How to Fish Lake Stella: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Lake Stella

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Stella

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively moving around docks and other shallow water structure in preparation for spawning Fish are becoming more active with warming trends but still maintaining a moderate feeding pace due to cold water temperatures	Docks, particularly those in protected areas that warm up first Secondary points leading into spawning bays Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range serving as staging areas	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to dock edges and through gaps Soft Jerkbaits with a slower, suspending presentation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and shallow cover	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Crappie sharing similar areas as the bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are forming loose schools near transition areas, making frequent movements between deeper wintering areas and shallow pre-spawn staging locations	Protected shoreline areas with docks, especially those near deeper water access Secondary points and inside turns along the 8-12 foot contour where vegetation begins Shallow coves with emerging vegetation, particularly on the north side of the lake	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers	Small Bluegills Emerging aquatic insects Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Fish are in pre-spawn transition, with some actively on beds while others are staging on nearby flats and break lines Most active during low-light periods due to moderate water clarity (1.9m Secchi), utilizing lateral line sensing for feeding	Boulder fields and rocky areas adjacent to spawning flats Break lines and transition zones near spawning areas Main lake points with rock/boulder structure	Bladed Jigs worked along transition zones Ned Rigs worked slowly around boulder fields Tubes dragged through rocky areas	Crayfish emerging in rocky areas Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Pre and post-spawn bass are staged along weed edges in 8-10 ft, with some actively spawning in shallower areas Fish showing selective feeding behavior due to spawning activities, requiring finesse presentations	Weed edges in 8-10 feet of water, particularly near spawning flats Protected shallow areas with firm bottom for spawning Main lake points and structure due to simple shoreline configuration	Ned Rigs worked slowly along weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for spawning fish Wacky Rigs for pressured fish in clearer water	Bluegill Crappie	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies are moving shallow (2-8 feet) towards spawning areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise into the mid-60s Fish are staging and transitioning between pre-spawn feeding areas and spawning locations, often relating to shallow cover during daylight hours	Protected areas between docks where spawning beds are likely to develop Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 foot range Transition areas leading to spawning flats, particularly where deeper water meets the shallow zone	Crappie Dock Shooting with light jigs for spawning fish relating to dock structure Bobbers with small jigs worked slowly around shallow cover and emerging vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when targeting visible fish in shallow water	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in their spawning phase, with males guarding nests in protected areas near boulder and rock structures in 4-8 foot depths Pre/post spawning fish staging on nearby points and transitions, moving between deeper water and spawning flats as temperatures fluctuate	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 4-8 foot depths, especially those protected from wind Transition areas where rock meets weed edges in 8-12 foot range Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats where pre/post spawn fish stage	Tubes worked slowly around boulder fields and rocky areas Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for pre/post spawn fish	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas Young of year perch in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-73	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding in transition areas between spawning flats and summer locations, particularly around weed edges in 2-15ft depths Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, responding well to finesse presentations as they recover from spawn	Deeper weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where clean grass clumps mix with hard bottom Protected dock areas with access to deeper water Inside weedlines in transition zones	Drop Shot with finesse baits in 8-12 foot depths Ned Rigs with 1/8oz heads worked slowly through grass Wacky Rigs skipped around docks and worked through vegetation	Bluegill in and around weed edges Perch relating to hard bottom areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding around cover in moderate depths Fish are showing preference for shoreline-related structure, particularly docks, as evidenced by recent fishing reports	Docks in 8-12 foot depth range, especially those near spawning areas Emerging weed edges in 6-10 foot depths Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around dock posts and edges Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under structures Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) along weed edges	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation Young-of-year bluegills beginning to appear Aquatic insects around dock structures	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are transitioning to summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy and moving between boulder fields and weed edges Fish are becoming more aggressive and starting to chase baitfish schools while still opportunistically feeding on crawfish around rocky structure	Boulder fields adjacent to deep water in 8-15 foot range Weed edges forming in 8-12 foot depth range, especially near rocky transitions Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Tubes worked along boulder fields and rock transitions Ned Rigs fished slowly around weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Drop Shot with finesse presentations for deeper fish	Crayfish emerging and active around rocky areas Small baitfish schools beginning to form in open water Young of year perch becoming available as forage	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	73-76	Bass are actively feeding along weed edges and deeper points, with larger fish relating to shallow cover like docks and laydowns in 2-5 feet Fish showing selective feeding patterns due to fishing pressure, responding well to finesse presentations	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range Shallow docks and laydowns in 2-5 feet Deep main lake points with access to deeper water	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly along weed edges and points Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and docks Shakey Heads worked along deeper weed edges	Bluegill in shallow areas around docks and vegetation Crappie around deeper weed edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-78	Actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range during summer More active during low-light periods due to stained water conditions (1.9m secchi) Suspending over weed edges and utilizing vegetation as ambush points for feeding	Main lake weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range Deeper weed pockets near points or subtle depth changes Shaded areas near docks adjacent to deep weed edges	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly over and through weed edges Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs over suspended fish	Small bluegills Young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects in vegetation	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	73-76	Active feeding during early morning and evening hours, targeting baitfish and crayfish along weed edges and boulder areas in 8-12 foot range Moving deeper during midday hours (15-20 feet) near main lake structure, suspending near baitfish schools Utilizing boulder fields and weed edges as primary feeding zones, especially during lower light periods	Main lake weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with adjacent boulder structure Deeper boulder fields in 15-20 foot range for midday sanctuary Offshore structure near suspended baitfish schools	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly through suspended fish Tubes worked along boulder fields and transitions Ned Rigs dragged slowly along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish chasing baitfish	Crayfish utilizing boulder habitat Suspended baitfish schools in deeper water Young-of-year perch along weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Stella

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Bass are transitioning to deeper structure, actively feeding on baitfish around weed edges and points in preparation for winter Fish are showing aggressive feeding windows, with bites coming in bunches, particularly around submerged points and weed edges	Weed edges adjacent to deep water drops in 8-12 foot range Submerged points with vegetation, particularly on the west side Shallow flats near deep water access in 4-7 foot range	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') running above submerged weeds Wacky Rigs worked in transitional depths	Shad and small baitfish schooling near structure Bluegill relating to weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Transitioning from summer patterns to deeper water, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish gathering around high-percentage feeding areas Most active during midday periods when water temperatures are optimal	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation is starting to die back First major drop-offs near remaining vegetation Deeper structures near points and ledges as fish transition to winter locations	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near remaining vegetation Small minnows schooling in open water near structure Remaining insects and larvae in dying vegetation	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively feeding and following baitfish schools as they migrate to deeper water, with increased activity during low-light periods given the moderate water clarity (1.9m Secchi) Shifting from summer patterns to fall feeding behavior, targeting both baitfish and crayfish around transition zones and deep structure	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where they transition to boulder structure Offshore boulder fields and rock piles adjacent to deeper water Main lake points and deeper structure where baitfish schools congregate	Drop Shot with small baitfish profile baits, worked slowly along depth transitions Tubes worked through boulder fields mimicking both crayfish and baitfish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to weed edges and over rocky areas	Schooling baitfish moving to deeper water patterns Crayfish remaining active around boulder structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Transitioning from shallow late fall locations to deeper winter haunts, suspending near primary lake structures Feeding activity peaks during low-light periods, with schools becoming more concentrated in specific locations	Deep ledges and drop-offs near the 12-17 foot contour Areas where dying weed edges meet deeper water transitions Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small Bluegills Young-of-year perch	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are holding on deep ledges and transitions, actively feeding during daylight hours as evidenced by recent jigging success Fish are responding well to active jigging presentations rather than dead-sticking, suggesting a relatively aggressive feeding pattern	Deep ledges and drop-offs, particularly where first break transitions to basin Deep weed edges adjacent to ledges where remaining vegetation provides cover Basin areas near structural transitions where schools suspend	Ice Fishing Jigs with aggressive jigging cadence Ice Fishing Spoons for actively feeding fish Ice Fishing Tip-Ups as secondary approach for larger crappies	Small invertebrates including zooplankton Small minnows and young-of-year panfish Aquatic insect larvae	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Stella

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks, particularly those in protected areas that warm up first	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shoreline areas with docks, especially those near deeper water access	Secondary points and inside turns along the 8-12 foot contour where vegetation begins
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas adjacent to spawning flats	Break lines and transition zones near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 8-10 feet of water, particularly near spawning flats	Protected shallow areas with firm bottom for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected areas between docks where spawning beds are likely to develop	Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rocky areas in 4-8 foot depths, especially those protected from wind	Transition areas where rock meets weed edges in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deeper weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where clean grass clumps mix with hard bottom	Protected dock areas with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Docks in 8-12 foot depth range, especially those near spawning areas	Emerging weed edges in 6-10 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields adjacent to deep water in 8-15 foot range	Weed edges forming in 8-12 foot depth range, especially near rocky transitions
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Shallow docks and laydowns in 2-5 feet
Summer	Crappie	Main lake weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Deeper weed pockets near points or subtle depth changes
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with adjacent boulder structure	Deeper boulder fields in 15-20 foot range for midday sanctuary
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges adjacent to deep water drops in 8-12 foot range	Submerged points with vegetation, particularly on the west side
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation is starting to die back	First major drop-offs near remaining vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where they transition to boulder structure	Offshore boulder fields and rock piles adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Deep ledges and drop-offs near the 12-17 foot contour	Areas where dying weed edges meet deeper water transitions
Ice	Crappie	Deep ledges and drop-offs, particularly where first break transitions to basin	Deep weed edges adjacent to ledges where remaining vegetation provides cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Crappie sharing similar areas as the bass
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging in rocky areas	Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crappie
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around weed edges	Perch relating to hard bottom areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Young-of-year bluegills beginning to appear
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging and active around rocky areas	Small baitfish schools beginning to form in open water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow areas around docks and vegetation	Crappie around deeper weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills	Young-of-year baitfish
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish utilizing boulder habitat	Suspended baitfish schools in deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad and small baitfish schooling near structure	Bluegill relating to weed edges
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near remaining vegetation	Small minnows schooling in open water near structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Schooling baitfish moving to deeper water patterns	Crayfish remaining active around boulder structure
Winter	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Young-of-year perch
Ice	Crappie	Small invertebrates including zooplankton	Small minnows and young-of-year panfish

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Stella

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Assorted Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

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