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

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Lake Taneycomo

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Taneycomo

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	49-59	Trout actively feeding in current areas, particularly during dam generation periods, showing increased activity in oxygenated water Fish holding near bottom in feeding lanes, actively targeting both insects (particularly scuds) and small baitfish	River channels and current seams, especially below fall creek Dam areas with moving water and deep holding zones Protected areas near structural breaks where current meets calm water	Live Bait Rigs with split shot and crawler presentations Finesse Hair Jigs, particularly when using small scud imitations Inline Spinners to imitate small baitfish in current areas	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds (#16 size) Small baitfish, including shad Nightcrawlers and natural baits	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower transitional areas Bass are particularly active during warming trends and will hold tight to available cover near spawning areas	Channel banks and points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with vegetation Shallow grass edges in protected coves with good sun exposure Docks and other permanent structures that provide warmth retention and cover	Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse grass and along channel edges Bladed Jigs slow-rolled near vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked methodically around docks and visible cover	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn white bass are staging near tributary areas and making upstream movements, actively feeding in preparation for spawning Fish are schooling aggressively and chasing shad schools in current areas and along channel edges Most active during early morning and late afternoon, particularly on days with moderate current flow	Main river channel edges and current seams near spawning tributaries Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats near channel swings where pre-spawn staging occurs	Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical hops along channel edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along riprap and points	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in current areas Young-of-year baitfish near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	49-59	Trout are actively spawning in tributary areas and channel edges, focusing on shallow, well-oxygenated areas with gravel or rocky substrate Fish are more aggressive during pre-spawn feeding periods, particularly during generation periods when current increases	River channel edges and tributary inflows with gravel or rocky substrate Rip rap areas near the dam with good current flow Protected coves adjacent to spawning areas where pre/post spawn fish stage	Live Bait Rigs fished near bottom in spawning areas Inline Spinners worked through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved slowly near spawning areas	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas Aquatic insects (particularly scuds) in rocky areas Emerging spring insect hatches in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Pre-spawn to spawn transition, with bass moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats, particularly around vegetation and protected coves Males actively guarding nests while females move between shallow and slightly deeper water during spawning phase Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, then becomes more defensive during actual spawn	Protected shallow coves with vegetation and stable water conditions Grass edges in 2-6 foot depth range near deeper water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation and visible beds Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn fish moving up Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and slow presentations Spinnerbaits for covering water between spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Actively migrating upstream in river channels and staging in pre-spawn areas, with aggressive feeding behavior during warming trends Schools congregating in current seams and around hard structure, making spawning runs during peak temperatures	Main river channel edges and current seams where spawning runs occur Rocky points and riprap areas near deeper water access Shallow flats adjacent to channel breaks where pre-spawn staging occurs	Inline Spinners worked parallel to current breaks Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper pre-spawn staging areas	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in current seams	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	47-59	Actively feeding on insects in current seams, particularly focusing on scud patterns in river channels Post-spawn trout are recovering and establishing feeding patterns near current breaks and oxygenated areas	River channels with moderate current flow, especially areas with half-unit water generation Current breaks near shoreline structures and rip rap Oxygenated areas near dam outflows	Finesse Hair Jigs with precise drift presentation in current seams Live Bait Rigs with natural presentations in flowing water Inline Spinners worked through current breaks	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds and small nymphs Small baitfish in current breaks Freshwater shrimp and larvae	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass actively guarding fry in shallow areas, especially around Empire Park, while some are beginning to transition to early summer patterns Fish showing increased feeding activity as they recover from the spawn, utilizing points and grass edges as primary feeding zones	Shallow spawning flats and adjacent points in Empire Park area Grass edges along main lake points Secondary points with vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic action near points Spinnerbaits around grass edges during windy conditions	Shad - primary forage currently based on fishing reports Bluegill - secondary forage option mentioned in lake profile	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and recovering, moving along channel edges and current seams in wolf-pack schools Fish are targeting shad schools in moderate depths, using structure and vegetation edges as ambush points	Main lake points and channel edges near spawning tributaries Current breaks and riprap areas with baitfish presence Edges of submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to structure Inline Spinners retrieved at medium speed through baitfish schools Lipless Crankbaits worked along vegetation edges	Shad schools recovering from spring spawn Small baitfish relating to vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Trout	56-59	Actively feeding in river channels and current seams, showing preference for suspended feeding on insects Most active during periods of water generation when current increases, particularly seeking oxygenated water in warming conditions	River channel edges, especially areas with current breaks Rip rap areas providing shade and structure Dam areas during generation periods	Bobbers with suspended baits at various depths Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Inline Spinners	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds Small baitfish	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are transitioning to summer patterns with reduced shallow activity, focusing on shaded areas and deeper water during bright conditions Fish are relating strongly to cover (docks, grass edges) but showing selective feeding patterns due to falling water levels and lack of current	Grass edges and matted vegetation, particularly in areas with deeper water access Dock areas providing shade and vertical structure Creek channels and bluff banks offering depth transitions	Texas Rigs (Worming) with 12-inch worms worked slowly through grass edges and dock areas Football Jigs targeted along deeper structure and bluff banks Frogs/Toads worked over remaining grass mats during lower light conditions	Bluegill concentrating around dock areas and vegetation Shad schools moving along creek channels and deeper structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	62-78	Actively chasing shad and minnow schools near current areas and structure, with increased activity during periods of water generation Using hard structure like boulders and channel edges as ambush points, especially during peak feeding periods Moving between vegetation edges and open water following baitfish schools, influenced by wind and current patterns	Current areas and spillways with boulder structure Channel edges and current seams, especially near submerged vegetation Points and riprap areas where wind concentrates baitfish	Inline Spinners worked quickly through current areas Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation edges and structure Lipless Crankbaits around shad schools and current breaks	Shad schools in open water and near structure Minnows relating to current areas and vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Taneycomo

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Trout	49-59	Trout actively feeding in current breaks around rock structures, showing increased activity with stronger current flow Exhibiting natural drift feeding behavior, responding well to baits presented with minimal weight for a natural fall	Rock piles and current breaks in flowing water areas River channel edges near structure Dam areas during water generation periods	Bobbers with light or no weight for natural drift presentations Inline Spinners worked through current breaks Soft Jerkbaits with subtle movements in current	Small baitfish in current areas Aquatic insects, particularly scuds	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are transitioning to deeper water, staging on grass edges and channel banks while feeding heavily on shad and bluegill before winter Fish are becoming more selective and spread out, with increased activity during early morning and around current-swept areas	Outside grass lines in creeks and main lake, especially where current is present Steep channel banks without vegetation Holes and edges in milfoil beds	Structure Jigs worked slowly along channel banks and grass edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in grass holes and edges Buzzbaits and Frogs/Toads during early morning hours	Shad schooling near grass edges and channel breaks Bluegill relating to vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and chasing shad in the water column, particularly during low-light periods and around current breaks Following baitfish schools into shallower coves and creek arms as water temperatures cool Utilizing main lake points and channel edges as migration routes while moving from summer to winter patterns	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where current concentrates baitfish Vegetation edges where matted grass meets deeper water Rocky shorelines and riprap areas that attract and hold shad	Lipless Crankbaits worked through scattered grass and along vegetation edges Blade Baits vertically jigged along channel edges when fish are deeper Spinnerbaits parallel to rocky banks during baitfish activity	Shad schooling in large numbers during fall migration Small baitfish concentrated by current breaks and structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Trout	45-55	Trout are actively feeding on both insects and minnows in current-influenced areas, particularly during water generation periods Fish are holding in deeper river channels and near rip rap areas, moving into feeding lanes when conditions are favorable	River channels and current seams, especially in the trophy area Rip rap areas providing structure and current breaks Open water areas during wind-driven periods	Bobbers with suspended hair jigs or scuds Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly along structure Lipless Crankbaits in smaller sizes	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds in size #16 Small minnows and baitfish Fish eggs	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Largemouth bass are concentrated in deeper, more stable water temperatures, typically holding tight to vertical structure like channel banks and deeper dock posts Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially in afternoons when water temperatures rise slightly	Deep channel banks adjacent to grass flat areas, especially where current is present Deeper dock structures in 12-20 feet of water, particularly those near channel swings Deep grass edges where vegetation meets channel drops	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges with occasional pauses Football Jigs dragged slowly on deep channel banks Shakey Heads worked methodically around dock posts and brush	Shad schooled in deeper water near channel edges Bluegill holding tight to deeper dock structure and brush	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	42-52	White bass school tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near channel edges and river channel bends where current breaks provide energy-efficient holding areas Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during stable weather patterns, with fish making occasional moves to shallower structure to feed on concentrated baitfish schools	Deep river channel bends with adjacent structure, especially where depth changes from 15-25 feet occur Current breaks near the spillway and main lake points where baitfish concentrate Deep water adjacent to submerged vegetation edges where baitfish seek winter refuge	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Schooled shad in deeper water Small baitfish utilizing deep vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Taneycomo

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	River channels and current seams, especially below fall creek	Dam areas with moving water and deep holding zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Channel banks and points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with vegetation	Shallow grass edges in protected coves with good sun exposure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main river channel edges and current seams near spawning tributaries	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	River channel edges and tributary inflows with gravel or rocky substrate	Rip rap areas near the dam with good current flow
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with vegetation and stable water conditions	Grass edges in 2-6 foot depth range near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Main river channel edges and current seams where spawning runs occur	Rocky points and riprap areas near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	River channels with moderate current flow, especially areas with half-unit water generation	Current breaks near shoreline structures and rip rap
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow spawning flats and adjacent points in Empire Park area	Grass edges along main lake points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and channel edges near spawning tributaries	Current breaks and riprap areas with baitfish presence
Summer	Trout	River channel edges, especially areas with current breaks	Rip rap areas providing shade and structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Grass edges and matted vegetation, particularly in areas with deeper water access	Dock areas providing shade and vertical structure
Summer	White Bass	Current areas and spillways with boulder structure	Channel edges and current seams, especially near submerged vegetation
Fall	Trout	Rock piles and current breaks in flowing water areas	River channel edges near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Outside grass lines in creeks and main lake, especially where current is present	Steep channel banks without vegetation
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where current concentrates baitfish	Vegetation edges where matted grass meets deeper water
Winter	Trout	River channels and current seams, especially in the trophy area	Rip rap areas providing structure and current breaks
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep channel banks adjacent to grass flat areas, especially where current is present	Deeper dock structures in 12-20 feet of water, particularly those near channel swings
Winter	White Bass	Deep river channel bends with adjacent structure, especially where depth changes from 15-25 feet occur	Current breaks near the spillway and main lake points where baitfish concentrate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds (#16 size)	Small baitfish, including shad
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in current areas
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas	Aquatic insects (particularly scuds) in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in current seams
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds and small nymphs	Small baitfish in current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage currently based on fishing reports	Bluegill - secondary forage option mentioned in lake profile
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools recovering from spring spawn	Small baitfish relating to vegetation edges
Summer	Trout	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds	Small baitfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around dock areas and vegetation	Shad schools moving along creek channels and deeper structure
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and near structure	Minnows relating to current areas and vegetation edges
Fall	Trout	Small baitfish in current areas	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near grass edges and channel breaks	Bluegill relating to vegetation
Fall	White Bass	Shad schooling in large numbers during fall migration	Small baitfish concentrated by current breaks and structure
Winter	Trout	Aquatic insects, particularly scuds in size #16	Small minnows and baitfish
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooled in deeper water near channel edges	Bluegill holding tight to deeper dock structure and brush
Winter	White Bass	Schooled shad in deeper water	Small baitfish utilizing deep vegetation edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Taneycomo

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Trout	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Trout	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Trout	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

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