How to Fish Lake Ontario: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Ontario

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Ontario

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-60	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but still relating to deeper structure with access to spawning areas Fish are becoming more aggressive with warming trends, showing preference for reaction baits with extended pauses as evidenced by jerkbait success	Rock piles and boulder fields near potential spawning areas, particularly in 10-15 foot depths Transition areas between rock and sand, especially on windward shores Deeper humps with quick access to spawning flats	Hard Jerkbaits with 3-5 second pauses, especially effective in stained water or cloudy conditions Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock piles and boulder fields Drop Shot rigs for deeper staging fish Football Jigs dragged slowly through rocky areas with extended pauses	Yellow Perch Alewife Crayfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, staging on adjacent structure Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Moving shallower as water temperatures rise, particularly on sunny afternoons	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 4-8 foot depth range Protected dock areas with deep water access	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transition areas Bladed Jigs around shallow cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting visible cover	Bluegill gathering in pre-spawn areas Perch in slightly deeper water along transitions Minnows schooling in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and moving from winter deep weed edges to shallower spawning areas, following warming water trends Fish are aggressively pursuing baitfish schools (alewife and shad) while staging near spawning areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deep weed edges (9-14 foot transition zones) Points and irregular shoreline features leading into spawning bays Areas where schools of alewife and shad concentrate near shoreline structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along transition zones Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds near emerging vegetation Inline Spinners cast parallel to shoreline structure	Alewife schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Shad moving into warming shallow zones	Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Salmon	42-55	Salmon are actively transitioning from winter patterns to spring feeding, following baitfish schools as they move into warmer, shallower waters Fish are staging near structural elements that create current breaks, particularly where temperature breaks occur near ledges and rock piles	Rock piles and ledges near deep-water access in 15-30 foot depths Points and structural elements that create current breaks Shallow bays where baitfish congregate as waters warm	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed control to target active fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions Spoons worked through baitfish schools	Alewife moving into shallower waters Perch along structural elements Other baitfish congregating near current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Panfish are beginning to stage in pre-spawn areas, moving from deeper winter locations to shallower flats adjacent to spawning areas Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer portions of the day Congregating in schools near emerging vegetation and structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially where it transitions to slightly deeper water Areas near docks and brush piles in 4-8 foot depth range Rock piles and boulder areas that warm quickly in spring sun	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended just above vegetation Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through transition areas Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along vegetation edges	Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Tiny baitfish congregating near vegetation Small crustaceans active in rock and vegetation areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Smallmouth bass are in spawn/pre-spawn mode, with fish transitioning between staging areas and spawning locations. Recent reports show fish suspended and actively feeding, typical of pre-spawn behavior. Fish are showing aggressive behavior towards moving baits, indicating active feeding periods as they prepare for spawning	Boulder fields near potential spawning areas, particularly on windward shores with good rock/gravel composition Transition areas where rock meets sand, providing staging locations near spawning sites Secondary points with boulder structure in 10-20 foot depth range	Finesse Hair Jigs - recent reports show success with this technique for suspended fish Hard Jerkbaits - confirmed effective in recent reports, particularly for active fish Ned Rigs - proven effective in recent reports for spring smallmouth	Crawfish becoming more active in warming spring conditions Small perch in shallow water areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas before moving to shallow spawning flats, actively defending territory and becoming increasingly aggressive Moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones based on daily temperature fluctuations	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and nearby deep water access Areas with submerged vegetation near spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and bedding areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transitional areas Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows Bluegill in spawning areas Small perch near vegetation edges	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas, typically right after ice-out when water temperatures begin to warm. They're actively feeding to recover from spawn. Fish are making frequent moves between spawning areas and slightly deeper adjacent areas, particularly during post-spawn recovery.	Shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Transitional areas between spawning bays and deeper weed edges (6-9 feet) Protected coves with warming water and access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily in shallow water Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near vegetation	Alewife moving into shallow areas Shad schools in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Salmon	42-58	Salmon are moving into shallower waters (10-15ft) during spring spawn, actively feeding on baitfish near structural elements and current breaks Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during temperature transitions, targeting schools of alewife and perch in the upper water column	Rock piles and ledges in 10-15ft depths where current creates feeding opportunities Points and shoreline structure that intersect with spring migration routes Current breaks near structural elements where baitfish concentrate	Trolling Shallow (0-9') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Hard Jerkbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Alewife schools moving into shallower water Perch concentrating around structure Various small baitfish disoriented by spring current conditions	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around vegetation and protected coves where water warms first Males preparing and guarding nests in colonies, becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, with periodic breaks during actual spawning	Protected shallow bays with mixed vegetation and firm bottom, 2-4 feet deep Areas adjacent to reed beds and emergent vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs suspended just above vegetation Drop Shot with small soft plastics for precise presentation around nests Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding and recovering, holding near deep-water access points while utilizing boulder fields in 10-25 foot depths Fish are showing strong preference for crawfish forage, with multiple specimens found with crawfish in their throats Fish are relating strongly to hard bottom structure and demonstrating aggressive feeding behavior, particularly during prime feeding periods	Boulder fields and chunk rock in 10-15 foot depth range Rocky points with access to deeper water Hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats	Drop Shot with 4-inch soft plastics, particularly effective in 20-25 foot depths Ned Rig worked slowly along boulder fields Small to Medium Soft Body Swimbaits around shallow boulder areas	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple catch reports Small baitfish around boulder fields	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	75-83	Post-spawn largemouth are recovering from the spawn and beginning to establish summer feeding patterns, actively feeding around matted grass edges and shallow cover Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the warm water (81°F), particularly relating to edges of grass mats and other shallow cover	Matted grass edges and openings, particularly in Braddock Bay area Dock structures adjacent to vegetation Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Grass Jigs flipped into matted grass edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass	Bluegill in shallow grass areas Perch relating to dock and vegetation edges Young of year baitfish emerging in grass areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from shallow spawning areas to transitional structures Fish are following baitfish schools (alewife and shad) while maintaining proximity to weed edges for ambush opportunities	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot range, especially where they intersect with points Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning bays Suspended over deeper water near baitfish schools	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds along structure Inline Spinners worked through transitional areas Trolling Shallow (0-9') targeting active fish	Alewife schools in open water Shad concentrations near structure Young-of-year panfish in emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Salmon	45-58	Actively feeding salmon transitioning from deep winter locations to shallower, warmer water, targeting baitfish along temperature breaks and structure Fish staging near points and ledges during morning and evening, moving into open water during bright conditions to follow bait schools	Current-swept points and ledges in 15-30 foot depths where baitfish concentrate Offshore structure near deep-water access where temperature breaks intersect Protected bays with baitfish schools during windy conditions	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed changes to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are concentrated on structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools	Alewife schools moving shallow for spring spawn Yellow Perch in transitional areas near structure Suspended baitfish schools in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	68-76	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, dispersing from spawning areas to nearby feeding zones Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow vegetation and slightly deeper structure throughout the day	Weed edges and transitions near spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water Protected areas between docks with submerged vegetation Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to vegetation	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Drop Shot with small soft plastics near dock areas Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Small insects and larvae in vegetation Small perch fry Aquatic invertebrates near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	71-76	Active feeding on rocky structures and sand transitions, with fish both bottom-oriented and suspended 20-30 feet in the water column Schooling behavior evident around deeper structures, particularly near Duck Island and other main lake areas Showing clear response to current, requiring adjusted presentations even in calm conditions	Rock to sand transitions in 10-20 foot depth range Deep boulder fields and rock piles in 30-60 foot range Rocky areas near submerged vegetation in 10-12 foot depth	Drop Shot with 3/4 oz weight for better control in current Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock-to-sand transitions Bladed Jigs (3/4 oz) for suspended fish	Perch Gobies Crawfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	71-76	Active feeding in vegetation and brush pile zones, with fish relating strongly to cover in 71-76°F water temperatures Establishing consistent daily feeding patterns around submerged structure, particularly during morning and evening periods	Submerged vegetation with rock mixtures Brush piles near deeper water Dock areas with adjacent vegetation	Football Jigs worked with snap-and-drag presentation over rock and grass Drop Shot with finesse presentations around brush piles Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick cover	Perch Minnows	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike are actively feeding on shad schools, showing aggressive pursuit behavior in moderate clarity conditions Fish are utilizing deep weed edges (9-14 foot range) as ambush points, moving between structure and open water to follow baitfish	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot depth range Points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish schools concentrate Suspended areas near baitfish schools in open water	Blade Baits worked through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for suspended fish	Shad Alewife	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Salmon	52-58	Salmon are following thermoclines and concentrating in the 30-60ft range during warm summer days, moving shallower during low-light periods to feed on baitfish Fish are actively feeding on schools of alewife and perch, primarily during dawn and dusk, with opportunistic feeding throughout the day near current breaks	Deep ledges and rock piles in 30-60ft range near strong current breaks Points and structural elements where thermoclines intersect with bottom structure Open water areas with schools of baitfish, particularly near surface during low-light periods	Trolling Deep (20'+) Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)	Alewife schools in open water Yellow Perch around structure Suspended baitfish near thermocline	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-76	Actively feeding in and around shallow vegetation, particularly reed beds, during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas throughout the day, seeking optimal temperature zones Utilizing dock areas and brush piles as secondary locations during bright midday periods	Reed beds and vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Dock areas with nearby vegetation Vegetation transition areas near rock piles	Drop Shot with small finesse presentations Bobbers with live bait or small soft plastics Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under structures	Small insects and larvae in vegetation Young-of-year baitfish Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Ontario

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	40-74	Fish are actively grouping up on deep structure, feeding heavily on perch to build winter reserves Moving deeper throughout the day, starting shallower in morning and pushing to 30-45ft range by midday Aggressive feeding behavior when located, but requiring precise presentations near bottom	Gradual ledges transitioning from 27ft to 45ft depth Rock humps in 30-35 foot range Isolated boulder fields with clean bottom Deep points with rock-to-sand transitions	Blade Baits worked with short 6-inch hops along bottom Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) keeping bait within 12-20 inches of bottom Hard Jerkbaits for actively feeding fish Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom structure	Perch Crawfish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	68-74	Early fall transition pattern with bass actively feeding on bluegill and minnows around dock structures and ledges Most active feeding periods during morning hours (reports show bite window 9AM-1PM), suggesting classic fall feeding patterns	Dock pilings, particularly front sections regardless of water depth Ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats Points and irregular shoreline features with complex structure	Structure Jigs around dock pilings, focusing on skipping presentation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along ledges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around dock structure	Bluegill congregating around dock structures Minnows relating to ledges and transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Northern Pike actively feeding on schooling baitfish (alewife and shad), following forage to deeper water as temperatures cool Fish transitioning from summer weed edges to deeper structure, using points and deep weed edges as ambush locations Aggressive feeding behavior to build up energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during stable weather	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water Main lake points adjacent to bays where baitfish schools concentrate Steep breaks and irregular shoreline features near deep water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along deep weed edges and points Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying depths to track suspended baitfish Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') to cover water and locate active fish	Alewife schools congregating in deeper water Shad moving along deep structure Late-season panfish near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Salmon	52-62	Salmon actively feeding on baitfish near thermal breaks and structure, following schools of alewife and perch in preparation for fall spawning movements Fish transitioning between deeper and shallower waters throughout the day, particularly active during low-light periods near surface Aggressive feeding behavior due to pre-winter feeding instinct, with fish more likely to chase fast-moving baits	Current-swept points and ledges where baitfish concentrate Deep-water structure adjacent to shallow feeding flats Areas where thermocline intersects with prominent structure	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed along structure edges Trolling Deep (20'+) targeting suspended fish following bait schools Spoons worked through bait concentrations Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking primary forage	Alewife schools concentrating near structure Yellow Perch in transitional areas Various baitfish species congregating near thermal breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Panfish are transitioning to deeper water and congregating in larger schools as water temperatures cool Actively feeding during midday hours when water temperatures peak, focusing on remaining vegetation edges and deeper structure	Deep weed edges and vegetation transitions at 8-15 feet Rock piles and brush piles adjacent to deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly along structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around remaining vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms	Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	33-38	Northern Pike are actively feeding but with a more methodical approach, suspending at specific depths related to baitfish schools in the 9-14 foot range Fish are showing preference for steady retrieves and targeting suspended prey, with light strikes indicating selective feeding behavior	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot depth range, particularly where submerged vegetation meets open water Secondary break lines adjacent to vegetated flats where baitfish schools suspend Protected bays with remaining green vegetation where baitfish concentrate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with controlled depth counting method - count down to half the water depth before starting retrieve Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges Blade Baits worked through suspended baitfish schools	Alewife schools suspending near deep weed edges Small panfish relating to the remaining green vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Salmon	35-45	Salmon are suspending in the water column following schools of baitfish, particularly around temperature breaks and current seams Fish are most active during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed on disoriented baitfish when wind and waves create favorable conditions	Deep ledges and rock piles in 30-60 foot range where current creates baitfish holding areas Transition areas between structural elements where current forms distinct breaks Shallow points and shoreline areas during wind-driven baitfish movements	Trolling Deep (20'+) with consistent speed control to maintain proper depth in current Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics in specific depth ranges Spoons worked through bait schools when fish are actively feeding	Alewife in open water suspended at various depths Perch around structure and transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Panfish are likely to be concentrated in the deeper, warmer water, moving at a slower pace due to reduced metabolism Fish will be found in more predictable locations, often schooling tightly near structure and staying relatively stationary	Deep rock piles and boulder areas in 15-25 foot range Transition areas where vegetation meets deeper water Deeper brush piles and man-made structure	Drop Shot with small plastics worked very slowly Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro jigs Ice Fishing Jigs even in open water, worked with minimal movement	Small invertebrates and aquatic insects Juvenile perch Tiny baitfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Northern Pike are actively feeding but concentrate along deep weed edges in 9-14 foot zones, using vegetation as ambush points Fish are relating strongly to baitfish schools, particularly alewife and shad, and will suspend at specific depths to target these forage species	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot range where vegetation meets clean bottom Areas where suspended baitfish schools concentrate near structure Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Alewife schools suspending near structure Shad concentrations in mid-depth ranges Small panfish relating to weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Panfish are concentrating in deeper basins and transitional areas near vegetation edges, typically schooling tightly in winter Feeding activity is most pronounced during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges (18-25 feet) Rock piles and boulder areas in 15-20 foot range Transitions between vegetation and hard bottom in 12-15 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and frequent pauses Ice Fishing Spoons using a slow flutter fall technique Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for more aggressive fish during prime feeding periods	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Small perch fry	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Ontario

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields near potential spawning areas, particularly in 10-15 foot depths	Transition areas between rock and sand, especially on windward shores
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deep weed edges (9-14 foot transition zones)	Points and irregular shoreline features leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Salmon	Rock piles and ledges near deep-water access in 15-30 foot depths	Points and structural elements that create current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially where it transitions to slightly deeper water	Areas near docks and brush piles in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields near potential spawning areas, particularly on windward shores with good rock/gravel composition	Transition areas where rock meets sand, providing staging locations near spawning sites
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and nearby deep water access	Areas with submerged vegetation near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Transitional areas between spawning bays and deeper weed edges (6-9 feet)
Spring (Spawn)	Salmon	Rock piles and ledges in 10-15ft depths where current creates feeding opportunities	Points and shoreline structure that intersect with spring migration routes
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with mixed vegetation and firm bottom, 2-4 feet deep	Areas adjacent to reed beds and emergent vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and chunk rock in 10-15 foot depth range	Rocky points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass edges and openings, particularly in Braddock Bay area	Dock structures adjacent to vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot range, especially where they intersect with points	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Salmon	Current-swept points and ledges in 15-30 foot depths where baitfish concentrate	Offshore structure near deep-water access where temperature breaks intersect
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and transitions near spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water	Protected areas between docks with submerged vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock to sand transitions in 10-20 foot depth range	Deep boulder fields and rock piles in 30-60 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation with rock mixtures	Brush piles near deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot depth range	Points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish schools concentrate
Summer	Salmon	Deep ledges and rock piles in 30-60ft range near strong current breaks	Points and structural elements where thermoclines intersect with bottom structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Reed beds and vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Dock areas with nearby vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Gradual ledges transitioning from 27ft to 45ft depth	Rock humps in 30-35 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dock pilings, particularly front sections regardless of water depth	Ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water	Main lake points adjacent to bays where baitfish schools concentrate
Fall	Salmon	Current-swept points and ledges where baitfish concentrate	Deep-water structure adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges and vegetation transitions at 8-15 feet	Rock piles and brush piles adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot depth range, particularly where submerged vegetation meets open water	Secondary break lines adjacent to vegetated flats where baitfish schools suspend
Winter	Salmon	Deep ledges and rock piles in 30-60 foot range where current creates baitfish holding areas	Transition areas between structural elements where current forms distinct breaks
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep rock piles and boulder areas in 15-25 foot range	Transition areas where vegetation meets deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 9-14 foot range where vegetation meets clean bottom	Areas where suspended baitfish schools concentrate near structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges (18-25 feet)	Rock piles and boulder areas in 15-20 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch	Alewife
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in pre-spawn areas	Perch in slightly deeper water along transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Alewife schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Shad moving into warming shallow zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Salmon	Alewife moving into shallower waters	Perch along structural elements
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Tiny baitfish congregating near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish becoming more active in warming spring conditions	Small perch in shallow water areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows	Bluegill in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Alewife moving into shallow areas	Shad schools in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Salmon	Alewife schools moving into shallower water	Perch concentrating around structure
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple catch reports	Small baitfish around boulder fields
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow grass areas	Perch relating to dock and vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Alewife schools in open water	Shad concentrations near structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Salmon	Alewife schools moving shallow for spring spawn	Yellow Perch in transitional areas near structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in vegetation	Small perch fry
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Gobies
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Minnows
Summer	Northern Pike	Shad	Alewife
Summer	Salmon	Alewife schools in open water	Yellow Perch around structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch	Crawfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating around dock structures	Minnows relating to ledges and transition areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Alewife schools congregating in deeper water	Shad moving along deep structure
Fall	Salmon	Alewife schools concentrating near structure	Yellow Perch in transitional areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish
Winter	Northern Pike	Alewife schools suspending near deep weed edges	Small panfish relating to the remaining green vegetation
Winter	Salmon	Alewife in open water suspended at various depths	Perch around structure and transitional areas
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and aquatic insects	Juvenile perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Alewife schools suspending near structure	Shad concentrations in mid-depth ranges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Ontario

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