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

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Lake Wheeler

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Wheeler

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to shallower transition zones, actively feeding to prepare for spawning Most active during warmer parts of day, utilizing points and laydowns as staging areas near spawning flats	Secondary points leading into spawning coves with laydowns Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation Creek channel bends with fallen timber structure	Spinnerbaits worked along laydowns and points Lipless Crankbaits across emerging vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill in shallow areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, staging in slightly deeper water adjacent to future spawning flats Fish are becoming increasingly active and aggressive, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Schools are beginning to break up from tight winter groups into smaller pods	Brush piles in 6-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Laydowns near shoreline areas, especially those close to deeper water Secondary points leading into coves and spawning pockets	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Juvenile Bluegill Small Shad Smaller Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass moving shallow and staging near spawning areas, actively feeding on crawfish around laydowns and other woody cover Fish transitioning between pre-spawn feeding and spawning behavior, becoming more territorial and structure-oriented	Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow water, especially in protected coves Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning pockets Shallow flats with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Structure Jigs worked slowly around laydowns and woody cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting tight spaces in wood cover Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure in stained water	Crawfish emerging and active in shallow water Small bluegill beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) near shoreline structure for spawning, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper Most active during dawn and dusk periods, but will feed throughout the day when overcast due to turbid conditions Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, particularly near brush piles and laydowns	Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water, especially in protected coves Edges of lily pad fields where they transition to slightly deeper water Protected areas between docks where spawning habitat is available	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - precise presentations to visible structure Bobbers - suspended presentations at specific depths around cover Crappie Dock Shooting - targeting shaded areas under docks	Juvenile Bluegill in the 1-2 inch range Shad schools moving into spawning areas Small baitfish utilizing shallow cover	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily utilizing shallow to mid-depth areas around cover Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase moving baits like spinnerbaits around laydown structure	Laydowns and fallen timber in 3-8 feet of water Shallow points with adjacent woody cover Areas where broad-leafed vegetation is beginning to emerge	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to laydowns Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around wood cover Swim Jigs through emerging vegetation	Crawfish emerging and active in spring Small bluegill beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-78	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish frequently suspending near cover in 4-8 foot depths, making periodic moves to feed on abundant baitfish near vegetation edges	Brush piles and laydowns in 6-8 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats Edges of lily pad fields where they meet slightly deeper water Complex shoreline points and coves with natural wood cover	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Small bluegill fry Young-of-year shad Small minnows around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-85	Bass are exhibiting a dual pattern: early morning shallow feeding in vegetation, followed by movement to deeper water during heat of day Fish are actively feeding on bluegill around vegetation edges while also seeking thermal refuge in deeper water	Deep water adjacent to vegetation with rocks and bottom composition changes Shallow areas with broad-leafed aquatic vegetation Deeper main lake points and rock piles	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation Football Jigs in deeper water Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along bottom composition changes	Bluegill Crawfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	82-88	Crappie are seeking cooler, deeper water near brush piles during peak heat (85°F), while making feeding movements during lower light periods Fish are schooling around deep structure, particularly brush piles, and using them as ambush points for feeding on passing baitfish	Brush piles in deeper pockets of the lake, especially important given the shallow 8-foot average depth Deeper areas adjacent to vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate Laydowns and fallen timber in shaded areas providing cooler refuge	Bobbers with precision depth control over brush piles, matching successful recent reports Crappie Spider Rigging for methodically working deeper structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for targeted presentations in the turbid conditions	Shad (indicated by success of white-colored baits) Juvenile Bluegill (confirmed in lake reports as forage species)	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Wheeler

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively feeding on crawfish around laydowns and woody structure, following cooling water trends Fish transitioning to shallower areas, particularly in the backs of coves and near points, pursuing forage	Laydowns and fallen timber, especially those near drop-offs or points Complex shoreline areas with multiple points and coves Areas with remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked through and around laydowns Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around heavy cover	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage transitioning from summer pattern	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools and transitioning between summer and winter patterns Fish are gathering around key structure in moderate depths, becoming more concentrated as water temperatures cool	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range near channel breaks Standing timber and laydowns adjacent to deeper water Edges of dying lily pad fields where baitfish congregate	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth transitions to locate active schools Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding tight to cover	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around structure Young-of-year bluegill in and around remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	Largemouth bass are concentrated in deeper wintering holes and around vertical structure, moving sluggishly and feeding opportunistically during warming trends Fish tend to suspend near deep structure, making vertical presentations most effective Bass will move shallower on sunny afternoons when water temperatures increase slightly	Deep laydowns and timber in 8-12 foot ranges, especially near channel swings Protected coves with vertical structure, particularly on north banks that receive afternoon sun Deep points adjacent to shallow flats where bass can move up during warming trends	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Jerkbaits worked with long pauses on shallow transitions during afternoon warmups	Dormant or sluggish crawfish near rocky structure Small baitfish schools concentrated in deeper water Bluegill relating to deep timber	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water near brush piles and laydowns, seeking more stable temperatures Feeding activity is concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish becoming more lethargic during cold snaps	Brush piles in deeper pockets of the lake (7-8 feet, given average depth) Fallen timber areas near creek channels or deeper water access Protected coves with structure, especially on the north side of the lake	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Live Bait Rigs near structure for stubborn winter fish Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water to locate schools	Small bluegill in the 1-2 inch range Juvenile shad congregating in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Wheeler

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning coves with laydowns	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 6-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Laydowns near shoreline areas, especially those close to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow water, especially in protected coves	Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water, especially in protected coves	Edges of lily pad fields where they transition to slightly deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber in 3-8 feet of water	Shallow points with adjacent woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns in 6-8 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats	Edges of lily pad fields where they meet slightly deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep water adjacent to vegetation with rocks and bottom composition changes	Shallow areas with broad-leafed aquatic vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in deeper pockets of the lake, especially important given the shallow 8-foot average depth	Deeper areas adjacent to vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber, especially those near drop-offs or points	Complex shoreline areas with multiple points and coves
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles in 6-8 foot depth range near channel breaks	Standing timber and laydowns adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep laydowns and timber in 8-12 foot ranges, especially near channel swings	Protected coves with vertical structure, particularly on north banks that receive afternoon sun
Winter	Crappie	Brush piles in deeper pockets of the lake (7-8 feet, given average depth)	Fallen timber areas near creek channels or deeper water access

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Juvenile Bluegill	Small Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging and active in shallow water	Small bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Juvenile Bluegill in the 1-2 inch range	Shad schools moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging and active in spring	Small bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill fry	Young-of-year shad
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish
Summer	Crappie	Shad (indicated by success of white-colored baits)	Juvenile Bluegill (confirmed in lake reports as forage species)
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage transitioning from summer pattern
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and around structure	Young-of-year bluegill in and around remaining vegetation
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dormant or sluggish crawfish near rocky structure	Small baitfish schools concentrated in deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegill in the 1-2 inch range	Juvenile shad congregating in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Wheeler

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

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