How to Fish Muskegon Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Muskegon Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Mar 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Muskegon Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Largemouth bass are actively transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, holding tight to structure and ambush points in preparation for the spawn Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns, particularly around current areas and structure that concentrates baitfish	Rock piles and boulder areas, especially those adjacent to spawning flats Bridge areas with current flow concentrating baitfish Submerged vegetation edges near spawning areas	Blade Baits worked with a moderate retrieve around rock structure Lipless Crankbaits around areas with current and baitfish Finesse Jigs worked slowly through vegetation and rock transitions	Alewife schooling in current areas and around structure Perch relating to rock piles and vegetation Shad concentrating around bridge areas with current	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly active during warming trends	Protected bays and coves with hard bottom in 3-6 foot depth range Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats Main lake points with good sun exposure	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas Blade Baits for actively feeding fish near deeper breaks	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Alewife schools staging near spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn, moving from deeper wintering areas towards shallow spawning flats with warming water Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, targeting small invertebrates and minnows near vegetation and structure Activity levels increase during sunny periods when water temperatures rise, particularly in protected bays and coves	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats, especially near points and breaks Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to harder bottom areas	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks for a natural presentation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs worked slowly Bobbers with suspended baits at varying depths to find active fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water Young-of-year minnows congregating in warming shallows Bloodworms and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, making frequent shallow water movements to warm up and prepare for spawning Fish are transitioning between winter and spawning locations, following baitfish schools and utilizing ambush points	Shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation Transitional areas between deep winter holes and spawning flats Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Hard Jerkbaits Inline Spinners	Perch schools transitioning from winter patterns Bluegill beginning to move shallow Small baitfish congregating in warming areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleyes are staging near spawning areas and beginning to move shallow, particularly active during low-light periods given the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi) Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning locations, following temperature shifts and gathering in groups	Rock piles and rocky areas in 8-15 foot depths, particularly those near spawning areas Shallow ledges and drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats Transition areas where rock meets emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Small minnows in shallow water Alewife moving shallow with warming trends	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding and beginning to stage near spawning areas, primarily relating to vegetation edges and hard-bottom areas in 4-12 foot depths Fish are moving in schools, becoming more active during daylight hours as they prepare for spawning	Weed edges and transitions adjacent to hard bottom areas in 4-12 foot depths Rock piles and ledges near spawning areas Protected coves with submerged vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with finesse presentations Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked methodically through the water column	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation Small bluegills and juvenile fish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	52-62	Drum are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, following warming trends and becoming more active Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively on bottom-dwelling prey like crayfish and mollusks near structure	Rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range where fish stage during pre-spawn Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats Hard bottom areas adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours Lipless Crankbaits with yo-yo retrieves near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around rock piles	Crayfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas Bluegill concentrating near structure Mollusks on rocky substrate	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	45-58	During pre-spawn spring, trout become increasingly active as water temperatures rise, moving from deeper winter holding areas to shallower feeding zones Fish are aggressively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly targeting schools of baitfish in the low-visibility conditions	Shallow coves and points with submerged vegetation where water warms first Woody structure near shoreline areas providing ambush points Transition areas between shallow and deeper water where baitfish schools concentrate	Inline Spinners worked at varying speeds to trigger reaction strikes in turbid water Trolling Shallow (0-9') along shoreline structure and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to mimic prevalent baitfish	Minnows Alewife Young of year panfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	42-52	Lake trout becoming more active as water temperatures warm, moving from deep winter haunts to shallower transitional areas Fish staging near spawning areas but still actively feeding, following baitfish schools in preparation for spawning energy demands	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-30 foot depths Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to spawning areas Points and structural elements intersecting with the thermocline	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Alewife schools transitioning to shallower water Yellow Perch around structure Various baitfish species in suspended schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around hard bottom areas like rock piles Males preparing and guarding nests in 2-6 foot depths, with females staging slightly deeper on nearby points and channels	Rock piles and bridge areas with hard bottom in 2-6 foot depths Protected coves with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around visible beds and spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked methodically through staging areas Shakey Heads for thoroughly working spawning flats	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill beginning to move shallow Small baitfish (alewife and shad) in pre-spawn patterns	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-62	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, with males guarding nests in shallow protected areas near hard bottom and structure Fish are actively feeding on crawfish in the shallows, particularly around dock areas and rocky areas Due to the turbid water (1.5m Secchi), fish are staying relatively shallow and are more active during daylight hours	Docks with hard bottom in 3-6 feet of water, especially those in protected bays Rocky points and rock piles in shallow water Protected bays and coves with hard bottom substrate	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around dock posts and rocky areas Tubes dragged and hopped along hard bottom areas Ned Rigs worked with subtle movements near spawning areas	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas Small baitfish relating to dock areas Juvenile perch in protected bays	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas near vegetation and structure, with males establishing and guarding nests Most aggressive during morning and evening hours, defending spawning territory and feeding opportunistically	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Shoreline areas with submerged vegetation in 3-6 feet of water Shallow coves near points where spawning colonies often establish	Bobbers with light jigs suspended just above vegetation Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Finesse Hair Jigs cast to visible beds	Small insects and larvae near vegetation Tiny minnows in spawning areas Plankton and microscopic organisms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas, typically right after ice-out when water temperatures reach the mid-40s. They're aggressive during pre-spawn but become more lethargic during the actual spawn. Fish are moving between spawning areas and adjacent deeper water staging areas, particularly active during warming trends.	Shallow bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water drop-offs Protected areas near points and inlets with softer bottom composition	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to spawning areas Spoons worked with a flutter action near transition areas	Perch schools transitioning from winter to spring patterns Early season bluegills moving into warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near rocky shorelines and tributaries in 4-12ft, with peak activity during dawn and dusk despite turbid conditions Fish moving between staging and spawning areas, utilizing rock piles and irregular shoreline structure as travel corridors	Rocky shorelines and points in 4-12ft depth range Tributary mouths and incoming water sources Shallow rock piles and gravel areas near drop-offs	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Blade Baits worked methodically through staging areas	Small minnows congregating near spawning areas Perch in shallow feeding zones Juvenile alewife in transitional areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	44-52	Yellow perch are actively spawning in shallow water areas, typically moving in large schools near vegetation and hard bottom areas Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods, with males arriving at spawning areas first and females moving in periodically	Shallow rock piles and ledges in 4-8 feet of water, especially near vegetative edges Protected coves with firm bottom and scattered vegetation in 3-6 feet Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, particularly with emerging vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows worked slowly near bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs Finesse Hair Jigs worked with subtle movements near structure	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas Aquatic insects becoming more active with warming water Young of year panfish in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	58-65	Drum are moving into warmer, shallower areas (8-15 feet) near hard bottom for spawning, particularly around rock piles and transition areas Males are establishing spawning territories on firm bottom areas, producing audible croaking sounds Feeding activity increases pre-spawn, with fish actively searching for crayfish and mollusks near structure	Rock piles and hard bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas where rock meets softer bottom Shallow ledges near spawning flats	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom near spawning areas Structure Jigs hopped along rock piles Lipless Crankbaits with stop-and-go retrieves over transition areas	Crayfish emerging from winter haunts Small bluegills near structure Mollusks on hard bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	45-55	Trout are actively moving into shallower waters (2-8 feet) for spawning, particularly around gravel or rocky areas with good water flow Feeding patterns are aggressive but localized, with fish defending spawning territories while opportunistically feeding on passing forage	Rocky points and gravelly shorelines in 2-8 foot depth range Areas near submerged vegetation that provide cover and spawning habitat Protected coves with stable water temperatures	Inline Spinners worked slowly near cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve Live Bait Rigs for finicky fish	Minnows Alewife Small invertebrates	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	42-52	Pre-spawn lake trout transitioning from deep winter haunts to staging areas near spawning grounds, becoming more active with warming water Fish actively feeding to build energy reserves before spawning, with most aggressive feeding during dawn and dusk periods	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas in 15-30 foot depths Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to spawning areas Offshore humps and rock piles in 30-50 foot range	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers along breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') over marked fish Spoons worked through suspended fish	Alewife schools in transitional areas Yellow Perch around structure Various small baitfish in mid-water column	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing dock areas and nearby vegetation as primary feeding zones Fish are holding in slightly shallower water due to the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi), and are most active during low-light periods	Docks with adjacent vegetation (validated by recent success with 7 fish including two 4-pounders) Secondary points near spawning areas with rock or hard bottom structure Vegetation edges in 5-10 foot depth range	Wacky Rigs (proven successful in recent reports with multiple quality fish) Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and vegetation Bladed Jigs for the turbid water conditions	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas around docks Shad moving along vegetation edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Responding strongly to wind-blown areas that concentrate baitfish Utilizing shallow to mid-depth rocky areas as primary feeding zones	Rocky points and shoals in 5-15 feet of water Wind-blown shorelines with hard bottom structure Dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to structure Drop Shot with subtle presentations near rocky areas Tubes dragged and hopped along rock transitions	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Alewife schools in wind-blown areas Small perch along dock edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small crustaceans in and around vegetation Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones throughout the day	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-10 foot depth range Protected coves with emerging weed growth Secondary points with mixed vegetation and structure	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at varying depths Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small offerings	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Newly hatched minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, making frequent attacks on prey from ambush points in shallow to moderate depths Fish are utilizing weed edges and points as primary ambush locations, most active during morning and evening hours	Emerging weed edges in 6-8 foot range where vegetation is beginning to grow Points and shallow bays adjacent to deeper water, especially those with scattered vegetation Transition areas where drop-offs meet emerging weed growth	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners in shallow bays during morning and evening hours	Bluegill concentrating near emerging weed growth Perch schools moving along depth transitions	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn and dusk despite turbid conditions Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, following baitfish schools	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 8-15 foot depths Rocky points and transitions near spawning areas Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Perch in emerging weed beds Small minnows along rocky transitions Juvenile bluegills in shallow protected areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools in and around vegetation edges Fish are making daily movements between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones, most active during morning and evening periods	Weed edges and patches in 4-8 feet of water Rock piles and ledges adjacent to spawning areas in 6-12 feet Transition areas between vegetation and hard bottom	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with soft plastics Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through vegetation gaps	Small minnows and juvenile fish gathering in warming shallows Aquatic insects emerging in vegetation zones Small crayfish becoming active on rocky structures	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	58-65	Post-spawn drum actively feeding in transitional depths (10-20 feet) as they recover energy, particularly around hard-bottom areas Fish using lateral line sensory abilities to locate prey in turbid conditions, favoring bottom-oriented feeding patterns	Rock piles and hard-bottom areas in 10-20 foot depth range Transition areas where depth changes meet hard structure Ledges adjacent to spawning flats where fish stage post-spawn	Blade Baits worked with slow, bottom-bumping retrieves Lipless Crankbaits with yo-yo retrieves near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around identified structure	Crayfish emerging in warming waters Bottom-dwelling mollusks Small bluegill near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	52-65	Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, primarily targeting baitfish in the upper water column due to comfortable water temperatures Most active during dawn and dusk periods, moving between cover and feeding areas along shoreline structures	Submerged vegetation edges near shoreline points and coves where baitfish congregate Laydown areas providing cover and ambush points in 5-15 foot depths Complex shoreline areas with irregular features, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water	Inline Spinners worked parallel to shoreline structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve Trolling Shallow (0-9') along vegetation edges	Minnows Alewife Young of year panfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	45-58	Lake trout are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake structures, actively feeding to recover post-spawn energy Fish are moving between deep and shallow water following temperature preferences and baitfish movements	Rock piles and boulder areas transitioning to deeper water in 20-35 foot range Main lake points and steep breaks near spawning areas Offshore humps and ledges in 40-50 foot zones that concentrate baitfish	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers along break lines Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) on marked fish near structure Live Bait Rigs with alewife or large minnows	Alewife schools congregating near temperature breaks Yellow Perch around rocky structure Various smaller baitfish in transitional areas	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-72	Active feeding during early morning hours near surface, particularly around vegetation edges, transitioning to deeper structures as sun rises Establishing patterns around both shallow cover (vegetation/docks) and deeper structures (ledges), showing typical summer dual-pattern behavior	Submerged weed lines and grass beds, particularly edges and openings Drop-offs and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding areas Boat docks providing shade during bright conditions	Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning hours around vegetation Grass Jigs and Neko Rigs worked through submerged vegetation Carolina Rigs dragged along drop-offs and ledges Wacky Rigs around docks and other shaded areas	Bluegill, primarily around vegetation and dock areas Alewife, particularly along deeper ledges and drop-offs	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on alewife in shallow rocky areas, showing aggressive but cautious behavior with numerous short strikes reported Fish are holding tight to rock structure in 3-6 foot depth range, likely due to cooler than typical summer temperatures	Rock piles in 3-6 foot depth range, especially those with direct access to deeper water Wind-blown rocky points and shoals where baitfish concentrate Hard bottom areas near drop-offs where smallmouth can quickly transition between depths	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly across rocks Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish Ned Rigs worked along rocky bottom for finicky biters	Alewife schooling in shallow water Crawfish active on rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation, particularly during early morning and evening hours Congregating in 5-10 foot depths due to limited light penetration, with frequent movements between vegetation edges and nearby structure	Weed edges and pockets in 5-10 foot depth range Protected coves with submerged vegetation Near-shore structure areas with access to deeper water	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly through vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows Aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-75	Northern Pike are actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, holding near weed edges in 6-8 foot depth range during summer heat Fish are ambushing prey from scattered weed cover, particularly targeting bluegill in relatively turbid conditions	Scattered weed beds in 6-8 foot depth range with good ambush points Weed edges where 6-foot shallow weeds meet deeper water Points and bays with submerged vegetation, especially during low light periods	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges	Bluegill in and around weed beds Young-of-year baitfish in scattered weeds	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-72	During summer, walleye are moving deeper during midday due to the 70-72°F surface temperatures, following typical thermocline patterns in search of cooler water Despite turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi), walleye maintain feeding activity along weed edges and structure transitions, with increased activity during dawn/dusk periods	Deep weed edges and adjacent drop-offs in 15-20ft range where cooler water meets structure Rock piles and humps in 20ft zones providing thermal refuge and ambush points Ledges and transition areas between shallow and deep water, especially those near submerged vegetation	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with bottom bouncers and spinner rigs along weed edges and breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on rock piles and near steep breaks Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along deeper structure and weed edges	Perch concentrating near weed edges and rock piles Alewife schooling in open water near thermocline Bluegill relating to weed edges and shallow structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Schools actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation in 4-12 foot depth range during early morning and evening hours During midday heat, schools concentrate near deeper edges of weed beds and drop-offs for cover	Weed edges and pockets in 4-12 foot depths Rock piles and ledges adjacent to vegetation Drop-off zones where vegetation meets deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small baitfish (particularly alewife) Aquatic insects in vegetation Young-of-year bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Drum	58-72	Actively feeding around ledges and hard-bottom areas at 20-foot depths, moving up and down in the water column to feed on both bottom-dwelling prey and suspended forage Using lateral line and barbels to locate prey in turbid conditions, particularly effective during summer feeding periods	Deep ledges around 20 feet with hard bottom composition Rock piles and humps near depth transitions Hard-bottom areas where bluegill and other forage concentrate	Lipless Crankbaits worked with yo-yo retrieve in 20-foot zones Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Football Jigs worked along hard bottom areas	Bluegill Mollusks and crayfish on hard bottom areas Small perch	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Trout	58-68	Trout actively feeding near woody structure and laydowns during cooler periods, seeking shade and ambush points in turbid conditions Moving to deeper, cooler water during peak daytime temperatures while utilizing shallow feeding zones during lower light periods	Shaded laydowns and woody structure in 5-10 feet of water Deep water adjacent to shoreline structure providing quick access to cooling refuge Areas with submerged vegetation that harbor baitfish populations	Inline Spinners worked parallel to laydowns and structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along thermocline edges Spoons worked through baitfish schools	Minnows Alewife Young of year panfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	58-72	Lake trout are seeking cold water refuge in deeper zones due to summer stratification, primarily following baitfish schools in the thermocline Feeding activity is concentrated during early morning and late evening when light penetration is reduced in the turbid water	Deep humps and ledges in 50 foot water where cold water refuges exist Rock piles and boulder areas near deep water access Points and breaks where baitfish schools concentrate	Trolling Deep (20'+) with downriggers or lead core line to target suspended fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are concentrated on structure Spoons worked through baitfish schools	Alewife schools in open water Yellow Perch near structure Various small baitfish species	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Muskegon Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass are actively feeding on main lake humps and transitional areas, following baitfish schools in preparation for winter Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the turbid water conditions, responding well to reaction baits	20-foot humps surrounded by deeper 50-foot water Submerged vegetation edges near deep water access Main lake points with quick access to depth	Spinnerbaits worked along hump edges and through baitfish schools Bladed Jigs worked near vegetation edges Lipless Crankbaits burned through transitional areas	Minnows/Shad schools Bluegill in remaining vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish near rocky structure Moving between deep main lake points and shallower flats based on baitfish movements and weather conditions More aggressive during stable weather, particularly on north wind days that concentrate baitfish	Main lake points with rock piles, especially wind-blown areas Shallow rocky flats adjacent to deep water Dock areas with hard bottom and baitfish presence	Blade Baits worked along depth transitions Tubes dragged through rocky areas Spinnerbaits on windy days around points	Alewife schools concentrated by wind and temperature changes Crawfish still active on hard bottom areas Small perch along rocky transitions	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, congregating around remaining vegetation and structure in 5-10 ft depths Fish are showing more schooling behavior, with larger groups moving between feeding areas throughout the day	Edges of submerged weed beds in 5-10 foot depth range Protected coves with remaining vegetation Near-shore structure such as docks and fallen trees	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Micro Crankbaits	Small minnows and baitfish Aquatic insects Zooplankton near remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike transitioning to aggressive feeding patterns to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools with increased activity during low-light periods Moving between shallow weed edges and deeper ledges as water temperatures cool, with more sustained feeding windows throughout the day	Weed edges and dying vegetation in 6-8 foot range where baitfish are congregating Points and ledges adjacent to deep water, especially where they intersect with weed edges Shallow bays with remaining vegetation, particularly during warmer parts of fall	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through dying vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near depth transitions Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits parallel to weed edges	Bluegill congregating near remaining weed beds Perch schools moving along depth transitions	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Actively feeding during daylight hours due to turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), with increased activity around structural elements Fall feeding patterns show walleye aggressively pursuing baitfish near rock structures and along depth transitions	Rock piles in mid-depth ranges (10-19 feet), confirmed by recent fishing success Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to rock structure Weed edges transitioning to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), supported by recent successful fishing reports Blade Baits worked along rock structure edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along transitional areas	Perch concentrating near rock structures Alewife schools in open water adjacent to structure Minnows along weed edges and transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-62	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding heavily to build energy reserves for winter, typically moving between vegetation edges and nearby drop-offs Fish become more aggressive during cooling water periods, often feeding multiple times throughout the day in larger groups	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs in 8-12 feet of water Rock piles and ledges near vegetation in 6-10 feet Shallow flats with remaining vegetation in 4-6 feet during morning and evening periods	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs tipped with live bait Live Bait Rigs with minnows near weed edges Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through vegetation	Small minnows and juvenile bluegill Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation Young-of-year alewife in open water	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	52-65	Drum are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, focusing on bottom-dwelling prey near structure Fish are transitioning to deeper haunts, following forage and using depth changes as migration corridors	Deep rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot range Transition areas where hard bottom meets softer substrate Deep points and humps adjacent to primary lake basin	Blade Baits worked vertically along depth changes Football Jigs dragged slowly across rock piles Lipless Crankbaits worked along transition areas	Crayfish on hard bottom areas Bluegill concentrating near structure Bottom-dwelling mollusks	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Trout	52-65	Trout becoming more active throughout the water column as temperatures cool, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to prepare for winter Increased shallow water activity during low-light periods, moving between cover and open water to ambush prey	Laydowns and submerged vegetation in 5-15 foot depths, especially near points and coves Drop-offs and transitions near shoreline structure where baitfish schools congregate Shallow coves and points during dawn/dusk feeding periods	Inline Spinners worked parallel to structure and through baitfish schools Trolling Shallow (0-9') during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near laydowns and vegetation	Alewife schools moving through the water column Minnows congregating around structure and vegetation Small perch in shallow areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Lake Trout	48-58	Moving from deeper basins to spawning grounds in shallow rocky areas (15-30 feet) Actively feeding to build up energy reserves for spawning Becoming more aggressive and territorial near spawning areas	Rocky points and reefs in 15-30 foot depths Steep breaks near spawning areas Boulder-strewn flats adjacent to deep water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Alewife Yellow Perch Small Lake Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Panfish concentrating near structure in mid-depth areas, showing active feeding patterns during warmer winter days Opportunistic foraging behavior with preference for small prey items, moving between depths based on daily temperature changes	Mid-depth areas (10-19 feet) with submerged structure or vegetation Deep basin edges near structure that provide quick access to varying depths Areas with concentrations of baitfish, particularly near bottom structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Minnows Small aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike actively following perch schools in 4-12 foot range, with increased activity during low-light periods Utilizing ledges and drop-offs as ambush points, particularly where these features intersect with perch migration routes	Drop-offs and ledges in 4-12 foot range where perch schools congregate Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water, especially near remaining vegetation Areas with good depth variation that provide ambush opportunities	Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits Live Bait Rigs using large minnows near structure	Perch schools in mid-depth ranges Suspended baitfish near structure Lingering bluegill in remaining vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-42	Walleye are concentrating near deeper structure, actively feeding during low-light periods with some daytime activity due to turbid conditions Fish are relating to transitions between rock piles and adjacent deeper water, particularly around the 15-25 foot depth range	Deep rock piles adjacent to ledges and drop-offs in 15-25 foot range Deep weed edges where vegetation meets hard bottom transitions Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch schooling near deep structure Small baitfish (alewife and minnows) suspended near structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch are schooling in moderate depths of 4-12 feet, relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges and drop-offs in turbid conditions Feeding activity is concentrated in areas with good light penetration due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi) Schools are actively feeding on small minnows and other forage fish near vegetative cover	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-12 foot depth range Drop-offs adjacent to vegetated flats Rock piles and ledges near depth transitions	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near structure	Minnows Small bluegill Alewife	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Drum	38-45	Drum are schooling in deeper water near bottom structure, focusing on ledges and rock piles in 20-30 foot depths Feeding activity is more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish tightly grouped near hard-bottom areas	Deep rock piles and humps in 20-30 foot range, especially those near depth transitions Steep ledges adjacent to deeper wintering holes Hard-bottom areas near deep basin edges where forage concentrates	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs maintaining bottom contact Spoons worked slowly just off bottom in a flutter presentation	Bottom-dwelling crayfish in dormant winter state Schooled bluegill near deep structure Concentrated schools of alewife in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Trout	38-45	Trout are actively feeding in low light conditions, primarily targeting schools of minnows and alewife in the upper water column Fish are holding near structure (laydowns and vegetation) for ambush points in the turbid conditions Movement patterns show preference for areas with current or oxygen-rich water due to open water winter conditions	Deeper coves with submerged vegetation and woody structure Points and irregular shoreline features where current creates oxygen-rich zones Areas with concentrations of baitfish schools in 5-15 foot depth range	Inline Spinners worked slowly through baitfish schools Trolling Shallow (0-9') near structure and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve	Minnows in large schools Alewife concentrations Small perch near structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Lake Trout	38-45	Lake trout actively feeding on pelagic baitfish (alewife) in mid-water columns, with increased activity during low light periods due to turbid conditions Fish suspending near structure and thermocline edges, making vertical movements to feed on concentrated baitfish schools	Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 40-50 foot range Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to deep water Humps and underwater points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Spoons Live Bait Rigs	Alewife schools suspended in the water column Yellow Perch near structure Various small baitfish species	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Panfish are actively feeding on small forage in 5-10 foot depth ranges near drop-offs and submerged vegetation Due to turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi), fish are concentrating in shallower areas where light penetration is sufficient	Drop-offs adjacent to submerged vegetation in 5-10 foot range Protected coves with remaining vegetation Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs - small tungsten jigs worked slowly Ice Fishing Spoons - small flash spoons for active fish	Small Minnows Aquatic Insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike actively following perch schools in 4-12 foot depth range, utilizing drop-offs and transition areas as ambush points Most active during mid-morning and late afternoon periods when perch schools are feeding	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 6-8 foot range near drop-offs Secondary breaks and ledges in 8-12 foot range where perch schools concentrate Shallow bays with remaining green weeds in 4-6 foot range	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large minnows positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	Yellow Perch schools in 4-12 foot range Bluegills concentrated near remaining green weeds Small suckers along bottom transitions	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrate in moderately deep basins (15-25 feet) near structure and move shallower during prime feeding periods Fish are most active during early morning and late afternoon, with a strong preference for areas near rock piles and weed edge transitions	Deep rock piles adjacent to basin areas (15-25 feet) Transition areas where weed edges meet deeper water Submerged points and ledges with access to deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding periods	Perch schooling near bottom structure Small minnows concentrated around weed edges Bluegills holding in deeper weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Schools of perch concentrate in deeper basins and along vegetation edges near drop-offs, typically moving in larger groups during winter Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during prime morning and evening periods, with less aggressive but consistent feeding throughout the day	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range Drop-off edges where vegetation meets deeper water Rock piles and ledges in 6-10 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and tipped with live bait Ice Fishing Spoons jigged aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live minnows	Small minnows and young-of-year fish Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation edges Young bluegill in and around remaining green vegetation	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Trout	34-39	Trout become less active but still feed regularly, concentrating in areas with consistent oxygen levels and moderate depths Most active during early morning and late afternoon, following baitfish schools in areas of reduced light penetration	Areas near submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depths where oxygen levels remain stable Shallow bays with woody structure where baitfish concentrate Mid-depth flats adjacent to deeper water where schools of alewife gather	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Spoons with flash and vibration for attracting fish in low visibility Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths with live bait for passive fishing	Alewife schools concentrating in mid-depth areas Small minnows gathering near vegetation edges Young-of-year perch in protected areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Lake Trout	34-39	Lake trout become less active but still feed regularly, concentrating near bottom structure in 30-50 foot depths Most active during early morning and late afternoon, following schools of alewife and other baitfish Prefer to stay close to structure like rock piles and ledges that provide ambush points for feeding	Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 30-50 foot range Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to deeper water Deep humps and underwater points with access to baitfish schools	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by pauses Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths with live bait	Alewife schools suspended in deeper water Yellow Perch near structure Various smaller baitfish species concentrated near bottom structure	Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Muskegon Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder areas, especially those adjacent to spawning flats	Bridge areas with current flow concentrating baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected bays and coves with hard bottom in 3-6 foot depth range	Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats, especially near points and breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and backwater areas with emerging vegetation	Transitional areas between deep winter holes and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and rocky areas in 8-15 foot depths, particularly those near spawning areas	Shallow ledges and drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and transitions adjacent to hard bottom areas in 4-12 foot depths	Rock piles and ledges near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range where fish stage during pre-spawn	Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Shallow coves and points with submerged vegetation where water warms first	Woody structure near shoreline areas providing ambush points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-30 foot depths	Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and bridge areas with hard bottom in 2-6 foot depths	Protected coves with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Docks with hard bottom in 3-6 feet of water, especially those in protected bays	Rocky points and rock piles in shallow water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Shoreline areas with submerged vegetation in 3-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water drop-offs
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky shorelines and points in 4-12ft depth range	Tributary mouths and incoming water sources
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow rock piles and ledges in 4-8 feet of water, especially near vegetative edges	Protected coves with firm bottom and scattered vegetation in 3-6 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Rock piles and hard bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Transition areas where rock meets softer bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Rocky points and gravelly shorelines in 2-8 foot depth range	Areas near submerged vegetation that provide cover and spawning habitat
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rocky points and boulder-strewn areas in 15-30 foot depths	Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation (validated by recent success with 7 fish including two 4-pounders)	Secondary points near spawning areas with rock or hard bottom structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and shoals in 5-15 feet of water	Wind-blown shorelines with hard bottom structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-10 foot depth range	Protected coves with emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 6-8 foot range where vegetation is beginning to grow	Points and shallow bays adjacent to deeper water, especially those with scattered vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 8-15 foot depths	Rocky points and transitions near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and patches in 4-8 feet of water	Rock piles and ledges adjacent to spawning areas in 6-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Rock piles and hard-bottom areas in 10-20 foot depth range	Transition areas where depth changes meet hard structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Submerged vegetation edges near shoreline points and coves where baitfish congregate	Laydown areas providing cover and ambush points in 5-15 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Rock piles and boulder areas transitioning to deeper water in 20-35 foot range	Main lake points and steep breaks near spawning areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged weed lines and grass beds, particularly edges and openings	Drop-offs and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in 3-6 foot depth range, especially those with direct access to deeper water	Wind-blown rocky points and shoals where baitfish concentrate
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and pockets in 5-10 foot depth range	Protected coves with submerged vegetation
Summer	Northern Pike	Scattered weed beds in 6-8 foot depth range with good ambush points	Weed edges where 6-foot shallow weeds meet deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges and adjacent drop-offs in 15-20ft range where cooler water meets structure	Rock piles and humps in 20ft zones providing thermal refuge and ambush points
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and pockets in 4-12 foot depths	Rock piles and ledges adjacent to vegetation
Summer	Drum	Deep ledges around 20 feet with hard bottom composition	Rock piles and humps near depth transitions
Summer	Trout	Shaded laydowns and woody structure in 5-10 feet of water	Deep water adjacent to shoreline structure providing quick access to cooling refuge
Summer	Lake Trout	Deep humps and ledges in 50 foot water where cold water refuges exist	Rock piles and boulder areas near deep water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	20-foot humps surrounded by deeper 50-foot water	Submerged vegetation edges near deep water access
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock piles, especially wind-blown areas	Shallow rocky flats adjacent to deep water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of submerged weed beds in 5-10 foot depth range	Protected coves with remaining vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges and dying vegetation in 6-8 foot range where baitfish are congregating	Points and ledges adjacent to deep water, especially where they intersect with weed edges
Fall	Walleye	Rock piles in mid-depth ranges (10-19 feet), confirmed by recent fishing success	Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to rock structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs in 8-12 feet of water	Rock piles and ledges near vegetation in 6-10 feet
Fall	Drum	Deep rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot range	Transition areas where hard bottom meets softer substrate
Fall	Trout	Laydowns and submerged vegetation in 5-15 foot depths, especially near points and coves	Drop-offs and transitions near shoreline structure where baitfish schools congregate
Fall	Lake Trout	Rocky points and reefs in 15-30 foot depths	Steep breaks near spawning areas
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Mid-depth areas (10-19 feet) with submerged structure or vegetation	Deep basin edges near structure that provide quick access to varying depths
Winter	Northern Pike	Drop-offs and ledges in 4-12 foot range where perch schools congregate	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water, especially near remaining vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles adjacent to ledges and drop-offs in 15-25 foot range	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets hard bottom transitions
Winter	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-12 foot depth range	Drop-offs adjacent to vegetated flats
Winter	Drum	Deep rock piles and humps in 20-30 foot range, especially those near depth transitions	Steep ledges adjacent to deeper wintering holes
Winter	Trout	Deeper coves with submerged vegetation and woody structure	Points and irregular shoreline features where current creates oxygen-rich zones
Winter	Lake Trout	Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 40-50 foot range	Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to deep water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Drop-offs adjacent to submerged vegetation in 5-10 foot range	Protected coves with remaining vegetation
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges and scattered vegetation in 6-8 foot range near drop-offs	Secondary breaks and ledges in 8-12 foot range where perch schools concentrate
Ice	Walleye	Deep rock piles adjacent to basin areas (15-25 feet)	Transition areas where weed edges meet deeper water
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Drop-off edges where vegetation meets deeper water
Ice	Trout	Areas near submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depths where oxygen levels remain stable	Shallow bays with woody structure where baitfish concentrate
Ice	Lake Trout	Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 30-50 foot range	Steep breaks and ledges adjacent to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Alewife schooling in current areas and around structure	Perch relating to rock piles and vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Alewife schools staging near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Young-of-year minnows congregating in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch schools transitioning from winter patterns	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small minnows in shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Crayfish becoming more active on hard bottom areas	Bluegill concentrating near structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Minnows	Alewife
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Alewife schools transitioning to shallower water	Yellow Perch around structure
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas	Small baitfish relating to dock areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near vegetation	Tiny minnows in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch schools transitioning from winter to spring patterns	Early season bluegills moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows congregating near spawning areas	Perch in shallow feeding zones
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in spawning areas	Aquatic insects becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Crayfish emerging from winter haunts	Small bluegills near structure
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Minnows	Alewife
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Alewife schools in transitional areas	Yellow Perch around structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas around docks	Shad moving along vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Alewife schools in wind-blown areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating near emerging weed growth	Perch schools moving along depth transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in emerging weed beds	Small minnows along rocky transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish gathering in warming shallows	Aquatic insects emerging in vegetation zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Crayfish emerging in warming waters	Bottom-dwelling mollusks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Minnows	Alewife
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Alewife schools congregating near temperature breaks	Yellow Perch around rocky structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, primarily around vegetation and dock areas	Alewife, particularly along deeper ledges and drop-offs
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife schooling in shallow water	Crawfish active on rocky structure
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill in and around weed beds	Young-of-year baitfish in scattered weeds
Summer	Walleye	Perch concentrating near weed edges and rock piles	Alewife schooling in open water near thermocline
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish (particularly alewife)	Aquatic insects in vegetation
Summer	Drum	Bluegill	Mollusks and crayfish on hard bottom areas
Summer	Trout	Minnows	Alewife
Summer	Lake Trout	Alewife schools in open water	Yellow Perch near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows/Shad schools	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Alewife schools concentrated by wind and temperature changes	Crawfish still active on hard bottom areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows and baitfish	Aquatic insects
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating near remaining weed beds	Perch schools moving along depth transitions
Fall	Walleye	Perch concentrating near rock structures	Alewife schools in open water adjacent to structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile bluegill	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation
Fall	Drum	Crayfish on hard bottom areas	Bluegill concentrating near structure
Fall	Trout	Alewife schools moving through the water column	Minnows congregating around structure and vegetation
Fall	Lake Trout	Alewife	Yellow Perch
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows	Small aquatic insects
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch schools in mid-depth ranges	Suspended baitfish near structure
Winter	Walleye	Perch schooling near deep structure	Small baitfish (alewife and minnows) suspended near structure
Winter	Yellow Perch	Minnows	Small bluegill
Winter	Drum	Bottom-dwelling crayfish in dormant winter state	Schooled bluegill near deep structure
Winter	Trout	Minnows in large schools	Alewife concentrations
Winter	Lake Trout	Alewife schools suspended in the water column	Yellow Perch near structure
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small Minnows	Aquatic Insects
Ice	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch schools in 4-12 foot range	Bluegills concentrated near remaining green weeds
Ice	Walleye	Perch schooling near bottom structure	Small minnows concentrated around weed edges
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation edges
Ice	Trout	Alewife schools concentrating in mid-depth areas	Small minnows gathering near vegetation edges
Ice	Lake Trout	Alewife schools suspended in deeper water	Yellow Perch near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Muskegon Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Drum	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Lake Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Lake Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Drum	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Lake Trout	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Lake Trout	Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors