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

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Lake Susan

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 16, 2026

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Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Susan

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow, warmer bays and flooded vegetation areas for spawning preparation Aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves before spawn, particularly during warming trends	Shallow bays and flooded vegetation areas in 2-4 feet of water Transitions between deeper water and emerging weed growth Areas with remaining green vegetation from previous season	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Live Bait Rigs near vegetation edges	Bluegills concentrated in shallow warming areas Young-of-year panfish from previous season	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Bass are beginning to move from deeper winter areas to warming shallows, staging near pre-spawn areas Fish are becoming more active but still relatively lethargic, preferring slower presentations Feeding activity increases during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas, especially those with emerging vegetation Laydowns and woody cover in 3-5 feet of water on the north side of the lake Windward shorelines where sun exposure and wave action warm water faster	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs with slow, steady retrieves near cover Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged slowly along bottom transitions	Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow areas Small baitfish congregating in warming pockets	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Males staging in shallow spawning areas near vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Post-spawn females recovering in slightly deeper water (5-7 feet) near spawning areas Aggressive feeding behavior as fish rebuild energy after spawn	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Transitional areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water (5-7 feet) Areas where remaining winter vegetation meets newly emerging spring growth	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation edges Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges	Spawning Yellow Perch Shallow water Bluegills Small Northern Pike (cannibalistic behavior)	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats, moving up to spawning areas as water temperatures stabilize Males preparing and guarding nests in protected areas, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased reaction to intrusive baits	Protected shallow flats with matted grass or laydowns in 2-4 feet of water Transitions between spawning flats and deeper staging areas near weed edges Windward shorelines with emerging vegetation and wood cover	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around visible cover Swim Jigs with trailer worked parallel to spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for targeting pre-spawn fish	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Young of year baitfish emerging in warming shallows Crawfish becoming active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, primarily in shallow vegetation zones Fish moving between shallow spawning areas and emerging weed growth, showing aggressive feeding behavior	Newly emerging weed beds in 4-6 feet of water Shallow bays with remaining spawning vegetation Transitions between spawning areas and deeper weed edges	Spinnerbaits worked steadily through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near weed edges Inline Spinners for aggressive reaction strikes	Young-of-year panfish Juvenile bluegills Small baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to the first available cover off spawning flats, particularly the weed edges developing in 7-9 feet	Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-7 feet Laydowns and woody cover near developing weed growth Windward shorelines where baitfish concentrate	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover and weed edges Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges, especially on windy days Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and locating active fish	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas Young of year baitfish becoming more prevalent	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	72-77	Pike are seeking cooler refuges in deeper weed edges and thick vegetation due to warm water temperatures (77°F) Feeding activity concentrated during early morning and evening hours to avoid peak temperatures Relying heavily on lateral line sensitivity for prey detection due to very turbid conditions (2.3ft visibility)	Deep weed edges in 7-9 foot depth range offering cooler water and ambush points Thick matted grass areas providing shade and cooler pockets Any isolated weed patches near the deepest water available (around 9-10 feet)	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with erratic retrieves to trigger reaction strikes Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slowly retrieved through gaps in vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass during early morning/evening	Bluegills concentrated in weed edges and vegetation Young-of-year fish seeking shelter in thick vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	Bass are actively feeding in and around heavy cover (matted grass, laydowns, and submergent weeds), primarily targeting bluegill in these areas Fish are holding tight to shade-providing cover during daylight hours due to shallow, turbid conditions	Openings and pockets within matted grass and submergent weed beds Laydowns and woody cover, especially those adjacent to or integrated with vegetation Windward shorelines where wind concentrates baitfish and creates feeding opportunities	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked methodically through grass openings and around laydowns Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass Swim Jigs worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation	Bluegill - primary forage confirmed by fishing reports Young of year panfish in weed beds	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Susan

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are transitioning to deeper weed edges as vegetation begins to die off, exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves for winter Fish are actively ambushing prey along defined weed edges in 7-9 foot depth range, with brief but intense feeding periods	Outside edges of submerged weed lines in 7-9 feet of water Deeper pockets adjacent to remaining healthy vegetation Sparse weed patches near deeper basin areas	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled through transition areas Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed cover Young-of-year baitfish schooling along weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Bass transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, following baitfish movements to shallower flats and weedlines Aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions, especially on windward shores Relating strongly to remaining vegetation edges and wood cover in 4-7 foot depth range	Weed edges and remaining vegetation in 7-9 foot range Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially with wood cover Windward shorelines during active feeding periods	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Lipless Crankbaits through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking fleeing baitfish	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish schooling in flats	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike will be active throughout the water column but concentrate near remaining green vegetation edges Feeding periods are extended in cooler water, with fish more willing to chase prey	Deep weed edges in 7-9 feet of water Remaining patches of green vegetation Transition areas between weeds and open water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Bluegills seeking remaining weed cover Small pike and yellow perch	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike will be most active during early morning and late afternoon, concentrating near remaining green weeds that provide oxygen and ambush opportunities Feeding activity intensifies during stable weather patterns, with fish showing preference for larger, slower-moving prey presentations	Deeper weed edges in 7-9 foot range where vegetation remains green Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly during prime feeding periods Areas where remaining vegetation meets harder bottom transitions	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes in turbid conditions Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation during neutral periods	Bluegills concentrated in remaining weed patches Small perch schools roaming deeper edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Susan

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and flooded vegetation areas in 2-4 feet of water	Transitions between deeper water and emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas, especially those with emerging vegetation	Laydowns and woody cover in 3-5 feet of water on the north side of the lake
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Transitional areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water (5-7 feet)
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow flats with matted grass or laydowns in 2-4 feet of water	Transitions between spawning flats and deeper staging areas near weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Newly emerging weed beds in 4-6 feet of water	Shallow bays with remaining spawning vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-7 feet	Laydowns and woody cover near developing weed growth
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 7-9 foot depth range offering cooler water and ambush points	Thick matted grass areas providing shade and cooler pockets
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Openings and pockets within matted grass and submergent weed beds	Laydowns and woody cover, especially those adjacent to or integrated with vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Outside edges of submerged weed lines in 7-9 feet of water	Deeper pockets adjacent to remaining healthy vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges and remaining vegetation in 7-9 foot range	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially with wood cover
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 7-9 feet of water	Remaining patches of green vegetation
Ice	Northern Pike	Deeper weed edges in 7-9 foot range where vegetation remains green	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly during prime feeding periods

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in shallow warming areas	Young-of-year panfish from previous season
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow areas	Small baitfish congregating in warming pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Spawning Yellow Perch	Shallow water Bluegills
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Young of year baitfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year panfish	Juvenile bluegills
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas	Young of year baitfish becoming more prevalent
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in weed edges and vegetation	Young-of-year fish seeking shelter in thick vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage confirmed by fishing reports	Young of year panfish in weed beds
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed cover	Young-of-year baitfish schooling along weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in flats
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills seeking remaining weed cover	Small pike and yellow perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining weed patches	Small perch schools roaming deeper edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Susan

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

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