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

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Manuella Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Manuella Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with a preference for shad and other baitfish in the upper water column	Transitional ledges and points in 5-10 foot range adjacent to potential spawning flats Secondary points with good access to deeper water Rocky shorelines and shallow structure warming fastest in spring conditions	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to transition areas Blade Baits for actively feeding fish chasing shad Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for less active fish	Shad schooling in upper water column Small baitfish relating to warming shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, with males guarding nests in shallow areas while females move between spawning areas and nearby deeper water Fish are showing increased aggression to protect spawning sites, making them responsive to both reaction baits and slower presentations	Rocky or gravel shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for active spawning Ledges and points in 5-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves and bays that offer wind protection for nesting sites	Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas and transition zones Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along ledges and points Ned Rigs for finesse presentation to spooky fish	Shad schooling in the 5-10 foot range Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Small bluegill and perch near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding along transitional ledges in 5-10 foot depths, likely following shad schools Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the upper water column, targeting shad with predictable movement patterns along structure	Main lake ledges in 5-10 foot depth range where shad are present Points and transitions near spawning flats that connect to deeper water Shoreline areas with moderate development offering ambush points	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to ledges in 5-10 foot range Spinnerbaits worked along the same depth zones to mimic shad Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for a more subtle presentation when fish are less aggressive	Shad - primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and lake profile Small baitfish utilizing shoreline cover and ledges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	Smallmouth bass are establishing deeper summer patterns, typically orienting to structure in 10-20 foot depths due to thermocline development typical of northern lakes Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, with a focus on shad schools and transitions between shallow and deep water	Main lake points and ledges in 10-15 foot depth range, especially where shad schools congregate Rocky structures near deep water access, providing shade and ambush points Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, particularly during morning/evening feeding periods	Drop Shot with finesse presentations, especially effective during midday when fish are less aggressive Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along ledges and points during active feeding periods Tubes worked slowly along rocky structure and transition areas	Shad schools moving along depth transitions Crayfish in rocky areas Small perch relating to structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Manuella Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on shad schools to build energy reserves for winter, often following baitfish movements to deeper structures Transitioning between shallow feeding zones and deeper winter holding areas, with increased activity during warming trends	Main lake points and ledges in 8-15 foot range where shad schools congregate Rocky shoreline areas with quick access to deeper water Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper winter holding zones	Spybaits worked slowly through suspended fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) matching shad size Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Shad schools gathering in deeper water Remaining young-of-year baitfish in shallow zones	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Manuella Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Transitional ledges and points in 5-10 foot range adjacent to potential spawning flats	Secondary points with good access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky or gravel shorelines in 2-6 foot depths for active spawning	Ledges and points in 5-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake ledges in 5-10 foot depth range where shad are present	Points and transitions near spawning flats that connect to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and ledges in 10-15 foot depth range, especially where shad schools congregate	Rocky structures near deep water access, providing shade and ambush points
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and ledges in 8-15 foot range where shad schools congregate	Rocky shoreline areas with quick access to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in upper water column	Small baitfish relating to warming shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in the 5-10 foot range	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and lake profile	Small baitfish utilizing shoreline cover and ledges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving along depth transitions	Crayfish in rocky areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools gathering in deeper water	Remaining young-of-year baitfish in shallow zones

Bait Colors by Season for Manuella Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

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