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Lake Wisconsin

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Wisconsin

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-58
  • Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn mode, transitioning to shallow warming areas and showing varied aggression levels based on water temperature. Fish are congregating around docks and other shallow structure, requiring slower presentations in the 52-58°F range
  • Fish are typically holding tight to cover and structure, often requiring multiple casts to the same spot with deadsticked presentations lasting 15-30 seconds for bites
  • Docks in shallow warming areas, particularly those in protected bays where water temperatures are slightly higher
  • Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to shallow flats
  • Protected bays and pockets where water temperatures warm faster than the main lake
  • Wacky Rigs worked extremely slow with extended pauses
  • Ned Rigs deadsticked around dock posts and bases
  • Bladed Jigs when wind creates advantageous conditions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish in slightly deeper areas
  • Bluegill staging in shallow warming areas
  • Minnows relating to dock areas and woody cover
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass52-62
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, becoming more active as water temperatures rise
  • Fish are feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves for spawning, with a focus on crayfish and baitfish near transition areas
  • Docks with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near river channel edges
  • Rocky transition areas between winter and spawning locations
  • Channel edge structure with mixed rock and gravel bottom
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and edges
  • Ned Rigs dragged along bottom near structure
  • Tubes pitched to rocky areas and dock posts
  • Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish congregating near warming shallow areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye42-52
  • Pre-spawn walleyes staging near river channel entrances and moving into shallow spawning areas as water temperatures rise
  • Most active during dawn and dusk periods, utilizing the turbid water conditions for shallow feeding opportunities
  • Transitioning between wintering areas in deeper channels to shallow spawning locations, with frequent stops at transition points
  • River channel edges where they intersect with shallow flats (3-8 feet)
  • Submerged weed edges adjacent to river channels
  • Current areas near the dam that create staging points
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations
  • Blade Baits worked through transitional areas
  • Shad concentrations near channel edges
  • Small minnows in shallow feeding areas
  • Young-of-year baitfish schools
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill47-59
  • Pre-spawn bluegills are beginning to stage in protected bays and backwater sloughs, moving from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallower zones
  • Fish are increasingly active during warming trends, focusing on emerging vegetation and insect larvae for feeding
  • Movement patterns show daily transitions between slightly deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones
  • Protected bays and backwater sloughs with emerging vegetation
  • Areas between docks in protected coves
  • Current breaks and eddies near river channel influences
  • Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near emerging vegetation
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near cover
  • Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms
  • Insect larvae and emerging aquatic insects
  • Small crustaceans in vegetation
  • Newly hatched minnows
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-68
  • Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, establishing nests in shallow protected areas, particularly around docks and shallow warming areas. Males are aggressively guarding nests while females move between spawning areas and slightly deeper staging zones.
  • Fish are most active during warmer parts of the day, with males maintaining constant presence on nests and females making periodic movements to and from deeper water
  • Protected areas between docks where the bottom is firm and suitable for spawning
  • Shallow coves and bays, especially those with brush piles or laydowns
  • Backwater sloughs with warmer, more stable water temperatures
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to spawning bass
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and visible beds
  • Soft Jerkbaits for intercepting cruising females between spawning areas
  • Bluegill gathering in similar spawning areas
  • Shad starting to move into spawning pockets
  • Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass55-65
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas, moving from winter deep water locations to shallower flats and protected areas where they'll establish nests
  • Males become territorial and aggressive while guarding nesting sites, making them more likely to strike reaction baits
  • Pre-spawn feeding activity is heightened as fish bulk up before the spawn
  • Protected rocky flats and coves with hard bottom composition
  • Secondary points leading into spawning bays
  • River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
  • Tubes worked slowly along potential spawning flats
  • Ned Rigs for finesse presentations in clearer pockets
  • Spinnerbaits for covering water and triggering reaction strikes
  • Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish transitioning to spawning areas
  • Bluegill starting to move shallow
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye42-55
  • Walleye are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deep river channels to shallow spawning areas near weed flats and rocky areas
  • Fish are most active during low-light periods due to turbid water conditions (1.9m Secchi), making dawn and dusk prime feeding times
  • Post-spawn fish transition to weed-edge transitions in 3-8 feet for recovery and feeding
  • Shallow flats adjacent to river channels in 3-8 feet of water
  • Current areas near dam that provide oxygenated water
  • Weed-edge transitions connecting to spawning areas
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to weed edges
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in current areas
  • Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas
  • Minnows along weed edges and channel transitions
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill62-75
  • Actively moving into shallow, protected bays and backwater areas for spawning, with males guarding nests in 2-4 feet of water
  • Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, moving in waves as water temperatures rise
  • Increased feeding activity during morning and evening hours, particularly around new moon phases
  • Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and scattered vegetation
  • Areas between docks in protected coves
  • Backwater sloughs with warmer water temperatures
  • Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep
  • Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures
  • Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms
  • Aquatic insects and larvae
  • Small crustaceans
  • Zooplankton
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy after spawning
  • Fish are relating to dock edges, brush piles, and emerging vegetation, particularly during morning and evening feeding periods
  • Main lake docks with deeper water access
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water
  • Emerging weed edges near points and flats
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around docks and brush
  • Swim Jigs along emerging weed edges
  • Shakey Heads on deeper dock posts and brush piles
  • Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas
  • Shad schools moving along points and flats
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-72
  • Smallmouth bass are actively feeding and recovering from spawn, establishing summer patterns along rocky structure and channel edges
  • Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, often staging at intermediary depths around key structure
  • Transition areas near bluff walls where spawning flats meet deeper water
  • Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to river channels
  • Hard bottom areas with mixed rock and gravel in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure
  • Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along depth changes
  • Crayfish emerging in rocky areas
  • Small bluegill in transitional areas
  • Juvenile baitfish relating to current edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye52-65
  • Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding in shallow water (3-8 feet) near weed edges and flats adjacent to river channels
  • Fish are showing increased activity during daylight hours, particularly around current areas and dam structures
  • Weed edges and flats adjacent to river channels in 3-8 feet of water
  • Current areas near dam structures
  • Shallow submerged vegetation areas with access to deeper water
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weed edges
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows or leeches
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to structure
  • Minnows congregating in shallow areas
  • Shad moving along channel edges
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill62-72
  • Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily relating to weedlines and dock edges in 4-8 foot depths
  • Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper refuge areas throughout the day
  • Weedline edges adjacent to spawning bays in 4-8 foot depths
  • Dock edges and posts with nearby vegetation
  • Protected coves with established vegetation
  • Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near structure
  • Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through weed edges
  • Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near docks
  • Small insects and larvae near vegetation
  • Emerging aquatic invertebrates
  • Small crustaceans in weed beds
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass75-85
  • Bass are actively feeding in and around shallow vegetation, particularly lily pads and scum mats, with additional activity around brush piles
  • Fish are scattered throughout the water column, showing both shallow and deeper patterns, with most aggressive feeding during early morning and evening
  • Lily pads and surface vegetation, especially in backwater areas
  • Brush piles in deeper water, particularly during midday
  • River-influenced backwater sloughs with cover
  • Frogs/Toads worked over vegetation and pads
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around brush piles
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover
  • Shad schools actively moving in open water
  • Bluegill in and around vegetation
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerSmallmouth Bass75-83
  • Smallmouth bass are actively feeding in current areas and near deep water bluff walls, utilizing eddies as ambush points
  • Fish are relating closely to structure, especially deep pockets and channel edges during the summer heat
  • Main river bluff walls with adjacent deep water and eddies
  • Deep pockets off sandbars in river channels
  • Boulder fields with current breaks
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly through eddies and along bluff walls
  • Ned Rigs with craw-style baits worked along bottom structure
  • Tubes dragged through current breaks and boulder fields
  • Crayfish in rocky areas and along bluff walls
  • Bluegill around structure edges
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerWalleye68-81
  • Walleye are primarily feeding during dawn/dusk periods along weed edges and channel breaks due to the turbid water conditions (1.9m Secchi)
  • Fish are suspending near submerged vegetation during day, moving to adjacent river channels and flats during prime feeding periods
  • Weed edges adjacent to old river channels where baitfish concentrate
  • Current areas near dam that create feeding stations
  • Submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and channel breaks during low light periods
  • Live Bait Rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers near vegetation
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in river channels during midday
  • Shad concentrating along weed edges and channel breaks
  • Minnows utilizing submerged vegetation as cover
  • Crayfish active near dam structure and rocky areas
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerPanfish / Bluegill68-82
  • Actively feeding in and around weedlines and dock areas during early morning and evening hours
  • Suspending near shade-providing structure during bright midday periods
  • Congregating in areas with current breaks near river channels, focusing on zooplankton and small insects
  • Weedline edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near points and bays
  • Shaded areas under and between docks
  • Current breaks near river channel edges with submerged vegetation
  • Protected shallow bays with abundant vegetation
  • Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around structure
  • Inline Spinners cast parallel to weedlines
  • Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near dock edges
  • Zooplankton and small aquatic insects
  • Small crustaceans near weed edges
  • Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Wisconsin

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass55-68
  • Bass are transitioning from summer patterns, actively feeding on baitfish and following forage into creek arms and coves
  • Fish are utilizing submerged vegetation as primary cover, with increased activity during low-light periods
  • Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Creek channels and turns near remaining vegetation
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along vegetation edges
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to grass lines in low light conditions
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through remaining vegetation
  • Shad schools moving into creeks and coves
  • Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallSmallmouth Bass54-68
  • Actively feeding on baitfish and crayfish to build reserves for winter, often found in wolf packs pursuing schools of bait
  • Moving between deep main lake structure and shallower feeding zones following baitfish migrations
  • Becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior as water temperatures cool, particularly during overcast conditions
  • River channel edges adjacent to bluff walls where current concentrates baitfish
  • Rocky points and boulder fields near deep water access
  • Shallow flats near channel breaks where shad schools migrate
  • Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges to trigger reaction strikes
  • Spinnerbaits retrieved parallel to bluff walls and through baitfish schools
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations around deeper structure
  • Shad schools migrating to creek arms and channels
  • Crayfish still active on rocky structure
  • Remaining bluegill pods near structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye52-65
  • Walleyes are actively feeding along old river channel edges, congregating in predictable locations as they follow baitfish migrations
  • Fish are showing increased feeding activity due to seasonal baitfish movements, particularly focusing on shad schools
  • Old river channels and channel edges where baitfish are concentrated
  • Deep structural transitions near dam areas where current creates feeding stations
  • Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Shad
  • Minnows
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallPanfish / Bluegill52-68
  • Transitioning from shallow to deeper water, forming larger schools as temperatures cool
  • Actively feeding in preparation for winter, focusing on small baitfish and invertebrates near weedlines and structure
  • Deep weedline edges where vegetation is still green and healthy
  • Protected coves and bays with remaining vegetation
  • Deeper dock areas with 8-15 feet of water
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation
  • Young-of-year baitfish
  • Zooplankton in deeper water columns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterWalleye52-58
  • Walleye are congregating along the old river channels and near the dam, following baitfish schools in these deeper, current-influenced areas
  • Fish are relating to vertical structure and maintaining position in areas with current, actively feeding during low-light periods
  • Deep river channel bends and intersections, particularly where they meet structural elements
  • Current-swept areas near the dam that concentrate baitfish
  • Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it meets the channel breaks
  • Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and near the dam
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with aggressive lifts and falls to trigger reaction strikes
  • Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges during daylight hours
  • Shad schools congregating in deeper water
  • Various minnow species relating to channel edges and current breaks
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterPanfish / Bluegill38-45
  • Panfish are concentrating near deep weedline edges and current breaks, suspending near structure for feeding opportunities
  • Fish are schooling more tightly in winter, moving less but feeding actively during prime periods
  • Deep weedline edges near river channel influences
  • Protected areas between docks with remaining vegetation
  • Current breaks in river channel areas where food sources concentrate
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs worked slowly
  • Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling with micro presentations
  • Small aquatic insects and larvae
  • Tiny minnows and fry
  • Zooplankton concentrations in current breaks
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceWalleye33-39
  • Walleye are concentrated along the old river channel edges and deeper structure, moving between feeding shelves and deeper holding areas
  • Fish become more active during low-light periods, especially dawn and dusk, moving shallower to feed on concentrated baitfish
  • Deep river channel bends and transitions (15-25 feet) where walleye stage during winter
  • Secondary points and shelves adjacent to the main river channel (8-15 feet)
  • Dam area structure where current creates active feeding zones
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and tipped with minnows
  • Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding periods
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along channel edges with live minnows
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water near channel edges
  • Small minnows relating to structure and channel edges
  • Juvenile perch around submerged vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
IcePanfish / Bluegill34-39
  • Panfish form tight schools in deeper basins near structure and weedline edges during ice season
  • Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with a focus on small invertebrates and tiny baitfish
  • Deep weedline edges adjacent to river channel breaks (12-18 feet)
  • Protected bays with remaining green weeds (8-12 feet)
  • Areas near dock cribs that provide winter sanctuaries (15-20 feet)
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, especially effective with live bait
  • Ice Fishing Spoons jigged aggressively to attract fish, then slowed for strikes
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish
  • Small invertebrates and zooplankton concentrated near remaining vegetation
  • Tiny baitfish and minnows holding in deeper water
  • Blood worms and insect larvae near bottom structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Wisconsin

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassDocks in shallow warming areas, particularly those in protected bays where water temperatures are slightly higherLaydowns and woody cover adjacent to shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassDocks with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near river channel edgesRocky transition areas between winter and spawning locations
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeRiver channel edges where they intersect with shallow flats (3-8 feet)Submerged weed edges adjacent to river channels
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillProtected bays and backwater sloughs with emerging vegetationAreas between docks in protected coves
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassProtected areas between docks where the bottom is firm and suitable for spawningShallow coves and bays, especially those with brush piles or laydowns
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassProtected rocky flats and coves with hard bottom compositionSecondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeShallow flats adjacent to river channels in 3-8 feet of waterCurrent areas near dam that provide oxygenated water
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillProtected shallow bays with firm bottom and scattered vegetationAreas between docks in protected coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassMain lake docks with deeper water accessBrush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassTransition areas near bluff walls where spawning flats meet deeper waterRocky points and boulder fields adjacent to river channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeWeed edges and flats adjacent to river channels in 3-8 feet of waterCurrent areas near dam structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillWeedline edges adjacent to spawning bays in 4-8 foot depthsDock edges and posts with nearby vegetation
SummerLargemouth BassLily pads and surface vegetation, especially in backwater areasBrush piles in deeper water, particularly during midday
SummerSmallmouth BassMain river bluff walls with adjacent deep water and eddiesDeep pockets off sandbars in river channels
SummerWalleyeWeed edges adjacent to old river channels where baitfish concentrateCurrent areas near dam that create feeding stations
SummerPanfish / BluegillWeedline edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near points and baysShaded areas under and between docks
FallLargemouth BassSubmerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper waterCreek channels and turns near remaining vegetation
FallSmallmouth BassRiver channel edges adjacent to bluff walls where current concentrates baitfishRocky points and boulder fields near deep water access
FallWalleyeOld river channels and channel edges where baitfish are concentratedDeep structural transitions near dam areas where current creates feeding stations
FallPanfish / BluegillDeep weedline edges where vegetation is still green and healthyProtected coves and bays with remaining vegetation
WinterWalleyeDeep river channel bends and intersections, particularly where they meet structural elementsCurrent-swept areas near the dam that concentrate baitfish
WinterPanfish / BluegillDeep weedline edges near river channel influencesProtected areas between docks with remaining vegetation
IceWalleyeDeep river channel bends and transitions (15-25 feet) where walleye stage during winterSecondary points and shelves adjacent to the main river channel (8-15 feet)
IcePanfish / BluegillDeep weedline edges adjacent to river channel breaks (12-18 feet)Protected bays with remaining green weeds (8-12 feet)

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill staging in shallow warming areasMinnows relating to dock areas and woody cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish congregating near warming shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeShad concentrations near channel edgesSmall minnows in shallow feeding areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillInsect larvae and emerging aquatic insectsSmall crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill gathering in similar spawning areasShad starting to move into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish transitioning to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeShad congregating in pre-spawn areasMinnows along weed edges and channel transitions
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillAquatic insects and larvaeSmall crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill gathering in shallow spawning areasShad schools moving along points and flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrayfish emerging in rocky areasSmall bluegill in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeMinnows congregating in shallow areasShad moving along channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvae near vegetationEmerging aquatic invertebrates
SummerLargemouth BassShad schools actively moving in open waterBluegill in and around vegetation
SummerSmallmouth BassCrayfish in rocky areas and along bluff wallsBluegill around structure edges
SummerWalleyeShad concentrating along weed edges and channel breaksMinnows utilizing submerged vegetation as cover
SummerPanfish / BluegillZooplankton and small aquatic insectsSmall crustaceans near weed edges
FallLargemouth BassShad schools moving into creeks and covesBluegill relating to remaining vegetation
FallSmallmouth BassShad schools migrating to creek arms and channelsCrayfish still active on rocky structure
FallWalleyeShadMinnows
FallPanfish / BluegillSmall invertebrates near remaining vegetationYoung-of-year baitfish
WinterWalleyeShad schools congregating in deeper waterVarious minnow species relating to channel edges and current breaks
WinterPanfish / BluegillSmall aquatic insects and larvaeTiny minnows and fry
IceWalleyeShad schools concentrated in deeper water near channel edgesSmall minnows relating to structure and channel edges
IcePanfish / BluegillSmall invertebrates and zooplankton concentrated near remaining vegetationTiny baitfish and minnows holding in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Wisconsin

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerPanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallPanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Pink Colors
WinterWalleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterPanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
IcePanfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Dark Neutrals