How to Fish Lake Murray: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Murray

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Murray

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	47-54	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on blueback herring and shad around brush piles and rock structure in 10-25 foot depths Fish are suspending near deep structure and actively chasing bait, with increased feeding activity during stable weather periods	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depths near creek channel bends Rock piles and boulders in 12-16 foot depths Rip rap near potential spawning areas	Damiki Rig worked vertically around suspended fish Umbrella Rigs with medium to slow retrieve around brush and rock Drop Shot around deeper brush and structure Hard Jerkbaits over brush piles in wind-blown areas	Blueback Herring Shad Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	48-58	Staging near points and creek mouths in pre-spawn phase, actively feeding on blueback herring Suspending along main lake points, following bait movements and showing increased feeding activity	Main lake points, especially those closer to the main lake body Creek mouth transitions to main lake Staging areas near spawning tributaries in 12-20 foot depths	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses on point edges Umbrella Rigs mimicking herring schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions	Blueback Herring gathering for spawn Shad species suspended near points	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Pre-spawn crappies are staging near spawning areas, transitioning from deeper winter locations to shallower spawning zones Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, following shad schools and relating to structure Movement patterns show fish utilizing creek channels as migration routes towards spawning areas	Staging areas near docks in 10-15 foot depth range Brush piles adjacent to creek channels Protected coves with gradual slopes leading to spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges Small baitfish gathering near structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Pre-spawn bluegill transitioning from deeper winter haunts to warmer shallows, staging near spawning areas Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Gathering in schools near structure that provides quick access to both deeper water and shallow flats	Protected coves with emerging vegetation near deeper water access Laydowns and brush piles in 5-10 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats Rock piles and rip rap areas that warm quickly in afternoon sun	Inline Spinners worked slowly near cover Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along structure edges	Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters Tiny baitfish and fry Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Actively moving towards spawning areas, staging near points and creek mouths, following baitfish schools in pre-spawn feeding frenzy Schooling behavior intensifies as water warms, with aggressive feeding on baitfish concentrations in 12-20 foot depths	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish congregate Secondary points leading into spawning bays Brush piles and rock piles in 12-20 foot range adjacent to spawning areas	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Umbrella Rigs mimicking baitfish schools in open water Lipless Crankbaits retrieved through staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along points	Blueback Herring staging for spawn Shad schools congregating near points Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-63	Fish are focused on spawning activity with males guarding beds and females moving between staging areas and spawning sites Pre-spawn and spawning fish are utilizing shoreline areas, particularly around docks and protected banks	Protected areas between docks where beds are likely to be established Open banks with suitable spawning substrate Brush piles near spawning flats serving as staging areas	Structure Jigs worked slowly through bedding areas and around cover Wacky Rigs for cruising fish between beds Shakey Heads for working staging areas near spawning flats	Bluegill around spawning areas and shallow cover Blueback Herring in slightly deeper staging areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	48-58	Large schools actively feeding on shad around points and creek mouths, showing pre-spawn staging behavior Fish are making transitional movements from winter areas to spawning tributaries, stopping to feed at key structural elements	Main lake points where bait schools are congregating in 12-20 foot depths Creek mouth intersections with the main lake, particularly where bait is present Transition areas between spawning tributaries and main lake structure	Blade Baits vertically jigged in 12-20 feet of water Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked along point contours	Shad schools concentrated around points and creek mouths Blueback herring beginning their spring spawn movements	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie actively spawning and staging around dock structures, with larger females holding tight to dock poles Fish feeding upwards in the water column, showing increased aggression during pre and post-spawn phases	Old docks with wooden poles, particularly those holding larger females Shallow coves with complex shoreline structure Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock poles Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under docks Bobbers for suspending baits at the right depth in the water column	Shad - primary forage base according to lake profile Small bluegill and juvenile panfish around dock structures	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Male bluegills moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) to create and defend nests on firm bottom areas Females staging in slightly deeper water (6-10 feet) near spawning colonies, moving in periodically to spawn Increased feeding activity in pre-spawn period as fish build energy reserves for spawning	Protected shallow bays with firm sandy or gravel bottom for spawning Areas near laydowns and brush piles in 6-10 feet for staging females Rocky areas and rip rap in shallow water with nearby deeper water access	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 2-4 feet deep over spawning beds Crappie Dock Shooting with micro jigs for spawning fish under docks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with ice fishing jigs for precise presentation	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas Small crustaceans around vegetation and woody cover Emerging aquatic insects in shallow zones	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	White Bass are actively schooling and moving into creek mouths and tributary areas for spawning, with aggressive feeding before and after spawning activities Fish are making transitional movements from deeper winter areas to shallow spawning grounds, often staging at points and channel swings	Creek mouths and tributary entrances where spawning runs occur Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas Channel swings and staging areas in 12-20 foot depth range	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas Underspins matched to baitfish size and speed	Blueback Herring making spawning movements Shad schools staging near spawning areas Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-68	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding and recovering, showing aggressive behavior toward larger prey like blueback herring and shad Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to summer locations, using points and humps as stopping points Bass are exhibiting both shallow and suspended feeding patterns, with frequent chasing of baitfish in open water	Main lake points and saddles where herring are spawning Shallow humps that rise from deeper water Brush piles in 10-25 foot range Docks with deep water access	Hard Body Swimbaits worked with long casts and varied retrieves Hard Jerkbaits worked around points and saddles Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked over humps Damiki Rig around brush piles when fish are suspended	Blueback Herring (primary forage during spawn) Shad schools Minnows around brush and structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and feeding on blueback herring near points, with aggressive surface feeding activity increasing as herring spawn approaches Fish are in post-spawn recovery but becoming more active, staging near points and channel edges to intercept migrating bait	Main lake points where herring are spawning or staging River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Shallow creek mouths with bait presence	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively over surfacing fish Umbrella Rigs to mimic schools of blueback herring Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools	Blueback Herring preparing to spawn Shad schools in tributary mouths	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while following bait schools Fish are relating to vertical structure (dock posts) and suspended near brush piles, making feeding forays into adjacent areas	Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range near dock areas Dock structures with deep water access Creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water and finding active fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - precise presentation around brush piles Crappie Dock Shooting - targeting fish holding tight to dock structure	Shad schools suspending near structure Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in dock areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, gradually moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Fish are establishing summer patterns, relating to submerged vegetation and woody cover while feeding heavily on insects and small invertebrates	Shallow flats with emerging weed growth adjacent to spawning areas (2-6 feet) Brush piles and laydowns near deeper water (8-12 feet) Rock piles and rip rap areas with warming water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly around structure Bobbers with small jigs suspended near emerging weed edges Finesse Hair Jigs worked through brush piles	Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Small invertebrates around rock and wood structure Zooplankton in and around emerging vegetation	Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and feeding in post-spawn recovery, following baitfish schools near points and creek mouths Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (12-20 feet) throughout the day, responding to baitfish movements	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish schools congregate Brush piles and rock piles in 12-20 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Umbrella Rigs mimicking baitfish schools in open water Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds	Blueback Herring schooling in open water Shad congregating near points and creek mouths	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	73-90	Fish are seeking shade during hot daytime temperatures, actively using docks, bridges, and deep brush piles as refuge Early morning feeding activity on points and shoals, transitioning to deeper or shaded areas as sun gets higher Suspend in 10-25 foot range near structure during midday heat	Shaded sides of docks and bridge pilings Offshore brush piles in 10-25 foot range Long points with access to deep water Submerged vegetation near hard structure	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around docks and brush Hard Jerkbaits early morning on points and shoals Shakey Heads for finesse presentation during tough conditions Swim Jigs around vegetation and dock edges	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points Bluegill in and around shallow cover and vegetation Shad relating to deeper structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	78-90	Striped bass are seeking thermal refuge in deep water (60+ feet) due to warm surface temperatures and low oxygen levels in upper layers Fish are schooling in river channels and along deep ledges, following blueback herring schools	River channels with 60+ feet of water Deep ledges adjacent to main lake points Deep thermoclines where bait schools are suspending	Live Bait Rigs with downriggers at varying depths Trolling Deep (20'+) with artificial lures Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics	Blueback Herring Shad	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are actively feeding on baitfish schools in deeper water during summer, with primary activity during early morning and late evening Fish are suspending near brush piles and man-made structure in 10-15 foot depth range during mid-day hours	Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range near creek channels Deeper dock areas providing shade during daytime Main lake points where baitfish schools congregate	Crappie Spider Rigging with multiple rods for covering water efficiently Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) during active feeding periods	Shad schools in open water Small crappie gathering around structure Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Bluegill are actively feeding in two distinct patterns - smaller fish near shore and larger adults in deeper water around 10 feet, particularly near rocky structure Fish are targeting insects and small invertebrates, showing increased activity around woody cover and vegetation	Rocky bottoms in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to shallow feeding areas Laydowns and brush piles, especially those near deeper water Weed edges and pockets in 4-8 feet of water	Drop Shot with nightcrawlers, keeping bait 4-6 inches off bottom Bobbers with live bait near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around woody cover	Aquatic insects Small invertebrates near rocky areas Zooplankton in and around vegetation	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	White Bass	75-90	White Bass actively schooling in open water, following baitfish schools near thermocline depths (12-20 feet) Moving between points and creek mouths during early/late day, suspending in deeper open water during midday heat Aggressively feeding in wolf packs when they locate baitfish schools, creating surface feeding frenzies	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with brush piles Creek mouth intersections with the main lake channel Suspended over brush piles in 12-20 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and matching baitfish profile Underspins worked through suspended bait schools Spoons dropped through actively feeding schools	Blueback Herring schooling in open water Shad congregating around points and creek mouths Small baitfish suspended near brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Murray

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-73	Bass are transitioning to fall patterns, suspending at mid-depths (10-15 feet) and following baitfish schools Fish showing mixed behavior with both schooling activity and structure-oriented staging Activity levels varying throughout the day, with mid-morning becoming more productive as water temperatures cool	Long points extending into 20+ feet of water Brush piles near depth changes Docks in less than 8 feet of water with access to deeper water Main lake areas with surface-level grass near 10-15 foot depths	Drop Shot with slow, methodical presentations Hard Topwater (Walking) for schooling activity Umbrella Rigs for suspended fish around points	Blueback Herring schooling in open water Large Shad congregating near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Large schools forming and actively chasing blueback herring, moving towards river systems in coordinated migration patterns Aggressive surface feeding behavior, particularly during early morning, with fish corralling bait against structure or surface	Main river channel areas where schools are migrating Main lake points adjacent to river channels Areas where bait schools are congregating, particularly near surface	Hard Topwater (Prop) - worked with frequent pauses to imitate injured baitfish Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) - for mimicking blueback herring when fish are deeper Umbrella Rigs - effective for targeting schooling fish	Blueback Herring - primary forage base forming large schools Shad - secondary forage option	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-65	Fall crappie are actively schooling near brush piles in the 10-15 foot range, with larger fish forming small 'wolf packs' of 4-5 fish near but separate from the main schools Fish are following and feeding on shad schools, particularly relating to brush piles near creek channels as water temperatures cool	Brush piles positioned in 10-15 foot depths near creek channels Creek channel edges adjacent to brush pile areas Deeper staging areas near channel bends where multiple brush piles exist	Finesse Jigs worked vertically through brush piles Crappie Spider Rigging along creek channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish near structure	Shad schools congregating near brush piles Young-of-year baitfish in and around cover	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, schooling more tightly and focusing on remaining submerged vegetation edges and deeper structure Feeding becomes more concentrated during middle of day when water temperatures are warmest, with fish relating closely to cover and structure	Deep weed edges and remaining vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water Rock piles and rip rap areas with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation Small crustaceans near rocky areas Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White Bass are actively schooling and chasing shad/herring schools in the upper portion of the water column, especially during dawn and dusk Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish migrations into creeks and around points Aggressive feeding behavior as fish build energy reserves for winter, often creating surface feeding frenzies	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish are migrating Brush piles and rock piles in 12-20 foot depth range Secondary points in major creek arms	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds Spoons jigged through actively feeding schools Underspins matched to baitfish size	Blueback Herring schooling in open water Shad congregating near structure and creek mouths Small baitfish in creek arms	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	46-50	Bass are holding on deep structure (20-35ft) and relating heavily to bait schools, particularly around brush piles and rock piles Fish are showing a mix of passive and active feeding patterns, with some suspending near structure and others actively chasing shad	Deep brush piles and rock piles in 20-35 foot range Main lake points and humps near deep water Creek arms with clearer water, especially near bait concentrations	Umbrella Rigs worked at varying speeds in 20-35 foot range Football Jigs dragged slowly across rock piles and brush Drop Shot and Damiki Rig for suspended fish near structure Ned Rigs worked slowly in clearer creek arms	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish relating to rock piles and brush Blueback Herring in open water and near structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	42-52	Winter stripers form large schools following baitfish (blueback herring) in deeper water, typically suspending at thermocline levels Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish most active during low-light conditions and warm fronts	Main river channel bends and deep points where baitfish schools congregate Deep water areas adjacent to major creek mouths (20-40 feet) Primary points near the river channel that provide access to both deep and intermediate depths	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigging spoons worked through suspended bait schools Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and points using umbrella rigs Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly through suspended fish	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water Gizzard Shad concentrated near channel edges Yellow Perch near deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-67	Crappie are relating to fragmented bait schools (broken shad balls) near structure, indicating active feeding periods Fish are suspending near brush piles, following and feeding on concentrated shad schools	Brush piles near creek channels with broken bait balls Deep structure adjacent to primary creek channels Suspended cover in 10-15 foot depth range	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when fish are actively feeding on bait balls Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for precise presentation to suspended fish Damiki Rig for inactive fish holding tight to structure	Shad in fragmented bait balls Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	46-55	Winter bluegill are schooling tightly in deeper water near structure, with less active feeding periods during cold fronts Fish become more active during stable weather patterns and tend to suspend near bottom structure	Deep brush piles and laydowns in 10-15 feet of water Rocky areas and rip-rap adjacent to deeper water Deep edges of submerged vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small invertebrates near structure Juvenile shad and smaller baitfish Dormant aquatic insects	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	White Bass	45-52	White Bass are schooling in deeper water, typically suspending near main lake points and creek channels in 12-25 foot depths following baitfish schools Feeding activity is more concentrated during low-light periods, with fish moving up in the water column during overcast conditions or dawn/dusk	Deep main lake points adjacent to creek channels where baitfish schools concentrate Brush piles and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range near primary creek channels Suspended schools over deep water near major structural transitions	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with spoons near baitfish schools Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled through suspended fish	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water Shad concentrated near channel edges and points	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Murray

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depths near creek channel bends	Rock piles and boulders in 12-16 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points, especially those closer to the main lake body	Creek mouth transitions to main lake
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Staging areas near docks in 10-15 foot depth range	Brush piles adjacent to creek channels
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Laydowns and brush piles in 5-10 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish congregate	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected areas between docks where beds are likely to be established	Open banks with suitable spawning substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points where bait schools are congregating in 12-20 foot depths	Creek mouth intersections with the main lake, particularly where bait is present
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Old docks with wooden poles, particularly those holding larger females	Shallow coves with complex shoreline structure
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm sandy or gravel bottom for spawning	Areas near laydowns and brush piles in 6-10 feet for staging females
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Creek mouths and tributary entrances where spawning runs occur	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and saddles where herring are spawning	Shallow humps that rise from deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points where herring are spawning or staging	River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range near dock areas	Dock structures with deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow flats with emerging weed growth adjacent to spawning areas (2-6 feet)	Brush piles and laydowns near deeper water (8-12 feet)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish schools congregate	Brush piles and rock piles in 12-20 foot depth range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shaded sides of docks and bridge pilings	Offshore brush piles in 10-25 foot range
Summer	Striped Bass	River channels with 60+ feet of water	Deep ledges adjacent to main lake points
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range near creek channels	Deeper dock areas providing shade during daytime
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Rocky bottoms in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to shallow feeding areas	Laydowns and brush piles, especially those near deeper water
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water, especially those with brush piles	Creek mouth intersections with the main lake channel
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Long points extending into 20+ feet of water	Brush piles near depth changes
Fall	Striped Bass	Main river channel areas where schools are migrating	Main lake points adjacent to river channels
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles positioned in 10-15 foot depths near creek channels	Creek channel edges adjacent to brush pile areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges and remaining vegetation in 8-15 feet of water	Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish are migrating	Brush piles and rock piles in 12-20 foot depth range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles and rock piles in 20-35 foot range	Main lake points and humps near deep water
Winter	Striped Bass	Main river channel bends and deep points where baitfish schools congregate	Deep water areas adjacent to major creek mouths (20-40 feet)
Winter	Crappie	Brush piles near creek channels with broken bait balls	Deep structure adjacent to primary creek channels
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep brush piles and laydowns in 10-15 feet of water	Rocky areas and rip-rap adjacent to deeper water
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to creek channels where baitfish schools concentrate	Brush piles and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range near primary creek channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring gathering for spawn	Shad species suspended near points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges	Small baitfish gathering near structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters	Tiny baitfish and fry
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Blueback Herring staging for spawn	Shad schools congregating near points
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around spawning areas and shallow cover	Blueback Herring in slightly deeper staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated around points and creek mouths	Blueback herring beginning their spring spawn movements
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base according to lake profile	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish around dock structures
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas	Small crustaceans around vegetation and woody cover
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Blueback Herring making spawning movements	Shad schools staging near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring (primary forage during spawn)	Shad schools
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring preparing to spawn	Shad schools in tributary mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Small invertebrates around rock and wood structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water	Shad congregating near points and creek mouths
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points	Bluegill in and around shallow cover and vegetation
Summer	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in open water	Small crappie gathering around structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects	Small invertebrates near rocky areas
Summer	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water	Shad congregating around points and creek mouths
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water	Large Shad congregating near structure
Fall	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage base forming large schools	Shad - secondary forage option
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating near brush piles	Young-of-year baitfish in and around cover
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation	Small crustaceans near rocky areas
Fall	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water	Shad congregating near structure and creek mouths
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish relating to rock piles and brush
Winter	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water	Gizzard Shad concentrated near channel edges
Winter	Crappie	Shad in fragmented bait balls	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates near structure	Juvenile shad and smaller baitfish
Winter	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water	Shad concentrated near channel edges and points

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Murray

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors