How to Fish Medicine Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Medicine Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Medicine Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Largemouth bass are transitioning into pre-spawn patterns, actively moving into warmer shallow areas (particularly in back creeks) as water temperatures rise above 50°F Fish are becoming more aggressive and feeding opportunistically, with reports showing them targeting panfish in dock areas	Protected back creek areas where water warms fastest Docks and other man-made structures, particularly on the north end Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around shallow cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and shallow cover Shakey Heads along transition areas	Crappie - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - consistent forage presence noted in lake profile	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding to build energy reserves, making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Aggressive feeding behavior during daylight hours, particularly during warming trends Showing preference for areas with emerging vegetation and proximity to spawning grounds	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Points and creek channels leading to spawning areas Weed edges adjacent to deeper water staging areas	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly along emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near staging areas Spinnerbaits worked through shallow vegetation	Shallow-running baitfish schools (shad and minnows) Bluegills moving into warmer shallows Young-of-year panfish in emerging weed growth	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-55	Fish transitioning from winter deep water but held back by cold fronts, showing hesitant movement toward spawning areas with water temps around 49-50°F Suspending and relating to structure, not yet committed to shallow spawning areas due to temperature fluctuations	Points adjacent to deeper water that provide staging areas Submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range Protected coves with gradual slopes where water warms fastest	Bobbers with slow presentation in areas where fish are staging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish	Small bluegills in and around vegetation Winter-stressed minnows in staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	34-45	Bluegill transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn, actively feeding in and around shallow green vegetation as water temperatures slowly rise Fish becoming more active with increased oxygen levels from melting snow, responding well to slow, enticing presentations	Shallow areas with healthy green weeds in 8-12 foot range Weed edges near points with scattered vegetation Protected bays with emerging vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle bouncing action Live Bait Rigs with slow, methodical presentations Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through weed edges	Insects and larvae, particularly focusing on waxworms and maggots Small invertebrates in and around vegetation Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Most active during dawn and dusk, but turbid conditions (1.5m clarity) allow feeding throughout the day Fish moving from wintering areas to spawning locations, following shoreline contours and points	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas Rocky shorelines with gradual slopes Transitional areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning grounds	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours Live Bait Rigs with minnows near transition areas Lipless Crankbaits retrieved steadily through staging areas	Minnows concentrating in pre-spawn areas Small perch in transitional depths Baitfish schools moving shallow with warming trends	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Moving from winter deep-water locations (15-20ft) to shallower pre-spawn staging areas near weed edges and points Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly around vegetation-to-structure transitions in 8-12 foot range Forming loose schools near prime feeding areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise	Weed edges and transition areas in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom Protected coves and points with emerging vegetation Secondary drop-offs near shallow flats where pre-spawn staging occurs	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Insect larvae and small invertebrates Small bluegills Benthic organisms	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass are in various spawning stages, with some actively spawning while others are still pre-spawn. Fish are moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning flats Morning activity is heightened with cooler temperatures (48-50°F), while fish become more selective during warmer parts of the day	Protected shallow areas near docks with firm bottom for spawning Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 4-6 feet of water Deeper staging areas adjacent to spawning flats for pre-spawn fish	Ned Rigs worked slowly around docks and spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') targeting fish over grass lines Texas Rigs (Worming) for precise presentations to visible beds	Bluegill Small Baitfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike moving into shallow bays and tributaries with emerging vegetation for spawning, typically in 2-6 feet of water Post-spawn fish staying shallow but transitioning to active feeding near emerging weed growth and points Aggressive territorial behavior during spawning, followed by increased feeding activity to recover	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially coontail beds in 2-6 feet Tributary mouths and inflowing water areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Inline Spinners Hard Jerkbaits	Spawning shiners and minnows Young of year bluegill Shad schools	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	49-62	Crappies are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to shallow spawning areas, staging in pre-spawn locations around 8-12 feet before moving shallower Fish are highly susceptible to cold fronts as indicated by lake reports, causing them to suspend and become less active during weather changes Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns, with fish actively pursuing small baitfish and zooplankton	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water access	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers	Small minnows congregating in warming shallows Zooplankton becoming more active in the water column	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill are moving into shallow bays and protected areas for spawning, with males creating and guarding nests in 2-6 foot depths Fish are highly aggressive in defending nesting areas and will strike at small baits that intrude into their territory Pre-spawn fish staging near green weed edges before moving shallow	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near weed edges Areas between and around docks in 2-6 foot depths Scattered weed edges adjacent to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms under bobbers Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges for pre-spawn fish	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small invertebrates near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, making daily movements between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones Fish becoming more active during low-light periods, particularly at dusk and dawn Males arriving first and staying longer in spawning areas, with females moving in briefly to spawn	Rocky points and shallow rock/gravel areas near deeper water access Windswept shorelines with gravel or rock substrate Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to spawning areas	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas Small perch in slightly deeper adjacent areas Smaller fish gathering near rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawns areas near vegetation and structure Active during daylight hours, particularly early morning and late afternoon, searching for food in preparation for spawning	Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range transitioning to spawning areas Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths Points and structure adjacent to spawning areas in 6-15 foot range	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs tipped with live bait Bobbers suspended just above vegetation in spawning areas	Insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates near vegetation Small minnows and juvenile fish in shallow spawning areas Benthic organisms as indicated by waxworm effectiveness	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish showing mixed depth preferences - some shallow around cover, others moving to deeper points and flats Actively feeding during daylight hours, especially around bluegill spawning areas	Points with adjacent flats in 5-8 foot range Docks providing shade and ambush points Lily pad edges and reed lines in shallow water Deep weed edges in 8-15 foot range	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around docks and cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish on points Bladed Jigs around pad edges and vegetation Hard Topwater (Prop) in reed areas during prime feeding periods	Bluegill (primary forage, especially around spawning areas) Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting in shallow weed edges and points during early morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning between shallow spawning areas and summer locations, making frequent feeding movements along structure	Shallow weed edges in 5-8 feet of water, particularly near spawning bays Points and inside turns with emerging vegetation Secondary breaks in 12-15 feet adjacent to spawning areas	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near points Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through emerging vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish gathering in shallow weed growth Bluegills moving into spawning areas Shad schools reforming in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active and feeding heavily to recover Fish are suspending near structure edges and utilizing submerged vegetation as cover while feeding on small baitfish and invertebrates	Edges of submerged weed beds in 8-15 foot depths Secondary points with access to deeper water Suspended over deeper basins near structure during midday	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and points Crappie Spider Rigging in deeper water transitions Hover/Mid-Strolling with small jigs near suspended fish	Small baitfish (minnows) in and around vegetation Bluegills sharing similar habitat Emerging aquatic insects near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small invertebrates in and around vegetation Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones throughout the day	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with scattered vegetation Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near docks Points with mixed vegetation that provide access to both shallow and deeper water	Bobbers with small jigs suspended just above weed tops Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through scattered weeds Hover/Mid-Strolling along weed edges	Aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates Zooplankton	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	58-68	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding on main lake points, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations Fish are showing increased activity during daylight hours due to turbid conditions (1.5m secchi), making them less light-sensitive	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with rock or gravel Weed edges forming in 8-12 foot depth range providing ambush points Secondary points and connecting structure between spawning bays and main lake	Lipless Crankbaits worked along points and structure transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for a more subtle approach in the same areas Live Bait Rigs when fish need a more natural presentation	Minnows gathering around emerging weed growth and points Small perch moving to similar structural elements	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch actively feeding in transitional areas between vegetation and deeper water, often moving in schools Exhibiting aggressive feeding patterns during morning and evening hours, targeting small baitfish and insect larvae	Weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water Points and coves with submerged vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Insect larvae and small invertebrates in vegetation Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills Benthic organisms near bottom structure	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	71-83	Bass are following typical summer patterns, relating heavily to deep weed edges (10-15ft) during daylight hours and moving shallow to feed during low light periods Fish are showing pressure-related behavior, becoming more active during off-peak boating hours and holding tight to specific structural elements	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, especially where they intersect with points or inside turns Lily pad fields with access to deeper water, particularly during early morning and evening Offshore rock piles and humps in 14-25 foot range during peak daylight hours	Texas Rigs worked slowly through deep weed edges and along bottom structure Frogs/Toads worked through lily pads during morning and evening hours Deep diving crankbaits and football jigs worked along deep structure during midday Drop shot rigs fished along weed edges and points for pressured fish	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by multiple fishing reports Perch - noted in reports around deep weed edges Crawfish - active in rocky areas and producing bites on bottom-oriented presentations	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Northern Pike	72-78	Pike are actively patrolling weed edges in shallow to moderate depths (4-10 feet), using vegetation as ambush points during morning feeding periods With summer water temperatures reaching upper 70s, pike are showing preference for areas adjacent to deeper water, allowing for cooling periods while maintaining access to forage	Weed edges and lily pads in 5-10 feet of water Transition areas where vegetation meets deeper water Reed beds in 4-5 feet of water adjacent to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') with slow retrieve from deep to shallow Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to vegetation	Minnows concentrated around vegetation Bluegill and sunfish relating to weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	68-78	During summer, crappies are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation and points, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Fish tend to suspend near structure during midday, moving between shallow and deeper water depending on light conditions in this moderately stained lake	Submerged weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near points Deeper brush piles and structure in 15-20 feet for midday refuge Shaded areas under docks and overhanging vegetation during bright conditions	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small bluegills and juvenile sunfish Various minnow species Aquatic insects around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Bluegill actively feeding in and around weed beds in 8-12 foot range during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between dock areas and weed edges throughout the day, seeking shade and cooler water Larger bluegill staging on deeper weed edges and points for feeding opportunities	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with scattered vegetation Shaded areas under and between docks Points with access to deeper water and vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at varying depths around structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near weed edges and dock posts Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to shade	Small aquatic insects in and around vegetation Tiny crustaceans near weed beds Small invertebrates around dock structures	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye moving between deep structure (humps and rock piles) and weed edges in 8-12 feet, especially active during lower light periods due to turbid conditions Establishing feeding patterns around offshore structure, with most active periods during early morning, late evening, and overcast days	Deep rock piles and humps in 15-20 foot range Weed edges in 8-12 foot range Points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Perch Minnows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range during morning and evening hours Schooling behavior near structure-to-vegetation transitions, particularly around points and coves	Weed edges and vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range Points and coves with mixed vegetation and structure Transitions between vegetation and deeper water near 15 foot contours	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates in vegetation Small bluegills and juvenile fish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Medicine Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	56-70	Bass are transitioning from late summer patterns to fall feeding, actively pursuing baitfish along weedlines and near deep structure. Fish are showing increased activity during warming periods, particularly around the 8-15 foot depth range. With water temperatures still in the mid-60s to 70°F range, fish are displaying a mix of shallow and deep patterns, moving between weedlines and deeper rock structures based on daily conditions and sun position.	Outside weedlines and inside turns on milfoil edges in 7-10 foot depth Offshore rock piles and boulder fields in 14-25 foot range Docks providing shade and ambush points Grass clumps in 10-15 foot depth range	Drop Shot with finesse worms around weedlines and deeper structure Structure Jigs and Football Jigs worked slowly on rock piles Swim Jigs around grass clumps, especially near baitfish schools Bladed Jigs in vegetation when sun is high and water warms	Bluegill around weed edges and docks Crappie schools in 10-15 foot depth range Crawfish around rock piles and boulder fields	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-58	Pike are actively feeding in preparation for winter, showing aggressive strikes on moving baits in the 10-15 foot depth range Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones, following forage and responding to cooling water temperatures in the mid-50s	Points near the boat launch area with access to deeper water Submerged vegetation edges in 10-15 foot depths Shallow bays with remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') with varied retrieve speeds Hard Topwater (Prop) worked near vegetation Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges	Bluegill holding in remaining vegetation Shad schools moving through mid-depth ranges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, forming loose schools around structure and following baitfish Fish are transitioning from shallow feeding areas to deeper winter holding locations, with most activity during dawn and dusk periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to points in 12-18 feet of water Suspended schools near deep basin areas in 20-25 feet Brush piles and submerged timber near drop-offs	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small bluegills and juvenile sunfish Various minnow species concentrating in schools Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Actively feeding in preparation for winter, targeting insects and small invertebrates near remaining green vegetation Moving between deep weed edges and points, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with quality bluegills gathering in key structure areas	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range with scattered vegetation Points with remaining green weeds Protected dock areas with access to deeper water	Hover/Mid-Strolling with small jigs near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock areas Live Bait Rigs with emphasis on slower presentations	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small invertebrates	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are actively feeding on baitfish schools in moderate depths, with peak activity during low light periods Fish are staging near structural elements that provide access to both deeper water and feeding zones	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with access to deeper water Offshore humps and rock piles in 10-15 foot range	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to weed edges and structure breaks Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks and between structural elements Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure	Young-of-year perch schooling in moderate depths Minnows concentrating near structural elements	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-65	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding more aggressively as water temperatures cool, often relating to the edges of vegetation and structure Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas throughout the day, following baitfish movements	Weed edges and points in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets structure Deeper basins adjacent to feeding shelves in 15-20 foot range Complex shoreline areas with coves and points that provide ambush locations	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills Benthic invertebrates and insect larvae Small crayfish	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	34-45	Pike are actively hunting in and around submerged vegetation, particularly coontail, in depths of 5-25 feet, showing aggressive feeding behavior on shad Fish are moving between basin areas and flats, following baitfish schools and utilizing vegetation edges as ambush points	Submerged coontail beds in 5-25 foot depth range Transition areas between basin and flats where baitfish schools are present Points with access to deeper water, especially those with vegetation	Hard Jerkbaits worked point-to-point with drag/bounce retrieve Spinnerbaits worked through and along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near baitfish schools	Shad schools in basin and flat transitions Bluegill relating to vegetation	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are suspending in deep water basins, following schools of baitfish and responding to minor temperature changes that affect zooplankton movement Fish are feeding more actively during low-light periods, with feeding windows typically being dawn and dusk in the stained water conditions	Deep water basins 20-34 feet deep, particularly near transitions to shallower flats Areas where submerged vegetation meets deep water basins Deep points and channel bends that provide current breaks and concentrated baitfish schools	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig Blade Baits	Small minnows suspended in schools Zooplankton concentrations in the water column Juvenile bluegills near remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegill are concentrating in deeper water near remaining green vegetation, typically suspending in the 8-12 foot range where the last green weeds are found Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during early morning and late afternoon	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially near points where scattered vegetation remains Deeper dock areas that provide overhead cover and proximity to winter holding areas Protected bays with remaining green vegetation, particularly those with deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small aquatic insects and larvae still active in the remaining vegetation Micro invertebrates Small crustaceans	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye are concentrated on main lake humps and rock piles in 15-20 foot depth range, feeding most actively during early and late daylight hours Fish are relating closely to bottom structure and showing preference for areas near deep water access	Deep rock piles and humps near main lake basin Steep breaks adjacent to points with rock or gravel Deep weed edges where vegetation is still present	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Ice Fishing Spoons	Perch schooled up in deeper water Minnows concentrated near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-42	Schooling in deeper basins (15-20 foot range) while maintaining some activity near primary feeding shelves Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish responding well to noise and flash in the stained water	Deep basins in 15-20 foot range with access to vegetation Transition areas between weeds and points in 8-12 foot range Structure-rich areas in mid-depth ranges where light penetration is optimal	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Ice Fishing Spoons	Insect larvae and benthic organisms Small baitfish and juvenile panfish	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike become less active but still feed opportunistically, typically holding in areas adjacent to shallow flats where prey congregates Feeding windows are most pronounced during early morning and late afternoon, with increased activity during stable weather patterns	Weed edges adjacent to deeper basins in 12-15 foot range Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 5-8 foot range Points and breaks near primary forage concentrations	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegills concentrated in remaining green vegetation Shad schools suspended over deeper basins Minnows relating to weed edges and transition areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	32-34	Crappies are suspending in deep basins, typically 20-24 feet down over 34-foot holes, showing classic winter staging behavior Fish are actively feeding on small prey items, responding well to both live bait and artificial presentations	Deep basin areas in 30-35 foot ranges with suspended fish Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to deep water Deep holes with nearby structure	Ice Fishing Jigs with plastic or minnow head combinations Ice Fishing Spoons, particularly smaller profiles Deadsticking with suspended baits at specific depths	Small minnows Aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill are holding tight to remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly concentrated around points and weed edges Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, responding well to small, subtle presentations with frequent moves needed to locate active fish	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 9-12 foot depth range Large points with remaining green weeds Flats with healthy green vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly 1 foot off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with subtle jigging motion Deadsticking with live bait as secondary technique	Small aquatic insects Small invertebrates Tiny perch fry	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-38	Walleye concentrate on specific hard-bottom structural elements, particularly deep humps and rock piles, during the ice fishing season Feeding activity tends to be most pronounced during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during midday	Deep rock piles and humps in 15-25 foot range Transition areas where submerged vegetation meets hard bottom in 8-12 foot range Main lake points adjacent to deep water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and tipped with minnows Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for passive approach	Minnows, particularly shiner species Perch, especially smaller size classes Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near rock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	33-35	Yellow perch are schooling in deeper basins between 15-20 feet, responding actively to noise and flash from jigging presentations Fish are showing selective feeding patterns, requiring downsizing of presentations when inactive, suggesting a more subtle approach during tough bite periods	Points and steep drop-offs into flat basins at 15-20 foot depth range Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation Structure transitions near the 15-foot contour where winter holding patterns are established	Ice Fishing Jigs with small tungsten presentations, worked with subtle movements when fish are less aggressive Ice Fishing Spoons (particularly rattling varieties) to call fish in and trigger reaction strikes	Insect larvae and small invertebrates, as evidenced by success with waxworms Small baitfish and juvenile panfish in the deeper winter holding areas	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Medicine Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected back creek areas where water warms fastest	Docks and other man-made structures, particularly on the north end
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Points and creek channels leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Points adjacent to deeper water that provide staging areas	Submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow areas with healthy green weeds in 8-12 foot range	Weed edges near points with scattered vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas	Rocky shorelines with gradual slopes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and transition areas in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom	Protected coves and points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow areas near docks with firm bottom for spawning	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 4-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially coontail beds in 2-6 feet	Tributary mouths and inflowing water areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near weed edges	Areas between and around docks in 2-6 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shallow rock/gravel areas near deeper water access	Windswept shorelines with gravel or rock substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range transitioning to spawning areas	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points with adjacent flats in 5-8 foot range	Docks providing shade and ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed edges in 5-8 feet of water, particularly near spawning bays	Points and inside turns with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Edges of submerged weed beds in 8-15 foot depths	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with scattered vegetation	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near docks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with rock or gravel	Weed edges forming in 8-12 foot depth range providing ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water	Points and coves with submerged vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-15 feet of water, especially where they intersect with points or inside turns	Lily pad fields with access to deeper water, particularly during early morning and evening
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and lily pads in 5-10 feet of water	Transition areas where vegetation meets deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Submerged weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near points	Deeper brush piles and structure in 15-20 feet for midday refuge
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range with scattered vegetation	Shaded areas under and between docks
Summer	Walleye	Deep rock piles and humps in 15-20 foot range	Weed edges in 8-12 foot range
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range	Points and coves with mixed vegetation and structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Outside weedlines and inside turns on milfoil edges in 7-10 foot depth	Offshore rock piles and boulder fields in 14-25 foot range
Fall	Northern Pike	Points near the boat launch area with access to deeper water	Submerged vegetation edges in 10-15 foot depths
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to points in 12-18 feet of water	Suspended schools near deep basin areas in 20-25 feet
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range with scattered vegetation	Points with remaining green weeds
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to deeper water	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and points in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets structure	Deeper basins adjacent to feeding shelves in 15-20 foot range
Winter	Northern Pike	Submerged coontail beds in 5-25 foot depth range	Transition areas between basin and flats where baitfish schools are present
Winter	Crappie	Deep water basins 20-34 feet deep, particularly near transitions to shallower flats	Areas where submerged vegetation meets deep water basins
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially near points where scattered vegetation remains	Deeper dock areas that provide overhead cover and proximity to winter holding areas
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and humps near main lake basin	Steep breaks adjacent to points with rock or gravel
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep basins in 15-20 foot range with access to vegetation	Transition areas between weeds and points in 8-12 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper basins in 12-15 foot range	Shallow bays with remaining green vegetation in 5-8 foot range
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas in 30-35 foot ranges with suspended fish	Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to deep water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 9-12 foot depth range	Large points with remaining green weeds
Ice	Walleye	Deep rock piles and humps in 15-25 foot range	Transition areas where submerged vegetation meets hard bottom in 8-12 foot range
Ice	Yellow Perch	Points and steep drop-offs into flat basins at 15-20 foot depth range	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crappie - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - consistent forage presence noted in lake profile
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow-running baitfish schools (shad and minnows)	Bluegills moving into warmer shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills in and around vegetation	Winter-stressed minnows in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and larvae, particularly focusing on waxworms and maggots	Small invertebrates in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows concentrating in pre-spawn areas	Small perch in transitional depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Insect larvae and small invertebrates	Small bluegills
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Small Baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Spawning shiners and minnows	Young of year bluegill
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows congregating in warming shallows	Zooplankton becoming more active in the water column
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small perch in slightly deeper adjacent areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates near vegetation	Small minnows and juvenile fish in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage, especially around spawning areas)	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year baitfish gathering in shallow weed growth	Bluegills moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish (minnows) in and around vegetation	Bluegills sharing similar habitat
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering around emerging weed growth and points	Small perch moving to similar structural elements
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Insect larvae and small invertebrates in vegetation	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage evidenced by multiple fishing reports	Perch - noted in reports around deep weed edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Minnows concentrated around vegetation	Bluegill and sunfish relating to weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile sunfish	Various minnow species
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects in and around vegetation	Tiny crustaceans near weed beds
Summer	Walleye	Perch	Minnows
Summer	Yellow Perch	Insect larvae and aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Small bluegills and juvenile fish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around weed edges and docks	Crappie schools in 10-15 foot depth range
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill holding in remaining vegetation	Shad schools moving through mid-depth ranges
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile sunfish	Various minnow species concentrating in schools
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Fall	Walleye	Young-of-year perch schooling in moderate depths	Minnows concentrating near structural elements
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish and juvenile bluegills	Benthic invertebrates and insect larvae
Winter	Northern Pike	Shad schools in basin and flat transitions	Bluegill relating to vegetation
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows suspended in schools	Zooplankton concentrations in the water column
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae still active in the remaining vegetation	Micro invertebrates
Winter	Walleye	Perch schooled up in deeper water	Minnows concentrated near structure
Winter	Yellow Perch	Insect larvae and benthic organisms	Small baitfish and juvenile panfish
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining green vegetation	Shad schools suspended over deeper basins
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Small invertebrates
Ice	Walleye	Minnows, particularly shiner species	Perch, especially smaller size classes
Ice	Yellow Perch	Insect larvae and small invertebrates, as evidenced by success with waxworms	Small baitfish and juvenile panfish in the deeper winter holding areas

Bait Colors by Season for Medicine Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors