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

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Minnewashta Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Minnewashta Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are actively moving shallow and staging near pre-spawn areas, focusing on vegetation and rip rap for warmth Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish targeting bluegill in shallow cover	Rip rap banks with nearby vegetation Isolated docks adjacent to spawning flats Points and ledges with early-season vegetation growth	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to rip rap Lipless Crankbaits around emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs near cover and vegetation edges	Bluegill Small baitfish around vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye transitioning from winter depths to spawning areas, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods Fish staging near spawning areas but making feeding movements to adjacent structure during prime periods	Transitions from deeper water to shallow spawning flats Areas near submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet where baitfish concentrate Shallow rock or gravel areas that will warm first	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with yo-yo action	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation Small minnows moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are transitioning from winter deep-water areas to shallow spawning zones, actively feeding to prepare for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, targeting bluegill in shallow vegetated areas	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Transition areas between deeper winter holes and spawning flats Areas near docks and laydowns in shallow water	Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near transition areas Spinnerbaits worked slowly through vegetation Inline Spinners parallel to emerging weed edges	Bluegill congregating in shallow vegetation Small baitfish in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass actively moving into shallow pre-spawn staging areas and spawning flats, particularly active in 2-4 feet of water around isolated grass clumps Strong early morning feeding activity with fish schooling on points near spawning flats	Isolated grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water near spawning flats Points adjacent to shallow spawning areas Shallow flats with emerging vegetation	Lipless Crankbaits ripped through vegetation with aggressive retrieve Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) worked through sparse grass Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked along points	Bluegill in 5-6 inch range Crappie	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving into shallow spawning areas during early spring, particularly active during low light periods Post-spawn fish transitioning to feeding locations near drop-offs and submerged vegetation	Shallow rock or gravel areas in 2-4 feet of water for spawning Transition areas near docks with submerged vegetation Ledges and deeper water transitions adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along spawning areas Lipless Crankbaits near transition areas Blade Baits for actively feeding fish	Bluegill concentrations in shallow areas Young of year baitfish near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Northern Pike are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly focusing on flooded vegetation and grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water Active during daylight hours due to spawning behavior, with increased movement and aggressive territorial defense	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation and grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water Areas near points that provide quick access to deeper water Shoreline areas with laydowns and woody structure adjacent to spawning habitat	Live Bait Rigs with large minnows slowly presented in spawning areas Spinnerbaits worked slowly through vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily near spawning areas	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetated areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy after spawn Fish are relating to emerging vegetation and dock structures, making short movements between feeding and resting areas	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water Individual docks with direct access to deeper water Points and ledges near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation Swim Jigs parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits around dock posts and shallow structure	Bluegill in and around vegetation Small baitfish relating to dock structures Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are actively feeding to recover from spawn, transitioning between shallow and mid-depth areas with light and temperature changes Fish are opportunistically targeting bluegills and other baitfish near dock areas and submerged vegetation during low light periods	Shallow transitions near docks and submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet during low light Ledges and depth transitions adjacent to spawning areas Deeper holding areas near structural elements for midday periods	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during prime feeding periods Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near dock areas	Bluegill concentrations near shallow cover Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Utilizing vegetation edges and isolated grass clumps as ambush points during feeding periods	Edges of submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Points and laydowns adjacent to spawning areas Dock areas with nearby grass beds	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to vegetation edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through transition areas Inline Spinners near structure and grass edges	Bluegill congregating near shallow vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-78	Actively feeding on bluegill around dock structures, showing preference for isolated docks over marina areas Establishing territory in shaded areas during summer heat, using docks and nearby vegetation as primary cover	Individual, isolated docks with deeper water access Submerged vegetation adjacent to docks Shaded areas between and around dock structures	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along dock edges and through gaps Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock posts and shaded areas Swim Jigs mimicking bluegill around vegetation	Bluegill Young of year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleye will follow a crepuscular pattern in summer, feeding most actively during dawn and dusk periods During daytime, fish will hold in deeper water near structure and move shallow to feed during low light periods Fish will relate strongly to dock edges and submerged vegetation edges as ambush points	Deep dock edges adjacent to vegetation Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 feet of water Deeper ledges and transitions near shallow feeding areas	Live Bait Rigs worked along dock edges and vegetation transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during bright daytime hours	Bluegill concentrating around dock and vegetation areas Young-of-year baitfish schooling in vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike will be holding near weed edges and isolated grass clumps in 4-8 feet of water, making periodic feeding runs into shallower areas during early morning and evening During midday heat, pike will retreat to slightly deeper water near structure, suspending near the deeper weed edges	Weed edges and isolated grass clumps in 4-8 feet of water, especially near points Dock areas with adjacent vegetation Shallow bays with vegetation during early morning and evening hours	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically near structure	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and dock areas Young-of-year fish gathering in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Minnewashta Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-67	Bass are actively feeding around docks and laydowns, showing increased activity during morning hours with surface feeding behavior Fish are relating closely to structure in 4-6 foot depth range, using dock posts and edges as primary ambush points	Docks with wooden posts in 4-6 feet of water Laydowns with adjacent vegetation Isolated docks rather than marina areas	Structure Jigs flipped or pitched under docks Wacky Rigs skipped around dock edges Hard Topwater (Popping) during morning hours Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along dock edges and over vegetation	Bluegill concentrating around dock structures Baitfish relating to vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	55-65	Walleye are actively feeding during low-light periods, transitioning between shallow and deeper water as they follow baitfish schools Fish are targeting bluegill near ledges and drop-offs, with increased feeding activity in mid-60s water temperatures	Ledges and drop-offs where shallow water transitions to deeper zones Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially during low light Areas near submerged vegetation that hold baitfish	Lipless Crankbaits worked in a yo-yo retrieve from shallow to deeper water Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding periods Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light conditions	Bluegill Young-of-year baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	55-67	Northern Pike actively feeding as water temperatures cool, primarily targeting bluegill in shallow vegetation and near structure Fish beginning to transition between shallow feeding areas and deeper winter holding locations, making frequent movements along structural elements	Isolated grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water near deeper water access Dock areas with adjacent vegetation Points with submerged vegetation that connect to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked along edges of vegetation and through grass clumps Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through shallow feeding areas	Bluegill concentrating near vegetation and dock areas Small baitfish utilizing grass edges as cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Bass are becoming more lethargic due to colder water temperatures, concentrating in deeper structure near shallow flats Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during warmer parts of the day, with fish moving shallower during these periods	Deeper dock areas adjacent to shallow flats, particularly on the sun-facing sides Points and ledges with quick access to deeper water Remaining patches of deep vegetation near depth transitions	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Drop Shot with subtle movements near structure Shakey Heads worked deliberately around dock posts Ned Rigs deadsticked in deeper water	Bluegill holding in remaining vegetation and around docks Small baitfish schooling in deeper water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	45-65	Late fall walleye transitioning to winter patterns, actively feeding during low-light periods and maintaining positions near structure transitions Fish becoming more concentrated in deeper water areas, especially near ledges and drop-offs, making feeding movements shallower during prime periods	Deep ledges and transitions adjacent to shallow feeding flats Deeper water near submerged vegetation edges Areas near dock structures that extend to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Lipless Crankbaits Blade Baits	Bluegill concentrating in deeper water Small baitfish schooling near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Northern pike will be relating to deeper water areas but making periodic movements to shallow flats to feed, especially during low-light periods Fish are likely to be more lethargic during mid-day, becoming more active during dawn and dusk periods	Deep holes adjacent to shallow feeding flats (primary holding areas) Submerged vegetation edges in 2-4 feet where it meets deeper water Points and laydowns near depth changes	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive lifts and long pauses Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle movements near structure Live Bait Rigs positioned near depth transitions	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Small baitfish schooling in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Minnewashta Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rip rap banks with nearby vegetation	Isolated docks adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Transitions from deeper water to shallow spawning flats	Areas near submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Transition areas between deeper winter holes and spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Isolated grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water near spawning flats	Points adjacent to shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rock or gravel areas in 2-4 feet of water for spawning	Transition areas near docks with submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with submerged vegetation and grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water	Areas near points that provide quick access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water	Individual docks with direct access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow transitions near docks and submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet during low light	Ledges and depth transitions adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Edges of submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Points and laydowns adjacent to spawning areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Individual, isolated docks with deeper water access	Submerged vegetation adjacent to docks
Summer	Walleye	Deep dock edges adjacent to vegetation	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 feet of water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and isolated grass clumps in 4-8 feet of water, especially near points	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with wooden posts in 4-6 feet of water	Laydowns with adjacent vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Ledges and drop-offs where shallow water transitions to deeper zones	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially during low light
Fall	Northern Pike	Isolated grass clumps in 2-4 feet of water near deeper water access	Dock areas with adjacent vegetation
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deeper dock areas adjacent to shallow flats, particularly on the sun-facing sides	Points and ledges with quick access to deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges and transitions adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Deeper water near submerged vegetation edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep holes adjacent to shallow feeding flats (primary holding areas)	Submerged vegetation edges in 2-4 feet where it meets deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Small baitfish around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation	Small minnows moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in shallow vegetation	Small baitfish in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in 5-6 inch range	Crappie
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Bluegill concentrations in shallow areas	Young of year baitfish near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetated areas	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Small baitfish relating to dock structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Bluegill concentrations near shallow cover	Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating near shallow vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of year baitfish
Summer	Walleye	Bluegill concentrating around dock and vegetation areas	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in vegetation edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and dock areas	Young-of-year fish gathering in weed beds
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around dock structures	Baitfish relating to vegetation edges
Fall	Walleye	Bluegill	Young-of-year baitfish
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating near vegetation and dock areas	Small baitfish utilizing grass edges as cover
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill holding in remaining vegetation and around docks	Small baitfish schooling in deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Bluegill concentrating in deeper water	Small baitfish schooling near structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Small baitfish schooling in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Minnewashta Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

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