How to Fish Lake Le Homme Dieu: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Le Homme Dieu

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Le Homme Dieu

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	59-65	Fish are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but movement patterns are temperature-dependent Bass are holding near transition areas between deeper wintering areas and potential spawning flats, particularly around vegetation	Scattered weed clumps on points and spawning flats in 6-16 feet Docks and dock posts, especially in areas near deeper water Break lines with submerged vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked with varying retrieve speeds around vegetation and docks Ned Rigs worked slowly along break lines and vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in warmer pockets	Bluegill starting to become more active in shallow areas Minnows concentrating around vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Fish transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming trends Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish moving to shallower structures during warming periods	Rocky points and transitions adjacent to deeper wintering areas Hard-bottom areas near deep weed line transitions in 12-15 foot range Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel in 8-12 foot depth	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Ned Rigs dragged on hard bottom areas Drop Shot with subtle movements in deeper staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Small bluegill near vegetation edges Young of year shad in open water areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Bluegills are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day when water temperatures rise	Weed edges in 6-15 feet of water, particularly areas with coontail and cabbage growth Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas Protected bays and coves with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with small ice fishing jigs suspended 2-4 feet below surface Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light finesse presentations Inline Spinners (like Beetle Spins) worked slowly through prime areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Emerging aquatic vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Staging near spawning areas, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower pre-spawn locations Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, most active during low-light periods	Sandy/gravel ledges in 13-14 foot depths Wind-swept points with access to deeper water Deep weed edges with defined breaks	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with hair jigs	Yellow Perch Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies are transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallow spawning zones, staging along the first major break lines near spawning flats Fish become increasingly active as water temperatures rise, moving progressively shallower and feeding more aggressively	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Transitions between 14-20 foot depths and shallower spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small bluegills Aquatic insects emerging with warming water Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	59-68	Bass are in transition from spawning beds to post-spawn areas, showing increased aggression as noted in recent reports Fish are utilizing ledges as transition zones between spawning flats and deeper summer areas Becoming more active feeders as they recover from spawning, particularly responsive to moving baits	Ledges adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with vegetation Secondary points with access to deeper water Shallow spawning pockets transitioning to deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked along transition areas Swim Jigs near vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for any remaining bed fish	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Bluegill, indicated by lake profile data as primary forage	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass transitioning to spawning areas, males preparing and guarding nests in shallow water (2-6 feet), while females stage slightly deeper Pre-spawn feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish moving between staging and spawning areas based on temperature stability	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom (gravel/rock) in 2-6 foot depth range Secondary points and transition areas near spawning flats Areas where reed beds meet hard bottom, especially on north-facing shorelines	Tubes worked slowly along transition areas and spawning flats Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near staging areas Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for pre-spawn fish	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow warming areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	59-72	Actively spawning and bed-building in shallow areas, particularly around submerged vegetation with males guarding nests Feeding patterns focused on insects near vegetation edges, with increased activity during warmer parts of day	Shallow spawning areas with submerged vegetation in 6-15 feet of water Shoreline areas with visible beds, especially near weed edges Protected areas around docks with nearby vegetation	Spinnerbaits (Beetle Spins) worked slowly near beds and vegetation Bobbers with small live bait or artificial presentations Light line techniques with small jigs around visible beds	Insects, particularly small aquatic insects near vegetation Small crustaceans and larvae in the vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleyes are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, focusing on sandy/gravel areas for egg deposition Fish are most active during low-light periods, with pre-spawn feeding followed by spawning behavior Post-spawn fish gradually transition to deeper water, staging along nearby drop-offs	Sandy/gravel ledges in 8-14 foot depths Wind-swept shorelines and points with rock or gravel substrate Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with minnows worked slowly along spawning areas Blade Baits worked vertically near transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics	Minnows gathering in spawning areas Small perch near weed edges Juvenile bluegills in shallow protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	55-68	Actively moving into shallow bays and protected areas with warming water temperatures, staging for spawning Males establishing and guarding nesting sites in 3-8 feet of water near coontail and cabbage beds Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, particularly during warmer afternoons	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near weed edges Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small insects and larvae becoming active in the warming water Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation Emerging aquatic invertebrates	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-76	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding on bluegills around vegetation and structure in 6-14 foot depth range Moving between shallow and deep areas throughout the day, with most aggressive feeding occurring during morning and evening periods	Thick patches of coontail and milfoil in 6-10 feet of water, especially near bluegill beds Lily pad fields and matted grass, particularly in protected bays Deep dock posts with nearby vegetation in 10-14 feet	Frogs/Toads worked through lily pads and matted vegetation Drop Shot with slow presentations around deep weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick vegetation using the 'bang the ceiling' technique Swim Jigs around reed edges and through vegetation lanes	Bluegills, especially around spawning beds Young of the year baitfish in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations Fish are establishing predictable daily movement patterns between rest areas and feeding zones, particularly active during morning and evening periods	Secondary points and breaks adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot range Hard-bottom transitions near weed edges in 12-15 foot depth Dock areas with access to deeper water, especially those near spawning bays	Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly along breaks Ned Rigs dragged on hard bottom transitions Tubes worked through rocky areas and along dock edges	Small crayfish emerging in rocky areas Juvenile bluegill in and around dock areas Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper weed edges Fish are showing increased daytime feeding activity, particularly around insect hatches and near vegetation	Weed edges in 8-15 feet of water, particularly areas with coontail and cabbage Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats Deeper pockets within weed beds where insects concentrate	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at varying depths near weed edges Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through vegetation gaps Inline Spinners retrieved steadily along weed edges	Aquatic insects, particularly emerging mayflies and midges Small crustaceans in weed beds Newly hatched minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Active feeding along transitions between spawning areas and early summer locations, particularly along sandy/gravel ledges Most active during dawn and dusk periods, gradually transitioning to deeper water as day progresses Showing preference for areas adjacent to emerging weed growth where baitfish are beginning to concentrate	Sandy/gravel ledges in 13-14 foot depth range Emerging weed edges in 6-12 foot range Wind-swept points with access to deeper water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')	Yellow Perch Minnows Small Bluegills	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are moving between shallow cover and suspended positions near the first major weed edge, following warming water patterns	Weed edges in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning bays Points and inside turns with emerging vegetation in 6-14 feet Suspended positions near coontail and cabbage beds	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small bluegills and juvenile fish Emerging aquatic insects Small minnows gathering around new weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-76	Fish are actively using deep weed edges (14-20ft) as primary holding areas, moving shallow during low light periods Showing selective feeding patterns, preferring slower presentations in pressured areas Transitioning between shallow and deep water based on light conditions and temperature	Deep weed edges 14-20 feet with points and inside turns Dock areas adjacent to deep water Shallow vegetation flats with nearby deep water access	Drop Shot worked slowly along deep weed edges Ned Rig dragged through vegetation transitions Texas Rigs flipped to thick cover during low light	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports Perch - secondary forage mentioned in deep water areas	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-72	Actively feeding on transition areas between deep weed lines and hard bottom, particularly in 12-15 foot depth range Moving between deep structure and shallow cover throughout the day, with increased shallow activity during evening periods Utilizing docks and submerged vegetation as primary feeding stations in moderate depths	Deep weed line to hard bottom transitions in 12-15 feet Docks with access to deeper water Points with submerged vegetation	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly along transitions Swim Jigs around docks and vegetation edges Football Jigs worked along hard bottom areas	Bluegill around docks and vegetation Shad in open water and along deeper edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Bluegills establish summer feeding patterns in and around vegetation, particularly in the coontail and cabbage beds, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish move between shallow and mid-depth zones throughout the day, seeking cooler water during peak heat while maintaining access to feeding areas	Weed edges in 8-15 feet of water, especially where coontail and cabbage create distinct edges Shallow flats with vegetation in 4-8 feet early and late in the day Deeper weed pockets in 12-18 feet during midday heat	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at specific depths around weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through the water column near vegetation Inline Spinners retrieved slowly through gaps in vegetation	Small aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation Zooplankton in and around weed beds Small crustaceans and invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-75	Actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods along weed edges and breaks, seeking cooler water during mid-day Following daily movements of perch and other baitfish between deep weed edges and adjacent structure	Deep weed edges with defined breaks in 15-20 foot range Wind-swept points with access to both shallow and deep water Sandy/gravel ledges adjacent to deeper water in 13-14 foot range	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and breaks Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on specific structure	Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges Bluegills relating to weed growth Various minnow species utilizing structure transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	68-78	Crappies are suspending near the thermocline in 14-20 foot zones, actively feeding on small baitfish and insects during early morning and evening periods Schools are relating to deep weed edges during midday, seeking cooler water and shade while maintaining access to forage	Deep weed edges in 14-20 foot range, especially where coontail and cabbage create distinct edges Suspended schools over basin areas adjacent to weed edges Points and bays with healthy vegetation that create ambush zones	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs for suspended fish	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Le Homme Dieu

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are actively feeding on bluegills around dock areas and weed edges, showing aggressive behavior especially during low light conditions Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water, using docks and vegetation as primary staging areas	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those with boat lifts and platforms Cabbage flats in 4-6 foot depth range Deep weed edges with coontail and cabbage in 6-14 foot range	Buzzbaits worked between docks and over vegetation Wacky Rigs for follow-up presentations Frogs/Toads during low light conditions Structure Jigs around dock posts and edges	Bluegill concentrated around docks and vegetation Young of year baitfish schooling in vegetation edges	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and focusing on high-protein forage Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but making frequent moves to shallower feeding zones during peak activity periods	Deep weed line to hard bottom transitions in 12-15 foot range Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to deeper water	Drop Shot with slow, subtle movements to target suspended fish near bottom transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along break lines to imitate fleeing baitfish Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Shad schools moving through open water and along structure edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	48-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water, feeding heavily on remaining insects and small crustaceans near deep weed edges as they prepare for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and becoming concentrated around key structure, particularly in areas where deep water meets healthy vegetation	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet deeper basins (12-18 feet) Remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range, particularly near drops to deeper water Deep basins adjacent to weedy flats (15-20 feet)	Drop Shot with small plastics worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tungsten jigs tipped with plastics or live bait Bobbers with suspended baits over deeper weed edges	Small aquatic insects, particularly those associated with remaining vegetation Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in and around weed edges Small minnows and juvenile fish seeking shelter in remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-65	Walleyes are transitioning to deeper structure, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They become more aggressive during low-light periods, especially on wind-swept areas. Fish are following baitfish schools and relating strongly to deep weed edges and points, particularly during dawn and dusk periods.	Deep weed edges where coontail and milfoil transition to breaks (12-20 foot range) Wind-swept points with access to deeper water Sandy/gravel ledges adjacent to deeper basins	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Yellow Perch Bluegills Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-62	Crappies are actively feeding to build up energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to remaining vegetation Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower areas, especially during low-light periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas (14-20 foot range) Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water Suspended schools in open water near deep basins	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small bluegills near remaining vegetation Insects and zooplankton in open water Young-of-year baitfish schools	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	34-40	Panfish are condensed in deeper wintering holes, typically suspended 1-4 feet off bottom in schools Feeding activity is reduced but consistent, with short intense feeding windows during early morning and late afternoon	Deep basins near weed edges, particularly in areas with remnant coontail or cabbage in 18-20 feet Transition areas between deep basins and shallow flats in 15-18 feet Deeper weed edges where vegetation is still present in 12-15 feet	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Ice Fishing Jigs	Small invertebrates and zooplankton near remaining vegetation Tiny minnows and young-of-year baitfish Blood worms and insect larvae near bottom	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	42-52	Walleyes are actively feeding, staying near deep edges of remaining weed structure and transition areas between hard and soft bottom Fish remain active throughout the day due to cooler water temperatures, with peak activity during low-light periods	Deep weed edges in 15-20 foot range where coontail and milfoil meet clean bottom Sandy/gravel transitions near deeper water in 13-14 foot range Wind-swept points with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch congregating near deep weed edges Smaller baitfish schools holding in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Late fall/early winter crappies are transitioning from deeper basins to shallower flats adjacent to deep water, particularly near remaining vegetation Fish are exhibiting selective feeding patterns, with larger specimens more likely to be found in shallower water near weed edges Schools are beginning to break up into smaller groups, with bigger fish separating from main schools	Shallow flats (8-12 feet) adjacent to deep water basins with remaining vegetation Transitions between weedy flats and deeper basins (14-20 foot range) Deeper edges of remaining coontail and cabbage beds	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Drop Shot	Small bluegills congregating near remaining vegetation Various aquatic insects in and around weed edges Smaller crappies that larger specimens may follow	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills are transitioning between shallow weed areas and deeper basins, often congregating in schools at consistent depths Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon, with a focus on small invertebrates and zooplankton	Deep weed edges adjacent to basins in 15-20 foot range Remaining green coontail and cabbage beds in 8-12 foot range Deep basins with schools suspended off bottom	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small ice jigs tipped with waxworms or eurolarva	Small aquatic invertebrates in remaining vegetation Zooplankton in water column Small minnows and juvenile perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleyes concentrate on deeper flats and along deep weed edges during early ice, transitioning to deeper basin areas (18-20 feet) during mid-winter Most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) and on overcast days, with feeding windows typically lasting 1-2 hours Fish become more selective and less active during mid-winter, requiring slower, more subtle presentations	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats in 12-15 foot range Basin areas near structural transitions in 18-20 foot range Sandy/gravel areas near deeper water that provide access to both feeding and resting zones	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and tipped with minnows Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding windows Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live bait	Perch schooling along deep weed edges Bluegills relating to remaining weed growth Small minnows suspended in water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	33-35	Crappies are exhibiting classic winter patterns, with larger fish utilizing shallow weedy flats adjacent to deep water areas, while smaller schools are suspending in deeper basins and funnels Fish are responding to two distinct presentation styles: very subtle movements with tungsten jigs or aggressive presentations with pinhead jigs, suggesting alternating periods of active and passive feeding	Shallow weedy flats adjacent to deep water, particularly where larger crappies are roaming Deeper basins and funnel areas holding schools of smaller fish Weed edges near deep-water transitions	Ice Fishing Jigs with subtle movements using tungsten presentations Ice Fishing Jigs with aggressive pinhead movements during active periods Ice Fishing Spoons for actively feeding fish in deeper basins	Insects, particularly small aquatic invertebrates Small baitfish relating to weed edges	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Le Homme Dieu

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Scattered weed clumps on points and spawning flats in 6-16 feet	Docks and dock posts, especially in areas near deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transitions adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Hard-bottom areas near deep weed line transitions in 12-15 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 6-15 feet of water, particularly areas with coontail and cabbage growth	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy/gravel ledges in 13-14 foot depths	Wind-swept points with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water with emerging vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Ledges adjacent to spawning flats, particularly those with vegetation	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom (gravel/rock) in 2-6 foot depth range	Secondary points and transition areas near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow spawning areas with submerged vegetation in 6-15 feet of water	Shoreline areas with visible beds, especially near weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy/gravel ledges in 8-14 foot depths	Wind-swept shorelines and points with rock or gravel substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Thick patches of coontail and milfoil in 6-10 feet of water, especially near bluegill beds	Lily pad fields and matted grass, particularly in protected bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points and breaks adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot range	Hard-bottom transitions near weed edges in 12-15 foot depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-15 feet of water, particularly areas with coontail and cabbage	Secondary drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Sandy/gravel ledges in 13-14 foot depth range	Emerging weed edges in 6-12 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning bays	Points and inside turns with emerging vegetation in 6-14 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges 14-20 feet with points and inside turns	Dock areas adjacent to deep water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep weed line to hard bottom transitions in 12-15 feet	Docks with access to deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-15 feet of water, especially where coontail and cabbage create distinct edges	Shallow flats with vegetation in 4-8 feet early and late in the day
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges with defined breaks in 15-20 foot range	Wind-swept points with access to both shallow and deep water
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 14-20 foot range, especially where coontail and cabbage create distinct edges	Suspended schools over basin areas adjacent to weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those with boat lifts and platforms	Cabbage flats in 4-6 foot depth range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep weed line to hard bottom transitions in 12-15 foot range	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where coontail and cabbage meet deeper basins (12-18 feet)	Remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range, particularly near drops to deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges where coontail and milfoil transition to breaks (12-20 foot range)	Wind-swept points with access to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas (14-20 foot range)	Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins near weed edges, particularly in areas with remnant coontail or cabbage in 18-20 feet	Transition areas between deep basins and shallow flats in 15-18 feet
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 15-20 foot range where coontail and milfoil meet clean bottom	Sandy/gravel transitions near deeper water in 13-14 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Shallow flats (8-12 feet) adjacent to deep water basins with remaining vegetation	Transitions between weedy flats and deeper basins (14-20 foot range)
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to basins in 15-20 foot range	Remaining green coontail and cabbage beds in 8-12 foot range
Ice	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats in 12-15 foot range	Basin areas near structural transitions in 18-20 foot range
Ice	Crappie	Shallow weedy flats adjacent to deep water, particularly where larger crappies are roaming	Deeper basins and funnel areas holding schools of smaller fish

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill starting to become more active in shallow areas	Minnows concentrating around vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Small bluegill near vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Minnows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Aquatic insects emerging with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Bluegill, indicated by lake profile data as primary forage
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow warming areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly small aquatic insects near vegetation	Small crustaceans and larvae in the vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering in spawning areas	Small perch near weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small insects and larvae becoming active in the warming water	Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills, especially around spawning beds	Young of the year baitfish in weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Small crayfish emerging in rocky areas	Juvenile bluegill in and around dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects, particularly emerging mayflies and midges	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile fish	Emerging aquatic insects
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports	Perch - secondary forage mentioned in deep water areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill around docks and vegetation	Shad in open water and along deeper edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation	Zooplankton in and around weed beds
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling along weed edges	Bluegills relating to weed growth
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around docks and vegetation	Young of year baitfish schooling in vegetation edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Shad schools moving through open water and along structure edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects, particularly those associated with remaining vegetation	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in and around weed edges
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Bluegills
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills near remaining vegetation	Insects and zooplankton in open water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton near remaining vegetation	Tiny minnows and young-of-year baitfish
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating near deep weed edges	Smaller baitfish schools holding in deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills congregating near remaining vegetation	Various aquatic insects in and around weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates in remaining vegetation	Zooplankton in water column
Ice	Walleye	Perch schooling along deep weed edges	Bluegills relating to remaining weed growth
Ice	Crappie	Insects, particularly small aquatic invertebrates	Small baitfish relating to weed edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Le Homme Dieu

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