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Nest Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Nest Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Fish are moving from winter depths to warming shallows, staging near spawning areas but not yet on beds Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer afternoons Transitioning between deep weed edges and shallow flats as water temperatures fluctuate	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet transitioning to spawning flats Secondary points with access to both deep and shallow water Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through transitional areas Bladed Jigs around emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses for cold fronts	Bluegill in and around vegetation edges Small baitfish schools in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Pre-spawn smallmouth are transitioning from winter depths to staging areas near spawning flats, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are feeding opportunistically but not aggressively, often suspending near structure and moving up during warmer parts of the day	Rock and gravel areas in 4-6' along east shoreline that will warm first Transition areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats in 8-12' range Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas Ned Rigs worked methodically around structure	Bluegill in and around vegetation edges Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas Small baitfish in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, making frequent moves between shallow warming bays and adjacent deeper water Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak feeding periods during mid-morning and late afternoon	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially areas near deeper water access Dark bottom areas that warm faster, particularly those adjacent to spawning habitat Transition areas between shallow flats and the 8-12 foot weed edge	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along emerging weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds near structure transitions Live Bait Rigs positioned near staging areas	Bluegills concentrated in warming shallow areas Small pike and other baitfish gathering in pre-spawn locations Perch moving along weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish transitioning from pre-spawn staging areas to shallow spawning flats, with males preparing and guarding nests while females move in and out of spawning areas Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, particularly from males defending against bluegill and other nest predators Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, then becomes more defensive during actual spawning	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near lily pad stems and matted grass areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water access	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible spawning areas and emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning flats Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and working shallow areas	Bluegill concentrating in spawning areas Small crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, establishing nests in hard-bottom areas with nearby deeper water access. Males are aggressively guarding nests in 4-6 feet of water, particularly on the east shoreline's rock and gravel areas Fish are more structure-oriented due to turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi), using visible structure as reference points for nest location and defense	Rock and gravel areas along east shoreline in 4-6 feet of water Hard bottom areas adjacent to vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range Protected bays and points with gradual slopes to deeper water	Tubes worked slowly along bottom in spawning areas Ned Rigs with subtle presentations near visible structure Drop Shot with small profile baits for sight fishing spawning bass	Bluegill moving into spawning areas Smaller crayfish becoming active in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Post-winter pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwaters for spawning, with increased feeding activity before and after spawn Fish utilizing lily pad stems and matted grass in 2-6 foot depths for spawning habitat and early season ambush points	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and lily pad stems Dark bottom areas near shoreline rock/gravel transitions Protected coves with developing weed growth	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs positioned along weed edges	Shallow water bluegills concentrating near developing weed growth Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, targeting bluegills around shallow vegetation Fish are staging between spawning areas and early summer habitat, making short movements to feed	Edges of lily pads near recent spawning beds Shallow vegetation zones in 3-6 foot depth range Secondary points with emerging vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked slowly across pad edges Swim Jigs mimicking bluegill around vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in gaps between pads	Bluegill Young of year baitfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding post-spawn smallmouth transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, utilizing rock-gravel transitions and vegetation edges Fish are aggressive but may shift locations throughout the day, following bluegill movements and responding to daily temperature changes	Rock and gravel areas in 4-6' of water along east shoreline Vegetation edges in 8-12' depth range Points and irregular shoreline features near deeper water access	Swim Jigs worked along vegetation edges and through transition zones Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through rock and gravel areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure	Bluegill concentrated around hard structure and vegetation Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow zones Crayfish active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Actively feeding in shallow vegetation and near spawning areas, with increased hunting activity along weed edges and points Moving between shallow cover and slightly deeper transition areas (8-12 feet) as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Shallow weed edges and lily pad fields in 3-6 foot depths Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning bays Dark bottom areas and rock/gravel transitions in 8-12 foot depths	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near cover transitions Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow feeding areas	Bluegills concentrated in shallow vegetation Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows Post-spawn baitfish recovering in transitional depths	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are actively feeding in and around shallow vegetation, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are utilizing both shallow pad fields (0-4ft) and deeper weed edges (10-12ft) as daily temperature changes occur Aggressive topwater feeding behavior observed, especially around matted grass and lily pad edges	Lily pad fields and matted grass in 0-4 feet of water Weed edges in 10-12 foot depth range Sparse grass areas where buzzbaits can be effectively worked	Frogs/Toads worked over lily pads and matted vegetation Buzzbaits worked through sparse grass areas Texas Rigs dragged along deep weed edges	Bluegill in shallow vegetation Crawfish along weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding on rocky areas and transition zones, particularly during early morning and evening hours Utilizing shallow rock and gravel areas (4-6 feet) as primary feeding zones due to limited water clarity Moving between shallow structure and nearby deeper water based on light conditions and temperature	Dark spots (rock/gravel patches) in 4-6' of water along east shoreline Transition zones between vegetation and hard bottom areas Points and irregular shoreline features with boulder/rock structure	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around rock patches and transitions Ned Rigs dragged along hard bottom areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations in slightly deeper adjacent areas	Crayfish in rocky areas Bluegill around structure Small baitfish along vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-82	Pike are actively patrolling weed edges at 8-12 feet, making frequent forays into shallower vegetation to ambush prey During early morning and evening, pike move into matted grass and lily pad areas to feed aggressively on bluegills In midday heat, pike position along deeper weed edges, utilizing the vegetation for cover while maintaining access to cooler water	Weed edges at 8-12 foot depth contours, especially near points or irregular shoreline features Lily pad fields and matted grass in shallow water, particularly during low-light periods Rock/gravel areas adjacent to vegetation where baitfish concentrate	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation during morning/evening periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along deeper weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved through gaps in vegetation	Bluegills concentrated in and around vegetation Young-of-year panfish in shallow areas Baitfish schools along hard-bottom areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Nest Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Largemouth bass actively transitioning to deeper structure (8-10 feet) as vegetation dies off, focusing on remaining green vegetation for feeding Feeding patterns become more concentrated during daylight hours, with fish relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges	Submerged vegetation in 8-10 feet of water Deep weed edges near points and coves Transitions between shallow flats and deeper structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly through vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) for weedless presentations Drop Shot along deep weed edges	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Young of year baitfish schooling near vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding and following baitfish schools, particularly bluegill, as they prepare for winter. More aggressive feeding during low-light periods. Moving between shallow rocky areas and deeper structure, with increased activity around wind-blown points and rocky transitions.	Rocky points and transitions in 8-12 foot range near deep water access Hard bottom areas with rock and gravel in 4-6 foot range along east shoreline Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range where it meets harder bottom	Blade Baits worked with aggressive hops near bottom in deeper zones Spinnerbaits worked parallel to wind-blown structure Drop Shot with subtle presentations around deeper structure	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Small baitfish schools in open water near structure Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	45-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting larger prey items Fish are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper structure, particularly during mid-day periods	Deep weed edges at 8-12 foot depths where vegetation meets harder bottom Dark spots and rock/gravel areas along shoreline where baitfish congregate Points and irregular shoreline features near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges during low light periods	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation Various baitfish schools moving along structure edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike are concentrating near remaining green weeds at 8-12 foot depths, actively feeding during low-light periods Fish are following schools of panfish along weed edges and transitional areas between vegetation and hard bottom	Deep weed edges at 8-12 feet adjacent to rock/gravel areas Transition zones between matted grass and hard bottom areas Dark spots near shoreline structure where baitfish congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved with a slow, steady cadence near vegetation Lipless Crankbaits worked through transitional areas between weeds and hard bottom	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation Various panfish species schooling along weed edges Juvenile fish utilizing rock/gravel areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become less active but maintain feeding periods, typically during mid-morning and late afternoon, concentrating near remaining green weeds and structure that holds baitfish Fish tend to school more during ice season, with larger specimens often found near the edges of panfish concentrations	Weed edges at 8-12 foot depths where vegetation remains green Dark spots and rock/gravel areas that attract baitfish schools Transition areas between matted grass and deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Bluegills concentrating in remaining weed growth Small baitfish schooling near structure Juvenile perch in and around weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Nest Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet transitioning to spawning flats	Secondary points with access to both deep and shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock and gravel areas in 4-6' along east shoreline that will warm first	Transition areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats in 8-12' range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially areas near deeper water access	Dark bottom areas that warm faster, particularly those adjacent to spawning habitat
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom near lily pad stems and matted grass areas	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock and gravel areas along east shoreline in 4-6 feet of water	Hard bottom areas adjacent to vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and lily pad stems	Dark bottom areas near shoreline rock/gravel transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Edges of lily pads near recent spawning beds	Shallow vegetation zones in 3-6 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock and gravel areas in 4-6' of water along east shoreline	Vegetation edges in 8-12' depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed edges and lily pad fields in 3-6 foot depths	Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to spawning bays
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields and matted grass in 0-4 feet of water	Weed edges in 10-12 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dark spots (rock/gravel patches) in 4-6' of water along east shoreline	Transition zones between vegetation and hard bottom areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges at 8-12 foot depth contours, especially near points or irregular shoreline features	Lily pad fields and matted grass in shallow water, particularly during low-light periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation in 8-10 feet of water	Deep weed edges near points and coves
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transitions in 8-12 foot range near deep water access	Hard bottom areas with rock and gravel in 4-6 foot range along east shoreline
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges at 8-12 foot depths where vegetation meets harder bottom	Dark spots and rock/gravel areas along shoreline where baitfish congregate
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges at 8-12 feet adjacent to rock/gravel areas	Transition zones between matted grass and hard bottom areas
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges at 8-12 foot depths where vegetation remains green	Dark spots and rock/gravel areas that attract baitfish schools

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation edges	Small baitfish schools in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation edges	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in warming shallow areas	Small pike and other baitfish gathering in pre-spawn locations
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in spawning areas	Small crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill moving into spawning areas	Smaller crayfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow water bluegills concentrating near developing weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around hard structure and vegetation	Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in shallow vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow vegetation	Crawfish along weed edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish in rocky areas	Bluegill around structure
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in and around vegetation	Young-of-year panfish in shallow areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Young of year baitfish schooling near vegetation edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Small baitfish schools in open water near structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation	Various baitfish schools moving along structure edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation	Various panfish species schooling along weed edges
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrating in remaining weed growth	Small baitfish schooling near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Nest Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

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