How to Fish Lake Wausau: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lake Wausau

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Wausau

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are relating heavily to deeper structure like dam areas and points, making periodic movements to shallower water as temperatures rise	Dam area with deep water and rock structure Main lake points with access to both deep and shallow water Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Football Jigs Blade Baits	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Smaller baitfish schools	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies are transitioning from deeper winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding as water temperatures rise Fish are moving into shallower water during warming trends, especially in afternoons, but retreating to nearby deeper water during cold fronts	Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with wood cover Protected coves with emerging vegetation Shallow flats near deep water access	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Young of year bluegill and perch Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish/Bluegill are beginning to stage in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to warmer, shallow flats near spawning locations Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during mid-morning and afternoon when waters warm	Protected shallow bays near dam structures where water warms first Transition areas between points and spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water Areas near culverts where warm water influx creates feeding zones	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended 1-3 feet off bottom Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through transition areas Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically in deeper staging areas	Small invertebrates and insects emerging in warming waters Small crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Newly hatched minnows in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, typically moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower rocky and vegetated areas Fish are typically schooling in larger groups, making multiple passes through prime feeding areas during peak activity periods	Rocky points transitioning from deep to shallow water, especially those near spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deep water with emerging vegetation Protected coves with firm bottom composition	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or crawler pieces Tubes worked slowly along bottom structure	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming rocky areas Aquatic insect larvae	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are actively engaging in spawning behavior, with fish moving between staging areas and bedding sites on hard bottom areas Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, particularly responsive to finesse presentations near spawning areas Post-spawn fish beginning to transition to feeding patterns, particularly around shad near overhanging trees in shallow water	Rocky areas and rock piles in 2-6 foot depth range for spawning activity Dam areas with varied depth and hard structure Shallow flats with overhanging trees, particularly in 6 foot depth zones	Drop Shot with finesse presentations, particularly effective with Max Scent style baits Texas Rigs with menace-style baits around bedding areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked along dam areas and structural edges	Shad concentrating around shallow cover Bluegill becoming active in spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies moving into shallow bays and coves (2-6 feet) for spawning, with males preparing and guarding nests Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning grounds, particularly around newly emerging vegetation and woody cover Becoming increasingly active during daylight hours as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during morning and evening	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation and stable bottom Transition areas between points and spawning bays Shallow wood cover near shoreline areas	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with small soft plastics Crappie Dock Shooting when targeting fish under docks near spawning areas	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming water Young-of-year panfish in established vegetation	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas near dams and protected bays, preparing spawning beds in 2-4 feet of water Males guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent water, making frequent trips to shallow areas	Protected shallow areas near dams with firm bottom Shallow bays with emerging vegetation Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning flats	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 1-3 feet deep Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas Ice Fishing Jigs worked horizontally just above bottom	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	44-52	Yellow perch are actively spawning in shallow areas, typically moving in schools around structure and vegetative areas Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, with females moving to spawning areas followed by males	Rocky points and shallow flats near transitional areas Areas with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Protected coves with firm bottom composition	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small invertebrates and zooplankton Newly emerging aquatic insects Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Most active during early morning hours (evidenced by 6:30-10:00 AM success in reports), seeking cooler water and optimal light conditions	Rock piles in 6-12 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats Points and ledges with hard bottom structure Dam area structure providing current breaks and deep water access	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to structure Tubes dragged along rock piles Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Small bluegills near shallow structure Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are primarily suspended near shoreline structure and around emerging vegetation, moving between 4-12 feet of water depending on time of day	Edges of emerging lily pad fields mentioned in reports Complex points with access to both shallow and deeper water Protected bays with developing weed growth	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around emerging vegetation Bobbers with suspended soft plastics near structure Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and points	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills Emerging aquatic insects Small crustaceans in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper sanctuary locations throughout the day Aggressive feeding periods during morning and evening hours, particularly near vegetation and structure	Lily pad edges and emerging weed growth in 4-8 feet of water Protected areas between docks and man-made structures Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats	Bobbers with lightweight jigs worked slowly around vegetation Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points	Small insects and invertebrates near vegetation Juvenile crawfish in rocky areas Small minnows and fry in shallow zones	Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-58	Post-spawn perch transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, actively feeding to recover energy Schools beginning to form and relate to rock-to-sand transition areas and points, feeding heavily on small invertebrates and crawfish	Rocky points transitioning to sand flats in 8-15 feet of water Rock piles adjacent to spawning bays in 6-12 feet Sand-to-rock transition areas near emergent vegetation	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs Inline Spinners cast parallel to structural elements	Small invertebrates and insects Juvenile crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small minnows gathering near emerging vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding during early morning hours, seeking cooler water and shade during midday Fish are relating to current breaks and hard structure, with a mix of aggressive and finesse feeding patterns	Dam area with current breaks and deep water access Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Pilings providing shade and ambush points	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock structure and near the dam Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) for more aggressive fish, especially during low light conditions Finesse Jigs worked around pilings and hard structure	Crawfish on rocky structure Small baitfish around dam and current areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappies are actively feeding in and around vegetation, particularly lily pads, during early morning and evening hours During midday heat, schools move to deeper adjacent areas near vegetation edges and points Suspended feeding behavior common, with fish relating to baitfish schools in the upper water column during peak feeding periods	Lily pad fields, especially those adjacent to deeper water Points with mixed vegetation and structure Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet of water	Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges Bobbers with lightweight jigs worked through pockets in vegetation	Small bluegills and juvenile perch Various minnow species relating to vegetation Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in and around vegetation, particularly lily pads, during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper water during midday heat Relating strongly to structure and cover, using man-made features like dams and culverts as feeding stations	Lily pad fields and adjacent deeper water transitions Dam structures and associated current breaks Culvert areas with moving water and cover Golf course shoreline areas with modified structure	Bobbers with small live bait or micro jigs worked around vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure edges Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations around cover	Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation Juvenile crawfish in rocky areas Zooplankton in open water columns	Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	68-78	Yellow perch actively feeding in and around lily pad edges and pockets during summer, using vegetation for both shelter and ambush points Fish showing preference for shallow to mid-depth zones, with likely movement to slightly deeper water during peak heat	Lily pad fields, especially edges and pockets Rocky points adjacent to vegetation Shallow to mid-depth flats with mixed vegetation	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs worked around vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along pad edges Inline Spinners cast parallel to vegetation edges	Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation Crawfish, especially near rocky structure Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Wausau

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-70	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, focusing on rock piles and deeper structure Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase moving baits like crankbaits and swimming presentations	Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near deep water access Deep holes in river sections Dam areas with current breaks and rock structure	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly around rock structure Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly near rock piles Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with underspin for covering water	Crawfish holding in rock structures Small baitfish schooling near structure Panfish near deeper holding areas	Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-62	Crappies are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, forming loose schools around key structure points Fish are transitioning from shallow vegetation to deeper winter holding areas, making frequent stops at points and steep breaks	Main lake points adjacent to deeper water Deep edges of dying lily pad fields Creek channel bends near coves	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and multiple bait presentations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - effective for targeting suspended schools Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - covers water to locate transitioning schools	Small bluegills and juvenile perch Minnows congregating near points	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish are transitioning to deeper water, schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements Feeding activity increases as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during early morning and late afternoon	Deep points near dam structures in 8-15 feet of water Edges of remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water Man-made structures like culverts that create current breaks and concentrate baitfish	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with small minnows near deep points	Small baitfish and young-of-year fish Aquatic invertebrates near remaining vegetation Crawfish in rocky areas near points	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Yellow perch are schooling more tightly and actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, particularly around structure transitions between shallow and deep water Fish are following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish, with most active feeding during morning and evening periods	Rocky points that transition from shallow to deeper water, especially those adjacent to bays Deep edges of weed beds that are beginning to die off Rock piles in 15-25 feet of water near primary points	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Smaller baitfish schools concentrated near structure Crawfish around rocky areas Small yellow perch (cannibalistic feeding)	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are actively feeding in moderate depths of 6-10 feet, forming loose schools around key structure during winter Fish tend to be most active during low-light periods, suspending near structure and making short movements to feed	Main lake points in 6-10 feet of water Deep edges of flats adjacent to points Protected bays with moderate depth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Damiki Rig	Small minnows Young-of-year bluegill Micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Panfish/Bluegill are transitioning to deeper winter holding areas, typically suspending near points and structural elements in 6-15 feet of water Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during warming trends and stable weather, with fish tending to school more tightly	Deep points near dam structures where depth changes create current breaks Areas near culverts where water movement maintains slightly warmer temperatures Deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats where bluegills stage before winter	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small invertebrates and zooplankton near structure Tiny baitfish concentrating near deeper breaks Remaining insect larvae in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch schooling tightly in moderate depth flats, particularly in 6-10 foot range as indicated by winter fishing reports Feeding activity concentrated during early morning and late afternoon periods, with schools becoming more mobile during these peak periods	Moderate depth flats in 6-10 feet of water, especially near transition areas to deeper water Rocky points that connect to deeper wintering areas Areas near dam structures that provide current breaks and deeper holding areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tight, controlled movements Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms	Small minnows and juvenile fish Aquatic invertebrates Dormant crawfish near rocky structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	33-35	Crappies are schooling in moderate depths near structure, particularly around points and culverts, with active feeding during prime ice fishing hours Fish showing preference for both stationary and roaming patterns, requiring anglers to be mobile to locate active schools	Points with 6-10 feet of water, such as Radket Point mentioned in reports Culverts near the golf course where schools of panfish are congregating Deep water transitions near structural elements with moderate depth	Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with wax worms, worked with subtle movements to trigger strikes Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations when fish are actively feeding	Small invertebrates and zooplankton that wax worms imitate Small baitfish and juvenile panfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Concentrated in deeper wintering holes near structural elements, particularly in 6-10 feet of water near points as indicated by fishing reports Schooling behavior is prominent, with fish typically suspended just off bottom in areas with minimal current Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon periods, with a focus on small invertebrates and micro-forage	Points adjacent to deeper wintering holes in 6-10 foot range Areas near dam structures with depth variations Deep edges of culvert areas where current is minimal	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding times Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish	Small invertebrates and insect larvae Micro-sized baitfish Dormant aquatic insects	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Schools of perch concentrate on moderate depth flats and transition areas, actively feeding during prime daylight hours Fish move between feeding zones on flats and adjacent deeper water based on light conditions and fishing pressure	Moderate depth flats in 6-10 feet of water, particularly near transition areas Points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water Areas near dam structure offering depth changes and current breaks	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varied depths to locate active fish	Small minnows and young-of-year fish Dormant crawfish near rocky structure Aquatic insect larvae	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Wausau

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dam area with deep water and rock structure	Main lake points with access to both deep and shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with wood cover	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays near dam structures where water warms first	Transition areas between points and spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rocky points transitioning from deep to shallow water, especially those near spawning bays	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky areas and rock piles in 2-6 foot depth range for spawning activity	Dam areas with varied depth and hard structure
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation and stable bottom	Transition areas between points and spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow areas near dams with firm bottom	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rocky points and shallow flats near transitional areas	Areas with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in 6-12 foot depth range, particularly those near spawning flats	Points and ledges with hard bottom structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Edges of emerging lily pad fields mentioned in reports	Complex points with access to both shallow and deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Lily pad edges and emerging weed growth in 4-8 feet of water	Protected areas between docks and man-made structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rocky points transitioning to sand flats in 8-15 feet of water	Rock piles adjacent to spawning bays in 6-12 feet
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dam area with current breaks and deep water access	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Lily pad fields, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Points with mixed vegetation and structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Lily pad fields and adjacent deeper water transitions	Dam structures and associated current breaks
Summer	Yellow Perch	Lily pad fields, especially edges and pockets	Rocky points adjacent to vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near deep water access	Deep holes in river sections
Fall	Crappie	Main lake points adjacent to deeper water	Deep edges of dying lily pad fields
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep points near dam structures in 8-15 feet of water	Edges of remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Rocky points that transition from shallow to deeper water, especially those adjacent to bays	Deep edges of weed beds that are beginning to die off
Winter	Crappie	Main lake points in 6-10 feet of water	Deep edges of flats adjacent to points
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep points near dam structures where depth changes create current breaks	Areas near culverts where water movement maintains slightly warmer temperatures
Winter	Yellow Perch	Moderate depth flats in 6-10 feet of water, especially near transition areas to deeper water	Rocky points that connect to deeper wintering areas
Ice	Crappie	Points with 6-10 feet of water, such as Radket Point mentioned in reports	Culverts near the golf course where schools of panfish are congregating
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Points adjacent to deeper wintering holes in 6-10 foot range	Areas near dam structures with depth variations
Ice	Yellow Perch	Moderate depth flats in 6-10 feet of water, particularly near transition areas	Points and rock piles adjacent to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Smaller baitfish schools
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Young of year bluegill and perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects emerging in warming waters	Small crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad concentrating around shallow cover	Bluegill becoming active in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and zooplankton	Newly emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Small bluegills near shallow structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and invertebrates near vegetation	Juvenile crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects	Juvenile crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish on rocky structure	Small baitfish around dam and current areas
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile perch	Various minnow species relating to vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation	Juvenile crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects around vegetation	Crawfish, especially near rocky structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish holding in rock structures	Small baitfish schooling near structure
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile perch	Minnows congregating near points
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small baitfish and young-of-year fish	Aquatic invertebrates near remaining vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Smaller baitfish schools concentrated near structure	Crawfish around rocky areas
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows	Young-of-year bluegill
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton near structure	Tiny baitfish concentrating near deeper breaks
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish	Aquatic invertebrates
Ice	Crappie	Small invertebrates and zooplankton that wax worms imitate	Small baitfish and juvenile panfish
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insect larvae	Micro-sized baitfish
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Dormant crawfish near rocky structure

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Wausau

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors