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Linwood Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Linwood Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for the spawn Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, moving into shallower water during warming trends	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning flats Weed edges in 4-10 foot depth range, particularly on the south side of the lake Transition areas between deeper winter holes and shallow spawning areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation and along weed edges Bladed Jigs with trailer worked parallel to emerging weed growth Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in staging areas	Bluegill in and around emerging vegetation Small baitfish schooling in pre-spawn staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding to build energy reserves, making frequent shallow water movements to warm up and prepare for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, targeting bluegill and other panfish in shallow areas near emerging vegetation	Shallow bays and flat areas with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper weed edges in 6-8 foot range Protected shoreline areas receiving maximum sun exposure	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows in transition areas	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow areas Young-of-year panfish in emerging weed growth Minnow species moving shallow for early spring spawning	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Fish are beginning to group up near spawning areas but still relating strongly to available cover like weed edges and deeper structure	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range adjacent to potential spawning areas Main lake structures near transitions to shallower flats Protected areas with available cover in 6-12 foot depth	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Bluegills Small minnows Juvenile panfish	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Fish are in various spawning stages (pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn) with larger fish transitioning between shallow spawning flats and slightly deeper weed edges at 4ft Bass are actively defending nesting areas on sand flats and making feeding movements along weed edges during non-spawning periods	Shallow sand flats for spawning activity 4-foot weed edges adjacent to spawning flats Protected bays with emerging vegetation	Swim Jigs worked parallel to weed edges and across spawning flats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds Wacky Rigs for finesse presentation to pressured fish	Spawning Bluegill in shallow areas Small Baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas with warmer water for spawning Post-spawn fish remaining shallow but transitioning to active feeding patterns near emerging weed growth Aggressive territorial behavior during spawn, followed by opportunistic feeding on abundant bluegill	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Transition areas between spawning bays and emerging weed edges in 4-6 feet Protected shoreline areas with available cover and warmer water	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near emerging weeds Live Bait Rigs for post-spawn feeding fish	Bluegill concentrating in shallow, warmer water Young-of-year baitfish in emerging weed growth Shallow water invertebrates and amphibians	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Fish moving into shallow water (2-6 feet) seeking warmer temperatures and spawning areas, particularly around available cover like weed edges Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage nearby, creating opportunities for targeting both shallow and slightly deeper adjacent areas	Weed edges in 4-8 foot range, particularly where they intersect with harder bottom Shallow protected areas with available cover for spawning Secondary points and flats adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentation around cover Bobbers with light jigs for suspended fish near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for targeting specific pieces of cover	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Emerging aquatic insects Small minnows gathering in spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding and cruising weed/sand edges as they recover from the spawn Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, utilizing the shallow weed edges as primary feeding zones	Inside weed/sand edge transitions in 4-6 foot depth range South side weed edges with optimal depth transitions Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Wacky Rigs worked slowly along weed edges Swim Jigs paralleling weed lines Soft Jerkbaits for active fish	Bluegill Young of the year baitfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-62	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting in shallow areas with vegetation Aggressive ambush behavior from cover, especially during early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper weed edges as water warms during the day	Shallow weed beds in 3-5 feet of water Weed edges in 6-8 foot depth range Any points or irregularities along weed lines that create ambush positions	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily through open pockets Inline Spinners worked in shallow zones during peak feeding periods	Bluegill congregating in newly emerging weed growth Young of the year panfish in shallow zones Small baitfish moving into warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish moving between shallow cover and suspended positions near weed edges as they follow warming water and baitfish	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near deeper water access Suspended positions near main lake structures due to simple shoreline Shallow cover areas with quick access to deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Hover/Mid-Strolling Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge Aquatic insects around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-82	Bass are actively feeding along weed edges during early morning and evening, with reduced activity during peak daytime hours Fish are holding tight to thick vegetation during midday, moving to outer weed edges to feed	Weed edges in 5-10 foot depth range, particularly on the south side of the lake Thick vegetation adjacent to deeper water Secondary points with submerged vegetation	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through heavy vegetation Swim Jigs worked along weed edges early and late in the day	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges Young of the year baitfish beginning to school	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	70-78	Pike are actively feeding along weed edges during early morning and evening, using vegetation as ambush points for bluegill During midday heat, fish are relating to deeper weed edges in 6-8 ft range for thermal comfort while maintaining proximity to forage	Weed edges in 6-8 ft depth range along southern lake shore Deep weed pockets near shoreline points Scattered vegetation patches in transition areas between shallow and deep water	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to weed edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits along weed edges Spinnerbaits worked through scattered weeds	Bluegill concentrated in and around weed beds Young-of-year panfish in scattered vegetation	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-75	Crappies are holding along weed edges in 4-8 foot zones during feeding periods, moving slightly deeper during bright conditions due to the turbid water Fish are likely suspending near structure during non-feeding periods, using submerged vegetation as cover in this relatively shallow lake	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly where they intersect with any available structure Main lake structures due to simple shoreline shape (1.32 SDI) Deeper holes near weed edges where fish can retreat during bright conditions	Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Bluegills Small minnows in and around weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Linwood Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Bass are transitioning from summer patterns, actively feeding on bluegill around remaining weed cover, particularly near docks. Fish are becoming more aggressive due to cooling temps and fall feeding instincts. Moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper staging areas, with activity concentrated in areas where weeds meet deeper water	Weed-choked docks with clear lanes or openings, especially those near deeper water Weed edges in 4-10 foot depth range, particularly on the south side of the lake Points and transitions where weeds meet deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through open lanes in dock areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for penetrating heavy cover around docks Swim Jigs along weed edges where clear lanes exist	Bluegill concentrated around dock structures and weed edges Small baitfish gathering in remaining weed cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, targeting larger prey items along weed edges and remaining vegetation Fish are following baitfish schools, particularly bluegill, and utilizing ambush points in slightly deeper water	Deep weed edges in 6-8 ft range where vegetation is still healthy Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish concentrate Points and turns in weedlines that create ambush opportunities	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation	Bluegill concentrating in remaining weed growth Young-of-year fish gathering in schools Various panfish species in deeper weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-62	Crappies are schooling in deeper water, suspended 10-15 feet down over 20-foot zones, following typical fall transition patterns Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, requiring precise bait presentation at their suspended depth	Main lake ledges with 15-20 foot depths where schools are suspending Deep weed edges transitioning to ledges where baitfish concentrate Main lake structure in 15-20 foot range providing ambush points for suspended schools	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs to target suspended fish Hover/Mid-Strolling to cover water and locate active schools Crappie Spider Rigging to precisely present baits at suspension depth	Small bluegills concentrating near deep weed edges Young-of-year baitfish schooling in open water	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike concentrating around remaining green weeds in 6-8 ft zones, actively feeding during low-light periods Ambush-oriented behavior, utilizing edges of dying weed beds as primary hunting grounds	Deep weed edges in 6-8 ft range where vegetation is still green Secondary drop-offs adjacent to remaining weed growth Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish school	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges with consistent speed Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Lipless Crankbaits with yo-yo retrieval near vegetation	Bluegill concentrated in remaining weed beds Small baitfish schools in deeper portions of weeds	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are actively suspending in deeper water columns, following schools of baitfish and seeking stable winter temperatures Fish tend to be more lethargic and concentrate in tighter schools during winter, requiring slower presentations	Deep basins near the edges of weed lines in 15-20 foot zones Main lake structures and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water Suspended zones over deeper water where baitfish schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig Hover/Mid-Strolling	Suspended bluegills in winter patterns Small baitfish schools in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike will be less active but still feeding opportunistically, primarily concentrating near shallow weedy bays and areas with good oxygen levels Due to the turbid conditions (0.7m Secchi), pike will rely heavily on vibration and flash to detect prey, positioning themselves in areas where they can ambush passing forage fish	Shallow weed flats in 4-6 feet of water where oxygen levels remain higher Transitions between weedy areas and open water in 6-8 foot range Areas near incoming streams or springs that may provide more oxygenated water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Bluegill concentrating in winter weed beds Small perch schooling near bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	During ice season, crappies will typically suspend in deeper basins, forming tight schools near the lake bottom or suspended in the water column Feeding activity tends to be most intense during dawn and dusk periods, with fish becoming more active on stable weather days	Deep basins near weed edges in 15-20 foot zones where fall patterns showed suspended fish Transition areas where 4-8 foot weed edges meet deeper water Main lake structures due to the simple shoreline development index	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger strikes from lethargic fish Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate suspended schools	Small invertebrates and zooplankton that remain active under ice Juvenile bluegills, as indicated by the strong panfish forage base Small minnows and baitfish suspended in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Linwood Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning flats	Weed edges in 4-10 foot depth range, particularly on the south side of the lake
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and flat areas with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper weed edges in 6-8 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range adjacent to potential spawning areas	Main lake structures near transitions to shallower flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow sand flats for spawning activity	4-foot weed edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Transition areas between spawning bays and emerging weed edges in 4-6 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 4-8 foot range, particularly where they intersect with harder bottom	Shallow protected areas with available cover for spawning
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Inside weed/sand edge transitions in 4-6 foot depth range	South side weed edges with optimal depth transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed beds in 3-5 feet of water	Weed edges in 6-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near deeper water access	Suspended positions near main lake structures due to simple shoreline
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 5-10 foot depth range, particularly on the south side of the lake	Thick vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 6-8 ft depth range along southern lake shore	Deep weed pockets near shoreline points
Summer	Crappie	Weed edges in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly where they intersect with any available structure	Main lake structures due to simple shoreline shape (1.32 SDI)
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Weed-choked docks with clear lanes or openings, especially those near deeper water	Weed edges in 4-10 foot depth range, particularly on the south side of the lake
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 6-8 ft range where vegetation is still healthy	Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Crappie	Main lake ledges with 15-20 foot depths where schools are suspending	Deep weed edges transitioning to ledges where baitfish concentrate
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 6-8 ft range where vegetation is still green	Secondary drop-offs adjacent to remaining weed growth
Winter	Crappie	Deep basins near the edges of weed lines in 15-20 foot zones	Main lake structures and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Shallow weed flats in 4-6 feet of water where oxygen levels remain higher	Transitions between weedy areas and open water in 6-8 foot range
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins near weed edges in 15-20 foot zones where fall patterns showed suspended fish	Transition areas where 4-8 foot weed edges meet deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around emerging vegetation	Small baitfish schooling in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow areas	Young-of-year panfish in emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Bluegills	Small minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Spawning Bluegill in shallow areas	Small Baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in shallow, warmer water	Young-of-year baitfish in emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of the year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in newly emerging weed growth	Young of the year panfish in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges	Young of the year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in and around weed beds	Young-of-year panfish in scattered vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Bluegills	Small minnows in and around weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around dock structures and weed edges	Small baitfish gathering in remaining weed cover
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining weed growth	Young-of-year fish gathering in schools
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills concentrating near deep weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in open water
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in remaining weed beds	Small baitfish schools in deeper portions of weeds
Winter	Crappie	Suspended bluegills in winter patterns	Small baitfish schools in deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in winter weed beds	Small perch schooling near bottom structure
Ice	Crappie	Small invertebrates and zooplankton that remain active under ice	Juvenile bluegills, as indicated by the strong panfish forage base

Bait Colors by Season for Linwood Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors

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