How to Fish Lake Okeechobee: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Okeechobee

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Okeechobee

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-70	Bass are transitioning into pre-spawn areas, actively feeding but location-sensitive due to fishing pressure. They're relating heavily to thick cover and vegetation as evidenced by multiple fishing reports. Fish are showing aggressive feeding periods but can be spooky in heavily pressured areas, requiring stealth and precise presentations as noted in tournament reports.	Matted grass areas with sparse pockets, particularly in protected zones Reed lines, especially in areas with cleaner water Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with lighter weights for precise presentations in vegetation Wacky Rigs in cleaner water areas, especially during calm conditions Neko Rigs with nail weights for better penetration in submerged vegetation	Bluegill actively moving in shallow vegetation as primary forage Smaller baitfish relating to vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warmer, shallow spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are schooling near staging areas adjacent to spawning grounds, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Due to the turbid water conditions (1.1m Secchi), fish are staying relatively shallow, primarily in 4-7 foot depth range	Shallow areas with emergent vegetation (cattails and reeds) in 4-7 feet of water Submerged brush and vegetation near spawning flats Protected shoreline areas with complex structure due to the 1.98 shoreline development index	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small baitfish (primarily shad and minnows) Small aquatic insects emerging in spring	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are actively feeding and moving from winter areas to spawning locations, following channel edges and utilizing current areas Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, staging near spawning areas and feeding heavily to prepare for spawning	River channel edges where current meets structure Tributary mouths and incoming water sources Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn patterns Small bluegill near vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill are transitioning to shallower areas (2-6 feet) as water warms, actively feeding in preparation for spawning Fish are congregating near emerging vegetation edges and protected areas, with increased feeding activity during warm afternoons	Emerging vegetation edges in 2-6 foot depths, especially near reed beds Protected coves with early vegetation growth Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with scattered vegetation	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through emerging vegetation Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges	Small insects and larvae near vegetation Small crustaceans in shallow areas Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-72	Bass are in various spawning phases - pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn - with fish moving in and out of shallow areas. Fish are aggressive when protecting beds and feeding heavily before and after spawning. Fish are relating heavily to vegetation, particularly reeds and matted grass, using these areas for spawning and ambush points.	Reed beds and cattail clumps, especially those with adjacent hyacinth mats Clean water areas near vegetation for spawning Isolated structure leading to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - primary technique for targeting fish in heavy cover and beds Bladed Jigs - effective in slightly more open water around spawning areas Swim Jigs - particularly effective for targeting fish feeding on bluegill Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) - productive around vegetation edges	Bluegill - primary forage as they also move shallow to spawn Shad - secondary forage in more open water areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	72-74	Crappie are actively spawning in shallow areas, particularly around flooded brush and emergent vegetation, as evidenced by recent success in Bulkhead ridge area Fish are schooling in large numbers, with reports showing multiple catches (65 fish) in single locations, typical of spring spawning behavior	Flooded brush in shallow water areas, particularly in Bulkhead ridge Areas with emergent vegetation like cattails and reeds Protected shallow bays with 4-7 foot depths	Bobbers with live minnows, which proved highly successful in recent reports Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly around structure Crappie Dock Shooting for targeting fish under covered areas	Live minnows, as evidenced by successful catches in recent reports Small baitfish, particularly fathead minnow patterns	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on hard-bottom areas with current or wave action Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, using turbid water conditions for daytime feeding opportunities Post-spawn females will quickly transition to feeding heavily while remaining relatively shallow	River channel areas with current and hard bottom Shallow rock or gravel areas near vegetation edges Points and bays with moderate depth transitions	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts in current areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves	Shad congregating in spawning areas Small bluegills near vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-80	Bluegill are actively spawning and defending nesting areas in shallow, vegetated zones Fish are feeding aggressively on insects and small invertebrates near submerged vegetation Males are establishing and guarding nests in colonies, making them particularly territorial and aggressive	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Protected coves with mixed vegetation including reeds and lily pads Edges of vegetation near slightly deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with crickets or small worms Bobbers with light tackle suspended at 2-3 feet Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through vegetation edges	Insects (particularly crickets and aquatic insects) Small invertebrates in vegetation Zooplankton near submerged plants	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	78-86	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding in shallow areas, especially around vegetation and cover, with reports showing aggressive topwater strikes and schooling activity Fish are showing a dual pattern - some actively chasing bait in open water while others are holding tight to thick cover like matted grass and reeds	Matted grass and reed beds, especially those adjacent to deeper water Grass flats behind islands with current breaks River channel mouths and associated structure	Frogs/Toads worked slowly over matted vegetation Bladed Jigs around isolated cover and reed clumps Wacky Rigs and Texas Rigs in slightly more open areas	Bluegill - multiple reports confirm active bluegill forage Schooling Baitfish - reports show bass actively chasing bait in open water	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-76	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while gradually moving toward deeper structure Fish are schooling in predictable locations near vegetation edges and brush, particularly active during morning and evening periods	Edges of cattail and reed beds in 4-7 feet of water where they transition to slightly deeper water Submerged brush piles near shoreline structure in 6-10 feet of water Secondary points with emergent vegetation offering shade and cover	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around vegetation edges Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) parallel to weed edges to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near brush piles and structure	Small baitfish schools in and around vegetation edges Juvenile sunfish beginning to emerge in the shallows Aquatic insects active in the warming water	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	55-68	Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to feeding locations, actively seeking food to recover energy Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to turbid water conditions, utilizing vegetation edges and current areas for ambush feeding	River channel edges and current areas with nearby vegetation Points and bays with submerged brush and wood cover Vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in current areas	Shad concentrating in post-spawn areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily in shallow to mid-depth vegetation zones Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, moving between shallow cover and slightly deeper adjacent areas Most active during morning and evening hours, seeking shade during bright midday periods	Edges of reed beds and lily pads in 2-4 feet of water Shallow vegetation mats with adjacent deeper water access Protected coves with mixed vegetation	Bobbers with light tackle suspended at 2-3 feet depth Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily near cover	Small insects and larvae near vegetation Small crustaceans in shallow areas Newly hatched fry in spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	83-89	Bass are exhibiting a distinct early morning activity peak, aggressively feeding on shad near vegetation edges before transitioning to deeper cover as the sun rises During midday heat, fish are holding tight to thick matted vegetation and require targeted presentations to provoke strikes	Outside edges of reed lines during early morning hours Matted grass areas with adjacent ditches providing slightly deeper water Thick vegetation mats pushed against bullrush by wind	Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits during early morning hours Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with heavy weights for punching mats during midday Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through grass when fish are active	Shad schooling near vegetation edges Bluegill in and around matted vegetation	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending in and around submerged vegetation and brush in 4-7 feet of water, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Schools are relating to shade during peak daylight hours due to the turbid water and warm temperatures	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-7 feet of water, particularly near cattails and reeds Brush piles and woody cover providing shade in similar depths Deeper dock areas offering shade during midday heat	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting during midday when fish seek shade Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding tight to cover	Small baitfish in shallow water around vegetation Aquatic insects near emergent vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	72-82	Walleye are likely seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water during daylight hours due to high summer temperatures Most active feeding occurs during dawn, dusk, and night periods when temperatures are cooler and light penetration is low Fish are relating strongly to current areas and river channels for oxygen-rich water	River channel edges and current areas providing cooling flows Deep vegetation edges adjacent to feeding flats Points and structure near deeper water that provide quick access to thermal refuge	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and points during low light periods Live Bait Rigs near deep vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in current areas	Shad schools in deeper water Bluegill relating to vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-85	Bluegill are actively spawning and defending nests in shallow areas, particularly around vegetation edges During peak daytime heat, fish move slightly deeper into vegetation edges while maintaining proximity to spawning areas Feeding activity is highest during early morning and evening hours in the shallows	Shallow vegetation edges in 2-4 feet of water, especially near lily pads and reeds Protected coves with matted grass Slightly deeper vegetation edges in 5-8 feet for midday retreat	Bobbers with lightweight jigs suspended 2-3 feet deep near vegetation Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through gaps in vegetation Inline Spinners retrieved steadily along weed edges	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Tiny crustaceans in and around aquatic plants Small minnows in open pockets between vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Okeechobee

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	74-86	Bass are actively feeding in and around thick vegetation, particularly matted grass, reeds, and lily pads, showing aggressive strikes when baits are presented effectively Fish are relating heavily to bluegill beds and bait concentrations, using vegetation as ambush points	Thick matted grass areas with clean water pockets underneath Reed lines and bullrush points, especially those adjacent to deeper water Lily pad fields with mixed vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with heavy weights (3/4 to 2 oz) to punch through thick vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through gaps in vegetation and along edges Swim Jigs worked through slightly more open areas and clean water pockets	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation and bedding areas Smaller baitfish utilizing vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	65-75	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding more aggressively as water temperatures cool, preparing for winter Fish are transitioning from shallow vegetation to slightly deeper brush and structure, but staying within 4-7 feet due to turbid water	Submerged brush piles and vegetation edges in 4-7 feet of water Areas where cattails and reeds intersect with deeper water Protected coves and bays with complex structure	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small baitfish in large schools Young-of-year shad and minnows Small invertebrates around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	58-72	Walleye are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, focusing on shad and bluegill schools particularly during dawn and dusk Fish are transitioning from deeper summer haunts to shallower feeding areas, especially around vegetation edges and river channel intersections	River channel edges where current meets vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near vegetation edges Points and bays with submerged brush and wood cover	Trolling Shallow (0-9') Lipless Crankbaits Blade Baits	Shad schools congregating in bays and along vegetation edges Bluegill relating to vegetation and wood cover	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	65-78	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper vegetation edges and schooling more tightly as temperatures begin to cool, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are showing increased activity during midday hours when water temperatures peak, focusing on areas with remaining green vegetation	Deeper weed edges where vegetation transitions to open water (4-8 feet) Points and coves with remaining healthy vegetation Protected areas near reed beds with deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs with small jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Bobbers suspended at varying depths to find active schools Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Small aquatic insects concentrated around remaining vegetation Zooplankton in slightly deeper water columns Small minnows gathering near vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	62-76	Bass are relating to wind-driven bait movements, staging in 6-7 ft depths near vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate Fish are showing pre-spawn staging behavior, utilizing inside grass lines and clean water areas as primary feeding zones	Inside grass lines and reed points with clean water Wind-blown areas with deeper water (6-7 ft) adjacent to heavy brush Protected areas near lily pads with baitfish present	Carolina Rigs with 2ft leader and flukes in deeper staging areas Texas Rigs worked through vegetation Bladed Jigs along grass edges	Shad schooling along vegetation edges Alewife concentrating in wind-blown areas Minnows gathering around reed points	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	63-74	Crappie are actively schooling in and around vegetative cover, particularly cattails and reeds, showing strong feeding activity during winter months Fish are holding in relatively shallow water (4-7 feet) due to the lake's turbid conditions, and are easily spooked from fishing pressure	Scattered cattails and reed beds in 4-7 feet of water Submerged vegetation patches near cattail edges Protected areas with baitfish concentrations	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working slowly through vegetation Bobbers with live minnows near structure Spybaits with long casts to avoid spooking pressured fish	Shad concentrations around vegetation Small minnows in shallow water areas	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Walleye	55-65	Due to turbid water conditions (1.1m Secchi), walleye are likely to be more active during daylight hours than typical winter patterns, staying in relatively shallow to mid-depth water Fish are holding near current areas and channel edges where oxygen levels are higher, actively feeding on shad schools during low-light periods	River channel edges and current areas where oxygen-rich water provides comfort zones Edges of submerged vegetation and scattered brush/wood cover that hold baitfish Points and bays that concentrate baitfish schools, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges and current seams Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive jigging action near structure Lipless Crankbaits worked through scattered vegetation and over brush	Shad schools concentrated in warmer water areas Bluegill holding near submerged vegetation and wood cover	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	60-68	During winter open water, bluegill typically school tightly in deeper vegetated areas and move slower due to reduced metabolism Feeding periods are shortened and more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures are highest	Deep edges of vegetation in 8-15 feet of water where plant growth meets deeper basins Protected coves with remaining green vegetation Deeper dock areas adjacent to vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Okeechobee

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass areas with sparse pockets, particularly in protected zones	Reed lines, especially in areas with cleaner water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow areas with emergent vegetation (cattails and reeds) in 4-7 feet of water	Submerged brush and vegetation near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges where current meets structure	Tributary mouths and incoming water sources
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging vegetation edges in 2-6 foot depths, especially near reed beds	Protected coves with early vegetation growth
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds and cattail clumps, especially those with adjacent hyacinth mats	Clean water areas near vegetation for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Flooded brush in shallow water areas, particularly in Bulkhead ridge	Areas with emergent vegetation like cattails and reeds
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	River channel areas with current and hard bottom	Shallow rock or gravel areas near vegetation edges
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Protected coves with mixed vegetation including reeds and lily pads
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and reed beds, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Grass flats behind islands with current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Edges of cattail and reed beds in 4-7 feet of water where they transition to slightly deeper water	Submerged brush piles near shoreline structure in 6-10 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges and current areas with nearby vegetation	Points and bays with submerged brush and wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of reed beds and lily pads in 2-4 feet of water	Shallow vegetation mats with adjacent deeper water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Outside edges of reed lines during early morning hours	Matted grass areas with adjacent ditches providing slightly deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-7 feet of water, particularly near cattails and reeds	Brush piles and woody cover providing shade in similar depths
Summer	Walleye	River channel edges and current areas providing cooling flows	Deep vegetation edges adjacent to feeding flats
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow vegetation edges in 2-4 feet of water, especially near lily pads and reeds	Protected coves with matted grass
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Thick matted grass areas with clean water pockets underneath	Reed lines and bullrush points, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Submerged brush piles and vegetation edges in 4-7 feet of water	Areas where cattails and reeds intersect with deeper water
Fall	Walleye	River channel edges where current meets vegetation	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near vegetation edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deeper weed edges where vegetation transitions to open water (4-8 feet)	Points and coves with remaining healthy vegetation
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Inside grass lines and reed points with clean water	Wind-blown areas with deeper water (6-7 ft) adjacent to heavy brush
Winter	Crappie	Scattered cattails and reed beds in 4-7 feet of water	Submerged vegetation patches near cattail edges
Winter	Walleye	River channel edges and current areas where oxygen-rich water provides comfort zones	Edges of submerged vegetation and scattered brush/wood cover that hold baitfish
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of vegetation in 8-15 feet of water where plant growth meets deeper basins	Protected coves with remaining green vegetation

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill actively moving in shallow vegetation as primary forage	Smaller baitfish relating to vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish (primarily shad and minnows)	Small aquatic insects emerging in spring
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn patterns	Small bluegill near vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near vegetation	Small crustaceans in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage as they also move shallow to spawn	Shad - secondary forage in more open water areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Live minnows, as evidenced by successful catches in recent reports	Small baitfish, particularly fathead minnow patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad congregating in spawning areas	Small bluegills near vegetation edges
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects (particularly crickets and aquatic insects)	Small invertebrates in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - multiple reports confirm active bluegill forage	Schooling Baitfish - reports show bass actively chasing bait in open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish schools in and around vegetation edges	Juvenile sunfish beginning to emerge in the shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrating in post-spawn areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near vegetation	Small crustaceans in shallow areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near vegetation edges	Bluegill in and around matted vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Small baitfish in shallow water around vegetation	Aquatic insects near emergent vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools in deeper water	Bluegill relating to vegetation edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Tiny crustaceans in and around aquatic plants
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation and bedding areas	Smaller baitfish utilizing vegetation edges
Fall	Crappie	Small baitfish in large schools	Young-of-year shad and minnows
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in bays and along vegetation edges	Bluegill relating to vegetation and wood cover
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects concentrated around remaining vegetation	Zooplankton in slightly deeper water columns
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling along vegetation edges	Alewife concentrating in wind-blown areas
Winter	Crappie	Shad concentrations around vegetation	Small minnows in shallow water areas
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in warmer water areas	Bluegill holding near submerged vegetation and wood cover
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Okeechobee

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors