How to Fish Lake James

Lake James fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake James in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are showing increased aggression and feeding activity, particularly around docks and other shallow cover as evidenced by recent catch reports Key locations: Docks, particularly those near deeper water as confirmed by multiple recent catches; Transition areas between stained and clear water, especially near the dam as noted in fishing reports; Secondary points leading into spawning pockets. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - proven effective in recent reports, especially around docks, Spinnerbaits - successful pattern noted in reports, particularly effective in stained water areas, Hard Jerkbaits - effective for suspended fish in clearer water sections. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing success, Minnows - confirmed as active forage in fishing reports, Blueback Herring - indicated as primary forage in lake profile. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake James in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. Recent reports show fish are becoming more aggressive, with solo fish being spotted in shallower water. Fish are showing increased activity during sunny periods, with reports indicating they're holding in 5-15 foot depths and responding well to moving baits Key locations: Shallow rocky areas and boulders in 5-15 foot depths, as evidenced by recent fishing reports; Main lake points with access to deeper water, particularly those with rock or boulder structure; Areas between deeper wintering holes and potential spawning flats, where pre-spawn fish stage. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin, which has proven effective in recent catches, Bladed Jigs in shallow water, supported by recent successful reports, Hard Jerkbaits, particularly effective when sun is out as mentioned in reports. Primary forage: Shad, which multiple recent reports indicate as primary forage, Yellow Perch, particularly juvenile specimens as noted in recent catches, Crawfish, becoming more active as water warms. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake James in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 43-52°F. Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively staging near spawning areas, making frequent movements between deeper staging areas (20-30 feet) and shallower pre-spawn locations Fish are schooling aggressively and feeding heavily to prepare for spawning, with peak activity during morning and evening hours Key locations: River channel edges in 15-25 foot depths where perch stage before moving shallow; Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning areas in 8-15 foot depths; Hard bottom areas near emerging weed growth in 5-12 foot depths. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Shad schools in deeper staging areas, Small invertebrates near bottom structure, Emerging aquatic insects in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake James in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Bluegill are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, becoming more active as water temperatures rise and moving into shallower protected areas Feeding activity increases with warming trends, particularly around emerging vegetation and dock structures where insects and small invertebrates are becoming active Key locations: Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation, especially near docks; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with brush piles; Secondary points leading into spawning bays where bluegill stage before spawning. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs under bobbers, worked slowly around dock structures and vegetation, Micro Crankbaits cast parallel to shoreline structure in 3-6 feet of water, Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically around brush piles and dock posts. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters, Small crustaceans around dock structures and vegetation, Emerging aquatic nymphs in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake James in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn crappie suspending 15-20 feet deep near vertical cover, actively feeding during early morning hours especially during cloudy conditions Fish staging near spawning areas but still maintaining deeper holding patterns, likely to move shallower as temperatures continue to rise Key locations: Brush piles and dock posts in 15-20 foot depth range; Creek channel bends with vertical cover near spawning coves; Secondary points with submerged timber leading into spawning bays. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging, Crappie Dock Shooting. Primary forage: Shad suspended in the mid-water column, Small bluegill around brush and dock structure. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake James in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Largemouth bass are actively spawning or preparing to spawn, with males guarding nests in shallow water and females moving between staging and spawning areas Fish are highly territorial and aggressive when protecting beds, making them responsive to flipped or pitched baits Males staying tight to shallow cover like dock posts and laydowns, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Key locations: Shallow docks in protected coves and pockets; Laydowns and wood cover in spawning flats; Protected areas between docks with spawning substrate. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - essential for precise presentations around docks and beds, Wacky Rigs - effective for covering water and catching staging fish, Soft Jerkbaits - good for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent fishing reports, Bluegill - common spawning area competitors. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake James in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Actively spawning with numerous fish on beds, particularly around docks and shallow areas Fish transitioning between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones, with some still staging Key locations: Docks with adjacent shallow flats for spawning; Rock banks and rip rap areas; Laydowns near spawning flats. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around beds and shallow structure, Wacky Rigs presented near docks and spawning areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish. Primary forage: Crawfish active in rocky areas, Shad moving into spawning areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake James in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 43-55°F. Yellow perch are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning zones near weedy areas and hard bottom Fish are actively feeding before and after spawning, with peak activity during dawn and dusk Post-spawn fish gradually transition back to deeper water, following established river channels and points Key locations: Shallow weedy flats with hard bottom in 6-12 feet of water; Channel edges and points adjacent to spawning areas in 15-20 feet; Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 8-15 feet. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas, Small invertebrates in shallow zones, Juvenile baitfish near emerging weed growth. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake James in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Actively spawning and defending nests in shallow protected areas, particularly around docks and other cover Feeding actively on insects in the shallows, with increased aggression during nest defense Key locations: Floating docks in protected coves, especially where spawning beds are present; Shallow protected areas with firm bottom for spawning; Areas with aquatic vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range. Best techniques: Wacky Rigs skipped under docks, Bobbers with small soft plastics or live bait, Crappie Dock Shooting with small plastics. Primary forage: Insects and small aquatic larvae, Small crustaceans. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake James in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-68°F. Crappie are moving from deeper pre-spawn staging areas towards shallow spawning areas, utilizing creek channels as migration routes Fish are becoming increasingly active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, staging near brush piles and docks at 15-20 feet before moving shallower Feeding activity intensifies during pre-spawn, with fish actively pursuing shad in preparation for spawning Key locations: Protected shallow coves with brush piles near creek channel intersections; Dock areas adjacent to deeper water in 15-20 foot range; Secondary points leading into spawning coves. Best techniques: Crappie Dock Shooting, Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Shad, Small sunfish. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake James in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 68-74°F. Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, with some still guarding fry near shoreline cover while others are moving to deeper staging areas Fish are showing strong early morning activity with topwater feeding, then moving to deeper structure as the day progresses Bass are relating heavily to cover, particularly docks and laydowns, using these structures as ambush points Key locations: Docks and their connecting walkways, especially those near deeper water; Laydowns and flooded brush on secondary points; River channel edges in 20-30 foot depth range; Flat basins near river inlets for morning topwater action. Best techniques: Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and shoreline cover, Hard Topwater (Walking) during morning hours, Drop Shot for suspended fish around deeper structure, Shakey Heads worked along secondary point ledges. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points, Shad suspended around deeper structure, Bluegill in shallow areas around docks and cover. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake James in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 67-75°F. Fish have moved from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding around brush, points, and docks in the 67-75°F range Showing preference for slower presentations near structure, with increased feeding activity on shad and minnows Key locations: Secondary points with flooded brush - primary staging areas post-spawn; Main lake points with rock piles - transition areas; Docks in spawning pockets - recovery areas. Best techniques: Wacky Rigs worked slowly through brush and around structure, Carolina Rigs dragged across rock piles on points, Soft Body Swimbaits around docks and shallow areas. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports, Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in brush areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake James in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn yellow perch are transitioning to deeper water, following shad schools along river channels and points in 20-30 foot depths Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, with most activity occurring in deeper zones where water temperatures are more stable Key locations: River channels in 20-30 foot depths where shad are congregating; Points adjacent to spawning bays that provide access to deeper water; Hard bottom areas along channel edges where perch can ambush prey. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Shad, Small minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake James in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 68-78°F. Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper water Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, often relating to dock edges and nearby deeper water Key locations: Dock edges and corners in 4-8 feet of water; Brush piles near spawning flats in 6-12 feet; Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms, Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around structure, Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae, Young-of-year shad, Small crustaceans. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake James in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, following creek channels and suspending near vertical cover Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting shad in the 15-20 foot depth range during bright conditions Key locations: Brush piles and dock posts positioned along creek channels in 15-20 foot depths; Main lake points near deep water access where channels intersect; Suspended cover (dock corners, standing timber) adjacent to spawning coves. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges to locate active schools, Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to shade under docks, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending in the same depth range as crappie, Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around shallow brush. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake James in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Establishing both deep and shallow feeding patterns with early morning/late evening shallow activity and midday deep structure holding patterns Actively feeding on both shad and bluegill, with increased topwater activity around bluegill beds and suspended feeding around baitfish schools Key locations: Main lake points in 20-30 feet of water; Floating docks with deep water access; Bridge and dock pilings; Shallow areas with bluegill beds near cover. Best techniques: Drop Shot with straight tail worms around deeper structure, Hard Topwater (Popping) early morning over bluegill beds, Carolina Rigs across points and humps during midday, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around docks. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage in deeper water, Bluegill - concentrated around shallow cover and beds, Blueback Herring - suspended in open water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake James in Summer?

Water temp 75-82°F. Active early morning topwater feeding on blueback herring and shad around main lake points and surface Transitioning to deeper water (25-35ft) during midday, relating to structure and drop-offs Suspending near bait schools and actively chasing pelagic forage throughout water column Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water (25-35ft); Riprap areas and bridge pilings; Offshore humps with active bait schools. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along drop-offs with burn-and-pause retrieve, Drop Shot for finesse approach when active presentations slow. Primary forage: Blueback Herring - primary forage showing in surface feeding activity, Shad - consistently present in deeper water and around structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake James in Summer?

Water temp 65-75°F. Yellow perch are seeking deeper, cooler water during summer months, typically suspending near thermocline or relating to deep structure Feeding activity becomes most intense during early morning and evening hours when temperatures are more moderate Schools become more concentrated in summer as fish group up in comfortable temperature zones Key locations: Deep points and channel edges in 20-30 foot range where cooler water is accessible; Deeper weed edges where they transition to hard bottom; Suspended locations near river channel bends where current provides oxygen-rich water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Drop Shot, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Shad schools in deeper water, Small invertebrates near weed edges, Young-of-year baitfish in suspended schools. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake James in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Bluegill are actively feeding in shallow to moderate depths, particularly around dock structures and vegetation edges during early morning and evening hours During midday heat, fish move slightly deeper but remain near cover, suspending around dock posts and brush piles Key locations: Docks with deep water access, especially those with brush or vegetation nearby; Weed edges and pockets in 4-12 feet of water; Brush piles adjacent to shoreline points. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small worms or crickets under slip bobbers, Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around dock posts, Finesse Hair Jigs tipped with plastic worked vertically near structure. Primary forage: Aquatic insects and larvae, Small minnows and shad fry, Zooplankton near vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake James in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Crappie will be suspending in deeper water (18-25 feet) near brush piles and creek channel edges during summer due to thermal stratification Fish become more active during early morning and evening periods, moving slightly shallower to feed Schools will be tightly grouped around structure during midday periods Key locations: Deep brush piles positioned along creek channel edges; Suspended cover near deeper dock edges in 15-25 foot range; Main lake points where creek channels intersect. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling). Primary forage: Shad schools suspending in the same depth ranges as crappie, Small bluegill relating to brush piles, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake James in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. Bass are actively feeding on shad in preparation for winter, moving between docks and laydowns while following baitfish schools Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, with reports showing consistent activity around docks and woody cover at moderate depths Key locations: Docks with deep water access, particularly those that can be skipped under; Laydowns and woody cover near shoreline; Points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Soft plastics skipped under docks (Wacky Rigs, Ned Rigs), Texas Rigs worked slowly through laydowns with light weights, Soft Body Swimbaits worked around dock areas, Shakey Heads worked on points and transitions. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports), Crawfish (evidenced by success of jigs and creature baits). Best bait colors: Green Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake James in Fall?

Water temp 65-75°F. Actively feeding on baitfish (shad and herring) in deeper water, with fish following bait schools in 20-30 foot depth range Transitioning between shallow feeding areas near docks and deeper offshore structure as temperatures fluctuate Key locations: Deep brush piles and offshore structure in 20-30 foot range; Wind-blown docks with nearby access to deeper water; Main lake points near baitfish schools. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended baitfish schools, Hard Jerkbaits around docks and shallow structure, Drop Shot rigs worked along deep structure and brush piles. Primary forage: Shad in large schools, Blueback Herring in offshore areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake James in Fall?

Water temp 52-62°F. Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools (particularly shad) and relating to structure Fish are making transitional movements from deeper summer haunts to intermediary depths, especially around points and channel edges Key locations: Main lake points intersecting with river channels in 15-25 foot depths; Hard bottom areas adjacent to deep water sanctuaries; Weed edges where vegetation is starting to die off. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around points, Small yellow perch, Remaining juvenile sunfish in shallower areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake James in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Actively feeding and schooling in preparation for winter, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following baitfish, with a tendency to hold tight to structure Key locations: Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near points and coves; Deeper dock areas with good sun exposure; Protected coves with remaining vegetation. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended at target depth, Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around structure, Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily near cover. Primary forage: Small minnows and shad, Aquatic insects, Remaining summer invertebrates. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake James in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, following shad schools as they migrate into creek arms and coves Fish are actively schooling and suspending at mid-depths (12-18 feet) near channel swings and brush piles More aggressive feeding during overcast conditions, moving shallower in low-light periods Key locations: Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles; Deep dock edges near channel swings; Staging points at the mouths of major creek arms. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging. Primary forage: Shad schools migrating into creeks, Small bluegill around brush piles, Young-of-year baitfish in creek arms. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake James in Winter?

Water temp 43-53°F. Bass are holding in deeper water (25-35 feet) along river channels and near deep structure, suspending near schools of shad Fish are showing a preference for smaller profile baits and finesse presentations in the clear water conditions Active feeding periods occur around bait schools, with bass actively chasing shad in points and channel areas Key locations: River channels in 25-35 foot depth range; Bridge pilings with nearby deep water access; Points with active bait schools present. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits, Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish, Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools, Damiki Rig presented directly to suspended fish. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports), Blueback Herring (noted in lake profile as primary forage). Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake James in Winter?

Water temp 44-47°F. Smallmouth bass are suspending near large schools of shad in creek channels and main lake areas, showing a clear pattern of following and feeding on baitfish Fish are actively feeding but with more lethargic winter bites, requiring finesse presentations and sensitive detection of strikes Key locations: Creek channels with suspended bait schools, particularly in the cleaner Linville arm of the lake; Main lake points where baitfish schools are congregating; Clean water areas with suspended bait, away from muddy/stained water conditions. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through suspended bait schools, Damiki Rig presented vertically to suspended fish marked on electronics, Drop Shot with subtle movements when fish are less aggressive. Primary forage: Threadfin Shad schooling in winter patterns, General baitfish schools concentrated in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Yellow Perch on Lake James in Winter?

Water temp 39-45°F. Yellow perch are schooling tightly and holding near bottom structure in moderately deep water, actively feeding on shad during stable weather periods Fish are making shorter feeding movements, primarily during low-light periods, focusing on precise structural elements like points Key locations: Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near channel swings; Deep water sanctuary areas in 20-30 foot range adjacent to structural elements; Channel edge transitions where shad schools concentrate in winter. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with methodical lifts and drops, Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in winter locations, Small perch (cannibalistic feeding). Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake James in Winter?

Water temp 44-52°F. Schooling in deeper water areas adjacent to structure, typically suspending at depths of 15-25 feet Feeding activity is reduced but concentrated during prime warming periods, especially during early afternoon hours Schools remain fairly stationary once located, with minimal movement between feeding periods Key locations: Deep brush piles near main lake points and channel breaks; Deeper dock areas in protected coves; Deep water adjacent to shallow flats where summer/fall feeding occurred. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Drop Shot, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Small aquatic insects and larvae, Dormant micro invertebrates, Juvenile shad in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake James in Winter?

Water temp 42-48°F. Crappie are suspending in tight schools near deep structure, typically moving less but feeding opportunistically Fish tend to be more lethargic, requiring slower presentations and concentrated in predictable areas Key locations: Deep brush piles near creek channel intersections (18-25 feet); Deeper dock structures adjacent to creek channels (15-20 feet); Main lake points with access to deep water (20-30 feet). Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Hover/Mid-Strolling, Ice Fishing Jigs. Primary forage: Suspended shad schools in deeper water, Small baitfish relating to brush piles, Dormant crustaceans near bottom structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.