How to Fish Lake Washington (MN): Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Washington (MN)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Washington (MN)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to warmer, shallower staging areas in preparation for spawning. They are becoming more active and feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves. Fish are most active during warmer parts of the day, especially in shallow pockets that warm up first Bass are heavily focused on crawfish and baitfish, with feeding activity increasing as water temperatures rise	Protected coves and pockets with dark bottoms that warm up first Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow docks adjacent to deeper water Areas with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around docks and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting isolated cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along secondary points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow warming areas Perch schools around dock areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	38-48	Walleye are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are staging near spawning areas and moving shallow, particularly active during low-light periods Movement patterns closely following emerging vegetation and rocky areas in preparation for spawn	Rocky points and shoreline areas with transition to spawning flats Emerging weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range Areas where bottom composition changes from rock to sand	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near emerging vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation Crayfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike actively moving into shallow bays and spawning areas with emerging vegetation, typically holding in 3-8 feet of water Aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn to build energy reserves, with increased activity during warming trends	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms faster Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, particularly near spawning areas Protected points and coves that warm up quickly in spring	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses in slightly deeper water Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily along transition areas	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water Juvenile panfish in warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Pre-spawn bluegills are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallow flats and coves, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively, focusing on areas with emerging vegetation and insect life	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays, particularly those with a mix of rock and vegetation Dock areas in 4-8 feet of water that offer both cover and sun-warmed water	Live Bait Rigs with small, light presentations for tentative early spring bites Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through warming shallow areas Bobbers with suspended baits at varying depths to find active fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Tiny crustaceans in vegetation Small minnows in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow spawning zones, staging in depths of 8-15 feet near spawning flats Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depths Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small minnows Young of the year baitfish Small aquatic invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats and protected areas near reeds and other vegetation Fish are becoming more aggressive and territorial as they prepare for and engage in spawning activities	Reed edges and pockets, especially where they create protected spawning areas Points adjacent to spawning flats, serving as staging areas Protected shallow bays with diverse vegetation	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and vegetation Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) on points and transition areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around reed edges	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawning activities Perch actively feeding in vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around emerging vegetation and transitional bottom areas with rock/gravel substrate Fish are staging in pre-spawn locations near spawning grounds, moving in waves based on water temperature triggers Feeding activity is increased prior to and after spawning, with fish being more aggressive during these periods	Shallow rock/gravel areas near emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Transitional areas between hard and soft bottom near spawning grounds Protected bays and points that warm up first in spring	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with controlled lifts and drops Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts in staging areas	Perch in the 2-4 inch range Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-58	Northern Pike moving into shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation for spawning, typically most active during warmer parts of the day Post-spawn fish transitioning to feeding locations near spawning areas, particularly along emerging weed edges and points	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Points and gradual slopes adjacent to spawning areas Transitional areas where hard bottom meets emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily near emerging weed edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transition areas between spawning bays and deeper water	Perch congregating in shallow areas Small baitfish moving into warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and around docks where water warms first Males guarding nests in colonies, becoming aggressive and territorial Feeding actively in pre-spawn, with decreased feeding during actual spawning period	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near emerging vegetation Dock areas in 2-4 feet of water with sandy or gravel bottom Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water access points	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-3 feet deep Live Bait Rigs with lightweight presentations Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow warming bays and coves, staging near spawning areas around brush, vegetation, and other cover in 2-8 feet of water Fish become increasingly active during daylight hours, especially during stable weather patterns, with males beginning to create and guard nests	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation and woody cover in 2-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow brush piles and laydowns near shoreline structure	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around visible cover Crappie Dock Shooting when targeting fish under docks near spawning areas	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Young of the year panfish in and around vegetation Small invertebrates becoming active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	66-83	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting bluegill and perch in vegetation zones Fish are showing mixed depth patterns, utilizing both shallow cover and transitioning to deeper submerged vegetation as temperatures rise	Submerged vegetation beds in 5-10 foot depth range Reed lines and emergent vegetation in shallow water Weedlines adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weedlines and through vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation and reeds Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover areas	Bluegill gathering in shallow vegetation areas Perch relating to submerged vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye actively feeding near emerging vegetation, utilizing these areas for recovery and initial feeding periods Fish showing preference for shoreline-oriented structure during spring transition, particularly around submerged grass Moderate water clarity (2.7m Secchi) enabling effective feeding during lower light periods	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they intersect with subtle bottom transitions Wind-blown shoreline points with emerging vegetation Protected bays with developing weed growth	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with varying retrieve speeds along vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Live Bait Rigs near bottom transitions adjacent to vegetation	Perch utilizing emerging vegetation as cover Small baitfish relating to warming shoreline areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shallow to mid-depth areas with abundant forage Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, especially during foggy conditions as indicated by lake reports	Emerging weed edges in 8-10 foot depths, particularly near points and bays Subtle depth changes and transitional areas where pike can ambush prey Protected bays with warming water and developing vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges and points Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds around emerging vegetation Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transitional areas and weed edges	Perch, which are confirmed as primary forage base in the lake Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in the shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish becoming more structure-oriented, relating to vegetation edges and dock areas as cover and feeding zones Showing increased activity during morning and evening hours, with brief feeding windows throughout the day	Dock edges and posts in 4-8 feet of water Emerging weed edges near depth transitions Secondary points with mixed rock and vegetation	Bobbers suspended 2-4 feet deep near structure Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under docks Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically around vegetation edges	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small baitfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Fish are beginning to form loose schools around submerged vegetation and weed edges, following baitfish movements	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet of water Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water Suspended schools near dock structures in 6-15 feet	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around vegetation Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks Bobbers with suspended baits over submerged vegetation	Small minnows gathering around emerging weed growth Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school Aquatic insects active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-82	Bass are actively feeding during low light conditions, especially during foggy mornings, and seeking shade/cover during bright periods Fish are relating heavily to vegetation edges and matted cover, with larger bass holding tight to thick cover like lily pads and dock structures	Matted grass edges and pockets, especially where submerged vegetation meets surface mats Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those providing shade Lily pad fields, especially those in 2-4 feet of water	Frogs/Toads worked slowly through lily pads and matted vegetation Bladed Jigs around submerged vegetation edges and dock areas Structure Jigs skipped under docks and worked through cover	Bluegill concentrated around docks and vegetation Shad relating to weed edges and open water adjacent to cover Perch utilizing dock areas and deeper weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	75-82	Walleye are transitioning to deeper, cooler water with the 82°F surface temperatures, primarily active during lower light periods and showing sensitivity to boat traffic Fish are holding tight to subtle bottom composition changes and small structural elements, requiring precise boat positioning and presentation	Ledges and breaks in 10-15 foot depth range with subtle bottom composition changes Inside turns and humps with minimal boat traffic Areas with small (1-2 foot) depth changes along structural elements	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with bottom bouncers and spinners for covering water Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along ledge edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during periods of less boat traffic	Perch - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports Smaller baitfish relating to the same structural elements	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	75-82	Northern Pike are seeking cooler water during peak summer heat (80°F surface temp), primarily holding along deep weed edges in 11-13 feet of water Active feeding occurs along transitional areas where deep weed edges meet flats, using these areas as ambush points for perch	Deep weed edges extending to 8-10 feet of water, especially where they transition to 11-13 FOW Subtle depth changes along flats near weed edges Points and bays with established weed growth, particularly those with access to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and subtle depth changes Spinnerbaits worked parallel to deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) presented along transitional areas	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports Baitfish schools relating to weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	65-82	Bluegills are transitioning between depth ranges throughout the day, actively using ledge edges and drop-offs as primary holding areas in response to cooling summer water temperatures Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, responding well to smaller profile baits and concentrating around structure during prime feeding periods	Ledges and drop-offs with distinct depth transitions, particularly those adjacent to rock piles Submerged vegetation edges within the 8-9 foot depth range (based on Secchi depth) Protected coves and points with complex structure, especially during periods of heavy boat traffic	Live Bait Rigs with bottom bouncers for actively searching and locating schools Drop Shot with small soft plastics once fish are located Ned Rigs with small profile baits worked slowly along structure edges	Small minnows, particularly around structure edges Aquatic insects and larvae near rock piles and vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	70-82	Actively schooling and chasing baitfish in open water, particularly during overcast conditions Suspending near structure and points, showing aggressive feeding behavior when weather systems approach	Points with access to deeper water, especially those with suspended schools Weed edges near deeper water Suspended areas over deeper water where schools are visible on electronics	Bobbers with suspended baits, especially effective when schools are located Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) to cover water and locate active schools Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish once schools are located	Small Minnows, actively being chased by schools Young-of-year baitfish gathering in schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Washington (MN)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	62-68	Bass are transitioning to fall patterns, actively feeding on bluegill near dock structures as water temperatures cool from 68°F mid-day to 62°F in mornings Fish are establishing predictable feeding windows, particularly during low-light periods and around dock structures	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near irregular shoreline features Secondary points with submerged vegetation Protected coves with matted grass	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock areas and vegetation Football Jigs worked along dock edges and deeper structure Shakey Heads for finesse presentation during tough periods	Bluegill concentrating around dock structures Perch relating to deeper structure Shad schools in open water	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating strongly to structural elements Fish become more aggressive during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed on concentrated baitfish	Main lake points and breaks in 10-15 foot range where bottom composition changes Wind-blown shorelines with access to deeper water Deep weed edges adjacent to feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper water Small baitfish concentrated near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	55-68	Pike are actively feeding along weed edges during fall cool-down, using vegetation as ambush points to target abundant forage Most active during low-light periods, with increased feeding activity during morning and evening hours	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, especially where they meet depth transitions Points and bays with submerged vegetation, taking advantage of the complex shoreline Deeper weed edges (11-13 feet) where larger pike tend to hold	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges, as supported by recent success Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges for active pike Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for mimicking primary forage	Perch, as indicated by lake profile inferences Various baitfish utilizing weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegills beginning to school and move deeper as water temperatures cool, transitioning from summer patterns to fall locations Feeding becomes more aggressive during daylight hours, with fish concentrating around key structure in 8-15 foot depth ranges	Deep weedline edges and ledges near bottom transitions in 8-15 foot range Deeper dock areas with access to both shallow and deep water Rock piles and hard-bottom areas adjacent to deeper water	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near structure Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms near deep weedlines	Small insects and larvae in deeper water Tiny baitfish and minnows around structure Zooplankton in water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and concentrating near deep structure as water temperatures cool Feeding activity increases during this seasonal transition, with fish actively pursuing baitfish in schools More aggressive feeding patterns during prime dawn/dusk periods, with fish moving up in the water column during these times	Deep weed edges transitioning to ledges (8-15 feet) Points and dropoffs adjacent to summer feeding areas Deeper suspended schools near structure (12-20 feet)	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Schools of small baitfish/minnows Young-of-year panfish Small invertebrates near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye becoming more concentrated near deep structural elements, actively feeding during low-light periods and following schools of perch Fish showing increased activity near bottom transitions and subtle depth changes, particularly during warmer winter days	Deep ledges and transitions in 10-15 foot range with bottom composition changes Protected points and bays where wind-driven current creates feeding opportunities Areas with subtle bottom hardness transitions away from heavy boat traffic	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Yellow Perch, particularly concentrating near structure Small baitfish schools in wind-driven current areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike will actively hunt along weed edges and near subtle depth changes seeking perch and suspended baitfish. During periods of extreme cold, they will often limit movement to conserve energy, preferring to ambush prey from stationary positions. Feeding activity tends to be most aggressive during low-light conditions and foggy periods, with fish making opportunistic strikes at passing prey	Deep weed edges in 11-13 feet of water, particularly where they intersect with subtle depth changes Points and inside turns of weed edges that create natural ambush points Transitional areas where bottom composition changes, especially near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges to imitate injured baitfish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lifts and long pauses near structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour changes and weed edges	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by fishing reports Suspended baitfish schools seeking warmer water layers Other panfish species concentrated near deep weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	48-58	During the late fall/early winter transition, bluegills are moving to deeper, stable water columns, typically concentrating in schools around key structure Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures are most stable, with fish becoming less aggressive but still feeding opportunistically	Deep ledges and bottom transitions in 15-25 foot range where schools concentrate Deeper docks and boat houses that provide overhead cover and stable temperatures Deep weed edges where vegetation is still present, especially near drops	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around dock structures Live Bait Rigs with smaller offerings presented directly to visible schools	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Remaining small baitfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Slowing down and moving to deeper water structures, suspending in tight schools near primary points and river channel bends Feeding less frequently but more aggressively during prime periods, especially during stable weather	Deep water basins adjacent to river channel bends (18-25 feet) Primary points leading to deep water basins (15-22 feet) Deep weed edges where vegetation is still present (12-18 feet)	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Jigs	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Micro invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye concentrate near structural elements where bottom composition changes, particularly at depths of 10-15 feet during early and mid-ice Active feeding periods occur during low light conditions, with fish moving between deeper holes and shallower feeding shelves	Deep structural breaks near points where bottom composition changes Transition areas between rock and mud in 10-15 foot range Edges of submerged weed beds that survived into winter	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live bait	Perch Small bottom-dwelling minnows Dying or winter-stressed baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike become less active during ice season but maintain feeding periods, especially during dawn and dusk. They tend to stay near the edges of weed beds that haven't fully died off Pike will concentrate in areas where they can ambush prey with minimal energy expenditure, particularly near schools of winter-congregated perch	Deep weed edges in 11-13 feet of water where vegetation hasn't fully died off Transition areas with subtle depth changes that connect to shallow bays Points and inside turns that provide ambush opportunities near deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows and worked slowly	Perch congregating in winter schools Smaller baitfish seeking warmer pockets near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills form tight schools in deeper basins and near bottom transitions, becoming less active during midday Fish tend to feed more actively during early morning and late afternoon periods, especially near structure transitions	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural transitions, typically 15-25 feet Deeper edges of weed lines that remained green before freeze-up Bottom transitions near ledges where reports mentioned bottom bouncer success in summer	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in deeper water columns Dormant aquatic vegetation	Purple Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie concentrate in deeper basins and suspended over deeper water, typically schooling tightly in predictable winter locations Feeding activity is reduced but remains consistent, with most active periods during dawn and dusk Fish typically suspend 1-3 feet off bottom when holding on structure, or 2-4 feet below ice when suspended	Deep basin areas adjacent to summer weed edges, particularly in 18-25 foot ranges Suspended over deeper water near points and channel breaks Areas where creek channels intersect with main lake structure	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and deadsticking Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by pause periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Micro invertebrates Young of the year panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Washington (MN)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves and pockets with dark bottoms that warm up first	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shoreline areas with transition to spawning flats	Emerging weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms faster	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, particularly near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Secondary points leading into spawning bays, particularly those with a mix of rock and vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed edges and pockets, especially where they create protected spawning areas	Points adjacent to spawning flats, serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rock/gravel areas near emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Transitional areas between hard and soft bottom near spawning grounds
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Points and gradual slopes adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near emerging vegetation	Dock areas in 2-4 feet of water with sandy or gravel bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation and woody cover in 2-8 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation beds in 5-10 foot depth range	Reed lines and emergent vegetation in shallow water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they intersect with subtle bottom transitions	Wind-blown shoreline points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 8-10 foot depths, particularly near points and bays	Subtle depth changes and transitional areas where pike can ambush prey
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dock edges and posts in 4-8 feet of water	Emerging weed edges near depth transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet of water	Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass edges and pockets, especially where submerged vegetation meets surface mats	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those providing shade
Summer	Walleye	Ledges and breaks in 10-15 foot depth range with subtle bottom composition changes	Inside turns and humps with minimal boat traffic
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges extending to 8-10 feet of water, especially where they transition to 11-13 FOW	Subtle depth changes along flats near weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Ledges and drop-offs with distinct depth transitions, particularly those adjacent to rock piles	Submerged vegetation edges within the 8-9 foot depth range (based on Secchi depth)
Summer	Crappie	Points with access to deeper water, especially those with suspended schools	Weed edges near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near irregular shoreline features	Secondary points with submerged vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points and breaks in 10-15 foot range where bottom composition changes	Wind-blown shorelines with access to deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, especially where they meet depth transitions	Points and bays with submerged vegetation, taking advantage of the complex shoreline
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weedline edges and ledges near bottom transitions in 8-15 foot range	Deeper dock areas with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges transitioning to ledges (8-15 feet)	Points and dropoffs adjacent to summer feeding areas
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges and transitions in 10-15 foot range with bottom composition changes	Protected points and bays where wind-driven current creates feeding opportunities
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 11-13 feet of water, particularly where they intersect with subtle depth changes	Points and inside turns of weed edges that create natural ambush points
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep ledges and bottom transitions in 15-25 foot range where schools concentrate	Deeper docks and boat houses that provide overhead cover and stable temperatures
Winter	Crappie	Deep water basins adjacent to river channel bends (18-25 feet)	Primary points leading to deep water basins (15-22 feet)
Ice	Walleye	Deep structural breaks near points where bottom composition changes	Transition areas between rock and mud in 10-15 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 11-13 feet of water where vegetation hasn't fully died off	Transition areas with subtle depth changes that connect to shallow bays
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural transitions, typically 15-25 feet	Deeper edges of weed lines that remained green before freeze-up
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to summer weed edges, particularly in 18-25 foot ranges	Suspended over deeper water near points and channel breaks

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Tiny crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows	Young of the year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawning activities	Perch actively feeding in vegetation edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in the 2-4 inch range	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in shallow areas	Small baitfish moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Young of the year panfish in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow vegetation areas	Perch relating to submerged vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch utilizing emerging vegetation as cover	Small baitfish relating to warming shoreline areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch, which are confirmed as primary forage base in the lake	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in the shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering around emerging weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around docks and vegetation	Shad relating to weed edges and open water adjacent to cover
Summer	Walleye	Perch - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports	Smaller baitfish relating to the same structural elements
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports	Baitfish schools relating to weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows, particularly around structure edges	Aquatic insects and larvae near rock piles and vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Small Minnows, actively being chased by schools	Young-of-year baitfish gathering in schools
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around dock structures	Perch relating to deeper structure
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch schooling in deeper water	Small baitfish concentrated near structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch, as indicated by lake profile inferences	Various baitfish utilizing weed edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in deeper water	Tiny baitfish and minnows around structure
Fall	Crappie	Schools of small baitfish/minnows	Young-of-year panfish
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch, particularly concentrating near structure	Small baitfish schools in wind-driven current areas
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by fishing reports	Suspended baitfish schools seeking warmer water layers
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Micro invertebrates near remaining vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Perch	Small bottom-dwelling minnows
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in winter schools	Smaller baitfish seeking warmer pockets near structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in deeper water columns
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Micro invertebrates

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Washington (MN)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals