, especially during evening hours	Neko Rigs and Jig Worms worked slowly through vegetation edges Grass Jigs dragged through cabbage clumps Swim Jigs retrieved slowly along weed edges	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation Yellow Perch relating to hard bottom transitions	Green Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	72-78	Pike are actively hunting along weed edges and drop-offs, utilizing ambush points particularly on the inside turns of points Fish are holding in the 10-13 foot depth range during warm conditions, showing aggressive feeding behavior on both perch and baitfish schools	Inside turns of points with adjacent weed edges Weed edges at 10-13 foot depth breaks Deep weed line drop-offs adjacent to baitfish schools	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges at 1.5 mph Bladed Jigs worked through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) targeting inside turns of points	Yellow Perch Bluegill Baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-76	Smallmouth bass are exhibiting a two-phase daily pattern - holding on deep structure (12-15ft humps) during midday and moving shallow in evenings for feeding Actively feeding on bluegill and other forage around transition areas between deep and shallow water	Sand/rock humps in 12-15 foot range surrounded by deeper water Deep rock and sand points transitioning to shallow water Shallow reed edges during evening hours	Drop Shot with finesse baits on offshore structure Bladed Jigs worked through shallow cover during evening periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Bluegill in shallow cover and around vegetation Small baitfish relating to offshore structure	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-76	Bluegills are actively feeding in and around vegetation, particularly in the 8-15 foot depth range where healthy weed growth is present Fish are establishing deeper summer patterns but making frequent moves between deep weed edges and shallow feeding zones Most active feeding periods occur early morning and evening, with fish seeking shade and cover during bright midday periods	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet deeper water (12-15 feet) Shaded areas near brush piles, especially those adjacent to weed growth Protected bays with abundant vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range	Bobbers with precise depth control for suspended fish in weeds Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through the water column Live Bait Rigs near weed edges and transition areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear Zooplankton in and around weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-75	Walleye are following typical summer patterns, concentrating along deep weed edges and offshore structure during daylight hours, moving shallower to feed during low light periods Fish are stratifying based on temperature preferences, primarily holding in 15-25 foot depths where they can access cooler water while remaining close to forage Feeding activity increases during wind-driven events, particularly on long fetch areas that concentrate baitfish	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, particularly where cabbage and coontail meet clean bottom Offshore humps and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those affected by wind-driven currents	Live Bait Rigs worked along weed edges and structure transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on offshore structure during peak feeding periods	Perch concentrating around weed edges and rock piles Bluegills relating to cabbage and coontail vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Ida (9)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Fish are transitioning from summer patterns, actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation to build up reserves for winter Showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase moving baits like bladed jigs as evidenced by recent fishing reports	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly coontail and cabbage beds in 10-15 foot range Secondary points with access to both shallow flats and deeper water Shallow flats adjacent to deep water, where recent reports show active fish	Bladed Jigs worked through and around vegetation, as supported by recent success reports Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges for actively feeding fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for a more subtle approach during tough conditions	Bluegill, as indicated by lake profile showing strong bluegill population Yellow Perch, noted as primary forage in lake profile	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following large schools of perch and other baitfish as they move to deeper structure Fish are becoming more aggressive and willing to chase faster-moving baits, especially during stable weather patterns	Deep weed edges adjacent to points, especially where coontail meets deeper water Inside turns of points with access to deep water Remaining lily pad edges near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near deep weed edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and point transitions	Perch schooling near deep weed edges Bluegill transitioning from shallow to deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting large forage Fish transitioning from summer deep structure to shallower feeding areas, especially during low-light periods Increasingly aggressive feeding behavior during cold fronts, with fish grouping up on key structure	Deep rock points transitioning into 20-30 foot basins where baitfish schools concentrate Isolated 12-15 foot humps with proximity to deep water escape routes Coontail weed edges in 8-12 foot zones adjacent to deep water	Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations near bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved along depth transitions	Yellow Perch schooling near structure Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation Small baitfish schools in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish transitioning to deeper water zones as surface temperatures cool, clustering around deep weed edges and brush piles Feeding actively but selectively during midday warm periods, with decreased activity during early morning and evening Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish concentrating in larger groups near structure	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage transition to deeper water (12-15 feet) Brush piles located near deep breaks in 15-20 foot range Protected bays with remaining vegetation, especially on sunny afternoons	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Ice Fishing Jigs	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish concentrating in deeper water Aquatic insects near deep weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Fish transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding on baitfish schools to build up winter reserves Most active during low-light periods, moving shallow to feed on weed edges and rock piles Following wind-driven baitfish movements along main lake points and deep weed edges	Deep weed edges in 15-20 foot range adjacent to rock piles Main lake points with access to deep water Offshore humps near deep basin areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Perch schooling near deep weed edges Young-of-year baitfish in open water Juvenile bluegills along remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	48-58	Pike are concentrated near primary forage schools in open water, suspending at mid-depths Fish actively hunt during low-light periods, moving shallower during dawn/dusk	Inside turns of main lake points near deep water access Deep weed edges adjacent to primary lake basins Wind-swept points with active baitfish schools	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Schooling perch in deeper water Suspended bluegills near remaining weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	63-76	Panfish are suspending near deep weed edges and brush piles, actively feeding during prime daylight hours Fish are congregating in schools, particularly in deeper bays and around structure that provides both cover and access to deeper water	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage transition to deeper water (12-15 feet) Brush piles adjacent to deeper water Protected bays with abundant vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	63-68	Late fall walleyes move to deeper water, congregating around prominent offshore structure and feeding heavily to build reserves before winter Fish become more concentrated in smaller areas, actively feeding on schooling perch and other baitfish during low-light periods	Deep rock piles and offshore humps in 20-28 foot range Deep weed edges where cabbage and coontail meet clean bottom Wind-swept points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch congregating in deep schools Bluegills moving to deeper weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity near primary forage concentrations Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, following baitfish pods Most active during early morning and late afternoon periods	Inside turns of points near deep water access Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats Mid-depth basins (15-25 feet) where baitfish suspend	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with large profile baits	Perch schools concentrated near structure Bluegill pods relating to remaining green weeds Suspended baitfish schools in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill will congregate in deeper basin areas adjacent to weed edges, typically in 15-25 foot ranges during mid-winter Fish become less active during midday, with peak feeding periods during early morning and late afternoon Schools will stay relatively stationary once located, moving only small distances to follow zooplankton and micro-invertebrates	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet basin areas Brush piles in 12-20 foot range near weed edge transitions Basin flats adjacent to structural elements in 15-25 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action for aggressive fish Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs for finicky biters	Zooplankton and micro-invertebrates Small aquatic insects Dormant larvae and bloodworms	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-38	During ice season, walleyes concentrate near key structural elements, with most active feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish exhibit movement patterns between deep holding areas (20-25 feet) and shallower feeding zones (12-15 feet) based on light conditions and forage location	Rock piles and offshore humps in 18-25 foot range Deep weed edges adjacent to cabbage beds in 12-15 foot range Points and breaks where deep basin meets structural elements	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live bait along depth transitions	Perch schooling near deep weed edges Juvenile bluegills holding in remaining green vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Ida (9)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Edge of old reeds in shallow water, particularly on north side of bays	Riprap banks with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Inside turns of points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with mixed rock and gravel, especially those adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Secondary points in major bays leading to potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 4-8 feet of water, especially those near emerging weed growth	Protected bays with early-growing vegetation like coontail
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and gravel points in 8-15 foot depth range	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning grounds
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow protected bays with bulrush/reed edges in 1-3 feet of water	Docks and laydowns in protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Inside turns of points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom and scattered rock	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 4-8 feet of water, especially in protected bays	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky shorelines and points in 2-8 foot depths with good water flow	Adjacent deep water breaks near spawning areas for staging females
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Sparse lily pad fields in protected coves, especially on the north end	Vegetation on slopes adjacent to shallow flats in 10-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Inside turns of points with emerging weed growth	Shallow bays with coontail edges (8-12 feet)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depths	Coontail weed edges near deep water access in 12-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and transitions in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly near coontail and cabbage beds	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 6-12 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges and emerging cabbage/coontail beds in 10-15 foot range	Rock piles and offshore humps adjacent to spawning areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to deeper drop-offs, especially in 10-15 foot depth range	Irregular patches and clumps in vegetation, particularly coontail and cabbage beds
Summer	Northern Pike	Inside turns of points with adjacent weed edges	Weed edges at 10-13 foot depth breaks
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Sand/rock humps in 12-15 foot range surrounded by deeper water	Deep rock and sand points transitioning to shallow water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet deeper water (12-15 feet)	Shaded areas near brush piles, especially those adjacent to weed growth
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, particularly where cabbage and coontail meet clean bottom	Offshore humps and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly coontail and cabbage beds in 10-15 foot range	Secondary points with access to both shallow flats and deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to points, especially where coontail meets deeper water	Inside turns of points with access to deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock points transitioning into 20-30 foot basins where baitfish schools concentrate	Isolated 12-15 foot humps with proximity to deep water escape routes
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage transition to deeper water (12-15 feet)	Brush piles located near deep breaks in 15-20 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 15-20 foot range adjacent to rock piles	Main lake points with access to deep water
Winter	Northern Pike	Inside turns of main lake points near deep water access	Deep weed edges adjacent to primary lake basins
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage transition to deeper water (12-15 feet)	Brush piles adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and offshore humps in 20-28 foot range	Deep weed edges where cabbage and coontail meet clean bottom
Ice	Northern Pike	Inside turns of points near deep water access	Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet basin areas	Brush piles in 12-20 foot range near weed edge transitions
Ice	Walleye	Rock piles and offshore humps in 18-25 foot range	Deep weed edges adjacent to cabbage beds in 12-15 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow and becoming more active	Young perch in shallow vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating near emerging weed growth	Bluegill schools in warming shallow bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch schooling near rock-to-sand transitions	Crayfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small perch in the 2-3 inch range	Minnows gathering near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Bluegill
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in similar shallow areas	Bluegill moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Small crustaceans near brush piles
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small perch in shallow spawning areas	Minnows around rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow pad fields and vegetation	Perch along deeper weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch schooling in emerging weed beds	Bluegills moving into warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Small perch gathering around weed edges	Juvenile bluegills near shallow structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Tiny crustaceans in and around weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrating near emerging weed growth	Bluegills moving into warming shallow areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation	Yellow Perch relating to hard bottom transitions
Summer	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Bluegill
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover and around vegetation	Small baitfish relating to offshore structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear
Summer	Walleye	Perch concentrating around weed edges and rock piles	Bluegills relating to cabbage and coontail vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, as indicated by lake profile showing strong bluegill population	Yellow Perch, noted as primary forage in lake profile
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch schooling near deep weed edges	Bluegill transitioning from shallow to deeper structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling near structure	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in remaining vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish concentrating in deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Perch schooling near deep weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish in open water
Winter	Northern Pike	Schooling perch in deeper water	Suspended bluegills near remaining weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Walleye	Perch congregating in deep schools	Bluegills moving to deeper weed edges
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch schools concentrated near structure	Bluegill pods relating to remaining green weeds
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Zooplankton and micro-invertebrates	Small aquatic insects
Ice	Walleye	Perch schooling near deep weed edges	Juvenile bluegills holding in remaining green vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Ida (9)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors