How to Fish Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 50-60°F. Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging points, actively feeding to build energy for spawning Fish are moving up towards spawning areas, utilizing points and marina areas as transition zones Feeding activity increases with warming temperatures, particularly during stable weather periods Key locations: Points leading into spawning coves and marina areas; Riprap banks with good sun exposure; Laydowns and woody cover in pre-spawn staging areas. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along transition areas, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around points and riprap, Ned Rigs for tough conditions or pressured fish, Spinnerbaits around laydowns and visible cover. Primary forage: Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas, Crawfish becoming more active in warming water, Perch in and around cover. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-55°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are showing increased activity levels with warming trends, congregating around transition areas between deep and shallow water Key locations: Dam riprap and concrete pilings in 20-35 foot depths; Rocky points and transition areas leading to spawning flats; Docks adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom near vertical structure, Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses on riprap, Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near vertical structure. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation, Baitfish schools in transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 60-75°F. Large schools of striped bass are staging on main lake ledges during pre-spawn, actively feeding on shad schools Fish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn feeding zones, following bait movements Key locations: Main lake ledges where pre-spawn staging occurs; Deep creek channel intersections with main lake; Points adjacent to spawning tributaries. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with fresh shad, Umbrella Rigs mimicking shad schools, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along ledges. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating along ledges, Smaller baitfish following pre-spawn movements. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Lake Texoma in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Pre-spawn catfish becoming more active and moving from winter deep-water haunts to transitional areas, following warming trends Feeding activity increasing as water warms, with fish particularly active during early morning and evening hours Males beginning to scout potential spawning areas near shore structure and deep holes Key locations: Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where water is beginning to warm; Riprap areas near the dam that warm quickly and hold baitfish; Timber and brush piles in 8-15 foot depths near channel swings. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges, Carolina Rigs dragged slowly through transitional areas. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas, Small perch in shallow feeding zones, Minnows gathering around warming shoreline areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Texoma in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to congregate near spawning areas but still relating heavily to vertical cover like timber and dock posts Key locations: Submerged vegetation edges near spawning flats; Boathouses and dock structures with vertical posts; Standing timber and brush piles in pre-spawn staging areas. Best techniques: Crappie Dock Shooting, Finesse Jigs, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'). Primary forage: Small minnows, Young shad. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) and establishing nesting sites near cover, particularly in protected coves and pockets Males guarding nests while females stage on nearby drop-offs, moving between deep and shallow water Key locations: Protected coves and pockets with hard bottom near deep water access; Secondary points leading into spawning bays; Shallow dock areas with nearby brush piles for staging. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas, Soft Jerkbaits for staging fish near drop-offs, Shakey Heads for methodically working potential bed areas. Primary forage: Shad moving into spawning areas, Bluegill becoming more active in the shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phase, actively moving between staging areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly around rocky points and bluffs Fish are showing increased feeding activity with water temperatures in the low 60s, especially during wind-influenced periods Key locations: Rock bluff points on the main lake, especially those with wind exposure; Transitional areas in 5-20 foot depth range near potential spawning flats; Rocky points with mixed depth ranges offering both deep water access and shallow spawning habitat. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentation in 17-20 foot depth range, Ned Rigs worked along rock transitions, Wacky Rigs for shallow staging fish. Primary forage: Shad as primary forage, confirmed by recent fishing reports, Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Pre-spawn staging on main lake ledges and transitioning into creek channels for spawning runs Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, primarily targeting shad schools Moving between deeper staging areas (20-30ft) and shallower spawning zones based on water temperature Key locations: Main lake ledges near creek channel intersections; Rocky points leading into spawning creeks; Steep shoreline transitions near deep water access. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked along ledges and channel breaks, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) for suspended fish over structure, Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) for aggressive pre-spawn fish. Primary forage: Large schools of adult shad in pre-spawn patterns, Suspended baitfish near channel edges, Scattered schools of juvenile shad. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Lake Texoma in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-75°F. Catfish moving into shallower water (2-12 feet) seeking warmer temperatures for spawning, particularly focusing on areas with cover like brush piles and laydowns Increased feeding activity in pre-spawn phase, especially during dawn and dusk periods, with fish actively patrolling shoreline areas Key locations: Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns, especially near tributary mouths; Riprap areas around dams and shorelines where water warms quickly; Protected areas near docks in 5-15 foot depths. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with large soft plastics around cover, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with scented baits near structure. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into shallower water, Perch utilizing shallow cover areas, Minnows congregating around shoreline structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Texoma in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near shoreline structure, particularly around docks, timber, and brush piles Males are establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making frequent trips to spawning areas Feeding activity increases in preparation for and during spawning, with most active periods during early morning and evening Key locations: Protected coves with submerged vegetation and timber in 2-8 feet of water; Dock areas with brush piles, especially in spawning depth ranges; Secondary points leading into spawning coves with standing timber. Best techniques: Crappie Dock Shooting, Bobbers, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling). Primary forage: Small minnows gathering in spawning areas, Shad moving into shallow waters, Small insects and larvae near vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 59-70°F. Post-spawn bass are actively feeding and dispersing from spawning areas to early summer patterns, utilizing various depth ranges from shallow to mid-depth areas Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on both shad and bluegill, with reports indicating they're responding well to reaction baits and bottom presentations Key locations: Offshore points with rock or gravel, particularly those adjacent to spawning flats; Docks and brush piles in 7-12 foot range; Rock piles and riprap in shallow to medium depth zones. Best techniques: Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked with occasional pauses, particularly effective on points and humps, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and rock piles, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match the prevalent shad forage. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports and lake profile, Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in reports around shallow cover. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Active feeding during shad spawn periods, particularly during early morning hours near shoreline structure Post-spawn recovery transition with fish beginning to establish summer feeding patterns Moving between shallow feeding areas and nearby deeper water rest areas throughout the day Key locations: Riprap banks with active baitfish; Rocky points adjacent to deeper water; Secondary points with boulder structure; Transition areas between spawning flats and summer habitat. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to riprap and points during shad activity, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad, Ned Rigs worked slowly when fish become less active, Hard Jerkbaits for suspended fish between shallow and deep water. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage during spawn activity), Crawfish (secondary forage especially near rocky structure). Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, following large shad schools along main lake ledges and points Fish are establishing predictable feeding patterns, often schooling aggressively during morning and evening periods Key locations: Main lake ledges near deep water access, particularly where channels intersect with structure; Secondary points adjacent to spawning areas where fish stage during transition; Creek channel edges where shad schools concentrate. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked along ledges and points to trigger reaction strikes from schooling fish, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through suspended schools of fish, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on specific structure. Primary forage: Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad, Herring moving into shallower water. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Lake Texoma in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-75°F. Post-spawn catfish becoming more active and aggressive, moving to feeding locations near channel edges and structure Fish transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods Key locations: Rocky areas and rip rap near channel edges where baitfish concentrate; Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths adjacent to deeper water; Marina structures and dock areas with good depth transitions. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and channel edges, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover in shallower areas. Primary forage: Shad schools beginning to move shallow, Perch around structure and cover, Various species of minnows in shoreline areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Texoma in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 68-78°F. Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to deeper water but still utilizing brush piles and docks in 8-15 foot depth ranges, actively feeding to recover from spawning Fish are becoming more structure-oriented and suspending near vertical cover, particularly around timber and dock edges during morning and evening periods Key locations: Deeper brush piles and timber in 8-15 foot range adjacent to spawning flats; Dock edges and marina areas with good shade coverage; Submerged vegetation edges where they meet deeper water. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Crappie Dock Shooting, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Small shad, Young-of-year baitfish, Small minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Summer?

Water temp 67-85°F. Bass are actively feeding around docks, riprap, and brush piles, showing a clear structure-oriented pattern in summer Fish are utilizing multiple depth zones, from shallow areas near docks and riprap to deeper brush piles (12+ feet), suggesting a daily movement pattern based on temperature and light conditions Key locations: Docks and marina areas with adjacent deep water access; Riprap areas, particularly in marina zones; Brush piles in 12+ feet of water. Best techniques: Carolina Rigs worked around docks and points, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near riprap and marina areas, Shakey Heads worked through deeper brush piles. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage based on reports), Bluegill around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Summer?

Water temp 75-88°F. Smallmouth bass are less active during high heat periods (88°F), seeking refuge in deeper water or shaded areas near boulders and brush Feeding windows are concentrated during early morning and late evening when temperatures are more moderate Key locations: Deep boulder fields with adjacent brush; Rocky points with access to deep water; Shaded areas near riprap and dam structures. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through deeper structure, Texas Rigs (Worming) with 10-inch power worms in brush, Drop Shot with finesse presentations during tough bite periods. Primary forage: Shad schools in deeper water, Crawfish in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma in Summer?

Water temp 75-82°F. Striped bass form large schools following shad in open water, making frequent moves between deep and shallow water depending on time of day Fish are most active during dawn/dusk periods, moving shallower to feed, then retreating to deeper, cooler water during midday Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to deep water access; Creek channel edges in 20-35 foot depths; Humps and underwater structure near major creek channels. Best techniques: Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs during midday, Hard Topwater (Walking) during dawn/dusk periods, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics. Primary forage: Schooling Shad in open water, Suspended Baitfish near thermocline. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Lake Texoma in Summer?

Water temp 75-85°F. Actively feeding during night and early morning hours, seeking cooler water during peak day temperatures Utilizing deep channel edges and structure during day, moving to shallow feeding zones at night Aggressive feeding behavior near current areas and structure that concentrates baitfish Key locations: Deep river channels (20-40 feet) adjacent to shallow flats; Riprap areas around dam and shorelines; Brush piles and laydowns in 15-25 foot depth range. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers near structure, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover at night. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated near structure, Yellow Perch in deeper areas, Various sized minnows near cover. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Texoma in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. Crappie are suspending near deep structure and man-made cover during summer, typically holding in 15-25 foot depths during peak daylight hours Fish become more active during dawn and dusk periods, moving shallower to feed around dock edges and brush piles Schools are concentrated around thermoclines where baitfish gather, especially near creek channel intersections with structure Key locations: Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depths, especially near creek channels; Shaded areas under and between docks and marinas with good depth; Suspended cover near submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregate. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Dock Shooting. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending in open water near structure, Small sunfish around dock structures, Minnows relating to submerged vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Fall?

Water temp 68-82°F. Bass are actively following shad migrations into creeks and coves, with increased feeding activity around baitfish schools Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, utilizing multiple depth zones from shallow to mid-depth areas throughout the day Key locations: Marina dock slips and complex dock structures; Secondary points leading into creeks and coves; Brush piles and laydown trees in 0-9 foot depth range. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked around docks and cover, Hard Topwater (Walking) for covering water and locating active fish, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around brush and timber. Primary forage: Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports), Bluegill (secondary forage evidenced by successful bluegill-colored baits). Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Fall?

Water temp 55-72°F. Actively feeding on rocky structures and points as they follow baitfish movements and target crawfish, particularly during moderate temperature periods Transitioning between shallow and deeper structures throughout the day, with more active feeding during lower light conditions Key locations: Main lake rocky points with nearby deep water access; Boulder fields and rocky structures in 10-20 foot depth range; Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with rocky bottoms. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around rocky structure and docks, Carolina Rigs dragged along points and transitions, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around boulders. Primary forage: Crawfish in rocky areas, Shad schools moving through main lake areas, Minnows around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma in Fall?

Water temp 60-82°F. Actively schooling and feeding on shad near surface, especially during low light periods Following large schools of shad as they migrate into creeks and around points during fall cooling Key locations: Main lake points where shad are being corralled; Creek channel mouths intersecting with main lake; Secondary points in major creek arms. Best techniques: Hard Topwater (Walking) for surface feeding activity, Umbrella Rigs when fish push bait deeper, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for mimicking wounded shad. Primary forage: Shad schools migrating to creeks, Suspended baitfish in open water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Lake Texoma in Fall?

Water temp 55-72°F. Actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, focusing on high-protein forage in deeper structures during day and moving shallower during dusk/dawn Beginning to transition from summer patterns to winter locations, following baitfish schools and utilizing deep channel edges Key locations: Deep river channels with adjacent timber or brush piles (20-40 foot range); Rip rap areas near the dam where baitfish concentrate; Creek channel intersections with main lake points. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near bottom structure, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near channel edges and brush piles, Carolina Rigs worked slowly along deeper structure. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in deeper water, Yellow Perch around structure, Various sized minnows near rip rap. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Texoma in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. Crappie are actively schooling and feeding heavily to prepare for winter, following baitfish schools in the water column Fish are transitioning from shallow to deeper water, often suspending near vertical structure and deep brush piles Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon when baitfish are more active Key locations: Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 feet of water; Main lake points with access to deeper water; Deep dock structures near channel swings; Submerged vegetation edges transitioning to deeper water. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging. Primary forage: Shad schools gathering in creek arms and channel edges, Small minnows around brush piles and timber, Young-of-year baitfish in various areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Winter?

Water temp 45-52°F. Suspended over deeper water adjacent to primary points and marina areas, moving with bait schools Reduced metabolism but still feeding opportunistically on concentrated baitfish schools Most active during warmer parts of day when shad become more active Key locations: Deep points adjacent to creek channels where shad congregate; Marina areas with vertical structure and bait concentrations; Riprap areas that retain heat and attract baitfish. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools, Underspins slow-rolled through baitfish concentrations, Shakey Heads worked slowly along riprap and rocky points. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deeper water, Small sunfish around marina structure, Crawfish in riprap areas during warmer parts of day. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Lake Texoma in Winter?

Water temp 46-54°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning to deeper winter patterns, holding on main lake points and channel swing banks between 20-40 feet deep Fish are responding to slow-moving presentations, particularly around rocky structure and boulders Feeding windows are shorter and more dependent on optimal temperature periods Key locations: Main lake points with chunk rock and boulders; Channel swing banks in 20-40 foot depth range; Standing timber areas near deep water access. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses, Carolina Rigs dragged slowly on points, Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper water, Shallow Diving Crankbaits with stop-and-go retrieve. Primary forage: Shad schooling in deeper water, Crawfish in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Lake Texoma in Winter?

Water temp 45-62°F. Striped bass are schooling heavily in creek channels and following large baitfish concentrations in the 20-40 foot depth range Fish are actively feeding on shad schools but staying deeper due to winter conditions, with most aggressive feeding during slightly warmer periods Key locations: Creek channel swings with concentrated bait schools in 20-40 foot depth range; Deep creek arms where shad schools are congregating; Main lake humps adjacent to deep water. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs with swimbaits to imitate shad schools, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics, Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges where bait is present. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deeper water, Minnows in creek channels and around structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Lake Texoma in Winter?

Water temp 42-52°F. Catfish concentrate in deeper, stable temperature areas like river channels (20-40 foot depths) during winter Reduced but steady feeding activity, with fish preferring slower-moving baits and natural presentations Groups of catfish often stack in deep wintering holes, particularly near structure or channel bends Key locations: Deep river channels (20-40 feet) with adjacent structure; Deep holes near channel bends; Deep water near rip rap areas. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Live Bait Rigs, Structure Jigs. Primary forage: Shad schools in deeper water, Winter-stressed baitfish, Small perch near deep structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Lake Texoma in Winter?

Water temp 42-52°F. Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near vertical structure or hanging over deeper basins Fish become more lethargic during cold water periods, requiring slower presentations and concentrating in areas with stable conditions Key locations: Deep timber and brush piles in 15-25 feet of water; Deep dock areas and marina structures; Channel bends and creek mouths with vertical structure. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Damiki Rig, Ice Fishing Jigs. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrating in deeper water, Small baitfish seeking winter refuges near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.