How to Fish Lake Lansing: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Lansing

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Lansing

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	46-58	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are staging in transitional areas near spawning flats, actively feeding but remaining cautious Fish are showing preference for slower presentations with periodic feeding windows, as evidenced by success with finesse jigs	Submerged vegetation in 6-8 foot depth range serving as staging areas Docks providing overhead cover and warming opportunities Transition areas between vegetation and spawning flats	Finesse Jigs worked slowly with long pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked methodically through cover	Bluegill holding in vegetation edges Shad schools in slightly deeper water Small crawfish becoming active near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are staging in pre-spawn locations near submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depths, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are showing preference for reaction strikes on moving baits in the upper water column, particularly during low-light periods due to moderate water clarity	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near spawning areas Secondary points with vegetation leading into spawning bays	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through upper water column Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation	Bluegill congregating near vegetation Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	40-45	Crappie are staging in pre-spawn locations, actively feeding while transitioning from winter areas to spawning grounds Fish are schooling on drop-offs and around submerged vegetation in the 8-foot depth range Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish actively pursuing small prey	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-foot depth range Drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats Offshore humps with vegetation or structure in 8-10 foot range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through the strike zone Crappie Spider Rigging for precise depth control around vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are tightly schooled on structure	Small minnows/fatheads Small crawfish Juvenile bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	50-65	Catfish are beginning to move from deeper winter holding areas to shallower feeding zones as water temperatures rise, particularly active during dawn and dusk Fish are staging near transitions between vegetation edges and deeper water, becoming more active as they prepare for spawning season	Vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth ranges where cover meets deeper water Dock areas that provide shade and structure for ambush feeding Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where they can warm up during sunny periods	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along vegetation edges and depth transitions Carolina Rigs dragged through transition areas between vegetation and open water Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near dock structures and warming areas	Bluegill congregating near vegetation edges Crappie schools in transition areas Small baitfish utilizing emerging vegetation for cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass moving into shallow pre-spawn staging areas, transitioning between winter and spawning locations Males beginning to scout and prepare spawning beds in protected areas, while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water Increasingly active feeding patterns as water warms, with fish becoming more aggressive in preparation for spawning	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition in 2-4 foot depth range Submerged vegetation edges in 6-8 foot range serving as staging areas Secondary points and dock areas adjacent to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and bedding areas Finesse Jigs worked slowly along staging areas Soft Jerkbaits for actively feeding pre-spawn fish Shakey Heads for deeper staging fish around vegetation edges	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Shad schools in transition areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing shallow vegetation edges and protected bays as ambush points Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and early summer habitat, making them more aggressive and territorial	Shallow bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation in 3-6 foot depth Weed edges and transition areas in 8-10 foot depth Protected areas near docks with adjacent vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') with erratic retrieves Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves	Young-of-year bluegill in shallow areas Spawning shad in warming bays Small yellow perch along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Crappie are transitioning to spawning mode, moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) near submerged vegetation and structure, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods Males will begin establishing and guarding nesting areas while females stage slightly deeper, making frequent moves between staging and spawning areas	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10 foot range where it transitions to spawning flats Protected shallow areas with structure, especially where 8-foot contours meet spawning flats Offshore humps that provide pre-spawn staging areas near spawning locations	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows and fathead patterns Young bluegill Small crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	50-65	Catfish are transitioning from winter lethargy to more active feeding patterns as water temperatures rise. They are beginning to move into shallower waters (8-10 feet) near spawning areas and feeding more aggressively. Fish are particularly active during dawn and dusk due to moderate water clarity, using vegetation edges as primary feeding zones.	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth ranges where they can ambush prey Areas around docks that provide shade and concentrate baitfish Transitional areas between shallow and deeper water where catfish can quickly adjust to temperature changes	Live Bait Rigs positioned along vegetation edges and near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with scented baits near dock areas Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and dock areas Crappie moving in shallow to spawn, providing abundant forage Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are recovering from spawning and beginning to transition to summer patterns, actively feeding to regain energy while remaining relatively shallow Fish are establishing predictable daily movement patterns between spawning flats and adjacent deeper vegetation edges	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats Docks providing shade and ambush points in transition areas Secondary points with vegetation where bass stage during their movement patterns	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation edges Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges for active fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and locating active fish	Bluegill moving shallow and establishing spawning colonies Shad schools becoming more active in warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, primarily in early morning and evening hours when water temperatures are optimal Fish transitioning between shallow spawning areas and deeper vegetation edges, following forage movements	Weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range with access to deeper water Submerged vegetation near docks providing ambush points Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to spawning areas	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds around vegetation and dock areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through transitions between shallow and deep water	Bluegill congregating near shallow vegetation and docks Shad schools moving along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-72	Post-spawn crappie are dispersing from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating strongly to submerged vegetation in 6-10ft range, using it for cover and feeding zones	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10ft depth range Offshore humps with vegetation or structure Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer holding areas	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Crappie Spider Rigging	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Fathead minnows Small crayfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	50-65	Post-spawn catfish are beginning to increase their feeding activity as water temperatures rise, primarily during dawn, dusk, and nighttime periods due to the moderate water clarity Fish are transitioning from winter lethargy to more active feeding patterns, moving along vegetation edges and structure to ambush prey	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth ranges where prey species concentrate Areas around docks that provide shade and ambush points Transition areas between shallow and deeper water where catfish can move with changing conditions	Live Bait Rigs with slightly heavier weights to maintain bottom contact along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation gaps Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near dock structures during low light periods	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and dock areas Crappie schools moving through vegetation edges Small baitfish utilizing vegetation for cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	Bass are establishing summer patterns around submerged vegetation, actively feeding on bluegill in the early morning and evening hours During midday, fish are holding tight to cover in slightly deeper water, requiring more methodical presentations	Submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot depth range Dock areas providing shade and ambush points Deeper vegetation edges for midday retreats	Blade Baits worked through vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and thick vegetation Swim Jigs parallel to weed edges	Bluegill Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike are actively hunting in the upper water column, particularly around structure like docks and boats, as evidenced by recent topwater success Fish are utilizing ambush points near vegetation edges and man-made structure, sharing habitat with largemouth bass	Docks and boat slips with nearby weed growth Weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range Shallow vegetation zones with access to deeper water	Hard Topwater (Prop) - matches recent success with aggressive surface presentations Spinnerbaits - effective for covering water between docks and along weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - proven effective based on lake profile data	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by successful bait patterns Shad - confirmed by recent fishing reports and bait selection	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappie are holding in and around submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot range, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are suspending near structure edges during midday, moving shallower to feed during lower light conditions	Edges of submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot range, especially near depth changes Offshore humps with vegetation coverage Deep weed edges adjacent to open water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges during early morning and evening Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in gaps within weed beds Crappie Spider Rigging along deeper weed edges during midday	Small bluegills concentrated around vegetation Young-of-year baitfish in and around weed edges Small crayfish in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Catfish	68-85	Actively feeding during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours around vegetation edges and dock structures Moving between deeper haunts (8-10 feet) during day and shallower areas at night for feeding Becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns due to optimal summer water temperatures	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth range Dock structures, especially those near depth transitions Shallow to mid-depth transitions near vegetated areas	Live Bait Rigs with bottom presentations near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and vegetation Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during daytime periods	Bluegill in and around vegetation Crappie especially near dock structures Various small baitfish utilizing weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Lansing

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Bass are actively chasing baitfish around submerged vegetation edges, showing aggressive feeding behavior as evidenced by reaction bait success Fish are primarily holding in 8-10 foot depth ranges, moving shallower to feed during optimal conditions	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range Shallow vegetation patches in 6-8 foot range during active feeding periods Transitions between vegetation and deeper water	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along vegetation edges Spinnerbaits with white/shad trailers burned through sparse vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through thicker vegetation patches	Shad schools moving along vegetation edges Bluegill relating to vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones, especially around vegetation and docks, showing aggressive reaction strikes to moving baits as they bulk up for winter Fish are responding well to faster presentations in cooling water temperatures (52°F), particularly during daylight hours when targeting baitfish	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range Dock areas with nearby deep water access Shallow flats with vegetation where baitfish school	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked at faster speeds around structure Bladed Jigs worked through and around vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Shad schools in shallow to mid-depth ranges Bluegill relating to vegetation and dock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They tend to school more tightly in fall and become more structure-oriented. Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon, with fish moving between deeper structure and adjacent feeding zones near weed edges.	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially near submerged humps identified in lake structure Offshore structure like humps and deep vegetation patches in 10-15 foot range Areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water, creating ambush points	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and structure transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active feeding periods	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Fathead minnows and other small baitfish Small crayfish near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Catfish	52-65	Catfish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still actively feeding to build reserves for winter. They are particularly active during dawn and dusk periods. Fish are following baitfish schools and utilizing vegetation edges as ambush points, especially where vegetation meets deeper water transitions.	Deep vegetation edges where 8-10 foot depths meet weedlines Dock areas with nearby depth changes Deeper holes adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with larger offerings worked slowly along bottom Carolina Rigs dragged through transition areas Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Bluegill congregating near deep vegetation edges Crappie schools in slightly deeper water Dying or injured baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike are actively feeding in the upper water column during low-light periods, particularly near weed edges and structure Fish are showing reaction strikes to moving baits, suggesting aggressive feeding behavior despite cooler water temperatures	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range Northwest corner structure areas Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly along weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speed Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked through vegetation gaps	Bluegill concentrated in vegetation Shad schools in open water adjacent to structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Suspended schools holding near deep submerged vegetation and humps, often relating to larger schools of forage fish Active feeding during low-light periods, especially near structure transitions where baitfish congregate	Deep weed edges in 8-10ft where vegetation meets open water Offshore humps with nearby deep water access Deep vegetation patches that maintain green growth through winter	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements to trigger reaction strikes Hover/Mid-Strolling around suspended schools once located Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and visible on electronics	Bluegill concentrations in and around deep vegetation Small minnows schooling near structure breaks Juvenile yellow perch relating to deep weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	40-50	Catfish become more lethargic in winter, but still need to feed. They tend to congregate in deeper, more stable water temperatures, moving less and feeding less frequently but opportunistically Fish will seek out the warmest available water, which is often found in deeper holes or near structure that retains heat	Deeper holes near vegetation edges in 8-10 foot range where temperatures are more stable Areas around docks that provide both cover and slightly warmer water Deep water transitions near submerged vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with minimal movement, allowing natural presentation in deeper water Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements near structure Drop Shot with live or cut bait for precise presentation in deeper holes	Bluegill concentrating in deeper water Crappie schools in winter depth ranges Dead or dying baitfish that are easier to catch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike become less active but maintain feeding periods, primarily during mid-day when water temperatures under ice are most stable Fish tend to suspend near the bottom edge of weed lines, moving into shallow weeds during prime feeding windows	Submerged weed edges in 8-10 foot range where vegetation remains green under the ice Secondary breaks near shallow flats where weeds meet deeper water Areas near docks that provide additional structure alongside vegetation	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked slowly near weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in remaining green vegetation Shad schools suspending near deeper weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie suspend in deeper water columns during ice season, forming tight schools near offshore structure and remaining relatively stationary Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish less active during bright midday periods	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot range where weeds maintain year-round presence Offshore humps with adjacent deeper water Deep water transitions near pre-spawn staging areas around 8-foot contours	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the school Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive action to attract fish from greater distances Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate suspended schools	Small bluegill and young-of-year panfish Fathead minnows Small crayfish near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Lansing

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in 6-8 foot depth range serving as staging areas	Docks providing overhead cover and warming opportunities
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-foot depth range	Drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth ranges where cover meets deeper water	Dock areas that provide shade and structure for ambush feeding
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition in 2-4 foot depth range	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-8 foot range serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation in 3-6 foot depth	Weed edges and transition areas in 8-10 foot depth
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10 foot range where it transitions to spawning flats	Protected shallow areas with structure, especially where 8-foot contours meet spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth ranges where they can ambush prey	Areas around docks that provide shade and concentrate baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats	Docks providing shade and ambush points in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range with access to deeper water	Submerged vegetation near docks providing ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-10ft depth range	Offshore humps with vegetation or structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth ranges where prey species concentrate	Areas around docks that provide shade and ambush points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot depth range	Dock areas providing shade and ambush points
Summer	Northern Pike	Docks and boat slips with nearby weed growth	Weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Edges of submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot range, especially near depth changes	Offshore humps with vegetation coverage
Summer	Catfish	Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-10 foot depth range	Dock structures, especially those near depth transitions
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range	Shallow vegetation patches in 6-8 foot range during active feeding periods
Fall	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range	Dock areas with nearby deep water access
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially near submerged humps identified in lake structure	Offshore structure like humps and deep vegetation patches in 10-15 foot range
Fall	Catfish	Deep vegetation edges where 8-10 foot depths meet weedlines	Dock areas with nearby depth changes
Winter	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range	Northwest corner structure areas
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-10ft where vegetation meets open water	Offshore humps with nearby deep water access
Winter	Catfish	Deeper holes near vegetation edges in 8-10 foot range where temperatures are more stable	Areas around docks that provide both cover and slightly warmer water
Ice	Northern Pike	Submerged weed edges in 8-10 foot range where vegetation remains green under the ice	Secondary breaks near shallow flats where weeds meet deeper water
Ice	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot range where weeds maintain year-round presence	Offshore humps with adjacent deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill holding in vegetation edges	Shad schools in slightly deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating near vegetation	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows/fatheads	Small crawfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill congregating near vegetation edges	Crappie schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year bluegill in shallow areas	Spawning shad in warming bays
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and fathead patterns	Young bluegill
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and dock areas	Crappie moving in shallow to spawn, providing abundant forage
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow and establishing spawning colonies	Shad schools becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating near shallow vegetation and docks	Shad schools moving along weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Fathead minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and dock areas	Crappie schools moving through vegetation edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Shad
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by successful bait patterns	Shad - confirmed by recent fishing reports and bait selection
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills concentrated around vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish in and around weed edges
Summer	Catfish	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Crappie especially near dock structures
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving along vegetation edges	Bluegill relating to vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Shad schools in shallow to mid-depth ranges	Bluegill relating to vegetation and dock structure
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Fathead minnows and other small baitfish
Fall	Catfish	Bluegill congregating near deep vegetation edges	Crappie schools in slightly deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in vegetation	Shad schools in open water adjacent to structure
Winter	Crappie	Bluegill concentrations in and around deep vegetation	Small minnows schooling near structure breaks
Winter	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating in deeper water	Crappie schools in winter depth ranges
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining green vegetation	Shad schools suspending near deeper weed edges
Ice	Crappie	Small bluegill and young-of-year panfish	Fathead minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Lansing

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals