How to Fish Lower Whitefish Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

20% Off Strike King, Through 06/03. Save Now

20% Off Bubba, Through 06/16. Save Now

Built to Serve Tee + PRO = $20 Donated Per Order → Shop Now

Save Up To $500 on Select Minn Kota, Through 06/18. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Lower Whitefish Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lower Whitefish Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-64	Staging in pre-spawn areas, gradually moving from winter depths to spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Showing increased activity during warming trends, particularly on sunny afternoons when water temperatures rise	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depth Deep weed edges near spawning bays in 12-14 foot range Wind-swept banks with emerging vegetation in protected coves	Lipless Crankbaits worked along emerging vegetation and transition areas Bladed Jigs slow-rolled through sparse vegetation and along points Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in cooler periods	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Perch schools in slightly deeper water along transition areas Small baitfish moving shallow on warming trends	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-54	Staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter deep water to shallower spawning locations Feeding actively but sporadically as they prepare for spawn, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Concentrating near transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats	Rock and gravel shorelines adjacent to deeper water Points and inside turns leading to spawning bays Offshore humps and reefs in 15-25 foot range	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy jigs	Large minnows Young perch Small baitfish schools	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are actively cruising shallow areas preparing for spawn, showing aggressive pre-spawn feeding behavior while searching for suitable spawning sites Fish are still grouped up, indicating they haven't dispersed to individual spawning beds yet, making them easier to target in numbers	Sand-weed transition edges in shallow water, particularly where vegetation is starting to emerge Protected points with mixed sand and rock composition Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where pre-spawn staging occurs	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to trigger reaction strikes from cruising fish Finesse Hair Jigs slowly dragged along sand-weed transitions Ned Rigs worked slowly around points and staging areas	Perch moving shallow with emerging vegetation Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass transitioning to spawning areas, with males preparing and guarding nests in shallow protected areas while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water Most active during warmer parts of day when water temperatures rise, becoming more aggressive in protecting spawning areas	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Secondary points and inside weed edges in 6-8 feet adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas providing cover and shade near spawning zones	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and cover Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and covering spawning flats	Bluegill starting to move shallow near spawning areas Perch relating to emerging vegetation edges Small baitfish moving into warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Male walleyes begin moving shallow to traditional rocky or gravel spawning areas, with females staging in nearby deeper water Post-spawn fish gradually transition to feeding patterns, moving along shoreline breaks and points to intercept baitfish	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for spawning activity Adjacent deep breaks in 8-12 foot range where females stage Secondary points and shoreline transitions near spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Blade Baits worked vertically for staged fish in deeper breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) cast parallel to shoreline structures	Perch concentrated near spawning areas and transitions Small baitfish utilizing shallow rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Moving from deeper winter areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, then to spawning flats as temperatures rise Males actively guarding nests in sandy areas near structure, while females move between spawning flats and adjacent deeper water Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, followed by decreased feeding during actual spawn	Sand-weed transitions in 4-8 feet of water for spawning Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats serving as staging areas Protected bays with firm bottom composition	Ned Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas Tubes dragged along transition areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations for staging fish	Perch moving into shallow areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	64-72	Post-spawn bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish relating strongly to newly established weed growth and moving between shallow and mid-depth zones depending on light conditions	Inside weed edges in 12-14 foot depth range where primary weed line establishes Secondary points and coves with emerging vegetation in 6-10 foot range Wind-swept banks with submerged vegetation	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically along weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) through emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits on wind-blown banks Drop Shot for deeper weed edge fish	Bluegill concentrated around dock areas and vegetation Yellow Perch along weed edges Young of the year baitfish beginning to appear	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	58-68	Active feeding during low-light periods (9-11pm), moving between deep edges and shallow structure as light conditions change Post-spawn walleyes transitioning to summer patterns, relating heavily to structural elements like reefs and sand bars	Deep edges of reefs and sand bars (14-20 feet) during daylight hours Shallow humps and sand bars (8-12 feet) during evening hours Weed edges in 8-15 foot range where perch are concentrated	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits during evening hours Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along deep edges during daylight Live Bait Rigs worked along structure edges	Perch - primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and habitat Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow areas	Firetiger Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively recovering and feeding post-spawn, moving from shallow nesting areas to nearby transition zones Establishing summer feeding patterns, utilizing weed edges and rock structures as primary feeding zones	Sand-to-weed transitions in 14-18 foot range Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays Deeper weed edges near primary structural elements	Drop Shot with finesse presentations along weed edges Tubes worked slowly on rock-to-sand transitions Ned Rigs dragged through post-spawn transition zones	Yellow Perch concentrating on weed edges Crawfish emerging on rocky structures Small baitfish relating to emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	64-72	Bass are actively feeding around vegetation edges and dock areas, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are establishing consistent summer patterns in 12-14 foot depth range, relating strongly to grass clumps and dock structures	Grass clumps and weed edges in 12-14 foot depth range Docks with clean bottom and adjacent weed growth Matted grass areas in shallow water	Drop Shot with 1/4 oz weight worked through grass clumps in 12-14 feet Finesse Jigs skipped under docks Grass Jigs worked through matted vegetation	Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation Perch relating to deeper grass edges	Green Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	64-72	Walleyes are exhibiting classic summer patterns with primary feeding windows during low light periods (early morning and late evening). During daylight hours, they're relating to deep weed edges and offshore structure. Fish are showing selective feeding behavior, requiring multiple passes over marked fish, indicating a more finicky summer pattern typical of post-spawn walleyes.	Deep weed edges in 14-18 feet of water, especially near points and saddles Offshore flats in 18-20 feet of water Reefs and humps near primary lake basin areas	Live Bait Rigs with crawlers worked slowly along offshore flats during low light periods Bobbers with leeches targeting deep weed edges during daylight hours Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around marked fish and structure edges	Perch relating to weed edges and flats Baitfish schools suspended near thermocline	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	Smallmouth bass are establishing summer patterns, holding on deep structure and primary points during daylight hours, moving shallower to feed during low light periods Fish are actively feeding on perch and crawfish, with most aggressive feeding occurring during dawn and dusk transitions	Deep weed edges at 14-18 feet, especially where they intersect with rocky structure Main lake points and offshore rock piles in 20-30 foot range Transition areas between sand and rock, particularly near deep water access	Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly along deep weed edges and rock transitions Football Jigs dragged along deep rock piles and main lake points Ned Rigs worked through transition areas, especially during active feeding periods	Yellow Perch concentrated around weed edges Crawfish on rocky structure and transitional areas Small baitfish relating to weed edges and points	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Lower Whitefish Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass actively feeding along wind-swept weedlines, showing increased activity during stable weather patterns Fish are responding well to slower retrieves, suggesting a more methodical feeding approach typical of fall patterns	Inside weedlines on wind-swept banks Deep weed edges in 12-14 foot range Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked with slower retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) along weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) for methodical presentations	Minnows moving along weed edges Bluegill in remaining vegetation Perch relating to deeper structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleyes are actively feeding on perch and other baitfish, moving between deep structure and shallower feeding areas as water temperatures cool Fish become more aggressive and feed for longer periods during daylight hours as water temperatures drop into optimal range Following forage movements from deep weed edges to offshore structure	Deep weed edges transitioning to rock or sand in 14-20 foot range Offshore reefs and humps near deep water access Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and structure breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on active schools Blade Baits worked aggressively through bait schools	Perch concentrating near deep weed edges Baitfish schools suspending near structure breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to deeper water, stacking up on rock piles and showing selective, precise location preferences Fish are exhibiting subtle feeding behavior, grabbing baits without moving, suggesting a methodical foraging pattern	Deep rock piles, particularly those with sharp transitions to deeper water Rock-to-weed transition areas in 14-18 foot range Main lake points with rocky structure	Tubes worked slowly along rock piles with precise casts to productive spots Drop Shot with natural presentations for tentative biters Ned Rigs dragged slowly across rocky structure	Crawfish, particularly active on rocky structure Perch, especially along weed-to-rock transitions	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	64-72	Walleyes are actively feeding in early evening and pre-dawn periods near the edges of structure, particularly around deep weed edges and offshore humps Fish are concentrating near bottom transitions and deeper structure during daylight hours, moving shallower to feed during low light Feeding windows are extended due to moderate water clarity, with most aggressive periods during early morning and 9-11pm	Deep weed edges in 14-20 foot range where thermocline intersects vegetation Offshore reefs and humps, particularly those adjacent to deeper water Sand bars and transitional areas near deep water access	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Perch showing strong populations in 8-15 foot weed growth Smaller baitfish relating to weed edges and structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleyes concentrate on deep structural elements near primary food sources, with most active feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish transition between primary feeding areas and deeper resting locations throughout the day, following perch movements	Deep reefs and humps in 20-30 foot range adjacent to feeding flats Steep breaks near deep weed edges where winter perch congregate Offshore sand bars and structural transitions in 14-25 foot range	Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively during prime periods, then slowed during negative phases Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with large minnows	Perch schooling near remaining deep weed edges and structural elements Small baitfish concentrated in deeper basin areas	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Lower Whitefish Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depth	Deep weed edges near spawning bays in 12-14 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock and gravel shorelines adjacent to deeper water	Points and inside turns leading to spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Sand-weed transition edges in shallow water, particularly where vegetation is starting to emerge	Protected points with mixed sand and rock composition
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom, especially near emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Secondary points and inside weed edges in 6-8 feet adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for spawning activity	Adjacent deep breaks in 8-12 foot range where females stage
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Sand-weed transitions in 4-8 feet of water for spawning	Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats serving as staging areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Inside weed edges in 12-14 foot depth range where primary weed line establishes	Secondary points and coves with emerging vegetation in 6-10 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Deep edges of reefs and sand bars (14-20 feet) during daylight hours	Shallow humps and sand bars (8-12 feet) during evening hours
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Sand-to-weed transitions in 14-18 foot range	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Grass clumps and weed edges in 12-14 foot depth range	Docks with clean bottom and adjacent weed growth
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 14-18 feet of water, especially near points and saddles	Offshore flats in 18-20 feet of water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep weed edges at 14-18 feet, especially where they intersect with rocky structure	Main lake points and offshore rock piles in 20-30 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Inside weedlines on wind-swept banks	Deep weed edges in 12-14 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges transitioning to rock or sand in 14-20 foot range	Offshore reefs and humps near deep water access
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles, particularly those with sharp transitions to deeper water	Rock-to-weed transition areas in 14-18 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 14-20 foot range where thermocline intersects vegetation	Offshore reefs and humps, particularly those adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Deep reefs and humps in 20-30 foot range adjacent to feeding flats	Steep breaks near deep weed edges where winter perch congregate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Perch schools in slightly deeper water along transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Large minnows	Young perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch moving shallow with emerging vegetation	Small baitfish gathering in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill starting to move shallow near spawning areas	Perch relating to emerging vegetation edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch concentrated near spawning areas and transitions	Small baitfish utilizing shallow rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch moving into shallow areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around dock areas and vegetation	Yellow Perch along weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch - primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and habitat	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch concentrating on weed edges	Crawfish emerging on rocky structures
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation	Perch relating to deeper grass edges
Summer	Walleye	Perch relating to weed edges and flats	Baitfish schools suspended near thermocline
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch concentrated around weed edges	Crawfish on rocky structure and transitional areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows moving along weed edges	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Perch concentrating near deep weed edges	Baitfish schools suspending near structure breaks
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish, particularly active on rocky structure	Perch, especially along weed-to-rock transitions
Winter	Walleye	Perch showing strong populations in 8-15 foot weed growth	Smaller baitfish relating to weed edges and structure
Ice	Walleye	Perch schooling near remaining deep weed edges and structural elements	Small baitfish concentrated in deeper basin areas

Bait Colors by Season for Lower Whitefish Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Firetiger Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order

Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.
Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area.

© 2025 Omnia Fishing Inc. All Rights Reserved

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy