How to Fish Mississinewa Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Mississinewa Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 2, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Mississinewa Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappie are in pre-spawn staging phase, gradually moving towards shallow spawning areas while actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are transitioning from deeper winter areas to staging zones, typically suspending near structure in 8-12 foot depths	Brush piles and stumps in 8-12 foot zones adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with woody cover, especially on the northern shores that warm first Main lake points with submerged timber that provide staging areas	Crappie Spider Rigging with multiple rods to efficiently cover water and maintain precise depth control Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around visible structure with light jigs Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) to locate active fish in transition areas	Small shad in the 1-2 inch range Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming water Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but still relating to deeper structure Fish are becoming more active with warming trends, moving along migration routes between wintering holes and spawning flats	River channels and associated transition areas where fish stage during pre-spawn Rocky points and offshore humps adjacent to spawning flats Deep boulder fields that provide staging areas near spawning locations	Tubes worked slowly along bottom in a dragging presentation Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts near structure Ned Rigs worked methodically through staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	51-62	Drum are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water temperatures Fish are beginning to move from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, particularly focusing on bottom-oriented forage	Transition areas near submerged vegetation where winter depths meet pre-spawn staging zones Stump fields and woody cover in 8-15 foot depths Protected coves with gradually warming water	Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Drop Shot with natural bait presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish Early-season shad in warming areas Small fish relating to submerged vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	51-58	Pre-spawn white bass are staging near tributary areas and moving towards spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are schooling in transition areas between staging and spawning locations, particularly active during warming trends	Tributary mouth areas with stump fields serving as staging locations Wind-blown points and shallow flats near spawning tributaries Secondary points and creek channel bends leading to spawning areas	Blade Baits worked with aggressive lift-drop retrieves near staging areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through stump fields and along transition areas Lipless Crankbaits worked at varying speeds to trigger reaction strikes	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish moving into tributary areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-62	Largemouth bass are staging in pre-spawn locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. With the turbid water (0.7m Secchi), they are holding tight to definable structure and using their lateral line sense more than sight to locate prey. Fish are moving from winter depths toward spawning areas in coves, stopping at transition points and structure along the way. They're particularly active during warming trends.	Secondary points leading into spawning coves, especially those with rock or brush cover Shallow brush piles in 4-8 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Protected areas between docks where bass stage before moving to spawning areas	Bladed Jigs worked slowly around cover, taking advantage of the turbid conditions where fish rely on vibration Shakey Heads worked methodically along bottom structure and transition areas Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with sporadic cadence through staging areas	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming more active with warming water temperatures	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	51-58	Crappie are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving into shallow areas with woody cover and brush piles for spawning. Males are establishing and guarding nests while females stage nearby. Fish are relatively aggressive during this period, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. They are suspending at depths of 4-8 feet, showing typical spring patterns.	Shallow brush piles and stumps in 4-8 foot depths, particularly in protected coves Points and woody structure leading into spawning bays Protected areas between docks where spawning habitat is available	Bobbers with precise depth control to target suspended fish around structure Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when fish are actively spawning	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in lake reports) Small sunfish and juvenile fish Aquatic insects active in warming spring waters	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas, moving from pre-spawn staging points to shallow rocky areas and flats for bed building Males are aggressive and territorial, defending nesting sites while females move in and out of spawning areas Feeding activity is opportunistic during this period, with fish more focused on spawning activity than aggressive feeding	Rocky flats and boulder fields in 3-8 foot depth range for spawning Nearby drop-offs and deeper structure in 8-16 foot range where pre-spawn fish stage Protected coves and bays with hard bottom composition	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds or likely spawning areas Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas and potential bed sites Ned Rigs for finesse presentation to spooky fish Bladed Jigs for covering water between spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas Small shad and minnows in adjacent deeper water Small bottom-dwelling prey like gobies or sculpin	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	52-62	Drum are actively feeding during spawn period, utilizing shallow to mid-depth zones (2-12 feet) and responding to moving baits near structure Fish are showing increased activity during morning hours (6:30-10:30 AM), particularly around areas with shad spawn activity	Shallow coves with steady water inflow, especially those with 2-12 foot depths Stump fields in 6-foot zones with moderate visibility Areas near shad spawning locations, particularly where structure is present	Spinnerbaits worked with intermittent pauses in 6-foot zones Carolina Rigs dragged along bottom structure Live Bait Rigs near bottom structure during active feeding periods	Spawning Shad Crawfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	51-62	Actively moving into tributary areas and staging near stumps for spawning at 56°F, with aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn Concentrating in wind-blown areas where shad are present, exhibiting schooling behavior and feeding opportunities	Tributary areas with stumps and structure for staging Wind-blown points and shorelines with baitfish concentration Protected spawning coves with firm bottom	Spinnerbaits worked around stump fields and staging areas Lipless Crankbaits in wind-blown areas with shad activity Bladed Jigs near spawning areas and transition zones	Shad showing heavy spring activity Small baitfish concentrated by wind action	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-74	Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats in protected coves Fish are actively feeding on shad while transitioning between pre-spawn and spawning phases, utilizing boulder areas as ambush points	Back ends of coves with hard bottom and boulder structure for spawning Main lake points with boulder structure for staging areas Protected shallow areas with nearby deep water access	Shakey Heads worked slowly around boulders and spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in spawning areas Bladed Jigs for covering water in turbid conditions	Shad - primary forage as indicated in fishing reports Crawfish - active during spring in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	51-54	Post-spawn crappie actively feeding and suspending at 4-8 feet in 12-foot water, showing typical suspended feeding patterns Fish are relating heavily to woody cover and structure, particularly stumps, while maintaining a suspended position in the water column	Stumps and brush piles in 10-12 foot water depths Dam areas with suspended fish Shallow coves with woody cover	Bobbers with double jig setup suspended 4-8 feet down Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with slow retrieves Spider Rigging near structure	Small baitfish and shad Young-of-year panfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-74	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad and minnows in the upper-mid water column (5-16 feet) due to light penetration limits in turbid water Fish are utilizing both rocky structure and open water areas, moving between feeding stations throughout the day	Offshore boulder fields and rock piles in 8-16 foot depth range Transition areas between rocky structure and open water feeding flats Main lake points with rock structure adjacent to deeper water	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through the water column, taking advantage of the turbid conditions where fish rely on vibration Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) presented just above the rock structure Tubes dragged and hopped along rocky structure	Shad schools suspended in the upper-mid water column Various minnow species relating to rock structure Crawfish emerging from winter locations on rocky structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	56-68	Drum are transitioning to post-spawn feeding patterns, actively searching for forage in slightly deeper zones while still utilizing shoreline areas Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish using their sensitive lateral line to locate prey in the turbid conditions	Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and deeper water, especially near submerged vegetation Stump fields and woody cover in 5-10 foot depths Protected coves with stable water conditions	Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with natural bait presentations Live Bait Rigs near structure	Shad moving in post-spawn patterns Bottom-dwelling invertebrates Small crawfish in shallow areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	56-68	Actively feeding on shad in post-spawn recovery, moving to main lake points and transitional areas from spawning grounds Schooling behavior increases, with fish chasing baitfish in wind-blown areas and along complex shoreline structure	Main lake points and windward shorelines where baitfish concentrate Stump fields and boulder areas in 5-15 foot transitions from spawning areas Complex shoreline areas with coves and points adjacent to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked at varying depths along points and through stump fields Lipless Crankbaits burned through suspended schools when fish are actively feeding Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to windward shorelines	Shad schools congregating in post-spawn areas Small baitfish pushed by wind current into shoreline areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-74	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, primarily relating to primary points and first breaks adjacent to spawning areas Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones (5-16 feet), especially during early morning and evening periods Given the turbid conditions (0.7m Secchi), bass are positioning tight to definitive structure and using lateral line sensitivity to detect prey	Main lake points and first break lines adjacent to spawning coves Brush piles and boulder fields in 8-16 foot depth range Submerged vegetation edges where present, especially near deeper water access	Bladed Jigs worked along break lines and through cover, creating strong vibration in turbid water Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover and structure edges Spinnerbaits parallel to points and structure edges with moderate retrieve	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period Bluegill becoming active in shallow zones near cover Crawfish active on hard bottom areas and around rock structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-84	Crappie are suspending near brush piles and points, relating to abundant shad populations Fish are less aggressive due to abundant forage, requiring precise presentations Showing preference for deeper structure as summer heat increases	Brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deeper water Shaded dock areas near deep water access	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Bobbers	Shad Small sunfish	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-75	Actively feeding in turbid conditions, relying heavily on vibration and lateral line sensitivity to locate prey Holding in 5-16 foot depth range, suspending near structure and moving to open water to chase baitfish	Boulder fields and rock piles in 10-16 foot depth range Open water areas adjacent to structural elements Deeper coves with access to main lake points	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through the water column Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) on Carolina Rigs Inline Spinners worked at varying depths	Minnows suspended in the water column Crawfish around boulder and rock structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Drum	70-78	Actively feeding on bottom with increased activity in shallower water (5-10 feet) during summer. Showing strong response to natural baits and bottom-oriented presentations. Utilizing submerged vegetation areas for feeding, with concentrated activity during afternoon hours when water temperatures are optimal.	Submerged vegetation in 5-8 foot depths, especially areas with mixed bottom composition Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with woody cover or stumps Areas with clearer water pockets near algae bloom zones	Drop Shot with night crawlers, worked slowly along bottom structure Carolina Rigs with natural baits, dragged through vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs positioned just off the bottom in productive areas	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish Minnows near submerged vegetation Small shad in shallow water areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	68-78	Suspended fish actively feeding around vertical structure, especially stumps, during summer pattern Fish moving between deep structure and shallower feeding zones, following shad movements in turbid conditions	Deep stumps and vertical structure in 15-25 foot range Wind-blown points and flats where baitfish concentrate Main lake areas with good current flow and bait presence	Drop Shot with soft plastics worked vertically around structure Spinnerbaits worked through suspended fish near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Shad schools in open water and around structure Crappie as indicated in recent fishing reports Small baitfish concentrated by wind and current	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-74	Bass are actively feeding but seeking thermal refuge during peak heat, utilizing deeper structure during midday and moving shallow during early/late periods Fish are relating heavily to cover due to the turbid conditions (0.7m clarity), using their lateral line sense more than sight to detect prey	Brush piles and boulder fields in 12-16 foot depth range offering shade and ambush points Shallow cover zones near points in 2-6 feet during morning/evening periods Submerged vegetation edges where clear water meets stained water	Bladed Jigs worked through cover to create vibration in turbid conditions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover during low light periods Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along deeper structure during midday heat	Shad schools moving along points and structure edges Bluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Mississinewa Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water, following shad schools and relating heavily to brush piles and points in 12-15 foot zones Feeding activity increases as water cools, with fish becoming more aggressive during overcast conditions and dawn/dusk periods	Deep brush piles near main lake points in 12-15 foot zones Channel swings with wood cover adjacent to coves Deeper dock areas with vertical posts providing shade and cover	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on shad in open water and around boulder fields, following baitfish schools Transitioning to deeper structure as water cools, using boulders as ambush points	Boulder fields in 5-16 foot depth range Offshore rock humps near deep water access Points with rock structure adjacent to open water	Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive stop-and-go retrieve Spinnerbaits around boulder edges Blade Baits for vertical presentation	Shad Various small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Drum	56-68	Drum are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, primarily focusing on bottom-oriented prey in moderate depths Fish are transitioning to deeper, more stable water temperatures while remaining near structure that holds forage	Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom Stump fields in 8-15 foot depths Channel bends with woody cover	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Carolina Rigs dragged through vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small crustaceans Shad moving through staging areas Small fish relating to vegetation edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	58-68	White bass transitioning to deeper water following shad schools, with aggressive feeding during low-light periods Fish schooling and ambushing bait in wind-blown areas and near deep structure	Main lake points and deep structure adjacent to feeding flats Wind-blown shorelines where shad are concentrated Deep water areas near tributary mouths	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds Spoons jigged through suspended schools	Schooling shad in open water Small baitfish concentrated along wind-blown banks	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively chasing shad schools in the water column, following baitfish migrations into creek arms and coves Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging points throughout the day, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures cool	Main lake points adjacent to deeper water, especially those with boulders or brush piles Shallow coves with remaining vegetation or brush, particularly in areas where shad are present Secondary points in major creek arms where baitfish congregate	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds around cover and through schools of bait Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking predominant shad forage	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves Remaining sunfish near shallow cover Crawfish in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie will be suspended in deeper water near structure, typically schooling tightly in the winter months Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, with fish most active during midday warming periods	Deep brush piles in 12-15 foot range, especially those near points or channel bends Suspended schools near deep creek channel edges Deep timber areas adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small minnows near brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are concentrated in deeper, more stable water temperature zones, typically near bottom structure and transition areas. Feeding windows are shorter and more intense during midday warming periods, with fish staying close to preferred structure.	Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 12-16 foot range Transition areas where rock structure meets basin areas Steep breaklines adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Drop Shot with subtle movements near bottom structure Tubes dragged slowly along bottom structure	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Bottom-oriented baitfish near structure Crawfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Drum	51-56	Drum will be schooled in deeper water, typically moving slowly and feeding less aggressively due to colder temperatures, using their sensitive lateral line to detect prey in the turbid conditions Fish will concentrate near bottom structure and deeper holes, making periodic feeding movements during warmer parts of the day	Deep holes near submerged structure and stumps in 15-25 feet of water Channel edges adjacent to flats where summer vegetation was present Areas where multiple structure elements intersect, providing both cover and feeding opportunities	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, subtle movements to trigger reaction strikes Blade Baits worked with a slow lift-and-drop presentation near bottom structure Live Bait Rigs with night crawlers or minnows fished directly on the bottom	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small crustaceans Dormant or slow-moving shad in deeper water Small fish seeking shelter near deep structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	42-52	White bass school tightly in deeper water, suspending near primary lake points and channel edges where current flows Feeding activity is most intense during stable weather periods, with fish moving vertically in the water column following shad schools	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings where current flow concentrates baitfish Vertical structure like stump fields in 15-25 foot depths near deep water access Wind-blown areas where shad schools are pushed against structure	Blade Baits worked vertically with sharp upward snaps followed by controlled falls Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near suspended schools with tight hops off bottom Spoons worked with aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes	Schooling Shad concentrated in deeper water Small sunfish relating to deep structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Largemouth bass are concentrated in deeper, stable water zones near primary structural elements, typically suspending near baitfish schools Fish become less active during cold periods but will feed opportunistically during stable weather patterns, especially during warming trends	Deep brush piles and boulder fields in 16-20 foot range adjacent to primary points Deeper sections of coves with vertical structure where shad schools congregate Transitional areas between shallow flats and deep water that provide quick depth changes	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom structure Umbrella Rigs for targeting suspended fish following bait schools	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Mississinewa Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and stumps in 8-12 foot zones adjacent to spawning flats	Protected coves with woody cover, especially on the northern shores that warm first
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River channels and associated transition areas where fish stage during pre-spawn	Rocky points and offshore humps adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Transition areas near submerged vegetation where winter depths meet pre-spawn staging zones	Stump fields and woody cover in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouth areas with stump fields serving as staging locations	Wind-blown points and shallow flats near spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning coves, especially those with rock or brush cover	Shallow brush piles in 4-8 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles and stumps in 4-8 foot depths, particularly in protected coves	Points and woody structure leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky flats and boulder fields in 3-8 foot depth range for spawning	Nearby drop-offs and deeper structure in 8-16 foot range where pre-spawn fish stage
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Shallow coves with steady water inflow, especially those with 2-12 foot depths	Stump fields in 6-foot zones with moderate visibility
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary areas with stumps and structure for staging	Wind-blown points and shorelines with baitfish concentration
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Back ends of coves with hard bottom and boulder structure for spawning	Main lake points with boulder structure for staging areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Stumps and brush piles in 10-12 foot water depths	Dam areas with suspended fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Offshore boulder fields and rock piles in 8-16 foot depth range	Transition areas between rocky structure and open water feeding flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and deeper water, especially near submerged vegetation	Stump fields and woody cover in 5-10 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and windward shorelines where baitfish concentrate	Stump fields and boulder areas in 5-15 foot transitions from spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and first break lines adjacent to spawning coves	Brush piles and boulder fields in 8-16 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 10-16 foot depth range	Open water areas adjacent to structural elements
Summer	Drum	Submerged vegetation in 5-8 foot depths, especially areas with mixed bottom composition	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with woody cover or stumps
Summer	White Bass	Deep stumps and vertical structure in 15-25 foot range	Wind-blown points and flats where baitfish concentrate
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles and boulder fields in 12-16 foot depth range offering shade and ambush points	Shallow cover zones near points in 2-6 feet during morning/evening periods
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles near main lake points in 12-15 foot zones	Channel swings with wood cover adjacent to coves
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields in 5-16 foot depth range	Offshore rock humps near deep water access
Fall	Drum	Deep edges of submerged vegetation where it meets harder bottom	Stump fields in 8-15 foot depths
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and deep structure adjacent to feeding flats	Wind-blown shorelines where shad are concentrated
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deeper water, especially those with boulders or brush piles	Shallow coves with remaining vegetation or brush, particularly in areas where shad are present
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 12-15 foot range, especially those near points or channel bends	Suspended schools near deep creek channel edges
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 12-16 foot range	Transition areas where rock structure meets basin areas
Winter	Drum	Deep holes near submerged structure and stumps in 15-25 feet of water	Channel edges adjacent to flats where summer vegetation was present
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings where current flow concentrates baitfish	Vertical structure like stump fields in 15-25 foot depths near deep water access
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles and boulder fields in 16-20 foot range adjacent to primary points	Deeper sections of coves with vertical structure where shad schools congregate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad in the 1-2 inch range	Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish	Early-season shad in warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish moving into tributary areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming more active with warming water temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in lake reports)	Small sunfish and juvenile fish
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas	Small shad and minnows in adjacent deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Spawning Shad	Crawfish
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad showing heavy spring activity	Small baitfish concentrated by wind action
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage as indicated in fishing reports	Crawfish - active during spring in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small baitfish and shad	Young-of-year panfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspended in the upper-mid water column	Various minnow species relating to rock structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Shad moving in post-spawn patterns	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating in post-spawn areas	Small baitfish pushed by wind current into shoreline areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period	Bluegill becoming active in shallow zones near cover
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small sunfish
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows suspended in the water column	Crawfish around boulder and rock structure
Summer	Drum	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and crawfish	Minnows near submerged vegetation
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Crappie as indicated in recent fishing reports
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving along points and structure edges	Bluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near brush piles
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad	Various small minnows
Fall	Drum	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small crustaceans	Shad moving through staging areas
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad in open water	Small baitfish concentrated along wind-blown banks
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves	Remaining sunfish near shallow cover
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small minnows near brush piles
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-oriented baitfish near structure
Winter	Drum	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and small crustaceans	Dormant or slow-moving shad in deeper water
Winter	White Bass	Schooling Shad concentrated in deeper water	Small sunfish relating to deep structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish in rocky areas

Bait Colors by Season for Mississinewa Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Drum	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Drum	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals