How to Fish Lake Murray

Lake Murray fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 47-54°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring, Shad, Minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses on point edges, Umbrella Rigs mimicking herring schools, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions. Primary forage: Blueback Herring gathering for spawn, Shad species suspended near points. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Murray in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling). Primary forage: Shad schools in mid-depth ranges, Small baitfish gathering near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Murray in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Inline Spinners worked slowly near cover, Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms, Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along structure edges. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters, Tiny baitfish and fry, Emerging aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring staging for spawn, Shad schools congregating near points, Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-63°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegill around spawning areas and shallow cover, Blueback Herring in slightly deeper staging areas. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Blade Baits vertically jigged in 12-20 feet of water, Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools, Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked along point contours. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated around points and creek mouths, Blueback herring beginning their spring spawn movements. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Murray in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: Old docks with wooden poles, particularly those holding larger females; Shallow coves with complex shoreline structure; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage base according to lake profile, Small bluegill and juvenile panfish around dock structures. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Murray in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae near spawning areas, Small crustaceans around vegetation and woody cover, Emerging aquatic insects in shallow zones. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Dark Neutrals, Pink Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas, Underspins matched to baitfish size and speed. Primary forage: Blueback Herring making spawning movements, Shad schools staging near spawning areas, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 53-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring (primary forage during spawn), Shad schools, Minnows around brush and structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: Main lake points where herring are spawning or staging; River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats; Shallow creek mouths with bait presence. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively over surfacing fish, Umbrella Rigs to mimic schools of blueback herring, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools. Primary forage: Blueback Herring preparing to spawn, Shad schools in tributary mouths. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Murray in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. 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 Key locations: Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range near dock areas; Dock structures with deep water access; Creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending near structure, Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish in dock areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Murray in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly around structure, Bobbers with small jigs suspended near emerging weed edges, Finesse Hair Jigs worked through brush piles. Primary forage: Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters, Small invertebrates around rock and wood structure, Zooplankton in and around emerging vegetation. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Lake Murray in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools, Umbrella Rigs mimicking baitfish schools in open water, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water, Shad congregating near points and creek mouths. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Murray in Summer?

Water temp 73-90°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points, Bluegill in and around shallow cover and vegetation, Shad relating to deeper structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Murray in Summer?

Water temp 78-90°F. 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 Key locations: River channels with 60+ feet of water; Deep ledges adjacent to main lake points; Deep thermoclines where bait schools are suspending. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with downriggers at varying depths, Trolling Deep (20'+) with artificial lures, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics. Primary forage: Blueback Herring, Shad. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Murray in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools in open water, Small crappie gathering around structure, Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Murray in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Aquatic insects, Small invertebrates near rocky areas, Zooplankton in and around vegetation. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Lake Murray in Summer?

Water temp 75-90°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water, Shad congregating around points and creek mouths, Small baitfish suspended near brush piles. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Murray in Fall?

Water temp 65-73°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Drop Shot with slow, methodical presentations, Hard Topwater (Walking) for schooling activity, Umbrella Rigs for suspended fish around points. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water, Large Shad congregating near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Murray in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: Main river channel areas where schools are migrating; Main lake points adjacent to river channels; Areas where bait schools are congregating, particularly near surface. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring - primary forage base forming large schools, Shad - secondary forage option. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Murray in Fall?

Water temp 55-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating near brush piles, Young-of-year baitfish in and around cover. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Murray in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Drop Shot, Finesse Hair Jigs. Primary forage: Small insects and larvae around remaining vegetation, Small crustaceans near rocky areas, Young-of-year baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Lake Murray in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water, Shad congregating near structure and creek mouths, Small baitfish in creek arms. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Murray in Winter?

Water temp 46-50°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending near structure, Crawfish relating to rock piles and brush, Blueback Herring in open water and near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Murray in Winter?

Water temp 42-52°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water, Gizzard Shad concentrated near channel edges, Yellow Perch near deep structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Murray in Winter?

Water temp 45-67°F. 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 Key locations: Brush piles near creek channels with broken bait balls; Deep structure adjacent to primary creek channels; Suspended cover in 10-15 foot depth range. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad in fragmented bait balls, Small baitfish relating to brush piles. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Panfish / Bluegill on Lake Murray in Winter?

Water temp 46-55°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Drop Shot, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Small invertebrates near structure, Juvenile shad and smaller baitfish, Dormant aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Lake Murray in Winter?

Water temp 45-52°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water, Shad concentrated near channel edges and points. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.