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Maple Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Maple Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	54-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas, gradually moving from winter depths to shallower spawning flats Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during warmer parts of the day Relating heavily to emerging vegetation and warming shoreline areas	Protected bays with emerging weed growth in 8-12 foot depth Secondary points leading into spawning bays Docks adjacent to shallow spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around dock areas and weed edges Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in transition areas	Bluegill congregating near emerging weed growth Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	54-62	Staging in deeper weed edges (9-12 feet) before moving shallow for spawn, actively feeding to build energy reserves Beginning to transition from winter schools to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water	Deep weed edges in 9-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Emerging aquatic insects Small crustaceans Tiny baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies staging in pre-spawn areas, moving between deeper water and shallow staging areas based on daily temperature fluctuations Following wind-blown patterns that concentrate baitfish, particularly active during warming trends Becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures approach spawning range	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Transition areas between deeper water and spawning flats Wind-blown points and shorelines Dock areas providing shade and cover	Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Small Bluegills Young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	54-64	Pre-spawn to spawning transition with fish moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats. Active feeding periods around bluegill beds and weed edges. Fish showing two distinct patterns: some staging in deeper weeds (10-12ft) while others moving shallow to spawn near hard bottom areas and docks.	Deeper weed edges in 10-12 feet of water where larger fish are staging Shallow docks with sandy or hard bottom areas Shallow to deep weed transitions with emerging vegetation	Drop Shot with finesse presentations for staging fish in deeper weeds Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and shallow cover Bladed Jigs working weed edges from shallow to deep	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and starting bedding activity Young of year baitfish in emerging weed growth	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	54-65	Actively spawning in shallow protected areas, with males guarding nests in 1-3 feet of water Staging in slightly deeper water (4-6 feet) near spawning areas between spawning activities Showing aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom in 1-3 feet Transition areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water (4-6 feet) Areas near docks and other structures providing protection from wind	Bobbers with precise depth control for spawning beds Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for staging fish Live Bait Rigs with light presentation	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas Small invertebrates in shallow weed growth Tiny minnows/fry entering shallows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappies actively moving into shallow protected bays for spawning with water temperatures in mid-50s, relocating based on wind conditions Schooling behavior evident, with fish moving as groups along shallow areas and concentrating near docks and other structure	Protected shallow bays, especially on wind-blown sides where bait is concentrated Docks and man-made structure in 3-6 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Dock Shooting - especially effective around dock structures in spawning bays Bobbers - suspended presentations in shallow water around cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - for targeting visible fish in shallow water	Juvenile bluegill Small baitfish and minnows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-72	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding on spawning bluegills in 1-9 feet of water Fish are relating strongly to weed edges and dock areas, moving between shallow and moderate depths throughout the day	Inside weed edges and weed tops in 8-12 feet Docks adjacent to spawning areas First break lines in 5-9 feet of water	Texas Rigs with craws and tubes around topped-out weeds Medium diving crankbaits along weed edges Neko rigs and wacky rigs for pressured fish	Spawning Bluegills in shallow areas Young of the year baitfish around weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-72	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively seeking high-protein forage Fish becoming more structure-oriented, utilizing weed edges and dock areas as primary feeding locations	Deep weed edges in 9-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas with access to deeper water Protected coves with established weed growth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Small crustaceans in weed beds Juvenile baitfish around dock areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near cover in 8-12 foot range Actively feeding during morning and evening, following wind-driven plankton and baitfish movements Forming loose schools around emerging weed edges and dock structures	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 foot depth Dock structures with shade, especially on wind-blown banks Points and inside turns where post-spawn fish stage before summer patterns	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and points Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structures Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs around suspended fish	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Emerging insects and plankton Small minnows concentrated by wind patterns	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	71-82	Largemouth bass are actively feeding on bluegill schools around weed edges in 12-20 foot depth range, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are moving deeper during midday heat, holding tight to thick vegetation and requiring slower presentations Bass are schooling on offshore structure like humps and points, actively chasing bait in these areas	Deep weed edges in 12-20 feet of water, especially where coontail patches exist Main lake points with vegetation Mid-lake humps with adjacent deep water Thick vegetation patches near deep water access	Drop Shot with slow, methodical presentation on deep weed edges Texas Rigs worked through thick vegetation Grass Jigs worked slowly along weed transitions Shakey Heads worked on harder bottom areas adjacent to weeds	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - mentioned in reports around hard bottom areas Minnows - secondary forage noted in deeper areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegills are actively holding around dock structures and adjacent weed growth, showing consistent feeding patterns Schools are utilizing dock areas as primary feeding zones, with fish relating strongly to shade and cover during summer sun	Docks with adjacent weed growth Deep weed edges in 9-12 foot range Protected coves with multiple dock structures	Spinnerbaits worked slowly around dock posts and shadows Soft Jerkbaits fished with subtle movements near structure Bobbers with suspended baits near weed edges	Small invertebrates in weed growth Small baitfish (fatheads) around dock structures Aquatic insects in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Suspending near weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, seeking shade and cooler water during summer heat Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, moving between weed edges and dock areas Schooling behavior around high-percentage areas like deep weed edges and dock clusters	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, especially where they intersect with deeper water Shaded areas under and between docks, particularly those near deeper water Deep points with vegetation where wind concentrates baitfish	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Young-of-year bluegill Small minnows concentrated around weed edges Aquatic insects near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Maple Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Bass are actively feeding in preparation for winter, showing increased activity during low-light periods near weed edges Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, moving between deep weed edges (8-12 feet) and shallower feeding zones (4-6 feet)	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly near points or channel swings Shallow weed patches in 4-6 feet adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with vegetation	Shakey Heads worked slowly along weed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) with craw-style baits in vegetation Drop Shot along deep weed edges during midday	Bluegill concentrated near weed edges Crawfish active in shallow vegetation	Chartreuse Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	54-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water, suspending near deep weed edges in 9-12 feet as vegetation begins to die back Fish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, forming loose schools around prime structure Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during warm afternoon periods	Deep weed edges at 9-12 feet, especially where coontail and milfoil remain green Protected coves with remaining vegetation Deeper dock areas adjacent to weed growth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Bobbers	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Transitioning from late summer patterns, crappies are beginning to school more tightly and moving toward deeper structure as water temperatures cool Feeding activity increases during this seasonal transition, with fish actively pursuing baitfish near weed edges and dock structures	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially near points or channel bends Dock structures with access to deeper water Protected bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish congregate	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Young-of-year bluegills concentrating near remaining weed edges Small minnows schooling in the upper water column Juvenile yellow perch relating to deeper structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	54-62	Holding tight to deep weed edges and structure in protected areas, especially in 9-12 foot ranges where vegetation remains healthy Feeding patterns become more concentrated in specific areas, with schools grouping up for warmth and safety	Deep weed edges adjacent to protected coves where healthy vegetation persists Deeper dock areas in 12-16 foot ranges that provide overhead cover Protected points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Remaining young-of-year baitfish Zooplankton near remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	During open water winter, crappies typically school tightly in deeper basins and suspend over structure, becoming less active but still feeding opportunistically Fish tend to move less and concentrate in predictable areas, with feeding windows most active during early morning and late afternoon	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements in 14-16 foot range Deeper sections near dock clusters where multiple docks create winter sanctuary Deep edges of major points that connect to main lake basins	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, subtle presentations Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs to cover water and locate schools Drop Shot with small soft plastics for finesse presentation to neutral fish	Small bluegills suspending in similar areas as crappies Young-of-year baitfish concentrated in winter schools	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills congregate in deeper basins and deep weed edges around 12-16 feet, moving less but actively feeding during prime daylight hours Schools remain fairly tight, often suspending slightly off bottom near structure or remaining weed growth	Deep weed edges near 12-16 foot contours where vegetation remains green Basin areas adjacent to extensive summer weed growth zones Deeper holes near structure that provide winter sanctuary	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton concentrations in deeper water Dormant invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies will be suspending near basin areas adjacent to summer weed flats in 12-16 foot depths Schools become more concentrated during ice season, with active feeding periods during dawn and dusk Fish will move up in the water column to feed on suspended bluegill and small baitfish	Deep basin areas adjacent to summer weed flats in 12-16 foot range Suspended over deeper water near dock areas Protected bays with consistent depths of 8-12 feet	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements 1-3 feet off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish, then slowed down once fish appear Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths to pattern suspended fish	Juvenile Bluegill Small baitfish Aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Maple Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected bays with emerging weed growth in 8-12 foot depth	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 9-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats	Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Transition areas between deeper water and spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deeper weed edges in 10-12 feet of water where larger fish are staging	Shallow docks with sandy or hard bottom areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom in 1-3 feet	Transition areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water (4-6 feet)
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays, especially on wind-blown sides where bait is concentrated	Docks and man-made structure in 3-6 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Inside weed edges and weed tops in 8-12 feet	Docks adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 9-12 feet adjacent to spawning flats	Dock areas with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 foot depth	Dock structures with shade, especially on wind-blown banks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 12-20 feet of water, especially where coontail patches exist	Main lake points with vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks with adjacent weed growth	Deep weed edges in 9-12 foot range
Summer	Crappie	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, especially where they intersect with deeper water	Shaded areas under and between docks, particularly those near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly near points or channel swings	Shallow weed patches in 4-6 feet adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 9-12 feet, especially where coontail and milfoil remain green	Protected coves with remaining vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially near points or channel bends	Dock structures with access to deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to protected coves where healthy vegetation persists	Deeper dock areas in 12-16 foot ranges that provide overhead cover
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements in 14-16 foot range	Deeper sections near dock clusters where multiple docks create winter sanctuary
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges near 12-16 foot contours where vegetation remains green	Basin areas adjacent to extensive summer weed growth zones
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to summer weed flats in 12-16 foot range	Suspended over deeper water near dock areas

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near emerging weed growth	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects	Small crustaceans
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and starting bedding activity	Young of year baitfish in emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas	Small invertebrates in shallow weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Juvenile bluegill	Small baitfish and minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Spawning Bluegills in shallow areas	Young of the year baitfish around weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Emerging insects and plankton
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - mentioned in reports around hard bottom areas
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates in weed growth	Small baitfish (fatheads) around dock structures
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegill	Small minnows concentrated around weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated near weed edges	Crawfish active in shallow vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills concentrating near remaining weed edges	Small minnows schooling in the upper water column
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Remaining young-of-year baitfish
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills suspending in similar areas as crappies	Young-of-year baitfish concentrated in winter schools
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton concentrations in deeper water
Ice	Crappie	Juvenile Bluegill	Small baitfish

Bait Colors by Season for Maple Lake

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

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