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

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Lake Tapps

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Tapps

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structure Moving progressively shallower as water warms, targeting 9-14 ft depths with frequent feeding periods	Rocky areas with boulders in 9-14 ft range Stumps and root balls near spawning bays Points and ledges transitioning from winter to spring areas	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along rocky structure Football Jigs dragged through boulder fields Ned Rigs worked slowly around stumps and rocks	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Yellow perch in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to move from deeper winter haunts to shallower staging areas, particularly focusing on transition zones near spawning flats Feeding activity increases as bass prepare for spawning, with aggressive responses to prey around prime structure	Transition areas where deeper water meets emerging vegetation Protected coves and pockets with south-facing banks that warm faster Secondary points leading into spawning bays Dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs along transition zones Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and depth changes	Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas Smaller baitfish schools in transition zones Early season crawfish becoming active in warmer areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskies are beginning to move from winter depths to warming shallow bays and staging areas near spawning grounds Fish are becoming more active but still relatively lethargic, preferring slower-moving presentations Feeding activity increases during warming trends and typically peaks during afternoon hours when water temperatures are highest	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially those adjacent to deeper wintering areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays Submerged timber areas in 8-15 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along emerging weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water	Perch gathering in shallow areas Bluegill moving towards spawning areas Smaller baitfish schools transitioning to shallower water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively spawning and defending beds in shallow bays, particularly around stumps with exposed rootballs. Fish are spooky and highly territorial during this period. Moving between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper staging areas, with regular feeding activity around docks and rocky structure	Shallow bays with stumps and exposed rootballs Protected areas between and under docks Rocky points and boulder fields in 5-10 foot depth range	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for spooky fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with snagless setup around wood cover	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas Small baitfish in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Largemouth bass transitioning into spawning phase with water temperatures at 57°F, actively feeding while seeking suitable nesting areas Fish moving between deeper pre-spawn staging areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly around vegetation edges	Submerged vegetation edges in protected shallow bays Secondary points leading into spawning bays Protected areas between docks with nearby vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick vegetation Bladed Jigs around sparse vegetation and transition areas	Perch Young of year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-65	Post-spawn female muskies recovering in shallow bays near spawning areas, while males remain vigilant near spawning sites Feeding activity increasing as water temperatures rise, with short bursts of aggressive behavior	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Shallow rocky points adjacent to spawning areas Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along vegetation edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow bays Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges	Perch congregating in shallow vegetation Bluegill beginning to move shallow Small bass in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, utilizing grass lines and standing timber as transition zones Fish are showing afternoon feeding patterns, relating to grass edges in 5-10 foot depths and moving out to adjacent deeper water (25 feet) as refuge	Points and flats with grass and standing timber in 5-10 foot depth range Deep water access areas adjacent to spawning bays with stumps and rootballs Rocky structure transitioning from shallow to deep water	Spinnerbaits worked from shallow grass to deeper water Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along grass edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) targeting suspended fish near timber	Perch actively moving along grass edges Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing dock areas and weed edges as primary ambush points Fish are transitioning between shallow spawning areas and early summer patterns, becoming more aggressive as water warms	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those near spawning flats Weed edges in 5-12 foot depth range Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked around dock posts and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock shade and vegetation pockets Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along weed edges	Perch Small Bluegill Young of Year Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are recovering and beginning to actively feed, primarily targeting shallow areas with emerging vegetation and abundant forage Fish are establishing predictable feeding patterns, often making several passes through prime hunting areas during peak activity periods	Emerging weedlines in 8-15 feet of water, especially near points and inside turns Shallow rock piles and standing timber adjacent to deeper water Protected bays with developing vegetation where baitfish are congregating	Inline Spinners worked parallel to emerging weedlines with moderate retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked with slow, steady retrieves near structure Spinnerbaits worked through and over developing vegetation	Perch gathering in newly established weed growth Bluegill beginning to establish spawning areas in protected bays Small bass utilizing similar shallow structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-74	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding but shifting deeper during midday due to boat traffic and warm temperatures, utilizing 13-18ft depths near ledges and structure Fish are showing preference for ambush points near submerged vegetation and points, with some shallow feeding activity early and late in the day	Flats adjacent to deep ledges in 13-18ft range Points with submerged vegetation in 7-12ft Rocky reefs with good depth transitions	Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Medium Diving Crankbaits worked along points and vegetation edges Football Jigs slow-dragged along deeper structure	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-74	Actively feeding on perch around submerged vegetation edges, with peak activity during early morning and evening hours Holding in shaded areas near dock structures during midday heat Opportunistically striking topwater baits and reaction lures in vegetation zones	Edges of submerged vegetation, particularly where it interfaces with deeper water Dock structures with nearby vegetation Complex shoreline areas with multiple structure types Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked through and along vegetation edges Topwater presentations during low light periods Drop Shot when fish are holding deeper or near dock structures Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around heavy cover and dock areas	Perch Bluegill Young of the year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-78	Actively hunting around weed edges and submerged vegetation, using these areas as ambush points for bluegill and other prey Most active during lower light conditions (early morning/evening) due to summer boat traffic and warm water periods	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they meet deeper water Complex points with vegetation and depth changes Shallow bays with thick vegetation mats during early morning/evening	Inline Spinners worked along weed edges Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) through vegetation pockets	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation Perch relating to weed edges Various baitfish using vegetation for cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Tapps

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-67	Actively feeding on the fall transition, following baitfish and targeting perch along deep structure edges and weedlines Moving between shallow and deep water based on temperature changes, with early morning topwater activity and midday deep structure holding patterns	Deep rock piles and rocky bottom areas in 12-20 foot range Edges of weedlines near drop-offs Points and ledges transitioning from shallow to deep water	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along rocky structure Tubes worked with swimming action near rock piles Early morning topwater walking baits Drop Shot rigs in deeper water near structure	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - indicated by successful bait colors and patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Fish are transitioning deeper and becoming more selective in their feeding, following baitfish movements from summer areas Bass are actively feeding on perch around dock structures, but catch rates suggest challenging conditions requiring precise presentations	Deep dock edges adjacent to deeper water Weed edges near main lake points Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly around docks Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish Ned Rigs worked along deeper structure	Perch Baitfish schools moving to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Muskie	45-65	Muskies are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods and around structural transitions Fish are following baitfish schools and becoming more opportunistic, often targeting larger prey like perch near deep weed edges	Deep weed edges adjacent to points where vegetation meets deeper water Rock piles and standing timber near deep-water access Steep breaks and points with nearby vegetation	Hard Body Swimbaits worked slowly along deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with slow, steady retrieves near structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and point transitions	Perch congregating near deep vegetation edges Bluegill moving to deeper structure Smallmouth bass transitioning to deeper water	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	Muskie	41-48	Muskies remain active in cold, open water, typically suspending near primary forage concentrations and structure breaks Fish exhibit more methodical, energy-conserving hunting patterns, making fewer but more committed strikes	Deep weedline edges adjacent to steep breaks (15-25 feet) Rock piles and points intersecting with deeper water (20-35 feet) Standing timber areas near depth transitions	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Perch concentrations in deeper water Suspended schools of larger baitfish Deep-holding bluegill groups	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Tapps

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky areas with boulders in 9-14 ft range	Stumps and root balls near spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Transition areas where deeper water meets emerging vegetation	Protected coves and pockets with south-facing banks that warm faster
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially those adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow bays with stumps and exposed rootballs	Protected areas between and under docks
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in protected shallow bays	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Shallow rocky points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Points and flats with grass and standing timber in 5-10 foot depth range	Deep water access areas adjacent to spawning bays with stumps and rootballs
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those near spawning flats	Weed edges in 5-12 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Emerging weedlines in 8-15 feet of water, especially near points and inside turns	Shallow rock piles and standing timber adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Flats adjacent to deep ledges in 13-18ft range	Points with submerged vegetation in 7-12ft
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Edges of submerged vegetation, particularly where it interfaces with deeper water	Dock structures with nearby vegetation
Summer	Muskie	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they meet deeper water	Complex points with vegetation and depth changes
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and rocky bottom areas in 12-20 foot range	Edges of weedlines near drop-offs
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep dock edges adjacent to deeper water	Weed edges near main lake points
Fall	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to points where vegetation meets deeper water	Rock piles and standing timber near deep-water access
Winter	Muskie	Deep weedline edges adjacent to steep breaks (15-25 feet)	Rock piles and points intersecting with deeper water (20-35 feet)

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Yellow perch in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas	Smaller baitfish schools in transition zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in shallow areas	Bluegill moving towards spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow areas	Small baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Young of year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating in shallow vegetation	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch actively moving along grass edges	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Small Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in newly established weed growth	Bluegill beginning to establish spawning areas in protected bays
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Bluegill
Summer	Muskie	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation	Perch relating to weed edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - indicated by successful bait colors and patterns
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Baitfish schools moving to deeper water
Fall	Muskie	Perch congregating near deep vegetation edges	Bluegill moving to deeper structure
Winter	Muskie	Perch concentrations in deeper water	Suspended schools of larger baitfish

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Tapps

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

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