How to Fish Lake McBride: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake McBride

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake McBride

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	47-55	Bass are staging off the bank in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding but not yet committed to spawning areas Fish are showing increased activity during warming trends, focusing on structure and weed edges as ambush points	Weed edges and pondweed adjacent to spawning flats Laydowns in the backs of main lake arms Brush piles off main lake points	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around laydowns and grass edges Spinnerbaits worked along the bank as water warms	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage noted in structure areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, becoming more active as they seek warmer water and begin feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Fish are moving from deeper winter haunts to transitional structures, particularly focusing on points and rock piles adjacent to potential spawning areas Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish actively pursuing shad schools and targeting crawfish in rocky areas	Main lake points with rock structure, especially those leading into spawning pockets Secondary points with a mix of rock and gravel in 8-15 foot depth range Wind-blown rocky banks where crawfish activity is increasing	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional areas from deep to shallow water Bladed Jigs slow-rolled near rocky structure Shakey Heads worked methodically on points and rock piles	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small bluegill in shallow warming pockets	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	47-62	Actively schooling and chasing shad around wind-blown points, with fish becoming highly aggressive when encountering bait schools Pre-spawn feeding activity intensifying as fish prepare for spawning, with schools easier to locate using electronics	Wind-blown main lake points where shad are concentrated Secondary points in major creek arms Deep water adjacent to spawning flats	Umbrella Rigs mimicking shad schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along points Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when schools are spotted on electronics	Shad schooling around points and in open water Secondary baitfish concentrated by wind and current	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Pre-spawn catfish are beginning to move from winter holding areas to staging areas near spawning flats, following primary channel edges and drop-offs Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with fish becoming more active during dawn and dusk periods Fish are transitioning from lethargic winter patterns to more aggressive feeding behavior as they prepare for spawning	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats Rock piles and brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range Shallow mud flats beginning to warm, especially near tributary inflows	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along drop-offs and channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure and staging areas Carolina Rigs dragged through transitional areas between deep and shallow water	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bluegill becoming more active in warming areas Bottom-dwelling invertebrates becoming more active in mud flats	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas, gradually moving from winter depths toward spawning grounds Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Congregating in schools near transition areas between deeper winter haunts and shallow spawning zones	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning bays Brush piles and laydowns near spawning flats in 6-12 foot depth	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools suspending near structure Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass actively spawning in late May, with fish cruising shallow areas and becoming territorial around nesting sites Fish are highly visible in the clear water conditions (8+ feet visibility), making sight fishing effective Bass showing aggressive defensive behavior around nests, while non-spawning fish actively feeding on bluegill in nearby areas	Shallow weedy bays with spawning habitat Protected areas near submerged vegetation Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays	Wacky Rigs worked slowly near visible bass Hard Topwater (Popping) for aggressive fish Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish	Bluegill Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are in spawn/pre-spawn mode, moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats, particularly around rocky points and coves Males will be aggressively guarding nests in 2-8 feet of water, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning zones Fish are showing increased aggression towards both shad and crawfish, especially near rocky structure	Rocky points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with wind exposure Protected shallow coves with hard bottom composition Secondary points with transition from rock to gravel in 5-15 foot depth range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible bed fish and shallow cover Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown points and through spawning pockets Shakey Heads worked slowly around staging areas and rocky structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	47-65	Striped bass are actively moving into pre-spawn staging areas near main lake points and channel swings, showing aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves Fish are schooling and chasing shad in wind-blown areas, particularly during low-light periods	Wind-blown main lake points adjacent to spawning areas Channel swings near primary points Dam area structure in 15-25 foot depth range	Umbrella Rigs worked along point transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Smaller baitfish moving shallow with warming water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	55-68	Moving from winter deep water locations to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, particularly near structure with access to spawning flats Becoming increasingly active with warming water temperatures, feeding more aggressively to prepare for spawning Concentrating around areas with soft bottom composition and structure for spawning preparation	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water Areas with submerged vegetation and brush piles near shoreline points Rock piles and laydowns in protected coves with warming water	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working edges of spawning flats Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through transition areas	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bluegill becoming more active in warming waters Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning to shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and around submerged vegetation where water warms first Males moving into staging areas first to prepare nests, with females following as water temperatures stabilize in the optimal spawning range Feeding activity increases pre-spawn, with fish becoming more aggressive as they prepare for spawning	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 3-7 foot depth range Shoreline brush and laydowns in protected areas Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad concentrations in spawning areas Small baitfish around vegetation Aquatic insects in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas, actively guarding fry in shallows before moving to summer locations Fish are becoming more active feeders but still maintaining proximity to spawning flats and shoreline cover	Shallow shoreline areas near spawning flats with protective cover Laydowns and brush piles in 3-8 feet of water Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Wacky Rigs worked slowly near cover Shakey Heads around brush piles and laydowns Ned Rigs for pressured fish in clear pockets	Bluegill in shallow cover Young of year shad starting to emerge	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	65-75	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad and crawfish near rocky structure and points Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, using drop-offs and points as staging areas Bass are showing increased aggression and willingness to chase bait, especially during wind-generated current conditions	Main lake points with rock structure, especially those adjacent to deep water Drop-offs near spawning pockets where fish are staging Wind-blown rocky banks with access to deeper water	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically to mimic injured shad along points and drop-offs Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged slowly through rocky areas for crawfish-feeding bass Spinnerbaits on windy points to capitalize on active feeding periods	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period Crawfish active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in the water column Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake structures, becoming more pattern-oriented Due to the turbid water (1.5m secchi), fish are relying heavily on lateral line sensitivity and schooling tighter to structure	Wind-blown main lake points with access to deeper water Dam area structure and adjacent deep water Secondary points in major creek arms where shad are congregating	Umbrella Rigs worked through schools of bait Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Blueback herring if present in the system Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-72	Post-spawn catfish are beginning to actively feed again, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones near structure and cover Fish are establishing regular feeding patterns, particularly active during dawn and dusk, taking advantage of the turbid conditions for daytime feeding as well	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow flats where fish transition between depths Submerged brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water Rocky points and shoreline areas with emerging vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers for natural presentation along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near brush piles and laydowns Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and drop-offs	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish becoming more active	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are suspending near vegetation edges and staging on points, making feeding forays into shallower areas during prime periods	Edges of submerged vegetation in 3-7 foot range Secondary points with access to deeper water Brush piles and laydowns near transitional areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along points and transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near brush piles	Shad (primary forage based on reports) Young-of-year baitfish gathering in vegetation Aquatic insects active in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-85	Bass are actively feeding during early morning and late evening, particularly around shad schools near surface areas and vegetation edges During midday heat, fish are moving to deeper structure (points, rock piles) and becoming more selective feeders	Main lake points with rock or vegetation transitions Lily pad fields and vegetation edges Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range	Soft Jerkbaits and topwater walking baits for early morning shad activity Wacky Rigs and Drop Shot presentations for pressured fish during midday Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation and rocky structure	Shad schooling in open water and around points Bluegill in and around vegetation Crawfish around rocky structure	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	75-85	Spotted bass are primarily feeding on crawfish near rocky structure, as evidenced by recent fishing reports showing fish spitting up craws Fish are likely establishing summer patterns along drop-offs and points, taking advantage of both crawfish and shad forage bases With water temperatures at 78°F, spots are active but starting to settle into more predictable summer patterns	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water, where recent catches have been reported Rocky points, especially those with wind exposure creating feeding opportunities Drop-offs near shad-holding areas, particularly where depth changes are significant	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along rocky structure, matching the current successful pattern Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting rock-to-water transitions where crawfish are present Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Crawfish, as confirmed by recent catch reports showing fish regurgitating them Shad, which are prevalent in the lake system according to profile inferences	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	75-85	Feeding actively during early morning and late evening, with surface schooling activity chasing shad Moving to deeper, cooler water during mid-day when temperatures peak Utilizing wind-blown points and dam areas as primary feeding zones	Main lake points with wind exposure where shad schools congregate Deep water areas near the dam during peak daytime temperatures Surface schooling areas in open water during low light periods	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and late evening surface feeding Trolling Deep (20'+) with artificial lures during midday heat Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended schools Umbrella Rigs when fish are actively chasing shad schools	Shad schools (primary forage base) Small baitfish suspended in the water column	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	75-85	Actively feeding during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, with increased daytime activity due to turbid conditions Holding near structure and moving between deep and shallow areas to feed on abundant forage	Deep channel edges adjacent to shallow flats with vegetation Rock piles and brush piles near drop-offs Submerged vegetation edges where shad and bluegill congregate	Live Bait Rigs with bottom contact near structure Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near cover during dawn/dusk	Shad schools in and around vegetation Bluegill near structure and vegetation Bottom-dwelling invertebrates in soft bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Actively feeding on shad in and around submerged vegetation, primarily during early morning and evening hours Suspending in small schools at 3-7 foot depths, using vegetation as cover during daylight hours	Submerged vegetation edges in 3-7 foot depths Points with vegetation near deeper water access Shaded areas in coves with vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad Small Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake McBride

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad in multiple zones - shallow lily pads, points, and suspended in open water Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, creating diverse feeding opportunities Most aggressive during early morning periods with surface feeding activity	Lily pad fields with mixed emergent and submerged vegetation Main lake points with suspended bait Green weed edges and matted grass areas Shallow duckweed mats near deeper water access	Frogs/Toads worked through lily pads and matted vegetation Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively for suspended fish Buzzbaits in open pockets of vegetation Hard Topwater (Walking) for schooling fish on points	Shad - primary forage with clear schooling activity Bluegill - secondary forage near vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	62-75	Spotted bass are actively pursuing shad schools as they migrate to creek arms and coves during fall feeding period Fish are relating to rocky structure but making frequent moves to open water to capitalize on baitfish opportunities Most active feeding periods occur during wind-generated current on points and during low-light conditions	Main lake points with rock structure, especially those affected by wind Creek channel edges near coves where shad are migrating Shallow rock piles adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses around structure Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown points	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves Crawfish in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to structure	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Striped bass actively schooling and chasing shad schools as baitfish migrate to creek arms and backs of coves Fish transitioning between deep main lake areas and shallower feeding zones, especially during low-light periods	Main lake points and channel swings where baitfish schools congregate Dam area and adjacent deep structure Wind-blown creek arms where shad schools are present	Umbrella Rigs matching shad schools size and movement Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) for suspended fish near structure	Schooling Shad in large concentrations Scattered Baitfish pods near structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	55-72	Moving from summer shallow areas to deeper channel edges and drop-offs as water cools, focusing on areas with concentrated baitfish Feeding patterns become more focused during dawn and dusk, with increased activity during warm afternoon periods	Deep channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding flats Rock piles and brush piles near deep water access Areas where creek channels intersect with main lake structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges with heavy jigs Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged slowly through brush piles and rock piles	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Bluegill transitioning from shallow to mid-depth areas Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in preparation for winter, with aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions Beginning transition to deeper staging areas while still utilizing vegetation edges and structure in 3-7 foot range	Vegetation edges near deeper water access, particularly in 3-7 foot depth range Points and creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate Brush piles adjacent to vegetation in 5-10 foot depths	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges and points Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles and structure Crappie Spider Rigging along depth transitions and channel edges	Shad schools congregating in large numbers Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-55	Concentrating on rock piles and other hard structure in deeper water, moving less to conserve energy Feeding periods are shorter but more predictable, typically during warmer afternoon hours	Deep rock piles adjacent to winter sanctuary areas Deep points with direct access to wintering areas Steep breaks near creek channels or basin areas	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Shakey Heads fished slowly on rocky transitions	Crawfish emerging from rock crevices Concentrated schools of shad in deeper water	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass school tightly and suspend near main lake points and drop-offs, following shad schools in winter Fish become more lethargic during cold fronts but will actively feed during stable weather periods, especially during warming trends	Deep main lake points with access to drop-offs, especially those with rock structure Steep bluff walls adjacent to creek channels Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools congregate	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Underspins matched to shad size and retrieved slowly Damiki Rig when fish are clearly marked on electronics	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Crawfish in rocky areas, though less active in winter Small baitfish seeking warmth in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-52	Striped bass school tightly in winter, following bait balls of shad in deeper water, particularly near the dam and main lake points Fish are less aggressive but will feed actively during warming trends and stable weather patterns	Deep water near the dam where shad schools concentrate Main lake points adjacent to deep water Channel bends and deeper structure where bait balls gather	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Umbrella Rigs	Shad schools concentrated in deep water Suspended baitfish in the water column	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	38-45	Catfish are congregating in deep, stable environments around ledges and channel edges, maintaining a reduced but steady feeding pattern Fish are showing willingness to chase moving baits in mid-depth ranges, suggesting active feeding periods even in winter	Deep ledges and channel breaks, particularly where they transition from 15-25 feet Deep holes near channel bends with reduced current Areas where rock piles intersect with deeper ledges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Stunned or dying shad in winter conditions Bottom-dwelling invertebrates Small bluegills in deeper wintering areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near structure or along deep contours Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon, with fish being less active during bright midday periods Schools will move vertically in the water column based on light conditions and forage movement	Deep brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 foot range Deep points and channel edges adjacent to shallow flats Deep water areas near dormant vegetation edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Ice Fishing Jigs	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small bluegills near structure Juvenile yellow perch along deep edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake McBride

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges and pondweed adjacent to spawning flats	Laydowns in the backs of main lake arms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock structure, especially those leading into spawning pockets	Secondary points with a mix of rock and gravel in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points where shad are concentrated	Secondary points in major creek arms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats	Rock piles and brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow weedy bays with spawning habitat	Protected areas near submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky points adjacent to spawning pockets, especially those with wind exposure	Protected shallow coves with hard bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points adjacent to spawning areas	Channel swings near primary points
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water	Areas with submerged vegetation and brush piles near shoreline points
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 3-7 foot depth range	Shoreline brush and laydowns in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow shoreline areas near spawning flats with protective cover	Laydowns and brush piles in 3-8 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock structure, especially those adjacent to deep water	Drop-offs near spawning pockets where fish are staging
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points with access to deeper water	Dam area structure and adjacent deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow flats where fish transition between depths	Submerged brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Edges of submerged vegetation in 3-7 foot range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with rock or vegetation transitions	Lily pad fields and vegetation edges
Summer	Spotted Bass	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water, where recent catches have been reported	Rocky points, especially those with wind exposure creating feeding opportunities
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake points with wind exposure where shad schools congregate	Deep water areas near the dam during peak daytime temperatures
Summer	Catfish	Deep channel edges adjacent to shallow flats with vegetation	Rock piles and brush piles near drop-offs
Summer	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 3-7 foot depths	Points with vegetation near deeper water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields with mixed emergent and submerged vegetation	Main lake points with suspended bait
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock structure, especially those affected by wind	Creek channel edges near coves where shad are migrating
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings where baitfish schools congregate	Dam area and adjacent deep structure
Fall	Catfish	Deep channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Rock piles and brush piles near deep water access
Fall	Crappie	Vegetation edges near deeper water access, particularly in 3-7 foot depth range	Points and creek channel intersections where shad schools congregate
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep rock piles adjacent to winter sanctuary areas	Deep points with direct access to wintering areas
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep main lake points with access to drop-offs, especially those with rock structure	Steep bluff walls adjacent to creek channels
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep water near the dam where shad schools concentrate	Main lake points adjacent to deep water
Winter	Catfish	Deep ledges and channel breaks, particularly where they transition from 15-25 feet	Deep holes near channel bends with reduced current
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and submerged timber in 15-25 foot range	Deep points and channel edges adjacent to shallow flats

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage noted in structure areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schooling around points and in open water	Secondary baitfish concentrated by wind and current
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bluegill becoming more active in warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Smaller baitfish moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bluegill becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad concentrations in spawning areas	Small baitfish around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover	Young of year shad starting to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period	Crawfish active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Blueback herring if present in the system
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage based on reports)	Young-of-year baitfish gathering in vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water and around points	Bluegill in and around vegetation
Summer	Spotted Bass	Crawfish, as confirmed by recent catch reports showing fish regurgitating them	Shad, which are prevalent in the lake system according to profile inferences
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools (primary forage base)	Small baitfish suspended in the water column
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in and around vegetation	Bluegill near structure and vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small Bluegill
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage with clear schooling activity	Bluegill - secondary forage near vegetation
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad in large concentrations	Scattered Baitfish pods near structure
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Bluegill transitioning from shallow to mid-depth areas
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in large numbers	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near vegetation
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from rock crevices	Concentrated schools of shad in deeper water
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Crawfish in rocky areas, though less active in winter
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deep water	Suspended baitfish in the water column
Winter	Catfish	Stunned or dying shad in winter conditions	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small bluegills near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Lake McBride

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors