How to Fish Lake Pleasant: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Pleasant

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Pleasant

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Largemouth bass transitioning from winter to pre-spawn patterns, staging near spawning areas but still relating to deeper structure in 10-18 ft range Fish becoming more active with warming trends but still maintaining deeper holding patterns, showing selective feeding behavior in clear water conditions	Main lake points and reefs in 10-18 foot range adjacent to spawning coves Boulder fields and structure in deeper water, particularly near cove entrances Protected areas in back of coves where water warms fastest	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses, particularly effective in 10-15 ft range Drop Shot with finesse worms, especially effective in clear water conditions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along structure transitions	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming more active with warming water	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	54-62	Actively feeding on shad schools in deep water (21+ ft), showing aggressive response to flutter spoons worked vertically Moving in clear seasonal migration pattern, transitioning from winter shallows to pre-spawn staging areas in deeper water Schooling behavior evident, with fish showing up clearly on sonar and responding to bait presentations	Deep basin areas (21+ feet) where schools are staging Points and channel edges leading to spawning areas Areas with clear access to deep water near complex shoreline structures	Spoons worked vertically with bottom contact and flutter pauses Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs	Shad schools in deeper water Pelagic baitfish concentrations	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn white bass are actively staging near creek arms and tributary mouths, preparing for their upstream spawning migration Fish are transitioning from deep winter holding areas to shallower staging areas, following shad movements and responding to warming water temperatures	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections near Castle Creek area Steep banks and channel swings in 15-25 foot depth range Secondary points inside major creek arms where pre-spawn staging occurs	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges where fish are staging Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through suspended schools Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional areas where fish are moving shallow	Schooling shad moving from deep winter areas to warmer, shallower water Small baitfish congregating near creek mouths and tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Catfish beginning to move from deeper winter haunts toward pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Most active during dawn and dusk periods, responding to warming water temperatures and increasing forage activity	River channel edges and deeper holes in the Aqua Fria River arm Rocky areas and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats Deep water structure near dam transitioning to adjacent flats	Live Bait Rigs with larger offerings positioned near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Gizzard Shad schooling in pre-spawn patterns Sunfish beginning to move shallow Carp actively feeding in warming waters	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deep winter holding areas (15-28ft) to intermediary structure in 10-20ft range Becoming increasingly aggressive as water warms, particularly around primary points and rock structures	Main lake points with transition from rock to deeper water Secondary points with boulder clusters in 10-20 foot range Rocky reefs and hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rocky transitions Bladed Jigs around points and structure in 10-15 foot range Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to points and structure	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass actively spawning in shallow water (2-8 ft) with some fish in post-spawn transition on main lake points Fish are highly visible in clear water conditions, establishing and guarding beds in protected areas	Back of coves in 2-8 ft of water where spawning beds are located Main lake points with rocks for post-spawn transition fish Protected areas through Humbug Cove	Ned Rigs worked slowly around visible beds Hard Jerkbaits (110 jr) for actively feeding fish chasing shad Wacky Rigs for sight fishing spawning bass	Shad schools in open water areas Bluegill around shallow spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn stripers are staging in deeper transition areas (15-25ft) near spawning tributaries and moving up to shallower flats (3-8ft) as water warms Fish are actively feeding in preparation for spawn, following large schools of shad in early morning and late evening periods Males arrive first at spawning areas, with females moving up as water temperatures stabilize	Main lake points near tributary mouths and spawning areas Secondary points with quick access to deeper water Shallow flats adjacent to deep water channels	Umbrella Rigs worked through transitional depths Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along depth changes Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish	Adult Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge in warmer areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Aggressive spawning migration into creek arms and shallow flats, with males arriving first followed by females Schools staging in pre-spawn areas near creek mouths before moving shallow Highly active feeding periods during dawn and dusk as fish move between staging and spawning areas	Castle Creek arm and similar tributary areas where spawning runs occur Shallow flats adjacent to creek channels in 2-8 feet of water Points and structure near creek mouths where pre-spawn staging occurs	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to shorelines Inline Spinners cast to visible schooling activity Spinnerbaits worked around shallow structure	Shad schools moving into shallow spawning areas Small baitfish gathered in creek mouths Young-of-year baitfish in shallow flats	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Moving into shallow, warmer areas (2-8 feet) near spawning locations, particularly in creek arms and coves Males actively guarding nesting sites in protected areas with rocky or woody cover Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, followed by reduced feeding during actual spawning	Protected coves and creek arms with rocky or woody cover, especially in the Aqua Fria River arm Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water channels Areas with murkier water and vegetation where water warms fastest	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live bluegill positioned near spawning areas Bobbers for suspending baits in shallow spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with soft plastics around cover	Gizzard Shad gathering in warming shallows Bluegill in spawning areas Carp in shallow muddy areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Moving to shallower water (5-15 feet) to stage for spawning, frequently relating to rocky points and sheltered areas Males actively guarding nests while females move between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning sites, particularly near hard bottom areas with good cover	Rocky main lake points with transition to spawning pockets Protected coves with hard bottom in 5-15 foot range Secondary points with boulder or rock structure	Shakey Heads worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for sight fishing spawning bass Spinnerbaits for covering water between spawning areas	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding but showing mixed behavior patterns - some actively chasing shad in shallow water while others holding on structure in 5-25 foot range Fish are most active during early morning periods, especially around bait activity, becoming more structure-oriented as the day progresses	Main lake points in 5-12 foot range, especially those with access to deeper water Cove entrances during early morning periods Brush piles and offshore structure in 15-25 foot range	Drop Shot with finesse worms for deeper, more pressured fish Bladed Jigs worked around points and structure Topwater walking baits during early morning periods Structure Jigs around brush piles and deeper cover	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Crawfish - actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth ranges	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-72	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in the 20-30 foot depth range Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main lake structure, becoming more active with warming waters Morning and evening periods show increased surface feeding activity as stripers push bait schools up	Main lake points adjacent to spawning coves where stripers stage during transition Deep water reefs in 20-30 foot range near primary channels Windward shorelines where bait gets pushed and concentrated	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs and deep diving crankbaits along points and channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to surfacing fish during morning/evening feeding periods	Large schools of adult shad in open water Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge in shoreline areas Various baitfish congregating around points and structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	Post-spawn white bass are transitioning from spawning areas back to main lake areas, actively feeding to recover energy Schools are becoming more organized and beginning to chase shad in open water and along structure edges Fish are making frequent moves between different depth zones as they follow bait schools	Main lake points near Castle Creek and other major creek arms Suspended schools over main lake structure in 15-25ft depths Secondary points with access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match bait schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure Spoons cast and retrieved through suspended schools	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period Small baitfish gathering in creek mouths and along points	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning areas to deeper feeding zones Fish are establishing patterns along river channels and deeper structure, becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior Most active during dawn and dusk, with increased daytime activity in turbid areas	River channel edges and deeper holes in the Aqua Fria River arm Rocky structure and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Dam area transitions where deep water meets structure	Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers for natural presentation in deeper water Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around structure and channel edges Carolina Rigs for covering water and maintaining bottom contact	Gizzard Shad schooling in deeper water Bluegill in shallow rocky areas Young-of-year sunfish near cover	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Moving from deep spawning areas to transition points, actively feeding to recover energy post-spawn Showing aggressive behavior towards shad schools around main lake points and rock structures Establishing summer holding patterns near hard structure in 10-25 foot range	Main lake points with rock structure in 10-20 foot range Rocky reefs adjacent to spawning pockets Hard bottom areas near channel swings	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rock transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Shad schools gathering near points Small bluegill in shallow rocky areas Crawfish emerging on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	69-88	Bass are showing a clear thermocline-driven pattern, holding in deeper water (15-25ft) during daytime hours due to high surface temperatures Early morning feeding activity occurs in shallower zones (5-10ft) near points and cove entrances, especially when shad are present Fish are suspending near structure and actively feeding on shad schools, particularly during low light periods	Main lake points and reefs in 15-25 foot depth range Cove entrances and secondary points early morning Deep structure near river channels and boulders	Drop Shot with 1/4 oz tungsten weight in 15-25 ft Early morning topwater (walking baits and poppers) in shad patterns Soft body swimbaits with underspin on wind-blown points	Shad schools concentrated near points and reef areas Bluegill around shallow structure and flats edges	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	79-87	Stripers are actively schooling and chasing shad, creating surface boils early morning and pushing bait against main lake structure Fish are holding in 20-55 foot depths during day, relating to thermocline, moving shallower during low light periods Feeding activity peaks early morning before 9:15am when surface temps increase, with secondary activity periods in evenings	Main lake reefs in 20-25 foot depth range where shad schools congregate Open water areas near points where stripers can trap bait Main lake rocky edges in 20-25 foot depth	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning surface activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled over submerged structure Spoons worked vertically through suspended schools Underspins paired with swimbaits for suspended fish	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports and boiling activity) Smaller baitfish schools suspended in water column	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Aggressive schooling behavior in open water, chasing shad schools near the surface during early morning and evening Moving to deeper structure during midday heat, suspending near points and creek channel edges Showing frequent wolfpack feeding behavior, pushing bait to the surface in pelagic zones	Main lake points and adjacent flats near Castle Creek area Suspended over main lake structure in 15-25ft depth Surface breaks in open water areas where shad are schooling	Hard Topwater (Walking) for early morning surface action Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish move deeper	Schooling shad in open water and near structure Small baitfish congregating around creek mouths	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Catfish	75-85	Actively feeding in murkier water areas, especially during dawn and dusk periods, with increased activity near river channels and dam structure Opportunistic feeding behavior targeting both live prey and scavenged food sources, particularly active in areas with abundant forage fish	Aqua Fria River arm with murky water and nearby vegetation Deep water structure near the dam Rocky areas with boulder cover providing ambush points	Live Bait Rigs with live gizzard shad or sunfish for trophy fish Bottom fishing with chicken livers for smaller catfish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near dam structure	Gizzard Shad Bluegill Carp	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	70-85	Spotted bass are holding in deep water (20-35 feet) during daytime hours, relating strongly to main lake structure and following shad schools Fish are establishing consistent summer patterns around the thermocline (around 25 ft), with active feeding periods during lower light conditions	Main lake points and deep structure near the dam in 20-35 foot range Rocky reefs and hard bottom areas in 15-25 foot range Deep water ambush points near significant shoreline structure	Carolina Rigs with lizards worked slowly along deep structure Drop Shot rigs targeting suspended fish around the thermocline Deep diving crankbaits worked along main lake points	Shad schools in main lake areas Bottom-dwelling prey (crawfish) around rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Pleasant

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on shad in medium depth ranges (10-18ft), following baitfish schools around points and offshore structure Beginning fall transition pattern with increased feeding activity, particularly during low light periods	Main lake points in 10-18 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water Offshore structure near primary feeding areas	Drop Shot with 4.5-inch finesse worms Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Spinnerbaits along point contours	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges Bluegill in remaining vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively feeding in schools, following shad schools and creating surface feeding opportunities during low light periods Moving between mid-depth humps and deeper dam areas, maintaining contact with large baitfish schools	Main lake humps where bait schools are congregating Dam area with access to deep water Points and irregular shoreline features where stripers can ambush bait	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with speed adjustments until fish respond Drop Shot when fish are holding deeper near the dam Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) to match shad size and profile	Shad schools concentrated in mid-depth zones Pelagic baitfish in open water areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	62-75	Actively chasing shad schools in open water and along creek channel edges, with aggressive feeding behavior during baitfish schooling periods Moving between deep open water and structure-oriented locations, following baitfish movements and responding to cooling water temperatures	Main lake points and creek channel edges where shad schools congregate Castle Creek area and similar creek arms where baitfish concentrate Deep structure in 20-35ft range near primary creek channels	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons Blade Baits	Schooling shad in open water and along channel edges Suspended baitfish schools over deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following forage movements to deeper water Transitioning from shallow feeding areas to deeper, more stable winter holding areas near dam and river channels	Deep water structure near dam with 15-25 foot depths Aqua Fria River channel edges with current breaks Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or bluegill positioned near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs tipped with cutbait Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges with bottom bouncing rigs	Gizzard Shad schooling in deeper water Bluegill concentrating near deep structure Carp in deeper river channels	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	62-75	Actively chasing shad schools in the 10-20 foot depth range, with increased feeding activity during cooling water conditions Moving between main lake points and adjacent structure, following baitfish movements	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with boulder or rock structure Rocky reefs in 15-25 foot depth range adjacent to shad-holding areas Hard bottom transitions where depth changes from 10 to 20 feet	Drop Shot using small baitfish imitations worked slowly along bottom structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to points and across reef tops Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad schools congregating near structure Small baitfish relating to rock and boulder areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	49-65	Bass are holding deep on main lake structure (15-28 ft) and showing selective feeding patterns with very light bites Some fish are opportunistically feeding on shad in shallower water (4-10 ft) near points and creek entrances	Main lake ledges and channel breaks in 15-28 ft Rocky points and creek entrances in 4-10 ft Deep reef structures in 18-25 ft	Drop Shot worked extremely slow or deadsticked in deeper water Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in shallower zones Hard Body Swimbaits when fish are actively feeding on shad	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in creek mouths and along points Small White Bass as secondary forage	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass are actively feeding in shallow water (3-6 feet), likely pursuing shad schools that are seeking warmer water zones Fish are showing predatory behavior around structure, using boulders as ambush points to trap and feed on shad	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 3-6 foot depth range Secondary points with rock structure adjacent to deeper water Shallow coves where bait may congregate in warmer pockets	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in shallow water Umbrella Rigs slow rolled near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along boulder fields	Shad schools congregating in shallow water Smaller baitfish seeking warmer water near structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	White Bass	57-61	White bass are schooling heavily in deep water, suspending at specific depths (20-35ft) over deeper basin areas, actively feeding on shad schools Fish are showing both deep open water and structure-oriented patterns, with some schools relating to brush in creek arms while others suspend in the main lake	Main lake basin areas with suspended bait schools in 20-35ft of water Deep brush in creek arms, particularly Castle Creek Main channel areas with schools suspended around 25ft over deeper water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with spoons and blade baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through brush Spoons worked vertically through suspended schools	Shad schools in 20-35ft Suspended baitfish in creek arms	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper, stable water areas near the dam and river channels Feeding periods are shorter and less frequent, with most activity during warmer parts of the day Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often gathering in deep holes and structure	Deep water areas near dam structure (20-40 feet) River channel bends and holes in the Aqua Fria River arm Deep rocky structure areas with minimal current	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Gizzard shad concentrating in deep water Winter-stressed or dying baitfish Bottom-dwelling organisms	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass are holding in deeper water, typically 15-28 feet, congregating around main lake structure and following shad schools Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during warmer parts of the day	Main lake points with access to deep water in 15-28 foot range Deep rock reefs and boulder fields near primary points Steep bluff walls adjacent to deep water holding areas	Blade Baits worked vertically along deep structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for inactive fish Damiki Rig when fish are spotted on electronics	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Pleasant

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and reefs in 10-18 foot range adjacent to spawning coves	Boulder fields and structure in deeper water, particularly near cove entrances
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Deep basin areas (21+ feet) where schools are staging	Points and channel edges leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections near Castle Creek area	Steep banks and channel swings in 15-25 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	River channel edges and deeper holes in the Aqua Fria River arm	Rocky areas and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition from rock to deeper water	Secondary points with boulder clusters in 10-20 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Back of coves in 2-8 ft of water where spawning beds are located	Main lake points with rocks for post-spawn transition fish
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points near tributary mouths and spawning areas	Secondary points with quick access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Castle Creek arm and similar tributary areas where spawning runs occur	Shallow flats adjacent to creek channels in 2-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected coves and creek arms with rocky or woody cover, especially in the Aqua Fria River arm	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water channels
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky main lake points with transition to spawning pockets	Protected coves with hard bottom in 5-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points in 5-12 foot range, especially those with access to deeper water	Cove entrances during early morning periods
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning coves where stripers stage during transition	Deep water reefs in 20-30 foot range near primary channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points near Castle Creek and other major creek arms	Suspended schools over main lake structure in 15-25ft depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	River channel edges and deeper holes in the Aqua Fria River arm	Rocky structure and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rock structure in 10-20 foot range	Rocky reefs adjacent to spawning pockets
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and reefs in 15-25 foot depth range	Cove entrances and secondary points early morning
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake reefs in 20-25 foot depth range where shad schools congregate	Open water areas near points where stripers can trap bait
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points and adjacent flats near Castle Creek area	Suspended over main lake structure in 15-25ft depth
Summer	Catfish	Aqua Fria River arm with murky water and nearby vegetation	Deep water structure near the dam
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and deep structure near the dam in 20-35 foot range	Rocky reefs and hard bottom areas in 15-25 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points in 10-18 foot depth range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake humps where bait schools are congregating	Dam area with access to deep water
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and creek channel edges where shad schools congregate	Castle Creek area and similar creek arms where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Catfish	Deep water structure near dam with 15-25 foot depths	Aqua Fria River channel edges with current breaks
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with boulder or rock structure	Rocky reefs in 15-25 foot depth range adjacent to shad-holding areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake ledges and channel breaks in 15-28 ft	Rocky points and creek entrances in 4-10 ft
Winter	Striped Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 3-6 foot depth range	Secondary points with rock structure adjacent to deeper water
Winter	White Bass	Main lake basin areas with suspended bait schools in 20-35ft of water	Deep brush in creek arms, particularly Castle Creek
Winter	Catfish	Deep water areas near dam structure (20-40 feet)	River channel bends and holes in the Aqua Fria River arm
Winter	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water in 15-28 foot range	Deep rock reefs and boulder fields near primary points

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Pelagic baitfish concentrations
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Schooling shad moving from deep winter areas to warmer, shallower water	Small baitfish congregating near creek mouths and tributary areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Gizzard Shad schooling in pre-spawn patterns	Sunfish beginning to move shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in open water areas	Bluegill around shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Adult Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge in warmer areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools moving into shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish gathered in creek mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Gizzard Shad gathering in warming shallows	Bluegill in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Crawfish - actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth ranges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of adult shad in open water	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge in shoreline areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period	Small baitfish gathering in creek mouths and along points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Gizzard Shad schooling in deeper water	Bluegill in shallow rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools gathering near points	Small bluegill in shallow rocky areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated near points and reef areas	Bluegill around shallow structure and flats edges
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports and boiling activity)	Smaller baitfish schools suspended in water column
Summer	White Bass	Schooling shad in open water and near structure	Small baitfish congregating around creek mouths
Summer	Catfish	Gizzard Shad	Bluegill
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in main lake areas	Bottom-dwelling prey (crawfish) around rocky structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in mid-depth zones	Pelagic baitfish in open water areas
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad in open water and along channel edges	Suspended baitfish schools over deep structure
Fall	Catfish	Gizzard Shad schooling in deeper water	Bluegill concentrating near deep structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating near structure	Small baitfish relating to rock and boulder areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in creek mouths and along points	Small White Bass as secondary forage
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in shallow water	Smaller baitfish seeking warmer water near structure
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools in 20-35ft	Suspended baitfish in creek arms
Winter	Catfish	Gizzard shad concentrating in deep water	Winter-stressed or dying baitfish
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish in rocky areas

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Pleasant

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Catfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Catfish	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors