How to Fish Lake Minnewaska: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Minnewaska

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Minnewaska

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	56-60	Largemouth bass are actively moving into shallow pre-spawn areas, particularly around fresh submerged vegetation in 3-5 feet of water, with increased activity during afternoon warming periods Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during warming trends, with temperature increases from 56-57°F morning to 59-60°F afternoon triggering increased activity	Fresh submerged vegetation in 3-5 feet of water Sand flats with scattered rocks in 6-7 feet Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats	Swim Jigs worked through vegetation Hair Jigs worked slowly near sand/rock transitions Spinnerbaits along weed edges during afternoon warming periods	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation Crawfish becoming active on sand/rock transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish moving along transition areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning flats, often relating to the first break line	Rocky points and gravel areas adjacent to deeper water Hard-bottom flats in 6-12 foot depth range Wind-blown shorelines with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas Ned Rigs worked methodically on staging areas Hair Jigs slowly lifted and dropped near structure	Perch schooling in transitional areas Crawfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas Small baitfish in warming shallow bays	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish moving between deeper holding areas and shallow feeding zones as water temperatures fluctuate Congregating in transitional areas where rock meets weeds, especially in areas with incoming sun exposure	Rock to weed transitions in 8-14 feet of water Points and inside turns near potential spawning areas Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Perch in the 2-4 inch range Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are actively moving into shallow, warmer bays and areas near spawning habitat, becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns Fish are staging in pre-spawn locations, often relating to emerging vegetation and wind-blown areas where baitfish concentrate	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Wind-blown points and flats adjacent to spawning areas Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water staging areas	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in open water areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along transition areas	Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas Bluegills moving shallow as water warms Small pike and other baitfish in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass moving shallow to spawn, focusing on protected areas with firm bottom near deep water access Pre-spawn staging and spawning fish become territorial and aggressive in defending nesting sites Fish actively feeding on bluegill and crawfish during pre-spawn period	Sand patches mixed with vegetation in 2-5 foot range Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Soft Jerkbaits Spinnerbaits	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Actively staging near shallow spawning flats and transitional areas, with fish moving between pre-spawn and spawning locations Showing aggressive feeding behavior in 4 feet or less, particularly around hard-bottom areas and dock structures	Rocky flats in 4 feet or less with mixed gravel/rock bottom Protected areas between docks, especially those adjacent to spawning flats Hard-bottom transition areas leading to spawning flats	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom in rocky areas Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas Drop Shot with small profile baits around dock areas	Minnows, particularly around shallow structure Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Small perch in dock areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre and post-spawn walleyes staging near shallow rock and gravel areas, moving between spawning sites and adjacent deeper water Active feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with increased daytime activity due to moderate water clarity Fish transitioning between spawning areas and early-season feeding locations near weed edges	Rocky points and gravel areas in 3-8 feet of water for spawning activity Transition areas between rocks and emerging weed growth in 8-14 feet Protected bays with warming water temperatures	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows during prime feeding periods Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Spawning minnows in shallow areas Small perch near emerging weed growth Juvenile baitfish congregating in warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out Post-spawn fish actively feeding to recover energy, targeting abundant prey in warming shallows Fish become increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, engaging in ambush hunting near emerging vegetation	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth Wind-blown shorelines with scattered vegetation Transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs using large minnows in post-spawn transition areas	Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas Bluegill moving into warming shallows Small bass in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating strongly to outside weedlines and dock areas, showing aggressive topwater feeding activity in shallow zones	Outside weedlines with good vegetation in 10-15 foot range Docks, especially those adjacent to deeper water Sand patches mixed with vegetation in shallow areas	Drop Shot with weedless-rigged swimbaits along outside weedlines Hard Topwater (Prop) during morning and evening periods Finesse Jigs worked slowly around dock areas	Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	56-75	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding, moving in groups ('wolf packs') around shallow to mid-depth zones Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around hard-bottom areas and vegetation edges	Shallow gravel and rock areas in 4-10 feet Reed edges on the west side of the lake Sandy flats adjacent to deeper water	Finesse Hair Jigs worked along bottom structure Finesse Jigs with craw trailers near vegetation Wacky Rigs worked slowly in shallow areas Carolina Rigs dragged along bottom transitions	Crawfish actively moving on hard bottom areas Perch in shallow zones Small baitfish around vegetation edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between deep and shallow zones based on light conditions, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods	Rock to weed transitions in 14-16 feet where walleyes stage during recovery period Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet Inside weed edges during low light periods in 12-14 feet	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding windows Lipless Crankbaits parallel to emerging weed edges	Perch concentrating around emerging weed growth Small baitfish schooling in warming shallows Newly hatched juvenile fish in spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are transitioning from spawning areas to feeding locations, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are aggressively feeding to recover post-spawn energy, targeting abundant prey in emerging weed growth Movement patterns show fish utilizing wind-blown areas and scattered weed edges for ambush opportunities	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range Wind-blown points and flats with scattered vegetation Secondary points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked along emerging weed edges and wind-blown areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners cast to scattered weeds and retrieved at varying speeds	Young-of-year perch gathering near emerging weed growth Bluegill schools moving to warming shallow areas Bass transitioning to post-spawn locations	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	73-78	Fish are actively utilizing weed edges and points in 10-15 foot range, often schooling near defined vegetation edges with presence of baitfish During windy conditions, fish become more aggressive and position on windward shorelines in 7-10 feet of water Early and late day movement to shallower water near docks and reeds, with mid-day positioning in deeper vegetation	Deep weed edges with defined breaks in 10-15 foot range, especially areas with milfoil and coontail Docks with access to deep water, particularly early in the day Points with submerged vegetation, especially those adjacent to deeper water Windward shorelines with submerged grass in 7-10 foot range during windy conditions	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through deep vegetation Spinnerbaits on windy shorelines and over submerged vegetation Drop Shot along deep weed edges and points Wacky Rigs around docks and sparse vegetation	Bluegill concentrated around weed edges and dock areas Baitfish schools relating to deep weed edges Crawfish in and around vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-78	Smallmouth bass are actively hunting in 'wolf packs' of 4-5 fish, targeting perch and other baitfish on shallow to mid-range flats Fish are exhibiting aggressive schooling behavior, with catch opportunities increasing when one fish from a group is hooked	Shallow to mid-range sand & gravel flats with sparse vegetation Rocky/boulder areas adjacent to sandy flats Wind-blown flats and points with mixed hard bottom and vegetation	Hard Topwater (Prop) for locating active fish and covering water Drop Shot for thoroughly working productive areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) when fish are relating to boulders Neko Rigs for finesse presentation in located fishing areas	Perch Small baitfish schools	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	72-78	Actively feeding along weed edges, particularly during lower light conditions given the 11.5ft clarity, with increased activity at dawn/dusk Showing aggressive pursuit of faster-moving baits (1.2-1.5 mph) in warm water conditions of 75-78°F	Weed edges in 14-16 feet, especially at rock to weed transitions Outside weed edges in 18-20 feet for midday periods Scattered weed areas with mixed rock substrate	Live Bait Rigs with crawler harnesses and bottom bouncers at 1.2-1.5 mph Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with spinners and slow death rigs Spindrift/slow death presentations with butterfly blades along weed edges	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports and successful lure colors Mixed baitfish in weed edges	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	73-78	Pike are suspending near deep weed edges (14-16 feet) to stay in cooler water during peak summer heat while maintaining access to forage Actively feeding in wind-blown areas where currents concentrate baitfish, especially during early morning and evening hours	Deep weed edges and pockets in 9-12 foot range Scattered weed beds in wind-blown areas Submerged vegetation patches in 14-16 foot depth range	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges Spinnerbaits in wind-blown areas Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges	Perch Bluegill Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Minnewaska

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	43-55	Aggressive feeding patterns with increased activity as water cools, evidenced by reaction strikes and feeding frenzies reported Fish are utilizing shallow water areas, particularly around mixed vegetation and sand patches, while also holding under docks	Sand patches mixed with shallow grass and docks Pockets in reeds and emergent vegetation Submerged vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range	Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses Grass Jigs pitched to vegetation pockets Swim Jigs worked through scattered vegetation	Crawfish active in shallow areas around vegetation Baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding and schooling in preparation for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods and wind-driven conditions Moving between deep structure and shallower feeding zones, following baitfish schools Showing aggressive behavior when encountering forage, often hunting in wolf packs	Wind-blown rocky points and adjacent drops with transitions to deep water Hard-bottom flats in 8-15 foot range with scattered vegetation Deep weedline edges adjacent to hard bottom structure	Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical presentations along depth transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through feeding zones Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits for suspended fish	Yellow Perch schooling in larger numbers Crawfish still active on hard bottom areas Small baitfish schools congregating in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	55-67	Actively feeding on deep weed edges and windblown shorelines, striking baits aggressively before they reach bottom as water temperatures begin cooling Beginning fall transition pattern with movement toward deeper structure, but not yet in full fall feeding mode	Windblown shorelines with sparse weeds in 14-16 feet Deep weed edges near points and bottom transitions Rock to weed transition areas in 15-20 foot range	Ned Rig with 3/16 oz head worked along weed edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with tungsten bullet weight and slow death rig Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') after locating fish with electronics	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by reports and lake profile Baitfish relating to weed edges and transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern Pike actively feeding and following baitfish schools as water temperatures cool, becoming more aggressive in their feeding behavior Moving from deeper summer haunts to shallower areas, particularly on wind-blown shorelines and weed edges Increased feeding activity during daylight hours as water temperatures moderate	Wind-blown points and shorelines with scattered weeds Deep weed edges in 14-16 foot range transitioning to shallower areas Holes and pockets in weed beds where baitfish concentrate	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points Inline Spinners retrieved at varying speeds in shallower areas	Perch schooling near weed edges Bluegill concentrated in remaining weed growth Small bass providing additional forage opportunities	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleyes are actively feeding during low-light periods, primarily targeting perch and other baitfish along deep weed edges Fish are schooling near structural elements like rock-to-weed transitions, especially during midday periods	Deep weed edges in 18-20 feet, especially near rock transitions Main lake points with access to deeper water Rock piles and hard-bottom areas adjacent to deep basins	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch Smaller baitfish concentrating in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike actively hunting around main lake points and weed edges during mild conditions Concentrating near structure that provides ambush points in wind-blown areas, following baitfish schools Feeding activity peaks during warmer parts of the day when water temperatures are more favorable	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points (14-16 foot range) Wind-blown areas with scattered vegetation Deep holes in weed beds (9-12 foot range)	Blade Baits worked with aggressive jigging action Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily along weed edges Spoons jigged vertically in deeper holes	Perch congregating near deep weed edges Bluegill suspended in scattered weed beds Bass utilizing similar deep weed edge habitat	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleyes will be concentrated near deep weed edges and rock to weed transitions, actively feeding during prime dawn/dusk periods Fish tend to be more stationary during ice season, relating strongly to structural elements that provide access to both forage and deeper water sanctuary	Deep weed edges in 14-16 feet of water where perch congregate Rock to weed transitions in 18-20 feet offering mixed bottom composition Main lake points with access to deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with live minnows or jigging minnow profiles Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging cadence to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with large minnows along deeper breaks	Perch - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports Small Minnows - typically abundant in weed edge areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity near prime forage areas, particularly during prime dawn/dusk periods Fish tend to concentrate in areas with good oxygen levels, often relating to the remaining green weeds from late fall	Deep weed edges in 14-16 foot range where vegetation remained green through winter Holes and pockets within weed beds that provide ambush points Areas near concentrated schools of winter perch and bluegill	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper weed edges Bluegills concentrated in remaining green vegetation Small bass holding in similar winter structure	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Minnewaska

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Fresh submerged vegetation in 3-5 feet of water	Sand flats with scattered rocks in 6-7 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and gravel areas adjacent to deeper water	Hard-bottom flats in 6-12 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock to weed transitions in 8-14 feet of water	Points and inside turns near potential spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Wind-blown points and flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Sand patches mixed with vegetation in 2-5 foot range	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky flats in 4 feet or less with mixed gravel/rock bottom	Protected areas between docks, especially those adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel areas in 3-8 feet of water for spawning activity	Transition areas between rocks and emerging weed growth in 8-14 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth	Wind-blown shorelines with scattered vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Outside weedlines with good vegetation in 10-15 foot range	Docks, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow gravel and rock areas in 4-10 feet	Reed edges on the west side of the lake
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock to weed transitions in 14-16 feet where walleyes stage during recovery period	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Wind-blown points and flats with scattered vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges with defined breaks in 10-15 foot range, especially areas with milfoil and coontail	Docks with access to deep water, particularly early in the day
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow to mid-range sand & gravel flats with sparse vegetation	Rocky/boulder areas adjacent to sandy flats
Summer	Walleye	Weed edges in 14-16 feet, especially at rock to weed transitions	Outside weed edges in 18-20 feet for midday periods
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges and pockets in 9-12 foot range	Scattered weed beds in wind-blown areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Sand patches mixed with shallow grass and docks	Pockets in reeds and emergent vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Wind-blown rocky points and adjacent drops with transitions to deep water	Hard-bottom flats in 8-15 foot range with scattered vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Windblown shorelines with sparse weeds in 14-16 feet	Deep weed edges near points and bottom transitions
Fall	Northern Pike	Wind-blown points and shorelines with scattered weeds	Deep weed edges in 14-16 foot range transitioning to shallower areas
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 18-20 feet, especially near rock transitions	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points (14-16 foot range)	Wind-blown areas with scattered vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 14-16 feet of water where perch congregate	Rock to weed transitions in 18-20 feet offering mixed bottom composition
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 14-16 foot range where vegetation remained green through winter	Holes and pockets within weed beds that provide ambush points

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation	Crawfish becoming active on sand/rock transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch schooling in transitional areas	Crawfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in the 2-4 inch range	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas	Bluegills moving shallow as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows, particularly around shallow structure	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Spawning minnows in shallow areas	Small perch near emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas	Bluegill moving into warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on hard bottom areas	Perch in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrating around emerging weed growth	Small baitfish schooling in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year perch gathering near emerging weed growth	Bluegill schools moving to warming shallow areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around weed edges and dock areas	Baitfish schools relating to deep weed edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Small baitfish schools
Summer	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports and successful lure colors	Mixed baitfish in weed edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch	Bluegill
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish active in shallow areas around vegetation	Baitfish schools in transition areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling in larger numbers	Crawfish still active on hard bottom areas
Fall	Walleye	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by reports and lake profile	Baitfish relating to weed edges and transition areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch schooling near weed edges	Bluegill concentrated in remaining weed growth
Winter	Walleye	Perch	Smaller baitfish concentrating in deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch congregating near deep weed edges	Bluegill suspended in scattered weed beds
Ice	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports	Small Minnows - typically abundant in weed edge areas
Ice	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper weed edges	Bluegills concentrated in remaining green vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Minnewaska

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors