How to Fish Lewis Smith Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Search by Lake

Featured Reports in this area

All Species

All Seasons

For this map area we didn't find any Featured Fishing Reports.

Lewis Smith Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lewis Smith Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-65	Spotted bass actively feeding on shad around docks and points, staging for pre-spawn Fish are suspended and aggressive, following bait schools in the 10-20 foot range	Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with visible bait presence Points with rock or hard bottom in 10-20 foot range 45-degree banks with rocky structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at the depth of bait schools Bladed Jigs around dock posts and along rocky points Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish following bait	Shad schools concentrated around docks and points Blueback herring in open water and around points	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, frequently using points and channel edges as migration routes Fish are becoming more active but still require methodical presentations due to cooler water temperatures, showing selective feeding patterns focused on shad and other baitfish	Main lake and secondary points adjacent to spawning flats River channels and ditches leading to spawning areas Protected shallow coves with good sun exposure	Hard Jerkbaits worked with varying retrieve speeds and pauses Shakey Heads worked slowly along channel edges and points Bladed Jigs around shallow cover and transition areas	Shad schools suspending near points and channel edges Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and along channel edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-68	Pre-spawn striped bass are aggressively feeding and beginning to stage near spawning tributaries and creek channels, actively chasing herring schools in the upper water column Fish are more active in shallower water during early morning and evening, moving to slightly deeper water during bright midday periods	Main lake points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning tributaries Wind-blown shorelines where bait gets concentrated Secondary points in major creek arms	Umbrella Rigs worked at varying depths to match suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive stop-and-go retrieves in the upper water column Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to points and creek channel edges	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column Shad moving into shallower areas preparing for spawn	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming increasingly aggressive and schooling more tightly as water temperatures rise, making them easier to pattern	Secondary points adjacent to spawning coves, especially those with brush piles in 8-15 foot range Deeper dock areas near spawning flats, particularly those with vertical posts and cross-members Channel swings near shallow spawning bays where crappie stage before moving shallow	Crappie Spider Rigging along channel edges and points to locate transitioning schools Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when targeting visible brush piles and isolated cover	Shad congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Blueback herring moving into warmer, shallower water Small minnows in staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegill moving from winter depths into warmer, shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy for spawning Congregating near emerging vegetation and warmer pockets, especially in protected coves and around structure	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning bays Brush piles and dock areas in 8-15 foot range serving as staging areas	Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects near structure Bobbers with suspended baits around emerging vegetation Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly around brush piles and docks	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Plankton concentrations in warming shallow waters	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning between pre-spawn and spawning phases, actively feeding while preparing for or engaging in spawning activities Fish relating strongly to points in 10-20 foot range, making frequent movements between staging and spawning areas	Points in 10-20 foot range adjacent to spawning pockets 45-degree rocky banks with spawning coves nearby Hard bottom areas near deep water access	Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieve along points Ned Rigs worked slowly on rocky structure Shakey Heads targeting transitional areas between deep and shallow water	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Blueback Herring - noted as significant forage base in lake profile	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are in spawn/pre-spawn transition, actively moving between staging areas and spawning flats Fish are structure-oriented, using brush piles as staging points before moving to spawning areas Feeding actively on shad, with aggressive strikes on moving baits in the stained water conditions	Brush piles near spawning flats Protected shallow coves and creek arms Main lake points transitioning to spawning areas	Bladed Jigs worked through brush piles Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with beaver-style baits Hard Jerkbaits on points	Shad Blueback Herring	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn and spawning striped bass are making their way into tributary arms and creek channels, actively feeding on herring before and after spawning activities Fish are moving between staging areas and spawning grounds, often relating to wind-blown points and shallow structure during feeding periods	Main creek channel intersections with points, particularly wind-blown areas Shallow rocky points near deeper water access Secondary points in major creek arms where spawning activity occurs	Hard Body Swimbaits worked parallel to points and creek channels Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish in wind-blown areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through staging areas	Blueback Herring gathering for their own spawn Shad schools in creek arms and along points	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and pockets with stable temperatures Males staging on nests in 3-8 foot depths, with females moving in and out of spawning areas Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and evening periods	Protected shallow coves with brush piles in 3-8 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Dock areas in spawning coves, especially those with brush	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small minnows in shallow spawning areas Young-of-year shad Small blueback herring	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	During spring spawn, bluegill move into shallow protected areas to establish nesting colonies, particularly around docks and brush piles in 2-6 foot depths Males become aggressive and territorial while guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at small baits that enter their territory	Protected coves and pockets with firm bottom composition, especially near docks and brush piles Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with emerging vegetation Protected areas between docks where spawning colonies can establish safely	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 2-4 feet deep near spawning areas Crappie Dock Shooting for targeting fish holding tight to dock structures Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light tackle around visible beds	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas Plankton and micro-invertebrates in shallow zones Small crustaceans around dock structures and vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	65-75	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding while recovering, relating heavily to points and rocky structure in 10-20 foot range Fish are following blueback herring schools, creating sporadic but intense feeding periods, especially during wind-blown conditions	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with rock piles in 10-20 foot range 45-degree rocky banks adjacent to spawning pockets Windblown humps and points where bait schools concentrate	Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown points and rocky banks Shakey Heads worked slowly on rocky points and structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish following bait schools	Blueback Herring schooling in the 10-20 foot range Shad populations beginning to group up near points Various baitfish species relating to rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-78	Post-spawn largemouth are recovering from the spawn and beginning to establish summer patterns, actively feeding to regain energy Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure, often suspending near points and brush piles	Main lake points adjacent to spawning pockets Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Creek channel edges near spawning flats	Spinnerbaits worked along points and through brush Texas Rigs (Worming) around brush piles and channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish	Shad schools beginning to group up Blueback herring in open water Bream moving to shallow structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-72	Post-spawn striped bass actively feeding on points and flats, showing increased surface activity and aggressive pursuit of baitfish Fish using points as ambush locations, particularly during baitfish movements, with wind-driven patterns influencing feeding behavior	Shallow main lake points with access to deeper water Wind-blown flats adjacent to points Creek channel intersections with points	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly over breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking herring Umbrella Rigs for schooling fish	Blueback Herring Minnows Shad	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are suspending near brush piles and dock edges, moving between 8-15 feet depending on time of day	Secondary points with brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range Dock edges adjacent to deeper water Creek channel bends with standing timber or brush	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad Blueback Herring Small Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill moving from spawning areas to feeding locations, actively seeking plankton and small insects in and around vegetation and structure Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns but staying close to cover due to high predator presence	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Dock areas with brush piles, especially those near deeper water Points and pockets with mixed vegetation and rock in 5-15 foot range	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and brush Crappie Dock Shooting for bluegill holding tight to dock structures	Small insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny baitfish fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	82-88	Spotted bass are actively feeding on blueback herring, suspending in 16-20 foot range near deep structure, with frequent schooling activity near points and creek channels Fish are relating strongly to bait presence, showing selective feeding patterns where blueback herring schools are present	Humps in 16-20 foot range, especially those creating saddles where blueback herring concentrate Points adjacent to creek channels with suspended fish in 8-12 foot range Secondary points with access to deeper water where schooling activity occurs	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked at proper depth with 6XD-style baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow-rolled on 3/16oz jigheads Hard Topwater (Walking) for schooling activity when fish are actively feeding on surface	Blueback Herring - primary forage showing strong correlation with bass location Shad - secondary forage present in the system	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns with early morning/late evening shallow feeding activity and deeper holding patterns during bright midday periods Fish are actively feeding on shad and blueback herring, often suspending near structure adjacent to deeper water Due to stained water conditions (1.5m secchi), fish are willing to stay relatively shallow even during midday	Main lake points with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Creek channel swings near shallow flats Shaded dock areas in 5-12 feet of water Shallow brush piles near deeper water access	Bladed Jigs worked through brush piles and along channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and shallow cover Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on main lake points Buzzbaits and Frogs/Toads during low light periods	Shad schools suspending near structure Blueback herring relating to points and channel edges Bream in shallow areas around docks and brush	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-86	Striped bass suspending in deeper, oxygenated water during peak summer heat (86°F), making periodic feeding movements to ambush bait along points and creek channels Fish actively schooling and feeding during early morning and late evening, following herring schools and responding to wind-generated feeding opportunities	Deep creek channel intersections with points, especially in areas with current or wind influence Main lake points adjacent to deep water that provide ambush opportunities Wind-blown areas where bait gets concentrated, particularly near structure	Trolling Deep (20'+) along creek channels and points with large swimbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended fish marked on electronics Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on sonar in deeper water	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points Shad species congregating in wind-blown areas and along structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	82-88	Crappie are suspending near ledges and other structure due to summer thermocline development, typically in 15-25 foot range Fish are showing classic suspended feeding patterns, targeting minnows in the water column	Main lake and secondary points with ledges, especially in 15-25 foot depth range Brush piles and man-made cover near depth transitions Deep dock areas adjacent to ledges	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Bobbers with suspended baits over structure	Minnows Shad Blueback Herring	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-86	Establishing summer patterns with active feeding in early morning and late evening, seeking shade and structure during peak heat Suspending near vertical structure and man-made features, particularly around the dam area in 10-19 foot depth range Staying close to protective cover due to predator pressure from spotted bass	Dam structure in 10-19 foot depth range Shallow protected coves with dock structures Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth near points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Bobbers Live Bait Rigs	Plankton and small aquatic insects Small baitfish fry	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lewis Smith Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-72	Actively schooling and feeding on blueback herring near secondary points and wind-blown banks, especially during low light periods Fish are suspending and chasing bait schools, with increased activity in wind-affected areas	Secondary points with access to deeper water 45-degree rock banks and rock piles Deep main lake points	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long casts around rocky banks Hard Topwater (Walking) baits worked 1-2 inches below surface Spinnerbaits waked across surface in windy conditions Shakey Heads dragged on deep points when shallow bite slows	Blueback Herring Shad	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively following and feeding on shad schools as they migrate into creek arms and coves Utilizing main lake points and channel swings as transitional staging areas Becoming more aggressive in feeding due to cooling water temperatures and baitfish movements	Creek arm channels and adjacent flats where shad are congregating Main lake points that intersect with river channels Brush piles positioned on channel swings in 8-15 foot depth range	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to creek channels Spinnerbaits fished around congregating baitfish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching the shad forage	Shad schools migrating into creeks Blueback herring following similar migration patterns Remaining summer bluegill in shoreline areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	62-78	Actively chasing schools of blueback herring in creeks and along main lake points, with increased shallow water activity during cooler parts of the day Following baitfish migrations from deeper summer areas toward tributary arms and creek channels	Wind-blown main lake points adjacent to deep water Creek channel intersections with the main lake Shallow flats near deep water access in tributary arms	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Hard Topwater (Walking) Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Blueback Herring Shad	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Actively feeding on shad and herring, following baitfish schools as they migrate to creek arms and coves Transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, particularly during morning and evening periods Suspending near structure at varying depths based on bait location, typically 8-15 feet deep	Secondary points in major creek arms where baitfish are congregating Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range near channel swings Dock structures, especially those near depth changes in coves	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools migrating into creeks Blueback herring in open water Small minnows around structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	58-72	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper structure while actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, with most active feeding during warmer afternoon periods Fish are schooling more tightly around key structure, particularly near deeper brush piles and dock areas that provide both cover and access to forage	Brush piles and dock structures in 10-15 foot depth range Protected coves with remaining vegetation in 5-8 foot depth Deep points adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Crappie Dock Shooting	Small plankton and insects Juvenile shad Small aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Suspended schools relating to bait concentrations, especially around deep points and channel swings Most active during warmer portions of day, moving up in water column to feed on congregated baitfish Strongly oriented to vertical structure adjacent to deep water escape routes	Deep points adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 foot range Rock piles and 45-degree banks near deep water access Deeper sections of creek channels where bait schools concentrate	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Underspins matched to baitfish schools Drop Shot with small profile baits	Blueback Herring congregated in schools Shad in deeper water Smaller baitfish suspended near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	Largemouth bass are schooling near deep structure, primarily focusing on suspended shad schools Fish are moving slower due to cold water metabolism, requiring extended pauses in presentations Bass are utilizing steep breaks and channel swings as migration routes between feeding areas	Deep brush piles along river channels in 15-25 foot range Main lake points with access to deep water Creek channel intersections with sharp bends	Blade Baits worked slowly through suspended fish Drop Shot with extended pauses for inactive fish Shakey Heads worked along deep structure	Shad schools suspended in deeper water Blueback herring relating to channel edges Smaller baitfish grouped up in brush piles	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	45-58	Striped bass are actively feeding on schooling baitfish, particularly blueback herring, in deeper creek channels and points Fish will concentrate in areas where wind creates current and congregates baitfish More likely to feed in upper water column during overcast conditions or low-light periods	Deep creek channel bends intersecting with main lake points Wind-blown points with access to deep water Steep shoreline areas adjacent to deep water	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) in creek channels Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along points	Blueback Herring congregated in large schools Shad in deeper water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water near structure, typically suspending at consistent depths around brush piles and creek channel edges Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, with most active periods during midday when water temperatures peak	Deep brush piles positioned near creek channel bends in 18-25 foot range Secondary points with vertical structure adjacent to deep water Deep dock structures on main lake points where multiple docks intersect with deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Crappie Spider Rigging	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Blueback herring along channel edges Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Suspending near deep vertical structure and man-made features, especially around the dam area, seeking stable winter temperatures Schooling in larger groups in protected areas with reduced current, often relating to brush piles and dock structures	Deep brush piles and dock structures in 15-25 foot range Dam area with vertical structure Protected coves with decreased wind exposure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small plankton and aquatic insects Juvenile shad Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lewis Smith Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with visible bait presence	Points with rock or hard bottom in 10-20 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake and secondary points adjacent to spawning flats	River channels and ditches leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning tributaries	Wind-blown shorelines where bait gets concentrated
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points adjacent to spawning coves, especially those with brush piles in 8-15 foot range	Deeper dock areas near spawning flats, particularly those with vertical posts and cross-members
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Points in 10-20 foot range adjacent to spawning pockets	45-degree rocky banks with spawning coves nearby
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles near spawning flats	Protected shallow coves and creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main creek channel intersections with points, particularly wind-blown areas	Shallow rocky points near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush piles in 3-8 foot depths	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves and pockets with firm bottom composition, especially near docks and brush piles	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with rock piles in 10-20 foot range	45-degree rocky banks adjacent to spawning pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning pockets	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shallow main lake points with access to deeper water	Wind-blown flats adjacent to points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points with brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range	Dock edges adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Dock areas with brush piles, especially those near deeper water
Summer	Spotted Bass	Humps in 16-20 foot range, especially those creating saddles where blueback herring concentrate	Points adjacent to creek channels with suspended fish in 8-12 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water	Creek channel swings near shallow flats
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep creek channel intersections with points, especially in areas with current or wind influence	Main lake points adjacent to deep water that provide ambush opportunities
Summer	Crappie	Main lake and secondary points with ledges, especially in 15-25 foot depth range	Brush piles and man-made cover near depth transitions
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Dam structure in 10-19 foot depth range	Shallow protected coves with dock structures
Fall	Spotted Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water	45-degree rock banks and rock piles
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Creek arm channels and adjacent flats where shad are congregating	Main lake points that intersect with river channels
Fall	Striped Bass	Wind-blown main lake points adjacent to deep water	Creek channel intersections with the main lake
Fall	Crappie	Secondary points in major creek arms where baitfish are congregating	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range near channel swings
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles and dock structures in 10-15 foot depth range	Protected coves with remaining vegetation in 5-8 foot depth
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep points adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 foot range	Rock piles and 45-degree banks near deep water access
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles along river channels in 15-25 foot range	Main lake points with access to deep water
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep creek channel bends intersecting with main lake points	Wind-blown points with access to deep water
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles positioned near creek channel bends in 18-25 foot range	Secondary points with vertical structure adjacent to deep water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep brush piles and dock structures in 15-25 foot range	Dam area with vertical structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated around docks and points	Blueback herring in open water and around points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near points and channel edges	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas and along channel edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column	Shad moving into shallower areas preparing for spawn
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Blueback herring moving into warmer, shallower water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Blueback Herring - noted as significant forage base in lake profile
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad	Blueback Herring
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring gathering for their own spawn	Shad schools in creek arms and along points
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows in shallow spawning areas	Young-of-year shad
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas	Plankton and micro-invertebrates in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in the 10-20 foot range	Shad populations beginning to group up near points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up	Blueback herring in open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Blueback Herring
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Summer	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring - primary forage showing strong correlation with bass location	Shad - secondary forage present in the system
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Blueback herring relating to points and channel edges
Summer	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points	Shad species congregating in wind-blown areas and along structure
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Plankton and small aquatic insects	Small baitfish fry
Fall	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Blueback herring following similar migration patterns
Fall	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Blueback herring in open water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small plankton and insects	Juvenile shad
Winter	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring congregated in schools	Shad in deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspended in deeper water	Blueback herring relating to channel edges
Winter	Striped Bass	Blueback Herring congregated in large schools	Shad in deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Blueback herring along channel edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small plankton and aquatic insects	Juvenile shad

Bait Colors by Season for Lewis Smith Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals