How to Fish Little Muskego Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Little Muskego Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Little Muskego Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	42-47	Pre-spawn bass are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, with reports showing aggressive feeding on bluegills in shallow bays Fish are relating to transitional areas between deeper water and spawning flats, using ditches and ledges as migration routes	Protected shallow bays with bluegill populations Ditches and ledges between spawning flats and deeper water Areas between and in front of docks adjacent to spawning flats	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow retrieve Lipless Crankbaits around dock areas Shakey Heads worked along transitional areas	Bluegill Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, moving from winter depths to staging areas near spawning locations in shallow bays and tributary areas Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with increased feeding activity during warming trends	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper winter holding areas Tributary areas and channels leading to spawning grounds Transitional areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning zones	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transitional areas Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to emerging weed edges Live Bait Rigs positioned near staging areas	Large Bluegills concentrated in pre-spawn areas Schools of minnows moving into warming shallow waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Walleye are transitioning from winter locations to spawning areas, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish are staging near spawning areas but making feeding movements to nearby structure during pre-spawn period	Deep weed edges transitioning to spawning areas (8-15 feet) Points and breaks near potential spawning flats Transition areas between vegetation and open water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Minnows concentrated near deep weed edges Small baitfish schooling in pre-spawn staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, following warming trends and beginning to move towards spawning areas Fish are actively feeding during daylight hours, especially during warming trends, targeting emerging insects and small crustaceans near vegetation	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 10-15 foot depth range where fish stage before moving shallow Protected coves and bays with warming water temperatures Areas near developing vegetation adjacent to future spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects suspended just above vegetation Ice Fishing Jigs (small presentation) worked slowly near cover Bobbers with adjustable depths to find active fish in the water column	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans in vegetation Tiny baitfish fry	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass are transitioning into spawning phase, with some still in pre-spawn staging areas near shallow flats and others beginning to move onto beds Fish are actively feeding in preparation for spawn, with frequent pauses in shallow areas particularly near weed edges and protected bays	Submerged weed flats in 3-5 feet of water, particularly milfoil edges Protected shallow bays with warming water Transition areas between thick and sparse vegetation	Wacky Rigs worked slowly with deadsticking presentation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses	Bluegill in shallow weed areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are in pre and post-spawn patterns, moving from wintering areas to shallow spawning bays with emerging vegetation Fish are relatively sluggish but will make aggressive strikes at slower-moving prey in warming waters	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Transitions between deeper wintering areas and spawning bays Protected areas near inflowing streams or springs	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds along transition areas Live Bait Rigs positioned near emerging weed growth	Smaller pike and vulnerable winter-stressed baitfish Bluegills moving into warming shallows Minnows congregating near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) around points and bays, staging for spawning activity Fish are actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with less activity during bright midday hours	Rocky points and gravel areas near shoreline transitions Shallow bays with emerging vegetation Transitional areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with controlled lifts and drops Finesse Jigs worked slowly along transition areas	Minnows congregating in warming shallow areas Small perch in emerging weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Bluegills are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and bays with firm bottom composition Males are establishing and guarding nesting colonies in 2-6 foot depths, becoming increasingly aggressive Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn areas near spawning locations, especially during warmer parts of the day	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near emerging vegetation Areas between docks where spawning colonies can establish Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths where pre-spawn fish stage	Bobbers with small live bait or micro jigs, worked slowly over spawning areas Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding near pier structures Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges for actively feeding fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-70	Post-spawn largemouth are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to weed edges, particularly isolated weed beds, as evidenced by recent fishing reports	Isolated weed beds near deep water edges, as specifically mentioned in recent reports Secondary points with emerging vegetation Protected shallow bays with established weed growth	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick vegetation, proven effective in recent reports Bladed Jigs, which have produced recent catches with chartreuse patterns Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along weed edges	Bluegill, specifically mentioned in recent reports and dominant in lake profile Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-62	Northern Pike are transitioning from spawning areas to feeding locations, becoming more active as water temperatures rise. They are establishing ambush positions along emerging weed edges and points. Fish are actively feeding to recover energy post-spawn, making aggressive strikes at prey fish moving through their territories.	Shallow weed edges in 5-8 feet of water, particularly where emerging vegetation is starting to develop Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays where prey fish are congregating Transition areas between shallow spawning bays and deeper water, especially where vegetation is present	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transitional areas Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow areas near emerging vegetation	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near emerging weed growth Minnow schools moving along transition areas Small yellow perch in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding along weed edges and points Fish are showing increased feeding activity, particularly around submerged vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 10-15 foot ranges Points and transitions where submerged vegetation meets open water Complex shoreline areas with numerous bays and coves	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along weed edges and bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are holding tight to structure	Small minnows concentrating around vegetation edges Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming waters	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are transitioning from spawning areas to summer feeding patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are moving between shallow weed edges and nearby deeper flats, following daily temperature changes	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats Deeper flats in 10-15 foot range with scattered vegetation Areas around docks and piers with nearby deep water access	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near structure Bobbers with suspended baits over transitional areas	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Juvenile baitfish beginning to school in weed edges Small crustaceans active in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, holding on deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water during daylight hours Fish are actively feeding on bluegills around submerged vegetation, with increased activity during lower light conditions	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, particularly on wind-blown drop-offs Matted grass areas for early morning/late evening topwater action Submerged vegetation in deeper water near points and structure	Texas Rigs with 10-inch worms dragged slowly along deep weed edges Football Jigs worked through deep vegetation Topwater props around grass mats during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits worked near structure	Bluegill is the primary forage, especially around weed beds Various smaller baitfish in deeper water	Green Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike are actively feeding around weed edges, showing aggressive strike behavior as evidenced by recent reports of fish 'smashing' baits Fish are utilizing submerged vegetation as ambush points, targeting smaller prey fish during summer feeding periods	Weed edges and openings in submerged vegetation where recent catches have been reported Deeper weed edges (10-15 feet) providing cooler water refuge during peak summer temperatures Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation, leveraging the lake's 2.49 shoreline development index	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - proven effective in recent reports for triggering strikes Tubes - successful when worked through weeds as shown in recent catches Spinnerbaits - effective for covering water and triggering reaction strikes along weed edges	Small baitfish/minnows - evidenced by success with small swimbaits Bluegill - noted in lake profile as part of forage base	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleyes are actively feeding along weed edges, using submerged vegetation as ambush points for minnows Fish are showing adaptable feeding patterns, responding to both active and subtle presentations throughout the day	Deep weed edges where vegetation transitions to open water, especially in 10-15 foot ranges Complex shoreline points and bays with submerged vegetation Mid-depth structure adjacent to vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs	Minnows Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegills are actively feeding around man-made structures and weed edges, showing aggressive strike behavior when presented with appropriate-sized baits Fish are utilizing pier areas as prime feeding zones, likely due to shade and abundant natural forage Multiple depth patterns emerging with fish moving between shallow cover and deeper edges based on sunlight and temperature	Pier and dock areas with nearby vegetation Weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range Matted grass areas providing overhead cover	Finesse Jigs worked vertically near structure Bobbers with suspended baits near cover Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under structures	Small minnows Aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Little Muskego Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Largemouth bass are actively feeding on minnows and baitfish along deep weed edges, preparing for winter Fish are transitioning from shallow to deeper water as temperatures cool, utilizing weed edges as primary migration routes Feeding activity is concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish showing preference for areas adjacent to deep water escape routes	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water Points and inside turns of weed lines adjacent to deeper water Secondary break lines with remaining green vegetation	Damiki Rig with swimbaits worked slowly along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled parallel to weed lines Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Minnows gathering along weed edges Bluegills relating to remaining green vegetation Young of the year baitfish schooling in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, actively pursuing baitfish along weed edges and points as water temperatures cool Fish become more aggressive in feeding behavior, making longer moves to chase prey as they build energy reserves for winter	Deep weed edges (10-15 feet) adjacent to points or bays Remaining green weed patches in 8-12 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with speed variations Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) burned through remaining vegetation Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed growth Minnow schools transitioning to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleyes are transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding along deep weed edges and adjacent structure to build up energy reserves for winter Fish become more concentrated in specific areas, often schooling around key structural elements where baitfish gather	Deep weed edges where vegetation transitions to open water, especially in 10-15 foot ranges Points and breaks adjacent to deep weed lines Mid-depth structure with access to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Minnows concentrating along deep weed edges Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water (10-15 foot range) as water temperatures cool, schooling more tightly and feeding actively to build energy reserves Fish are relating closely to weed edges and submerged vegetation, particularly where it intersects with deeper water	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, especially near points or transitions Dock areas with access to deeper water Mid-depth flats adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are actively feeding but moving slower in cold water conditions, often staging near deep weed edges adjacent to shallower flats Fish are opportunistic but selective, preferring larger profile baits that provide a good caloric return for their energy expenditure	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, particularly where they meet deeper basins Secondary break lines with remaining vegetation near primary lake points Transitions between weedy areas and deeper water that provide ambush opportunities	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Bluegills concentrated in remaining deep weed edges Schools of winter-pattern minnows in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye are concentrating in deeper, open water areas adjacent to deep weed edges, actively feeding on minnow schools during low-light periods Fish are exhibiting neutral to negative feeding behavior during bright conditions, becoming more active during overcast periods and around sunrise/sunset	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot ranges where vegetation transitions to open water Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements where baitfish schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling minnows in deep water Small perch along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	42-52	Bluegills are suspending near deep weed edges and in proximity to mid-depth flats, typically in the 10-15 foot range Feeding patterns are more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish tending to school tightly in areas of cover	Deep weed edges adjacent to mid-depth flats in 10-15 foot range Deep water areas near pier structures that provide cover Transitions between matted grass and open water areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Dormant aquatic vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike become more lethargic during ice season, conserving energy and focusing on larger, easier-to-catch prey items Fish tend to concentrate near remaining green weeds that provide oxygen and attract baitfish	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet where green vegetation remains Transitions between weeds and open water where baitfish school Secondary points with remaining vegetation near deeper water access	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by longer pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows near weed edges	Bluegills suspending near remaining weed growth Larger minnows schooling near weed edges Small pike feeding on concentrated baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleyes concentrate on deep weed edges and adjacent basins during ice season Most active during low-light periods near dawn and dusk, with periodic feeding throughout the day Suspending near bottom, moving between structure and open water based on forage movement	Deep weed line transitions in 10-15 foot range Basin areas adjacent to weed edges Points and inside turns where weeds meet deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along weed edges	Minnows concentrated near weed edges Small perch in weed beds Juvenile panfish near structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills will be concentrated in deeper basins and mid-depth flats near weed edges, typically schooled tightly in the 10-15 foot range Feeding activity becomes more selective and occurs during prime daylight hours, with dawn and dusk being less productive during ice conditions	Deep weed edges adjacent to mid-depth flats in 10-15 foot range Basin areas near structure transitions where vegetation meets harder bottom Areas around deeper docks and pier structures that provide winter sanctuary	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding windows Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs for finicky winter bluegills	Small aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae Dormant zooplankton Tiny minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Little Muskego Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with bluegill populations	Ditches and ledges between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper winter holding areas	Tributary areas and channels leading to spawning grounds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Deep weed edges transitioning to spawning areas (8-15 feet)	Points and breaks near potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 10-15 foot depth range where fish stage before moving shallow	Protected coves and bays with warming water temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged weed flats in 3-5 feet of water, particularly milfoil edges	Protected shallow bays with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Transitions between deeper wintering areas and spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel areas near shoreline transitions	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near emerging vegetation	Areas between docks where spawning colonies can establish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Isolated weed beds near deep water edges, as specifically mentioned in recent reports	Secondary points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed edges in 5-8 feet of water, particularly where emerging vegetation is starting to develop	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays where prey fish are congregating
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly in 10-15 foot ranges	Points and transitions where submerged vegetation meets open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats	Deeper flats in 10-15 foot range with scattered vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, particularly on wind-blown drop-offs	Matted grass areas for early morning/late evening topwater action
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and openings in submerged vegetation where recent catches have been reported	Deeper weed edges (10-15 feet) providing cooler water refuge during peak summer temperatures
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges where vegetation transitions to open water, especially in 10-15 foot ranges	Complex shoreline points and bays with submerged vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Pier and dock areas with nearby vegetation	Weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water	Points and inside turns of weed lines adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges (10-15 feet) adjacent to points or bays	Remaining green weed patches in 8-12 foot depth range
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges where vegetation transitions to open water, especially in 10-15 foot ranges	Points and breaks adjacent to deep weed lines
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, especially near points or transitions	Dock areas with access to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, particularly where they meet deeper basins	Secondary break lines with remaining vegetation near primary lake points
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot ranges where vegetation transitions to open water	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to mid-depth flats in 10-15 foot range	Deep water areas near pier structures that provide cover
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet where green vegetation remains	Transitions between weeds and open water where baitfish school
Ice	Walleye	Deep weed line transitions in 10-15 foot range	Basin areas adjacent to weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to mid-depth flats in 10-15 foot range	Basin areas near structure transitions where vegetation meets harder bottom

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Minnows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Bluegills concentrated in pre-spawn areas	Schools of minnows moving into warming shallow waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows concentrated near deep weed edges	Small baitfish schooling in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow weed areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Smaller pike and vulnerable winter-stressed baitfish	Bluegills moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating in warming shallow areas	Small perch in emerging weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, specifically mentioned in recent reports and dominant in lake profile	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near emerging weed growth	Minnow schools moving along transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows concentrating around vegetation edges	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Juvenile baitfish beginning to school in weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill is the primary forage, especially around weed beds	Various smaller baitfish in deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Small baitfish/minnows - evidenced by success with small swimbaits	Bluegill - noted in lake profile as part of forage base
Summer	Walleye	Minnows	Young-of-year perch
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows gathering along weed edges	Bluegills relating to remaining green vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating near remaining weed growth	Minnow schools transitioning to deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Minnows concentrating along deep weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining deep weed edges	Schools of winter-pattern minnows in deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Schooling minnows in deep water	Small perch along weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspending near remaining weed growth	Larger minnows schooling near weed edges
Ice	Walleye	Minnows concentrated near weed edges	Small perch in weed beds
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae	Dormant zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Little Muskego Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals