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

Buy 4, Get 1 FREE Frogs, Through 06/30. Save Now

20% Off All St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods, Through 06/28. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Namakan Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Namakan Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes are staging near spawning areas, making daily movements between deeper holding areas and shallow feeding zones Fish become more active during low-light periods, moving shallow to feed on available forage	Rock and gravel shorelines in 4-12 feet of water that will be used for spawning Adjacent drop-offs in 15-25 feet serving as staging areas Wind-blown points and shorelines with good rock-to-sand transitions	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations Live Bait Rigs using minnows near bottom in staging areas Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions	Small Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Juvenile Yellow Perch in shallow rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Fish are staging near spawning areas, using gradual breaks and transitions between shallow and deep water Actively feeding on crawfish in rocky areas during warm spells, particularly during afternoon hours Moving along shoreline areas following the warmest water, especially on wind-blown banks	Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to spawning flats Shallow rock piles in 5-15 foot range near gradual breaks Wind-blown shorelines with rock-to-sand transitions	Blade Baits worked slowly along breaks Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky bottom Ned Rigs worked methodically around rock structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to rocky structure Young of year perch in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-62	Pre-spawn crappies staging in warming bays and moving shallow, particularly active during warming trends and around protected areas with rock piles Transitioning from deeper winter locations to shallower pre-spawn areas, with fish becoming more active as water temperatures rise Feeding patterns increasing in intensity as fish prepare for spawning, with both suspended and structure-oriented behavior	Protected, warming bays with rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning bays, particularly around points and channel swings Brush piles and woody structure in 15-25 foot range near spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small minnows and shiners Early season aquatic insects Young of year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye congregating in shallow spawning areas, typically 2-8 feet deep on hard bottom areas with rock and gravel Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased daytime activity due to moderate water clarity	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in protected bays Shallow rock piles and humps near spawning areas Windswept shorelines with good rock-to-sand transitions	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly over spawning flats	Small Perch Shiners Small Suckers	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas, actively patrolling rocky shorelines and shallow flats for nest sites Fish are aggressive and territorial, defending potential spawning areas and actively feeding on crawfish in the shallows	Rocky shorelines with sand and gravel mix, featuring gradual slopes Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with scattered rock Protected coves and bays with suitable spawning substrate	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') cast parallel to shoreline Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas Ned Rigs dragged through spawning flats	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Crappies are actively moving into warmer back bays and channels, staging near spawning areas around rock piles as water temperatures reach upper 50s Fish are transitioning between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning locations, becoming more active in warmer pockets of water	Warm protected bays with rock piles in 5-15 feet of water Channel entrances leading to spawning bays Secondary points with mixed rock and wood cover near spawning areas	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs suspended at key depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around rock piles and structure Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) in warmer shallow bays	Fathead Minnows Small Shiners Emerging aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	58-72	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting minnows and insects in shallow to moderate depths (5-15 feet) Fish are relating strongly to wind-blown shorelines and structural elements, using these areas as feeding zones during prime periods	Wind-blown shorelines in 5-15 feet of water Rock piles and ledges transitioning from shallow to deeper water Hard-bottom areas near post-spawn migration routes	Live Bait Rigs with spinners trolled at 0.75-1.25 mph using crawlers, leeches, or minnows Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows during lower light periods Trolling Shallow (0-9') along wind-blown structure	Small minnows concentrated along structural elements Aquatic insects emerging in shallow waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Bass are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, utilizing shallow rocky areas for feeding on crawfish during warming conditions Fish are showing aggressive reaction strikes on moving baits along shoreline areas, particularly around rock-to-sand transitions	Shallow rocky shorelines with gradual tapers, especially those adjacent to deeper water Secondary points and ledges near spawning bays Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish and crawfish activity is increased	Bladed Jigs worked along shorelines with varied retrieve speeds Tubes and Ned Rigs dragged slowly on rocky transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to shoreline breaks	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and highly active in rocky areas Small baitfish beginning to school in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspended and actively feeding in the 8-15 foot range Moving between shallow cover and nearby deeper structure, particularly active during morning and evening periods	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with rock piles Suspended near brush piles in 15-20 foot depth Protected coves with emerging weed growth in 8-12 feet	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and shiners Emerging aquatic insects Young of the year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-72	Actively feeding on wind-blown structures, particularly during lower light periods, with strong relationship to rock piles and mid-lake humps Following classic summer pattern with movement between shallow and mid-depth structures based on light conditions and wind	Wind-blown mid-lake humps with rock piles Rocky shoreline points and structures in 5-15 foot range Deep edges of main lake structure transitioning to basin areas	Swim Jigs worked with snap-and-pause retrieve along structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) cast to rock piles Live Bait Rigs trolled at 0.5 mph along structure edges	Minnows congregating around rock structures Juvenile perch in shallow rock areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-78	Actively feeding during early morning hours, especially on calm days, with surface-oriented feeding behavior on reef tops Transitioning to deeper water as sun gets higher, relating to thermocline depth of 15-25 feet Showing strong response to wind-positioning, concentrating near structure where baitfish are pushed	Reefs that top out at 5-10 feet with quick access to deeper water Wind-blown rocky points and structure Deep weed edges adjacent to rock structure	Hard Topwater (Popping) during calm morning conditions Drop Shot along deeper reef edges as sun gets higher Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) when fish are actively chasing baitfish	Minnows/small baitfish particularly around reef tops Crawfish still present but secondary to baitfish in summer pattern	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-78	Crappies are suspending near deeper structure during midday but moving shallower to feed during morning and evening Fish are actively schooling and following baitfish movements, particularly around points and deep weed edges During sunny periods, fish seek shade under docks and brush	Deep weed edges in 15-25 feet of water adjacent to points Suspended over brush piles in 20-30 feet of water Boat docks with good depth (12-20 feet) providing shade	Crappie Spider Rigging around deep weed edges and points Crappie Dock Shooting during bright midday periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are suspended near structure	Small shiners and shad suspended in the water column Juvenile yellow perch around weed edges Various small insects and zooplankton in the upper water column	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Namakan Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water structures, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter. They become more aggressive during low-light periods and overcast days. Fish are relating strongly to wind-driven currents near structural elements, particularly during feeding windows when baitfish are concentrated.	Deep rock piles and humps adjacent to main lake basins (15-25 feet) Wind-blown points and steep breaks near deep water Main lake ledges with access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Tullibees and Ciscoes schooling in deeper water Young-of-year perch moving to deeper structure Shiners congregating near deep rock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish schools in preparation for winter, following forage to deeper structure as water cools Moving between deep main lake points and adjacent flats, especially during wind-driven feeding periods Schooling behavior becomes more prominent, with fish gathering around key structure	Deep main lake points with access to 20-30 foot depths Mid-lake reefs and rock piles in 15-25 foot range Wind-blown shorelines with rocky structure	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) burned through active schools Tubes dragged along rocky structure	Yellow Perch schooling near structure Ciscoes suspended in open water near structure Crawfish (though less active than summer months)	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-58	Crappie are schooling in deep water around 30 feet, showing as distinct groups on sonar, transitioning to winter locations Feeding activity is becoming more concentrated over soft bottom areas, with fish suspending near brush piles	Brush piles in 25-35 feet of water over soft bottom areas Deep basin edges near primary points Deeper suspended schools in open water near structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with slow, controlled presentations Lipless Crankbaits worked vertically with subtle movements Hover/Mid-Strolling when fish are suspended near structure	Insects, particularly suspended in deeper water columns Small baitfish schooling near brush piles	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye are schooling tightly in late fall/early winter, following classic deep water patterns Fish are actively feeding during low-light periods, especially near dawn and dusk, taking advantage of the moderate water clarity	Deep rock piles and humps in 20-35 foot range Sharp breaks and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats Deep main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Damiki Rig	Tullibees Perch Small Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are concentrating in deeper water, typically suspending near or relating to structure in 25-35 foot ranges Fish are schooling more tightly in winter and feeding less aggressively, with prime feeding windows during early morning and late afternoon	Deep brush piles and woody structure in 25-35 foot ranges Basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and deeper creek channels Suspended schools over deeper water near primary structural elements	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Small shiner minnows Suspended micro plankton Small aquatic insects	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-42	Walleye concentrate on mid-lake humps and deep structural elements, moving between varying depths based on light conditions and forage movement Most active feeding occurs during dawn and dusk periods, with a tendency to suspend near bottom structure during midday	Rock piles and humps in 20-30 foot depth range Deep ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats Main lake points with access to deep water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom structure Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from greater distances Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to intercept active fish	Perch concentrating near bottom structure Ciscoes suspended in deeper water columns Small whitefish relating to deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are congregating in deeper basins near woody structure, typically suspended 1-3 feet off bottom in 25-35 foot depths Feeding activity is most pronounced during dawn and dusk periods, with fish becoming more active on stable weather days	Deep water brush piles in 25-35 foot ranges, especially those near channel bends or basin edges Steep breaks near deep bays where summer-to-winter migration routes intersect Secondary points with access to deep water that feature submerged wood	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above suspended fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern suspended fish	Small minnows, particularly shiners in the 1-2 inch range Suspended micro invertebrates Small perch fry	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Namakan Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock and gravel shorelines in 4-12 feet of water that will be used for spawning	Adjacent drop-offs in 15-25 feet serving as staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow rock piles in 5-15 foot range near gradual breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Protected, warming bays with rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range	Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning bays, particularly around points and channel swings
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in protected bays	Shallow rock piles and humps near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky shorelines with sand and gravel mix, featuring gradual slopes	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with scattered rock
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Warm protected bays with rock piles in 5-15 feet of water	Channel entrances leading to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Wind-blown shorelines in 5-15 feet of water	Rock piles and ledges transitioning from shallow to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow rocky shorelines with gradual tapers, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Secondary points and ledges near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with rock piles	Suspended near brush piles in 15-20 foot depth
Summer	Walleye	Wind-blown mid-lake humps with rock piles	Rocky shoreline points and structures in 5-15 foot range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Reefs that top out at 5-10 feet with quick access to deeper water	Wind-blown rocky points and structure
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 15-25 feet of water adjacent to points	Suspended over brush piles in 20-30 feet of water
Fall	Walleye	Deep rock piles and humps adjacent to main lake basins (15-25 feet)	Wind-blown points and steep breaks near deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake points with access to 20-30 foot depths	Mid-lake reefs and rock piles in 15-25 foot range
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles in 25-35 feet of water over soft bottom areas	Deep basin edges near primary points
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and humps in 20-35 foot range	Sharp breaks and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and woody structure in 25-35 foot ranges	Basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and deeper creek channels
Ice	Walleye	Rock piles and humps in 20-30 foot depth range	Deep ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
Ice	Crappie	Deep water brush piles in 25-35 foot ranges, especially those near channel bends or basin edges	Steep breaks near deep bays where summer-to-winter migration routes intersect

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Juvenile Yellow Perch in shallow rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and shiners	Early season aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small Perch	Shiners
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Fathead Minnows	Small Shiners
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows concentrated along structural elements	Aquatic insects emerging in shallow waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and highly active in rocky areas	Small baitfish beginning to school in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and shiners	Emerging aquatic insects
Summer	Walleye	Minnows congregating around rock structures	Juvenile perch in shallow rock areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows/small baitfish particularly around reef tops	Crawfish still present but secondary to baitfish in summer pattern
Summer	Crappie	Small shiners and shad suspended in the water column	Juvenile yellow perch around weed edges
Fall	Walleye	Tullibees and Ciscoes schooling in deeper water	Young-of-year perch moving to deeper structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling near structure	Ciscoes suspended in open water near structure
Fall	Crappie	Insects, particularly suspended in deeper water columns	Small baitfish schooling near brush piles
Winter	Walleye	Tullibees	Perch
Winter	Crappie	Small shiner minnows	Suspended micro plankton
Ice	Walleye	Perch concentrating near bottom structure	Ciscoes suspended in deeper water columns
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows, particularly shiners in the 1-2 inch range	Suspended micro invertebrates

Bait Colors by Season for Namakan Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order

Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.
Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area.

© 2025 Omnia Fishing Inc. All Rights Reserved

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy