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Lake Nokomis

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Nokomis

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye42-52
  • Pre-spawn walleyes are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves
  • Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of the stained water conditions for feeding
  • Movement patterns suggest congregation near spawning areas with frequent feeding in adjacent zones
  • Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats
  • Shallow rock or gravel areas near depth transitions
  • Areas near submerged vegetation where crappie concentrate
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along ledges and transitions
  • Live Bait Rigs with methodical presentations
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking crappie
  • Crappie concentrations in pre-spawn areas
  • Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
  • Bottom-dwelling forage near structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-62
  • Transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Moving along depth transitions near spawning flats, particularly active during warming trends
  • Showing increased aggression and feeding activity as water temperatures rise
  • Inside weed edges adjacent to spawning flats
  • Transition areas between weeds and sandy/rocky bottom
  • Protected areas between docks with nearby vegetation
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation
  • Bladed Jigs along weed edges
  • Soft Jerkbaits with slow, erratic retrieves
  • Bluegill beginning to move shallow
  • Small baitfish in transitional areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie48-58
  • Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Concentrating around dock areas and weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range, utilizing ambush points for feeding
  • Corners and protected areas between docks in 8-10 foot depth
  • Transitions from bare bottom to weed edges
  • Inside weed edges adjacent to spawning flats
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and edges
  • Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under structures
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure edges
  • Small minnows gathering near warming shallow areas
  • Early season insects beginning to emerge
  • Young of year baitfish in shallow zones
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Muskie45-65
  • During pre-spawn, muskies are beginning to move from winter depths to warming shallow areas, particularly focusing on points and transitions near spawning areas
  • Fish are becoming more active but still methodical in their feeding, often following and studying baits before striking
  • Points with access to deeper water, especially those adjacent to spawning bays
  • Emerging weedlines in 8-12 foot depth range
  • Rocky structures and ledges that retain heat
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along depth transitions
  • Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger following fish
  • Live Bait Rigs with large sucker minnows near structure
  • Walleye concentrating on structural elements
  • Crappies moving shallow for their own spawn
  • Bluegill beginning to stage in pre-spawn areas
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Walleye38-48
  • Walleye are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, staging near spawning areas and making shallow water movements during low light periods
  • Given the stained water (1.5m Secchi), fish are actively feeding throughout the day, especially around distinct ledge areas
  • Ledges adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in 8-15 foot transitions
  • Shallow rock or gravel areas near depth changes
  • Areas near submerged vegetation where crappie concentrate
  • Slow jigging with methodical bottom contact presentations
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows matched to crappie size
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along ledges
  • Crappie - primary forage based on multiple reports
  • Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-65
  • Males actively guarding fry in shallow areas, particularly along weed to sand/rock transitions
  • Fish relating heavily to shallow cover and structure during spawning period, with increased activity around vegetation edges
  • Transitions from weeds to sandy/rocky bottom in shallow water
  • Inside weed edges adjacent to spawning flats
  • Shallow areas near pilings with vegetation
  • Grass Jigs worked slowly through vegetation transitions
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover
  • Wacky Rigs worked near spawning areas
  • Crawfish emerging in shallow areas
  • Small bluegill in spawning areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Crappie55-65
  • Crappie are actively staging for spawning, concentrating around shallow structure in 8-10 feet of water and showing aggressive feeding behavior during prime periods
  • Fish are utilizing ambush points in dock corners and weed edges, moving between staging and potential spawning areas
  • Dock corners and protected areas in 8-10 feet of water
  • Inside weed edges where vegetation transitions from bare bottom
  • Shallow protected bays with stable bottom composition
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - work bait slowly in corners of docks
  • Ned Rigs - deadstick along weed transitions
  • Crappie Dock Shooting - for skittish fish under docks
  • Minnows - primary forage during pre-spawn period
  • Insects - secondary forage especially around vegetation
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Muskie48-65
  • Fish moving into warmer, shallow bays (2-8 feet) for spawning, with females staging on nearby structure
  • Post-spawn fish becoming more active and aggressive, utilizing points and weedline edges as recovery areas
  • Rocky points adjacent to shallow spawning bays
  • Emerging weedlines in 6-10 foot depth range
  • Shallow flats with scattered vegetation near deeper water access
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along transition areas
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to emerging weedlines
  • Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through warmer shallow areas
  • Bluegills congregating in shallow spawning areas
  • Crappies moving shallow for their own spawn
  • Minnows active in warming shallows
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye48-62
  • Post-spawn walleyes are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding during low-light periods in the stained water conditions
  • Fish are relating to depth changes and ledges, particularly during midday, moving shallow during dawn/dusk periods
  • Ledges and depth transitions adjacent to spawning areas
  • Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range
  • Dock areas with access to deeper water
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along ledges and transitions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve near vegetation edges
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically around dock areas
  • Crappies concentrated around vegetation and dock areas
  • Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallower areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass65-75
  • Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting bluegill in and around vegetation edges
  • Fish are holding on inside weed edges and overhanging cover, ambushing prey in these transition zones
  • Inside edges of weed lines, especially areas with overhanging vegetation
  • Submerged vegetation adjacent to transitions to sandy/rocky bottom
  • Dock areas with nearby vegetation
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly with attention to line movement on the fall
  • Texas Rigs with soft plastics worked like jerkbaits along weed edges
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly through vegetation gaps
  • Bluegill concentrating around vegetation edges
  • Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie62-72
  • Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy
  • Fish are relating strongly to dock edges and weed transitions in 8-12 feet of water, using these areas as ambush points
  • Corners and edges of docks with 8-12 feet of water depth
  • Transitions where bare bottom meets emerging weed growth
  • Inside weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
  • Small minnows gathering around dock structure
  • Emerging aquatic insects near weed growth
  • Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Muskie65-75
  • Post-spawn muskies are actively feeding to recover energy, showing increased interest in both live bait and artificial presentations
  • Fish are utilizing transitional areas between shallow and deep water, with heightened activity during low-light periods due to stained water conditions
  • Main lake points, especially those with access to both shallow and deeper water
  • Weedline edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Rock piles and ledges near transition areas
  • Live Bait Rigs with large sucker minnows, particularly effective during post-spawn recovery
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along transition areas
  • Inline Spinners (bucktails) retrieved at moderate speeds near structure
  • Large Minnows and Suckers
  • Bluegill
  • Crappie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerWalleye65-78
  • Walleye are actively feeding around dock areas, particularly during low-light periods due to the stained water conditions (1.5m Secchi)
  • Fish are showing preference for slower presentations near structure, targeting crappie-sized forage
  • Docks with access to deeper water, particularly those near ledges
  • Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to depth changes
  • Main lake ledges and distinct depth changes
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along structure
  • Wacky Rigs near docks and vegetation edges
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically along bottom structure
  • Crappie - primary forage based on multiple reports
  • Young-of-year baitfish gathering around docks and vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerLargemouth Bass75-82
  • Active in early morning/late evening around weed edges, transitioning to deeper vegetation during midday heat
  • Opportunistically feeding on bluegills in and around submerged vegetation and brush
  • Inside weed edges with submerged vegetation
  • Flooded brush and trees near shoreline
  • Deep weed edges along dropoffs
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and vegetation
  • Drop Shot working deeper weed edges
  • Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation in clearer pockets
  • Bluegill in and around vegetation
  • Small panfish/crappies along weed edges
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerCrappie72-79
  • Crappie moving to deeper dock edges and suspending near vertical structure during summer heat
  • Feeding activity concentrated during early morning and evening hours, with fish seeking shade during peak daylight
  • Deep dock corners and posts in 8-12 feet of water
  • Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Transition areas where bare bottom meets vegetation
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Small minnows concentrating around dock structures
  • Aquatic insects near weed edges
  • Young-of-year baitfish in shallow vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
SummerMuskie68-79
  • Actively patrolling weedlines and points during early morning and evening, with reduced activity during bright midday periods
  • Establishing ambush positions near structure transitions, particularly where weedlines meet deeper water
  • Engaging in more aggressive feeding behavior with optimal summer water temperatures
  • Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near points
  • Rock piles and ledges with nearby vegetation
  • Dock areas with access to deeper water
  • Hard Topwater (Walking)
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Bucktails/Inline Spinners
  • Bluegill concentrating around docks and weed edges
  • Crappie schools in transitional areas
  • Walleye around ledges serving as additional forage
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Nokomis

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallWalleye48-62
  • Fish are actively feeding on crappie in stained water conditions, particularly during low-light periods
  • Transitioning to deeper ledge areas as fall progresses, following baitfish movements
  • Distinct ledges with depth changes, especially those adjacent to baitfish concentrations
  • Deep structure near submerged vegetation
  • Areas around docks where crappie concentrate
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along ledges
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically along structure
  • Crappie - primary forage based on multiple reports
  • Small baitfish relating to vegetation and structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallLargemouth Bass52-68
  • Bass are actively feeding on baitfish, following shad schools and transitioning from summer weed patterns to deeper structure
  • Fish become more aggressive during feeding windows, especially during overcast conditions, as they prepare for winter
  • Outside weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly where vegetation meets depth changes
  • Secondary points with mixed rock and weed composition
  • Dock areas with remaining vegetation, especially those near deeper water access
  • Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to deep weed edges
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching falling water temperatures and baitfish patterns
  • Schooling baitfish in deeper water near structure
  • Crayfish along rock and weed transitions
  • Remaining bluegill populations in weed edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallCrappie52-65
  • Crappie are transitioning to deeper water and schooling near vertical structure, actively feeding to build reserves for winter
  • Fish are becoming more concentrated in specific areas, with feeding activity increasing during low-light periods
  • Deep dock edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially those near channel bends
  • Last remaining weed edges where they meet deeper water
  • Transitions from bare bottom to structure in 10-15 foot depth range
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling
  • Small minnows schooling near structure
  • Late-season insects near remaining vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallMuskie45-65
  • Muskies are aggressively feeding to build up reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods given the stained water conditions
  • Fish are following forage movements and concentrating around structural elements that create ambush opportunities
  • Points with transitions from shallow to deeper water, especially those adjacent to weedlines
  • Rock piles and ledges near deeper water access
  • Remaining green weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Hard Body Swimbaits
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappies schooling in deeper water
  • Bluegills near remaining vegetation
  • Walleye around ledges and structure
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterWalleye52-57
  • Walleye are holding near ledges and rock piles, actively feeding on crappie with a preference for slow, methodical presentations in the stained water conditions
  • Fish are showing consistent feeding patterns throughout the day, but likely more active during low-light periods due to the 5-foot secchi depth
  • Defined ledges with nearby deep water access, particularly those adjacent to crappie-holding areas
  • Rock piles providing ambush points for feeding on suspended crappie
  • Transitions between structure types where baitfish concentrate
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with very slow retrieval, incorporating pauses and drops
  • Ned Rigs worked with slow jigging presentations along bottom structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') focusing on marked fish near structure
  • Crappie - primary forage based on consistent reporting
  • Other small baitfish present in the system
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterCrappie45-54
  • Crappie are actively feeding in small windows, requiring slow presentations with subtle movements as evidenced by the 'slow rise with pops' success pattern
  • Fish are holding tight to vertical structure in stained water conditions, making them more predictable but requiring precise presentations
  • Rock piles in 8-12 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water
  • Dock areas with vertical posts, particularly those near depth changes
  • Inside turns of weed edges that persist through winter
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow lift-and-drop presentations
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements
  • Damiki Rig when fish are spotted on electronics
  • Small crappie - cannibalistic feeding noted in recent reports
  • Winter-hardy aquatic insects
  • Small baitfish concentrations near structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterMuskie40-48
  • Late season muskies concentrate near the deepest available structure, particularly near points and ledges where they can ambush prey with minimal energy expenditure
  • Fish become more lethargic but will still feed opportunistically, especially during stable weather patterns and peak warming periods
  • Deep structure transitions near points where 13-foot depths meet shallower flats
  • Rock piles and ledges, especially those adjacent to deeper water
  • Deeper weed edges that still maintain green vegetation
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Large Hair Jigs (Preacher)
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Crappie schools congregating in deeper water
  • Winter-stressed bluegill near structure
  • Suspended baitfish schools
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceWalleye40-45
  • Walleye are concentrating in areas with distinct depth changes, particularly around ledges, maintaining relatively stable winter locations
  • Due to the stained water conditions (1.5m secchi), fish are more active during prime light periods like dawn and dusk, even under ice
  • Main lake ledges where depth changes are most pronounced, especially in 12-14 foot range
  • Areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water, creating winter forage zones
  • Dock areas that provide both structure and overhead cover, particularly those near depth changes
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements to trigger strikes in the stained water
  • Ice Fishing Spoons for aggressive reaction strikes, especially during peak activity periods
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern active fish
  • Crappies, which are consistently mentioned as primary forage
  • Small baitfish utilizing the submerged vegetation
  • Other juvenile panfish in the system
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Pink Colors
IceCrappie33-39
  • Crappie concentrate in deeper basin areas with reduced mobility during ice season
  • Form tight schools near bottom structure, suspending near primary forage sources
  • Active feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with reduced activity during bright midday hours
  • Deep basin areas adjacent to prominent weed edges (8-12 feet)
  • Transition areas where bare bottom meets weeds
  • Deeper dock areas that provide overhead cover (6-10 feet)
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the school
  • Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish
  • Small minnows suspending near structure
  • Winter-hardy aquatic insects
  • Zooplankton in deeper water columns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Nokomis

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeLedges and drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flatsShallow rock or gravel areas near depth transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassInside weed edges adjacent to spawning flatsTransition areas between weeds and sandy/rocky bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieCorners and protected areas between docks in 8-10 foot depthTransitions from bare bottom to weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)MuskiePoints with access to deeper water, especially those adjacent to spawning baysEmerging weedlines in 8-12 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeLedges adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in 8-15 foot transitionsShallow rock or gravel areas near depth changes
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassTransitions from weeds to sandy/rocky bottom in shallow waterInside weed edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)CrappieDock corners and protected areas in 8-10 feet of waterInside weed edges where vegetation transitions from bare bottom
Spring (Spawn)MuskieRocky points adjacent to shallow spawning baysEmerging weedlines in 6-10 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeLedges and depth transitions adjacent to spawning areasSubmerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassInside edges of weed lines, especially areas with overhanging vegetationSubmerged vegetation adjacent to transitions to sandy/rocky bottom
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieCorners and edges of docks with 8-12 feet of water depthTransitions where bare bottom meets emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)MuskieMain lake points, especially those with access to both shallow and deeper waterWeedline edges adjacent to deeper water
SummerWalleyeDocks with access to deeper water, particularly those near ledgesSubmerged vegetation edges adjacent to depth changes
SummerLargemouth BassInside weed edges with submerged vegetationFlooded brush and trees near shoreline
SummerCrappieDeep dock corners and posts in 8-12 feet of waterWeed edges adjacent to deeper water
SummerMuskieWeed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near pointsRock piles and ledges with nearby vegetation
FallWalleyeDistinct ledges with depth changes, especially those adjacent to baitfish concentrationsDeep structure near submerged vegetation
FallLargemouth BassOutside weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly where vegetation meets depth changesSecondary points with mixed rock and weed composition
FallCrappieDeep dock edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially those near channel bendsLast remaining weed edges where they meet deeper water
FallMuskiePoints with transitions from shallow to deeper water, especially those adjacent to weedlinesRock piles and ledges near deeper water access
WinterWalleyeDefined ledges with nearby deep water access, particularly those adjacent to crappie-holding areasRock piles providing ambush points for feeding on suspended crappie
WinterCrappieRock piles in 8-12 foot depth range, especially those near deeper waterDock areas with vertical posts, particularly those near depth changes
WinterMuskieDeep structure transitions near points where 13-foot depths meet shallower flatsRock piles and ledges, especially those adjacent to deeper water
IceWalleyeMain lake ledges where depth changes are most pronounced, especially in 12-14 foot rangeAreas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water, creating winter forage zones
IceCrappieDeep basin areas adjacent to prominent weed edges (8-12 feet)Transition areas where bare bottom meets weeds

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeCrappie concentrations in pre-spawn areasSmall baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill beginning to move shallowSmall baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieSmall minnows gathering near warming shallow areasEarly season insects beginning to emerge
Spring (Pre-Spawn)MuskieWalleye concentrating on structural elementsCrappies moving shallow for their own spawn
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeCrappie - primary forage based on multiple reportsSmall baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging in shallow areasSmall bluegill in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)CrappieMinnows - primary forage during pre-spawn periodInsects - secondary forage especially around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)MuskieBluegills congregating in shallow spawning areasCrappies moving shallow for their own spawn
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeCrappies concentrated around vegetation and dock areasYoung of year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallower areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill concentrating around vegetation edgesYoung of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieSmall minnows gathering around dock structureEmerging aquatic insects near weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)MuskieLarge Minnows and SuckersBluegill
SummerWalleyeCrappie - primary forage based on multiple reportsYoung-of-year baitfish gathering around docks and vegetation
SummerLargemouth BassBluegill in and around vegetationSmall panfish/crappies along weed edges
SummerCrappieSmall minnows concentrating around dock structuresAquatic insects near weed edges
SummerMuskieBluegill concentrating around docks and weed edgesCrappie schools in transitional areas
FallWalleyeCrappie - primary forage based on multiple reportsSmall baitfish relating to vegetation and structure
FallLargemouth BassSchooling baitfish in deeper water near structureCrayfish along rock and weed transitions
FallCrappieSmall minnows schooling near structureLate-season insects near remaining vegetation
FallMuskieCrappies schooling in deeper waterBluegills near remaining vegetation
WinterWalleyeCrappie - primary forage based on consistent reportingOther small baitfish present in the system
WinterCrappieSmall crappie - cannibalistic feeding noted in recent reportsWinter-hardy aquatic insects
WinterMuskieCrappie schools congregating in deeper waterWinter-stressed bluegill near structure
IceWalleyeCrappies, which are consistently mentioned as primary forageSmall baitfish utilizing the submerged vegetation
IceCrappieSmall minnows suspending near structureWinter-hardy aquatic insects

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Nokomis

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Muskie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Crappie
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Muskie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Muskie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
SummerMuskie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallMuskie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
WinterWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
WinterMuskie
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Pink Colors
IceCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals