How to Fish Lake Waubesa: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Waubesa

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Waubesa

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn transition, staging near spawning areas but still holding in slightly deeper water. They are showing reduced feeding activity as indicated by recent reports, likely due to changing weather patterns and transitional period. Fish are moving between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn locations, making them somewhat difficult to pattern as noted in recent fishing report	Protected coves and canals near spawning areas, especially where deeper water access is available Humps adjacent to spawning flats, as mentioned in recent fishing report Dock areas in 4-6 foot range, particularly those near deeper water access	Drop Shot with subtle presentations, working slightly deeper than where recent Ned Rig attempts were unsuccessful Shakey Heads worked slowly along transition areas Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Bluegill in shallow warming areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to move from deeper wintering areas to warming shallow bays and protected areas Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish targeting emerging insects and small crustaceans	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Transitions between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning flats Dock areas in 4-8 feet of water with access to deeper water	Bobbers with suspended live bait or small jigs around emerging vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small ice fishing jigs worked slowly Live Bait Rigs near transition areas between deep and shallow water	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small worms and leeches	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively seeking warmer, shallow waters near potential spawning areas, moving from winter depths to shoreline areas Feeding activity increases significantly as water temperatures rise, with aggressive strikes common as fish prepare for spawning Pike are utilizing the complex shoreline and weed edges as travel corridors, staging in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first Transitions between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning bays Protected shoreline areas with submerged vegetation near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through shallow vegetation Live Bait Rigs positioned near spawning areas Inline Spinners cast parallel to weed edges	Bluegill congregating in warming shallow areas Crappie moving into pre-spawn staging areas Small pike and other baitfish in shallow bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskies are transitioning from winter patterns to shallow feeding areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to stage near spawning areas and feeding more aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water Points and structure transitions leading into spawning bays Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range where new growth is starting	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near emerging vegetation Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transition areas and points Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes	Bluegills gathering in shallow warming bays Yellow Perch moving shallow for their own spawn Crappies staging in pre-spawn areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-66	Bass are in various spawning stages, with males guarding beds while females cruise nearby. Fish are most active in protected areas where water temperatures are slightly warmer (60-66°F) Fish are particularly sensitive to approach, requiring slow and methodical presentations. They're focusing on defending spawning areas rather than actively feeding	Protected canals and coves with warmer, stable water temperatures Docks providing overhead cover near spawning flats Submerged vegetation in 4-6 foot depth range	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and dock areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish Swim Jigs for covering water and targeting cruising females	Bluegill - primary forage during spawn period Perch - secondary forage mentioned in reports	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) to establish and guard nesting colonies Males become aggressive and territorial while guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at small intruders Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, with periodic breaks during actual spawning	Firm-bottom bays and coves with scattered vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Protected areas between docks where spawning colonies can establish Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small aquatic worms	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are in active spawn and post-spawn feeding mode at 64°F water temperature, aggressively striking various presentations in shallow areas Fish are utilizing weed edges and shallow structure as ambush points, showing high activity levels and opportunistic feeding behavior	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Complex shoreline points and bays with vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas	Inline Spinners worked through shallow vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) slow-dragged along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves	Crappie concentrations in shallow areas Bluegill in emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-62	Muskies moving into shallow bays and spawning areas with water temperatures rising into the 50s Post-spawn fish staging near spawning areas, becoming more active as metabolism increases Primarily hunting in shallow zones (4-12 feet) around emerging vegetation	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Points and shoreline transitions adjacent to spawning areas Shallow weed edges forming near shore structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along emerging weed edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to shoreline structure	Bluegills gathering in shallow spawning areas Yellow Perch in transitional areas Crappies moving shallow for spawn	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-81	Bass are aggressively feeding on bluegills in shallow areas, particularly around spawning beds and weed edges, as evidenced by multiple recent catch reports Fish are showing both aggressive feeding (responding to swim jigs and bladed jigs) and selective feeding patterns (responding to finesse presentations like wacky rigs), suggesting varying activity levels throughout the day	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range, especially near bluegill spawning areas Docks with adjacent weed growth, particularly those in 4-7 foot depth range Protected areas with concentrated baitfish, especially where river or creek channels enter the lake	Swim Jigs worked over and through vegetation edges Bladed Jigs with steady retrieves near structure Wacky Rigs and Neko Rigs worked slowly around docks and holes in vegetation	Bluegill - primary forage with multiple reports of spawning activity General Baitfish - congregating in river mouth areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby feeding zones, actively seeking food to recover energy Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper sanctuary locations near weed edges	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 6-12 feet of water Dock structures with access to deeper water Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Bobbers with precise depth control near cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and weed edges Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small worms and leeches	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	55-68	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, targeting abundant panfish in shallow to mid-depth vegetation Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, primarily hunting in 5-15 foot depth ranges Most active during early morning and evening hours, utilizing ambush points near baitfish concentrations	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays where pike are transitioning to summer patterns Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range near points Shallow brush piles and dock areas holding concentrations of panfish	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive, erratic retrieves in clearer water	Bluegill concentrating in emerging weed growth Crappie schools moving to post-spawn locations Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear in shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are actively recovering and beginning to feed, primarily targeting shallow areas with emerging vegetation Fish are establishing early-season patterns, often following shoreline contours and utilizing ambush points near spawning areas	Shallow weed edges in 5-12 feet adjacent to spawning bays Points and structure transitions with emerging vegetation Protected bays with developing weed growth	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Inline Spinners Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed beds Yellow Perch in transition areas Crappies moving shallow	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	69-80	Actively feeding during early morning and evening around weed edges and docks, with aggressive strikes on moving baits Seeking thermal refuge during midday heat by moving to deeper water or shaded areas under docks	Docks with adjacent deep water, especially those producing multiple fish as reported Outside weed edges in 8-10 feet of water Shoreline vegetation and rocks within 2 feet of shore during low light periods	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked around docks Bladed Jigs burned over weed tops in wind-blown areas Frogs/Toads worked near shoreline vegetation and weed edges	Bluegill concentrating around dock areas and weed edges Minnows relating to dock areas and scattered along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-80	Actively feeding in and around weed edges and dock structures during early morning and evening hours Suspending in deeper water (12-15 feet) during mid-day heat Establishing and guarding spawning beds in early summer, transitioning to post-spawn feeding patterns	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near docks Shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning Deep dock edges providing shade during midday	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around structure Crappie Dock Shooting for panfish holding under docks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around weed edges	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	65-80	Pike are likely to be seeking cooler, deeper water during hot summer days (especially near 80°F), moving to weed edges and open water areas for thermal refuge Early morning and evening feeding periods are most active, with pike moving shallow to ambush prey in weed beds and near structure Following movements of bluegill and crappie schools, utilizing structure as ambush points	Deep weed edges adjacent to open water (12-15 feet) Submerged vegetation near points and bays Dock areas with access to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points Spinnerbaits worked through vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for covering water and targeting active fish	Bluegill concentrating around docks and weed edges Crappie schools suspended near deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-78	Muskies are actively feeding in early morning hours near surface, with aggressive strikes on topwater baits as evidenced by recent 40-inch catch During midday heat, fish likely moving to deeper weed edges and structure breaks for thermal refuge, following baitfish movements Utilizing both shallow and deep water hunting grounds depending on time of day and water temperature	Weed edges adjacent to open water basins for morning/evening feeding Deep weed lines (15-20 foot range) during midday heat Points and bay entrances with access to deep water	Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning and evening hours Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges during midday Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked along deep structure breaks	Bluegill - primary forage confirmed by recent catch report Perch - mentioned in lake profile as secondary forage Crappie - noted in lake profile as additional forage option	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Waubesa

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on shad in shallow water (4-6 ft), showing aggressive topwater behavior Moving along shoreline structure and utilizing ambush points, taking advantage of the moderately complex shoreline	Brush piles in 4-6 feet of water Points and coves with remaining weed edges Dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Buzzbaits worked over shallow cover Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around brush piles	Shad Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Transitioning to deeper water (8-15 feet) as water temperatures cool, schooling more tightly and focusing on remaining green vegetation and deeper dock edges Feeding more aggressively during warming periods, especially during mid-afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep weed edges where green vegetation meets deeper water (8-15 feet) Deeper dock edges and pilings, especially those near drop-offs Protected coves with remaining vegetation, particularly on sunny afternoons	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small baitfish and minnows Aquatic insects near remaining vegetation Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and ambushing prey from weed edges Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, especially during low-light periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish congregate Transitions between weedy areas and open water	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points	Bluegill concentrating in remaining weed beds Crappie schools moving to deeper edges Baitfish schools in open water near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, focusing on high-calorie forage like bluegill and perch Fish are utilizing shallower water during cooling trends, especially during prime feeding windows near dawn and dusk Aggressive behavior increases with falling water temperatures, leading to more chase-downs and strikes	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 8-15 foot transitions Points and structural transitions where vegetation meets hard bottom Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation, especially during afternoon warming periods	Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Spinnerbaits burned just above vegetation tops Hard Body Swimbaits with erratic retrieves near structure transitions	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Yellow Perch schooling along deep weed edges Crappie suspending near structure breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Schooling in deeper, more stable water with minimal movement to conserve energy Feeding during prime daylight hours when water temperatures are highest	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points or steep breaks Suspended over deeper water near submerged vegetation edges Protected coves with minimal current and stable temperatures	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Drop Shot	Small invertebrates Zooplankton Tiny minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	48-58	Actively feeding during late fall/early winter transition, following baitfish schools in main lake areas Suspending near deep weed edges and brush piles, using structure as ambush points	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deep water	Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked slowly along deep weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near brush piles and structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along primary points and breaklines	Bluegill congregating near deep structure Crappie schools in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Muskie	38-48	Late season muskies are typically less aggressive but still feeding opportunistically before winter. They tend to follow larger schools of prey fish and position near primary structural elements Fish are moving slower and conserving energy, but will strike at properly presented baits that mimic wounded or slower-moving prey	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas, particularly where vegetation is still green Sharp breaks and points near deep water that provide quick access to varying depths Basin areas where schools of suspended forage fish are present	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Bluegill concentrations in deeper weeds Suspended schools of perch Crappie schools in basin areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	31-33	Bluegill and panfish are exhibiting selective feeding patterns in high-pressure conditions, responding well to aggressive jigging presentations Fish are holding near submerged vegetation edges, likely relating to both cover and proximity to food sources	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range Deep pockets adjacent to vegetation where larger bluegills stage Transition areas between vegetation and deeper basins	Ice Fishing Jigs with aggressive jigging cadence to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Spoons worked with a mix of aggressive and subtle movements Hover/Mid-Strolling near weed edges for suspended fish	Minnows Small aquatic insects in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity near prime structure, particularly during early and late ice Fish tend to congregate in areas with access to both shallow weeds and deeper water for temperature regulation Feeding periods are most active during early morning and late afternoon, with reduced activity during midday	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 8-15 foot transitions Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Points and inside turns near deeper water that provide ambush opportunities	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegills concentrated in remaining weed growth Crappies suspended near structure edges Small perch groups roaming bottom areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Waubesa

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves and canals near spawning areas, especially where deeper water access is available	Humps adjacent to spawning flats, as mentioned in recent fishing report
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Transitions between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first	Transitions between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Points and structure transitions leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected canals and coves with warmer, stable water temperatures	Docks providing overhead cover near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Firm-bottom bays and coves with scattered vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Protected areas between docks where spawning colonies can establish
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Complex shoreline points and bays with vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Points and shoreline transitions adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range, especially near bluegill spawning areas	Docks with adjacent weed growth, particularly those in 4-7 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 6-12 feet of water	Dock structures with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays where pike are transitioning to summer patterns	Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range near points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow weed edges in 5-12 feet adjacent to spawning bays	Points and structure transitions with emerging vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent deep water, especially those producing multiple fish as reported	Outside weed edges in 8-10 feet of water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially near docks	Shallow bays with firm bottom composition for spawning
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to open water (12-15 feet)	Submerged vegetation near points and bays
Summer	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to open water basins for morning/evening feeding	Deep weed lines (15-20 foot range) during midday heat
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 4-6 feet of water	Points and coves with remaining weed edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where green vegetation meets deeper water (8-15 feet)	Deeper dock edges and pilings, especially those near drop-offs
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays	Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish congregate
Fall	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 8-15 foot transitions	Points and structural transitions where vegetation meets hard bottom
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points or steep breaks	Suspended over deeper water near submerged vegetation edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas, particularly where vegetation is still green	Sharp breaks and points near deep water that provide quick access to varying depths
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Deep pockets adjacent to vegetation where larger bluegills stage
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 8-15 foot transitions	Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 4-8 feet of water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow warming areas	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in warming shallow areas	Crappie moving into pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Bluegills gathering in shallow warming bays	Yellow Perch moving shallow for their own spawn
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage during spawn period	Perch - secondary forage mentioned in reports
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Crappie concentrations in shallow areas	Bluegill in emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Bluegills gathering in shallow spawning areas	Yellow Perch in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage with multiple reports of spawning activity	General Baitfish - congregating in river mouth areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in emerging weed growth	Crappie schools moving to post-spawn locations
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Bluegills gathering in emerging weed beds	Yellow Perch in transition areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around dock areas and weed edges	Minnows relating to dock areas and scattered along weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating around docks and weed edges	Crappie schools suspended near deeper structure
Summer	Muskie	Bluegill - primary forage confirmed by recent catch report	Perch - mentioned in lake profile as secondary forage
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad	Bluegill
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small baitfish and minnows	Aquatic insects near remaining vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining weed beds	Crappie schools moving to deeper edges
Fall	Muskie	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Yellow Perch schooling along deep weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates	Zooplankton
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating near deep structure	Crappie schools in open water
Winter	Muskie	Bluegill concentrations in deeper weeds	Suspended schools of perch
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows	Small aquatic insects in vegetation
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining weed growth	Crappies suspended near structure edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Waubesa

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