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Omnia Fishing
Omnia Fishing

Mississippi River (Monticello to St. Cloud)

Published:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Mississippi River (Monticello to St. Cloud)

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass48-58
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Fish are moving along migration routes between wintering areas and spawning flats, using current breaks and rock structure as travel corridors
  • Feeding activity increases during warming trends, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise
  • Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper winter areas
  • Current breaks and eddies near river channel bends
  • Transition areas where rock structure meets submerged timber
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours
  • Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically around structure
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish concentrated near current breaks
  • Perch schools relating to rock-wood transition areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye42-54
  • Pre-spawn walleyes are staging near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves. Fish are most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) and moving between deeper holding areas and shallow feeding zones.
  • Fish are showing increased aggression and feeding activity as water temperatures rise, with males arriving first at spawning areas followed by larger females.
  • Rock piles and reefs in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water
  • River channel edges and current breaks where spawning may occur
  • Standing timber areas near depth transitions, particularly in 6-12 foot range
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along rock transitions, letting the bait contact structure
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows, worked slowly along bottom structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with hair jigs tipped with minnows
  • Small Minnows
  • Juvenile Perch
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike38-48
  • Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning grounds
  • Fish become increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during warming trends
  • Shallow bays and backwater areas near dam with emerging vegetation
  • Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas
  • Current areas near river influence zones providing oxygenated water
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Hard Jerkbaits
  • Inline Spinners
  • Large Shad and Minnows
  • Small Pike and Panfish
  • Early Season Suckers
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass48-58
  • Staging near transitional areas between wintering holes and eventual spawning flats, gradually moving shallower as water warms
  • Becoming more active and aggressive in feeding as they prepare for spawn, particularly during warming trends
  • Rock piles and boulders adjacent to deeper water, especially those leading to spawning flats
  • Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near channel swings
  • Secondary points with mixed rock and wood cover
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional areas between deep and shallow water
  • Bladed Jigs worked around brush piles and wood cover
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly near rock structure
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
  • Perch in similar pre-spawn staging areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass54-65
  • Actively moving into spawning areas near rocky structure and current breaks, with fish staging in pre-spawn locations
  • Showing strong response to bottom-contact presentations, particularly in areas with submerged rock structure
  • Transitioning between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, utilizing current breaks as rest areas
  • Rocky areas and boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range
  • Current breaks and eddies near submerged structure
  • Transition areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning flats
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom with pauses
  • Wacky Rigs worked in current breaks and around structure
  • Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small baitfish in current breaks
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye42-52
  • Walleye are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow rocky areas and river channel edges for spawning. Most active during dawn/dusk periods.
  • Fish become more aggressive as water temperatures rise, staging near spawning areas and actively feeding to build energy reserves for reproduction.
  • Rocky shorelines and reefs in 2-6 feet of water, especially near river channel edges
  • Standing timber areas adjacent to spawning flats
  • Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions
  • Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics
  • Minnows congregating near spawning areas
  • Small perch in shallow rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike38-52
  • Pike are actively moving into shallow, warmer bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically seeking out areas with emerging vegetation or flooded cover
  • Feeding activity increases pre and post-spawn, with aggressive strikes common in these periods
  • Fish become more territorial and concentrated in spawning areas
  • Shallow bays and backwater areas near dam with emerging vegetation
  • Protected areas with boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range
  • Shallow flats adjacent to river channel influence areas
  • Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow spawning areas
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure
  • Inline Spinners around boulder fields and emerging vegetation
  • Shallow-water baitfish schools
  • Young of the year panfish
  • Minnows congregating in warming shallows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-65
  • Moving into shallow spawning areas near hard structure and brush piles, focusing on protected bays and coves
  • Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure
  • Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning sites
  • Protected shallow bays with hard bottom near brush piles
  • Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
  • Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
  • Wacky Rigs
  • Shakey Heads
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Small bluegill and perch
  • Minnows in shallow spawning areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-72
  • Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding in current breaks and around wood cover
  • Showing aggressive feeding behavior with willingness to hit topwater and moving baits, particularly during optimal temperatures
  • Current-swept wood laydowns and brush piles along banks
  • Rocky areas and boulder fields near deeper water
  • Current breaks and eddies with structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and brush
  • Hard Topwater (Prop) near current breaks
  • Ned Rigs worked around rocky structure
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to structure
  • Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports
  • Small baitfish - indicated by success with baitfish imitators
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye54-62
  • Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn and dusk periods, with some daytime feeding in overcast conditions
  • Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, following baitfish schools and utilizing rock structure as ambush points
  • Rock piles and reefs in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning areas
  • Standing timber edges near river channel breaks
  • Shallow flats with scattered rock in 2-6 foot range during low light periods
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime feeding periods
  • Minnows concentrating around rock structure
  • Small perch gathering in newly emerging weed growth
  • Young of year baitfish schools in warming shallows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike52-65
  • Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting baitfish in shallow to mid-depth areas
  • Fish are establishing predictable feeding patterns around structural elements, particularly near boulder fields and dam areas
  • Pike are utilizing current areas as ambush points, especially during baitfish movements
  • Boulder fields and rock piles in 5-10 foot depth range
  • Current areas near the dam structure
  • Shallow bays with emerging vegetation
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Inline Spinners
  • Hard Jerkbaits
  • Shad schools recovering from winter patterns
  • Various minnow species in shallow areas
  • Young-of-year panfish beginning to emerge
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns
  • Fish are utilizing brush piles and rock structures as recovery zones, making feeding forays to nearby areas
  • Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to spawning flats
  • Rock piles and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and laydowns
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along rock transitions
  • Spinnerbaits near cover in low light conditions
  • Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
  • Small bluegill and perch
  • Minnows in transition areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass68-78
  • Actively feeding in shallow water (2-6 feet) during early morning and evening, with strong topwater activity indicating aggressive surface feeding behavior
  • Relating heavily to current breaks and rocky structure, using boulders and timber as ambush points for feeding
  • Moving to slightly deeper water during midday heat, but remaining relatively shallow near structure
  • Boulder fields and rock piles in current areas
  • Laydowns and standing timber near deeper water
  • Current breaks and eddies near rocky banks
  • Submerged vegetation edges in 2-6 foot depth
  • Hard Topwater (Popping) during morning and evening
  • Tubes dragged along bottom near rocky structure
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly around current breaks
  • Swim Jigs between boulders and through current seams
  • Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports and success with crawfish-colored baits
  • Minnows - secondary forage evidenced by success with silver and baitfish patterns
  • Bluegill - tertiary forage indicated by topwater success near cover
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerWalleye65-72
  • Walleye are transitioning to deeper water during peak summer, primarily active during dawn/dusk periods with secondary feeding windows at night
  • Fish are relating strongly to rock structures and deep timber, using these as ambush points for feeding on baitfish schools
  • Deep rock piles and reefs adjacent to river channel edges (15-25 feet)
  • Standing timber near depth changes (12-20 feet)
  • Main river channel breaks and holes (18-30 feet)
  • Drop Shot with minnow-style soft baits worked slowly near bottom structure
  • Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows dragged along rock edges
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy jigs during low-light periods
  • Minnows concentrated around rock structure and timber
  • Young-of-year perch beginning to school
  • Crayfish active on rocky structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerNorthern Pike65-75
  • Pike actively feeding but seeking temperature refuge during peak heat, utilizing boulder areas and deeper water as ambush points
  • Most active during early morning and evening when temperatures are cooler, moving shallower during these periods
  • Boulder fields in 8-14 foot depth range
  • Dam areas with current breaks
  • Deeper weed edges adjacent to rock structure
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')
  • Trolling Shallow (0-9')
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Shad and smaller baitfish
  • Young of the year panfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass68-85
  • Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, utilizing brush piles and rock structures as ambush points
  • Moving between shallow and deep water throughout the day, with deeper holding patterns during bright midday periods
  • Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges (12-18 feet)
  • Rock piles and boulder fields near depth transitions
  • Shaded shoreline wood cover during morning/evening periods
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and laydowns
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along rock piles and channel edges
  • Football Jigs worked through boulder fields
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Bluegill and perch around brush piles
  • Shad in open water near channel edges
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Mississippi River (Monticello to St. Cloud)

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass55-70
  • Fish are congregating in groups around current breaks and deeper rock structures, actively feeding before winter
  • Showing mixed behavior between aggressive feeding (evidenced by buzzbait success) and more selective feeding requiring finesse presentations
  • Transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper winter holdover spots as temperatures drop
  • Rock piles and boulder fields in 2-6 feet of water near deeper water access
  • Current breaks and eddies behind river structure
  • Brush piles adjacent to deeper water
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom in current breaks
  • Shallow diving crankbaits around rock piles in 3-5 feet
  • Buzzbaits around brush piles and eddies during active periods
  • Drop shot rigs when fish are less aggressive
  • Minnows/Shad schooling in current breaks
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallWalleye54-70
  • Walleye are actively feeding on minnows around rock structure, showing increased activity during low light periods
  • Fish are relating closely to bottom structure, particularly reefs and brush, suggesting a transition to deeper winter holding areas
  • Rock reefs with adjacent brush or timber
  • Deep river channel edges near structure
  • Transition areas between shallow and deep water
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure
  • Drop Shot with minnow-style baits near structure
  • Live Bait Rigs along rock-to-brush transitions
  • Minnows concentrated around structure
  • Small bottom-dwelling prey fish
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallNorthern Pike48-65
  • Northern Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and utilizing ambush points
  • Fish are moving between deeper structured areas and shallower flats based on daily temperature and light conditions
  • Aggressive feeding behavior increases during overcast conditions and lower light periods
  • Boulder fields and rock piles in 8-14 foot depth range
  • Dam area structure and current breaks
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water during low light periods
  • Spinnerbaits worked along rock structure and current breaks
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through baitfish schools
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through transitional depths
  • Shad schools congregating in deeper areas
  • Minnows relating to rock structure
  • Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallLargemouth Bass52-68
  • Actively feeding and following baitfish schools to build energy reserves for winter
  • Moving between deep structure and shallow feeding areas, particularly during low-light periods
  • Relating heavily to brush piles and rock structures as cover and ambush points
  • Deep brush piles adjacent to creek channels
  • Rocky points near deep water access
  • Shallow flats with remaining vegetation near deep water
  • Spinnerbaits worked along depth transitions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with slow retrieves near structure
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through brush piles
  • Shad schools in open water and near structure
  • Crawfish around rock piles and woody cover
  • Small bluegill and perch near vegetation
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterWalleye54-70
  • Walleye actively feeding near deep structure and river channel edges during winter, with increased activity during low-light periods
  • Fish holding tight to rock piles and standing timber, using these structures as ambush points for pursuing baitfish
  • Deep rock piles near river channel edges
  • Standing timber areas, especially where adjacent to deeper water
  • Deep holes with current breaks in the reservoir
  • Live Bait Rigs with fluorocarbon leaders, particularly effective with suckers as evidenced by recent catches
  • Drop Shot rigs worked 15-20 feet offshore
  • Soft Jerkbaits with twitching retrieve in areas with standing timber
  • Minnows, particularly prevalent in recent fishing reports
  • Smelt, as indicated by successful bait color patterns
  • Small baitfish relating to timber structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
WinterNorthern Pike34-39
  • Pike are actively feeding near structural elements, particularly around the dam area, using these locations as ambush points
  • Fish are likely to be more concentrated in areas with good baitfish populations, showing preference for open water areas adjacent to structure
  • Dam area with current breaks and ambush points
  • Boulder fields and rock piles providing ambush cover
  • Deep water access points adjacent to structure
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structural elements
  • Spoons worked with controlled drops near baitfish schools
  • Schooling baitfish (shad/minnows)
  • Small panfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
IceWalleye34-42
  • Walleyes concentrate in deeper holes near river channel structure and rock piles during ice season
  • Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a second feeding window during overcast mid-day periods
  • Fish typically suspend 1-3 feet off bottom, moving up in the water column to feed
  • Deep holes adjacent to river channel structure in 20-30 foot range
  • Rock piles and reefs near depth transitions
  • Areas where standing timber intersects with deeper water
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom
  • Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding windows
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish
  • Minnows, particularly suspended schools in deeper water
  • Small perch relating to rock structure
  • Juvenile white bass in deeper winter holes
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceNorthern Pike33-39
  • Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity, especially during prime early morning and late afternoon periods
  • Fish tend to concentrate in areas with good oxygen content and nearby access to deeper water
  • Actively ambush prey near structural elements that concentrate baitfish
  • Rocky points and boulder areas near deeper water access
  • Dam area transitions where current creates oxygen-rich zones
  • Mid-depth flats (8-12 feet) adjacent to deeper wintering holes
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned near structure
  • Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes
  • Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation
  • Shad concentrations in deeper water
  • Smaller panfish near structure
  • Winter-stressed baitfish in mid-depth ranges
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Mississippi River (Monticello to St. Cloud)

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassRocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper winter areasCurrent breaks and eddies near river channel bends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeRock piles and reefs in 8-15 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper waterRiver channel edges and current breaks where spawning may occur
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeShallow bays and backwater areas near dam with emerging vegetationRocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassRock piles and boulders adjacent to deeper water, especially those leading to spawning flatsBrush piles in 8-15 foot depth range near channel swings
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassRocky areas and boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth rangeCurrent breaks and eddies near submerged structure
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeRocky shorelines and reefs in 2-6 feet of water, especially near river channel edgesStanding timber areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeShallow bays and backwater areas near dam with emerging vegetationProtected areas with boulder fields in 2-6 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassProtected shallow bays with hard bottom near brush pilesSecondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCurrent-swept wood laydowns and brush piles along banksRocky areas and boulder fields near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeRock piles and reefs in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning areasStanding timber edges near river channel breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeBoulder fields and rock piles in 5-10 foot depth rangeCurrent areas near the dam structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBrush piles and laydowns adjacent to spawning flatsRock piles and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depth range
SummerSmallmouth BassBoulder fields and rock piles in current areasLaydowns and standing timber near deeper water
SummerWalleyeDeep rock piles and reefs adjacent to river channel edges (15-25 feet)Standing timber near depth changes (12-20 feet)
SummerNorthern PikeBoulder fields in 8-14 foot depth rangeDam areas with current breaks
SummerLargemouth BassDeep brush piles adjacent to channel edges (12-18 feet)Rock piles and boulder fields near depth transitions
FallSmallmouth BassRock piles and boulder fields in 2-6 feet of water near deeper water accessCurrent breaks and eddies behind river structure
FallWalleyeRock reefs with adjacent brush or timberDeep river channel edges near structure
FallNorthern PikeBoulder fields and rock piles in 8-14 foot depth rangeDam area structure and current breaks
FallLargemouth BassDeep brush piles adjacent to creek channelsRocky points near deep water access
WinterWalleyeDeep rock piles near river channel edgesStanding timber areas, especially where adjacent to deeper water
WinterNorthern PikeDam area with current breaks and ambush pointsBoulder fields and rock piles providing ambush cover
IceWalleyeDeep holes adjacent to river channel structure in 20-30 foot rangeRock piles and reefs near depth transitions
IceNorthern PikeRocky points and boulder areas near deeper water accessDam area transitions where current creates oxygen-rich zones

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish concentrated near current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeSmall MinnowsJuvenile Perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeLarge Shad and MinnowsSmall Pike and Panfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancySmall baitfish in current breaks
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeMinnows congregating near spawning areasSmall perch in shallow rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeShallow-water baitfish schoolsYoung of the year panfish
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancySmall bluegill and perch
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reportsSmall baitfish - indicated by success with baitfish imitators
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeMinnows concentrating around rock structureSmall perch gathering in newly emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeShad schools recovering from winter patternsVarious minnow species in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging in rocky areasSmall bluegill and perch
SummerSmallmouth BassCrawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports and success with crawfish-colored baitsMinnows - secondary forage evidenced by success with silver and baitfish patterns
SummerWalleyeMinnows concentrated around rock structure and timberYoung-of-year perch beginning to school
SummerNorthern PikeShad and smaller baitfishYoung of the year panfish
SummerLargemouth BassCrawfish in rocky areasBluegill and perch around brush piles
FallSmallmouth BassMinnows/Shad schooling in current breaksCrawfish in rocky areas
FallWalleyeMinnows concentrated around structureSmall bottom-dwelling prey fish
FallNorthern PikeShad schools congregating in deeper areasMinnows relating to rock structure
FallLargemouth BassShad schools in open water and near structureCrawfish around rock piles and woody cover
WinterWalleyeMinnows, particularly prevalent in recent fishing reportsSmelt, as indicated by successful bait color patterns
WinterNorthern PikeSchooling baitfish (shad/minnows)Small panfish
IceWalleyeMinnows, particularly suspended schools in deeper waterSmall perch relating to rock structure
IceNorthern PikeShad concentrations in deeper waterSmaller panfish near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Mississippi River (Monticello to St. Cloud)

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerNorthern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallWalleye
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallNorthern Pike
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
WinterNorthern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
IceWalleye
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceNorthern Pike
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors