How to Fish Nest Lake

Nest Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nest Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-60°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through transitional areas, Bladed Jigs around emerging vegetation, Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses for cold fronts. Primary forage: Bluegill in and around vegetation edges, Small baitfish schools in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Nest Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions, Tubes dragged and hopped on hard bottom areas, Ned Rigs worked methodically around structure. Primary forage: Bluegill in and around vegetation edges, Crawfish becoming more active on rocky areas, Small baitfish in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-48°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegills concentrated in warming shallow areas, Small pike and other baitfish gathering in pre-spawn locations, Perch moving along weed edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nest Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating in spawning areas, Small crawfish becoming active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Nest Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegill moving into spawning areas, Smaller crayfish becoming active in rocky areas, Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 38-52°F. 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 Key locations: Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and lily pad stems; Dark bottom areas near shoreline rock/gravel transitions; Protected coves with developing weed growth. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas, Live Bait Rigs positioned along weed edges. Primary forage: Shallow water bluegills concentrating near developing weed growth, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nest Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 68-75°F. 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 Key locations: Edges of lily pads near recent spawning beds; Shallow vegetation zones in 3-6 foot depth range; Secondary points with emerging vegetation. Best techniques: Frogs/Toads worked slowly across pad edges, Swim Jigs mimicking bluegill around vegetation, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in gaps between pads. Primary forage: Bluegill, Young of year baitfish. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Nest Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrated around hard structure and vegetation, Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallow zones, Crayfish active in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegills concentrated in shallow vegetation, Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows, Post-spawn baitfish recovering in transitional depths. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nest Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Frogs/Toads worked over lily pads and matted vegetation, Buzzbaits worked through sparse grass areas, Texas Rigs dragged along deep weed edges. Primary forage: Bluegill in shallow vegetation, Crawfish along weed edges. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Nest Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Crayfish in rocky areas, Bluegill around structure, Small baitfish along vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegills concentrated in and around vegetation, Young-of-year panfish in shallow areas, Baitfish schools along hard-bottom areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nest Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. 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 Key locations: Submerged vegetation in 8-10 feet of water; Deep weed edges near points and coves; Transitions between shallow flats and deeper structure. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly through vegetation, Texas Rigs (Worming) for weedless presentations, Drop Shot along deep weed edges. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation, Young of year baitfish schooling near vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Nest Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. 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. Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation, Small baitfish schools in open water near structure, Crawfish active on hard bottom areas. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Fall?

Water temp 45-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation, Various baitfish schools moving along structure edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Winter?

Water temp 42-52°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation, Various panfish species schooling along weed edges, Juvenile fish utilizing rock/gravel areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Northern Pike on Nest Lake in Ice?

Water temp 33-39°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Bluegills concentrating in remaining weed growth, Small baitfish schooling near structure, Juvenile perch in and around weed edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.