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

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Lake Jane

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Jane

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Bass are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding while transitioning from winter to spawning locations Fish are relating to submerged vegetation edges in 10-foot depths, showing increased activity with moderate to fast retrieval responses	Submerged weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, particularly on the east end of the lake Secondary points with vegetation near potential spawning flats Transition areas between deeper winter holding areas and shallow spawning coves	Lipless Crankbaits worked with moderate to fast retrieves along weed edges Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to emerging weed growth	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Small baitfish schools staging near vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike are staging in pre-spawn locations, actively feeding while holding near submerged vegetation in moderate depths (8-10 feet). They're displaying typical ambush behavior, striking after pauses in bait movement. Fish are showing aggressive reaction strikes but require precise bait placement above vegetation, with most active feeding periods likely during warmer parts of the day.	West and northwest side of the lake in 8-10 feet of water above submerged milfoil beds Transition areas where vegetation meets slightly deeper water Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Hard Jerkbaits with moderate-fast retrieval and strategic pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked just above the vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in and around vegetation Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Pre-spawn bluegills are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warmer, shallow flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are beginning to stage near spawning areas but still maintaining access to slightly deeper water as a refuge from cold fronts	Shallow flats near submerged vegetation, particularly on the west and northwest ends of the lake Protected areas between docks that offer both cover and quick access to deeper water Shallow water areas near the two small ponds on the east end, which will warm faster	Live Bait Rigs with light wire hooks suspended under slip bobbers Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near vegetation edges Ice Fishing Jigs (small presentation) worked vertically around structure	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans in vegetation Tiny minnows/fry gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	During spawn, largemouth bass move into shallow protected areas (2-6 feet) searching for suitable nesting sites with firm bottom composition Males become territorial and aggressive while guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at intrusive baits Females stage in slightly deeper water (6-10 feet) near spawning flats between spawning periods	Protected shallow areas near docks on the northeast and east sides Edges of milfoil beds in 5-8 foot depth range Shallow flats with firm bottom composition	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and docks Wacky Rigs worked slowly near potential spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits along weed edges for staging fish	Bluegill around shallow cover and docks Small baitfish relating to weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding in shallow zones, particularly near emerging vegetation and potential spawning areas Fish moving from winter depths to spawning locations, showing increased aggression and feeding activity Congregating in areas with water temperatures suitable for spawning, typically in very shallow water (2-6 feet)	Shallow bays and flood zones on west and northwest end of lake with emerging vegetation Transitional areas between shallow flats and the 8-15 foot weed edge Protected shoreline areas with remaining winter vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Hard Jerkbaits Spinnerbaits Tubes	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas Small pike and yellow perch in transitional areas Minnows moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-72	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around submerged vegetation in 2-6 foot depths Males guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, creating multiple depth patterns Feeding actively between spawning activities, especially during warmer parts of the day	Submerged vegetation beds in 2-6 foot depths, especially on west and northwest ends Shallow water areas near the two smaller ponds on east end Protected areas between docks where vegetation is present	Bladed Jigs worked slowly through vegetation Bobbers with live bait suspended just above vegetation Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges	Small insects and larvae in vegetation Small crustaceans Tiny baitfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding in shallow water (2-6 feet) around vegetation and docks, recuperating energy after the spawn Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during prime periods, particularly around bluegill bedding areas and along weed edges	Inner weedlines and openings in weedbeds in 2-6 foot depth range Docks on the northeast and east side of the lake Shallow flats with emerging vegetation	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation and dock edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked weightless through shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits worked along weed edges	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas beginning their spawning phase Minnows concentrated along weed edges and dock areas	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting bluegills in and around vegetation edges Fish are moving between deeper weed edges (8-15 feet) and shallower ambush points, especially on the west and northwest end of the lake	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly milfoil beds West and northwest end of lake where optimal depth and vegetation combine Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper weed growth	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges with pauses Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses between twitches Spinnerbaits slow-rolled through vegetation gaps	Bluegill concentrating near weed edges Various small baitfish utilizing weed cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-72	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from shallow nesting areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish beginning to establish deeper feeding patterns but still relating strongly to available vegetation and dock structures	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depths, particularly on west and northwest ends Dock areas providing shade and structure in 3-6 foot depths Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water in 5-10 foot range	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically through key depth zones	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Newly hatched baitfish Small crustaceans in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-80	Bass are actively holding on both deep weedlines (10-15ft) and shallow cover (docks, lily pads) seeking shade in summer heat Fish showing aggressive feeding periods early/late day near vegetation edges, with more selective dock-oriented patterns during bright conditions	Docks on east end of lake, particularly those with access to deeper water Milfoil edges in 10-15 foot depth range on west/northwest end Lily pad fields on west side with adjacent openings	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) skipped under docks and worked through heavy cover Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along weedlines to locate active fish	Bluegill Young of Year Panfish	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation, showing typical ambush predator behavior with strikes during paused and swimming retrieves Fish are primarily holding in 10-15 foot depth ranges, particularly during summer heat, moving between weed edges and open water to ambush prey	West and northwest end of lake in 10-15 feet of water where submerged vegetation meets deeper water Weed edges and points with milfoil in 8-15 foot depth range Scattered vegetation patches near depth changes that provide ambush points	Tubes worked with swimming retrieve and pause, mimicking injured baitfish Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through and over vegetation	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges Small baitfish utilizing vegetation for cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Panfish are actively using docks for shade and protection during summer heat, with reports confirming successful dock pattern fishing Fish showing typical summer feeding behavior, taking both live bait and small artificial presentations in 6-8 foot depth ranges	Productive docks in 6-8 feet of water, particularly those with good shade coverage Weed edges in 6-10 feet of water, especially on west and northwest ends of lake Deeper dock posts where bluegills suspend in shade during peak heat	Bobbers with live bait suspended 2-4 feet deep near dock edges Crappie Dock Shooting with small plastics for skittish fish under docks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small plastics around dock posts	Small insects and larvae around dock structures Aquatic worms and bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Jane

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting larger prey items Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to deeper water, with increased activity during warming trends Feeding windows are most active during mid-morning and afternoon when water temperatures peak	Deep weed edges in 8-10 foot range, particularly on the west end where vegetation is prominent Dock areas on the northeast and east sides, especially those adjacent to deeper water Points and transitions where weeds meet harder bottom	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through remaining vegetation Spinnerbaits worked around docks and vegetation edges during cloudy conditions	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth Young-of-year baitfish schooling in open water adjacent to structure Crawfish active on harder bottom areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build up energy reserves before winter, targeting larger prey items in and around weed edges Fish are following baitfish schools, particularly bluegills, and becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns as water temperatures cool	Edges of milfoil beds in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly on west and northwest end of lake Transitions between weedy areas and deeper water where baitfish school up Remaining green vegetation patches that are starting to die off	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through open pockets in vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses between twitches to mimic dying baitfish	Bluegills congregating in remaining weed growth Young-of-year fish species gathering in schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper structure, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter. Schools are becoming more concentrated around key structure. Feeding activity is most intense during mid-morning and afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep dock edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access Deeper weed edges on the west and northwest ends of the lake Transitions between vegetation and open water in 10-15 foot ranges	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Northern Pike are actively patrolling remaining green weed edges and points, particularly in the 8-15 foot depth range, showing aggressive feeding behavior before winter freeze Fish are responding well to reaction strikes and ambush opportunities, especially during warmer parts of the day when metabolism is higher	West and northwest end weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range Remaining patches of healthy milfoil, especially where they intersect with depth changes Transition areas between weeds and open water where ambush opportunities exist	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses between twitches Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds parallel to weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in remaining weed cover Small baitfish schooling near weed edges Injured or dying baitfish showing erratic movements	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	50-65	Suspended bluegill actively feeding on small aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton in mid-column depths of 6-12 feet Fish schooling near submerged vegetation edges and dock structures, seeking both forage and overhead cover in the clear water	Deep weed edges on the west and northwest ends of the lake, particularly in 8-12 foot depths Dock areas with nearby deep water access, especially those adjacent to vegetation Deeper holes and basins near structure in 12-15 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs tipped with small soft plastics Hover/Mid-Strolling with micro presentations near vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms suspended at key depths	Zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates Tiny baitfish and minnows Bloodworms and insect larvae	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become less active but maintain feeding periods, typically during mid-morning and late afternoon. They congregate near vegetation edges where panfish winter Fish position closer to bottom, rarely suspending, and rely more on vibration/scent detection than sight feeding due to ice cover	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly on west and northwest end of lake Transition areas between vegetation and open water where bluegill schools winter Areas with remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned near weed edges Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked slowly near vegetation	Bluegill concentrations in winter vegetation Small perch schools near bottom structure Smaller pike feeding on panfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Suspending in deeper water columns of 8-13 feet, moving between primary food sources and structure Feeding patterns become more concentrated during daylight hours, with peak activity during late morning and early afternoon Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish gathering in larger groups near productive structure	Deep edges of weed beds on west and northwest ends of lake Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water around 8-13 feet Protected areas near dock cribs that maintain winter structure	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and pauses Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action for triggering reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Jane

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, particularly on the east end of the lake	Secondary points with vegetation near potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	West and northwest side of the lake in 8-10 feet of water above submerged milfoil beds	Transition areas where vegetation meets slightly deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow flats near submerged vegetation, particularly on the west and northwest ends of the lake	Protected areas between docks that offer both cover and quick access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow areas near docks on the northeast and east sides	Edges of milfoil beds in 5-8 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and flood zones on west and northwest end of lake with emerging vegetation	Transitional areas between shallow flats and the 8-15 foot weed edge
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation beds in 2-6 foot depths, especially on west and northwest ends	Shallow water areas near the two smaller ponds on east end
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Inner weedlines and openings in weedbeds in 2-6 foot depth range	Docks on the northeast and east side of the lake
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly milfoil beds	West and northwest end of lake where optimal depth and vegetation combine
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depths, particularly on west and northwest ends	Dock areas providing shade and structure in 3-6 foot depths
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks on east end of lake, particularly those with access to deeper water	Milfoil edges in 10-15 foot depth range on west/northwest end
Summer	Northern Pike	West and northwest end of lake in 10-15 feet of water where submerged vegetation meets deeper water	Weed edges and points with milfoil in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Productive docks in 6-8 feet of water, particularly those with good shade coverage	Weed edges in 6-10 feet of water, especially on west and northwest ends of lake
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-10 foot range, particularly on the west end where vegetation is prominent	Dock areas on the northeast and east sides, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Edges of milfoil beds in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly on west and northwest end of lake	Transitions between weedy areas and deeper water where baitfish school up
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep dock edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access	Deeper weed edges on the west and northwest ends of the lake
Winter	Northern Pike	West and northwest end weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Remaining patches of healthy milfoil, especially where they intersect with depth changes
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges on the west and northwest ends of the lake, particularly in 8-12 foot depths	Dock areas with nearby deep water access, especially those adjacent to vegetation
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly on west and northwest end of lake	Transition areas between vegetation and open water where bluegill schools winter
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of weed beds on west and northwest ends of lake	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water around 8-13 feet

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Small baitfish schools staging near vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in and around vegetation	Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around shallow cover and docks	Small baitfish relating to weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in shallow spawning areas	Small pike and yellow perch in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in vegetation	Small crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas beginning their spawning phase	Minnows concentrated along weed edges and dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating near weed edges	Various small baitfish utilizing weed cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Newly hatched baitfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of Year Panfish
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges	Small baitfish utilizing vegetation for cover
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around dock structures	Aquatic worms and bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in open water adjacent to structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in remaining weed growth	Young-of-year fish species gathering in schools
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining weed cover	Small baitfish schooling near weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates	Tiny baitfish and minnows
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrations in winter vegetation	Small perch schools near bottom structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Jane

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

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