How to Fish Lower Prior Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Lower Prior Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lower Prior Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively moving into shallow water (under 5ft) and staging near spawning areas, with smaller males being particularly active as noted in recent reports Fish are showing increased feeding activity, particularly responding to paused presentations as evidenced by jerkbait success patterns	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, particularly areas under 5 feet deep Main lake points and transition areas leading into spawning bays Docks providing shade and cover in spawning areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses, which showed significant success in recent reports Spinnerbaits around shallow cover and docks, as evidenced by multiple successful reports Drop Shot in slightly deeper staging areas, particularly effective around submerged vegetation	Bluegill, which multiple reports indicate as primary forage during this period Minnows, especially around docks and shallow areas as noted in recent catches	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from deeper winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive and schooling near emerging vegetation and warming shallows, particularly during afternoon hours	Protected bays with scattered coontail in 8-12 foot range Transition areas between winter basins and spawning flats in 10-15 foot range Secondary points with emerging vegetation in 6-10 foot depth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans in vegetation Zooplankton in warming shallows	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding as they prepare for spawning Fish are showing vertical movement patterns, willing to rise 3-4 feet to strike baits, indicating aggressive feeding behavior Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to moderate water clarity, using coontail edges as ambush points	Coontail weed edges in 7-12 foot range, especially where they meet deeper water Protected bays and points with emerging vegetation Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays	Crappie Spider Rigging along weed edges to effectively cover water and maintain precise depth control Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for targeting specific weed pockets and structure Hover/Mid-Strolling for suspended fish transitioning between winter and spawning areas	Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation Small minnows and invertebrates utilizing weed edges Zooplankton concentrations in the water column	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes are actively moving towards shallow spawning areas, particularly around rocky points and gravel areas in 4-8 feet of water Feeding activity increases during low-light periods, with fish being less light-sensitive due to turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi depth) Fish are staging in deeper adjacent areas (15-20 foot basin) during bright conditions, moving shallow to feed	Rocky points and gravel areas in 4-8 feet of water near spawning locations Transition areas between the basin (15-20 feet) and shallow flats Areas where coontail and milfoil edges meet deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Lipless Crankbaits Live Bait Rigs	Small bluegills and crappies concentrated in vegetation edges White bass schools in transition areas Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	45-50	Actively schooling in wolf packs, aggressively pursuing suspended baitfish in basin areas with rapid movements despite cool water temperatures Fish are highly mobile and concentrated in open water, requiring electronics to locate and stay with moving schools	Main lake basin areas with suspended baitfish schools Transition areas between basin and points where baitfish concentrate Deeper flats adjacent to spawning areas as pre-spawn staging locations	Hard Jerkbaits with 3-4 jerks and strategic pauses to trigger reaction strikes Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement	Suspended shad and small baitfish in open water General minnow species in the main basin	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-74	Fish actively moving to spawning areas, with males establishing and guarding beds while females stage nearby Bass relating heavily to bluegill pods and shallow vegetation, showing aggressive territorial behavior	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot range where spawning beds are being established Weed edges in 5-10 foot range where pre/post spawn fish are staging Areas adjacent to bluegill beds, particularly in vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly around bedding areas Hard Jerkbaits for targeting staging fish off breaks Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') working edges of vegetation	Bluegill Other Sunfish species	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow protected bays with scattered vegetation for spawning, forming visible beds and exhibiting aggressive territorial behavior Males guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper water near spawning areas Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, with fish actively foraging on insects and small invertebrates	Protected shallow bays with scattered vegetation in 2-4 foot depths Transitions between spawning flats and deeper water in 5-8 foot range Areas with coontail vegetation adjacent to spawning areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-2 feet below surface Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when sight fishing beds Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in and around vegetation Small invertebrates near bottom	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies moving into shallow bays and protected areas, staging for spawn in 3-7 foot depths around vegetation Fish becoming more aggressive and active in the water column as water warms, particularly during afternoon hours Males establishing and guarding nesting areas near vegetation, while females stage slightly deeper	Protected shallow bays with coontail vegetation in 4-7 foot range Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow wood cover and dock areas adjacent to spawning flats	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small bluegills Newly hatched baitfish Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-54	Walleye are in spawning mode, moving to shallow rocky areas and tributaries. The relatively turbid water (1.5m Secchi) will allow them to spawn in shallower areas and remain active during longer daylight periods Post-spawn fish will stage near spawning areas before transitioning to feeding locations, taking advantage of the lake's complex shoreline structure	Rocky points and shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for active spawners Adjacent drop-offs in 8-12 foot depths for staging post-spawn fish Areas where coontail and milfoil meet harder bottom structure	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky areas and transitions Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts near staging areas Finesse Jigs pitched to shallow rocky areas during peak spawn	Smaller panfish (bluegills and crappies) in shallow areas White bass schools moving through spawning areas Baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	45-62	Actively schooling in pre-spawn and spawning patterns, moving between staging areas and spawning locations in mid-depth zones Aggressive feeding behavior on suspended baitfish, particularly in early morning and evening periods	Secondary points and flats adjacent to deeper water in 8-12 foot range Main lake points with access to spawning flats Weed edges near deeper water transitions	Lipless Crankbaits worked with yo-yo retrieve through staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths Hard Jerkbaits with moderate pauses to trigger reaction strikes	Shad schools suspending in the water column Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding while recovering from the spawn, splitting time between shallow and intermediate depths Fish are relating heavily to emerging vegetation and dock areas, particularly where these structures intersect with bluegill spawning areas	Docks adjacent to spawning flats where bluegill beds are forming Emerging milfoil beds in 8-14 foot depth range Points with access to both shallow and deeper water	Soft Jerkbaits worked weightless around docks and over vegetation Hard Jerkbaits worked with moderate pauses over emerging vegetation Deep Diving Crankbaits around points for fish transitioning to deeper water	Bluegill beginning their spawn in shallow areas Various juvenile baitfish around emerging vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools near vegetation edges and transition areas Fish are establishing summer patterns, making short movements between feeding zones and resting areas in 8-12 foot depths	Weed edges and coontail beds in 10-15 foot range Secondary points with scattered vegetation near spawning bays Transition zones between shallow bays and deeper basin areas	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks for natural presentation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs worked slowly through vegetation Bobbers with adjustable depths to target suspended fish near weed tops	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation Small minnows gathering near weed edges	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Crappies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding but becoming more scattered Fish are suspending near vegetation edges and showing vertical movement of 3-4 feet in the water column	Coontail weed edges in 7-12 foot range, particularly where they meet deeper water Secondary points and inside turns with vegetation Suspended areas adjacent to spawning bays where deeper water is available	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to locate active fish Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when fish are found concentrated Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish near structure	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn and dusk periods due to the relatively clear water conditions Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, following baitfish schools and utilizing vegetation edges	Weed edges and coontail beds in 8-12 foot depths where walleyes can ambush prey Secondary points and shoreline transitions near spawning bays Deep basin areas (15-20 feet) serving as staging areas between feeding movements	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and transition areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking local baitfish near vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Young-of-year panfish (bluegills and crappies) White bass fry Minnows gathering around emerging vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	55-65	Actively schooling and chasing baitfish in wolf packs, exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior in the post-spawn period Fish are mobile and suspending throughout the water column, following baitfish schools in basin areas	Main lake basin areas where schools of baitfish are present Points and weed edges adjacent to deeper water Suspended areas over deeper flats where baitfish congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match baitfish schools Hard Jerkbaits with an erratic retrieve to trigger reaction strikes Blade Baits vertically jigged through suspended schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through active schools when located	Shad and similar pelagic baitfish schools Young-of-year baitfish emerging in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-76	Actively feeding on bluegills near weed edges and sunfish beds, with peak activity during lower light conditions Establishing primary holding patterns along deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, moving shallow during low light periods	Deep weedlines adjacent to hard bottom or rock in 8-14 feet Main lake docks, especially those near deep water access Scattered clumps of milfoil and coontail with nearby sunfish beds	Drop Shot worked slowly through deep weedlines Bladed Jigs skipped around docks and worked along weed edges Grass Jigs flipped into vegetation Hard Topwater (Prop) during morning and evening periods	Bluegill and Sunfish Crawfish Small Baitfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in and around weed lines in 8-10 feet of water, with schools remaining relatively stationary once located Establishing spawning beds in shallow protected bays with scattered vegetation during warm periods Showing regular feeding patterns during daylight hours, particularly active near vegetation edges	Weed lines in 8-10 feet of water Protected shallow bays with scattered vegetation Coontail vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range	Bobbers with small jigs suspended near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs (downsized) worked slowly	Aquatic insects Small invertebrates Zooplankton	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-78	Crappies suspend in deeper water, often relating to the deeper weed edges at 12-15 feet during summer heat Fish actively move up and down in the water column (3-4 feet) to feed, especially during early morning and evening periods During midday, crappies tend to hold tight to the deeper coontail edges for shade and cooler water	Deep weed edges of coontail in 12-15 foot range Suspended areas adjacent to weed edges in 15-17 foot range Shaded areas under docks near deep weed edges	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small bluegills Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds Young-of-year baitfish	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-76	Walleye will be seeking thermal refuge in deeper basin areas (15-20 feet) during peak daylight hours, moving shallower to feed during low light periods With high water clarity (10+ feet visibility), feeding activity will be concentrated during dawn/dusk periods, with fish utilizing vegetation edges and deeper structure as ambush points	Deep basin areas 15-20 feet for daytime holding Edges of coontail and milfoil beds, especially those adjacent to deeper water Complex shoreline points and bays with access to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and basin transitions during low light periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in basin areas during peak daylight hours Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along vegetation edges and structural elements	Smaller panfish (bluegills and crappies) relating to vegetation White bass schools in open water areas Baitfish populations within weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	White bass schools suspend in main basin or deeper structure during summer, actively pursuing baitfish schools throughout water column Fish exhibit most active feeding during early morning and evening periods, moving between deep and shallow water Schools may temporarily scatter during midday heat but regroup near structure or depth changes	Main basin areas near depth changes where baitfish schools congregate Deep weed edges adjacent to open water Points and drop-offs near the main lake basin	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on suspended baitfish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) cast through suspended schools Spoons worked vertically through baitfish schools	Schooling shad and similar baitfish in open water Young-of-year baitfish near weed edges Small bluegills and perch near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lower Prior Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	49-62	Actively feeding and transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish and targeting docks and remaining vegetation as temperatures cool Showing preference for ambush points near steep banks and deep weed edges, with increased activity around bluegill-holding cover	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, particularly the last remaining healthy vegetation Docks, especially those adjacent to steep banks Wind-blown rocky banks with nearby deep water access	Drop Shot along deep weed edges and under docks Structure Jigs worked slowly through remaining vegetation Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along steep banks Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for dock fishing	Bluegill concentrated around remaining vegetation and dock areas Baitfish schools moving along deeper structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	45-65	Bluegills are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper winter locations, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are schooling in moderately deep water near weed edges and basin transitions, following insect and small prey movements	Coontail weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range Basin transition areas adjacent to weed growth Deep weed pockets with nearby access to winter holding areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Micro Crankbaits	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, with fish moving between the deep weed edges (12-15ft) and shallower areas following baitfish Fish showing aggressive suspended feeding behavior, willing to move 3-4 feet in the water column to strike baits	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where coontail meets basin Mid-depth coontail beds in 7-12 foot range Complex shoreline points and bays with remaining vegetation	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Hover/Mid-Strolling through suspended fish in bays	Young-of-year bluegills in and around weed edges Small minnows suspending near vegetation Zooplankton in water column	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are increasing their feeding activity to build fat reserves for winter, focusing on larger forage in shallow to mid-depth zones during low light periods Fish are following baitfish schools along structural elements, particularly around vegetation edges and points	Deep weedline edges where coontail and milfoil meet basin areas (15-20 feet) Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially during dawn and dusk	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	White Bass (juvenile) Bluegills Crappies	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	White Bass	55-68	White bass schools actively chasing baitfish in the main basin and along deeper structure, moving frequently as they corral prey Feeding activity increases during low-light periods with schools pushing baitfish to the surface Fish suspending at varying depths following baitfish schools, typically in 8-15 foot range	Main lake basin areas where schools of baitfish are present Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas Points and breaks leading into deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement Lipless Crankbaits burned through schooling activity	Schooling shad and small baitfish in open water Young-of-year panfish near weed edges Small crustaceans and insects near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegills are schooling in deeper basin areas, typically holding in the 15-20 foot range, with concentrated groups remaining relatively stationary once located Fish are actively feeding on invertebrates, showing a strong preference for smaller presentations and demonstrating selective feeding behavior	Deep basins near weed edge transitions in 15-20 foot depths Deep coontail vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range Protected bays with remaining vegetation in 12-15 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Drop Shot	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Late fall/early winter crappies are suspending over deep basins but actively feeding in the water column, rising 3-4 feet to hit baits Fish are following daily vertical migrations, moving up and down in the water column based on light conditions and forage movement	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where coontail meets basin Suspended over deep basins near primary structural elements Mid-depth coontail patches in 7-12 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Damiki Rig	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Juvenile yellow perch Zooplankton and small invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	42-52	Late fall walleyes concentrating on remaining baitfish schools in deeper main lake areas, particularly the 15-20 foot basin zones Feeding periods extended due to turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), with fish actively hunting throughout the day	Deep basin areas 15-20 feet, especially near transitions to shallow flats Points and breaks near remaining vegetation edges in 8-12 feet Channel edges and deeper holes that concentrate baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging cadence Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along basin edges	Schooling white bass in basin areas Smaller bluegills and crappies near remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish concentrating in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	33-35	Bluegills are schooling in deep basins and along weed edges, showing typical winter congregating behavior in 15-20 foot depths Fish remain relatively stationary once located, but require color changes to maintain interest due to fishing pressure	Deep basins in 15-20 feet adjacent to weed edges Healthy coontail edges in 10-15 feet of water Humps in 14-19 foot range with proximity to deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs - Small 3-4mm tungsten jigs worked slowly near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons - Worked above the school to target more aggressive fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton	Pink Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies actively suspending in and around deep weed edges, rising 3-4 feet in water column to feed on presented baits Showing two distinct winter patterns - holding in healthy coontail beds at 7-12ft and relating to deeper weeds at 17ft	Healthy coontail beds in 7-12 foot range Deep weed edges at 17 foot depth Basin areas adjacent to deep weed edges	Ice Fishing Jigs with subtle jigging motion, allowing fish to rise to bait Ice Fishing Spoons worked with moderate action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms for finicky fish	Insects and larvae Small bluegills Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	32-39	Walleye are holding near baitfish concentrations in the deeper basin areas (15-20 feet), making periodic movements to feed With turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), walleyes may remain active during daylight hours, though peak feeding likely occurs during dawn/dusk	Deep basin areas in 15-20 foot range where baitfish concentrate Transition areas between vegetated flats and deeper water Points and breaks near complex shoreline structure	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract baitfish and trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live bait along depth transitions	Small panfish (bluegills and crappies) White bass and young-of-year Baitfish concentrations in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lower Prior Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, particularly areas under 5 feet deep	Main lake points and transition areas leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected bays with scattered coontail in 8-12 foot range	Transition areas between winter basins and spawning flats in 10-15 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Coontail weed edges in 7-12 foot range, especially where they meet deeper water	Protected bays and points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel areas in 4-8 feet of water near spawning locations	Transition areas between the basin (15-20 feet) and shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake basin areas with suspended baitfish schools	Transition areas between basin and points where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot range where spawning beds are being established	Weed edges in 5-10 foot range where pre/post spawn fish are staging
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with scattered vegetation in 2-4 foot depths	Transitions between spawning flats and deeper water in 5-8 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with coontail vegetation in 4-7 foot range	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for active spawners	Adjacent drop-offs in 8-12 foot depths for staging post-spawn fish
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Secondary points and flats adjacent to deeper water in 8-12 foot range	Main lake points with access to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks adjacent to spawning flats where bluegill beds are forming	Emerging milfoil beds in 8-14 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and coontail beds in 10-15 foot range	Secondary points with scattered vegetation near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Coontail weed edges in 7-12 foot range, particularly where they meet deeper water	Secondary points and inside turns with vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges and coontail beds in 8-12 foot depths where walleyes can ambush prey	Secondary points and shoreline transitions near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake basin areas where schools of baitfish are present	Points and weed edges adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weedlines adjacent to hard bottom or rock in 8-14 feet	Main lake docks, especially those near deep water access
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed lines in 8-10 feet of water	Protected shallow bays with scattered vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges of coontail in 12-15 foot range	Suspended areas adjacent to weed edges in 15-17 foot range
Summer	Walleye	Deep basin areas 15-20 feet for daytime holding	Edges of coontail and milfoil beds, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Summer	White Bass	Main basin areas near depth changes where baitfish schools congregate	Deep weed edges adjacent to open water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, particularly the last remaining healthy vegetation	Docks, especially those adjacent to steep banks
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Coontail weed edges in 10-15 foot depth range	Basin transition areas adjacent to weed growth
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where coontail meets basin	Mid-depth coontail beds in 7-12 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Deep weedline edges where coontail and milfoil meet basin areas (15-20 feet)	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	White Bass	Main lake basin areas where schools of baitfish are present	Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins near weed edge transitions in 15-20 foot depths	Deep coontail vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where coontail meets basin	Suspended over deep basins near primary structural elements
Winter	Walleye	Deep basin areas 15-20 feet, especially near transitions to shallow flats	Points and breaks near remaining vegetation edges in 8-12 feet
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins in 15-20 feet adjacent to weed edges	Healthy coontail edges in 10-15 feet of water
Ice	Crappie	Healthy coontail beds in 7-12 foot range	Deep weed edges at 17 foot depth
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas in 15-20 foot range where baitfish concentrate	Transition areas between vegetated flats and deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, which multiple reports indicate as primary forage during this period	Minnows, especially around docks and shallow areas as noted in recent catches
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation	Small minnows and invertebrates utilizing weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small bluegills and crappies concentrated in vegetation edges	White bass schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Suspended shad and small baitfish in open water	General minnow species in the main basin
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Other Sunfish species
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in and around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Newly hatched baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Smaller panfish (bluegills and crappies) in shallow areas	White bass schools moving through spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools suspending in the water column	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning their spawn in shallow areas	Various juvenile baitfish around emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year panfish (bluegills and crappies)	White bass fry
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad and similar pelagic baitfish schools	Young-of-year baitfish emerging in shallow areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill and Sunfish	Crawfish
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects	Small invertebrates
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills	Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds
Summer	Walleye	Smaller panfish (bluegills and crappies) relating to vegetation	White bass schools in open water areas
Summer	White Bass	Schooling shad and similar baitfish in open water	Young-of-year baitfish near weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around remaining vegetation and dock areas	Baitfish schools moving along deeper structure
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills in and around weed edges	Small minnows suspending near vegetation
Fall	Walleye	White Bass (juvenile)	Bluegills
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad and small baitfish in open water	Young-of-year panfish near weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Juvenile yellow perch
Winter	Walleye	Schooling white bass in basin areas	Smaller bluegills and crappies near remaining vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Ice	Crappie	Insects and larvae	Small bluegills
Ice	Walleye	Small panfish (bluegills and crappies)	White bass and young-of-year

Bait Colors by Season for Lower Prior Lake

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