How to Fish New Bullards Bar Reservoir

New Bullards Bar Reservoir fishing FAQ

How do you catch Spotted Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-64°F. Spotted bass are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves. Fish are showing moderate aggression, responding to both power fishing and finesse presentations as evidenced by recent fishing reports. Fish are utilizing multiple depth ranges, from shallow areas (2-6 feet) to deeper staging zones (13+ feet), making daily movements based on temperature and sunlight Key locations: Main lake points, particularly those with access to deeper water, as confirmed by multiple recent fishing reports; Rocky ledges transitioning from shallow to deep water; Tree-covered coves, especially those offering pre-spawn staging areas. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+), which proved highly effective in recent 52-degree water conditions, Texas Rigs (Worming) worked with a slow, twitchy retrieve in shallow water, Neko Rigs, which have shown success during tougher bite periods. Primary forage: Bluegill, as specifically noted in recent fishing reports, Kokanee salmon, which are present in the lake system based on profile inferences. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively seeking warmer water in preparation for spawning Feeding becomes more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with fish moving up in the water column during warm afternoons Key locations: Rocky points and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range that transition to spawning flats; Secondary points with deep water access in protected coves; Steep rocky banks that receive afternoon sun exposure. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly along rocky structure, Ned Rigs dragged through transition areas, Shakey Heads worked along points and ledges. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Juvenile Kokanee in deeper water, Small baitfish moving into warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Spotted bass transitioning into spawning patterns, staging on points and moving into protected coves for spawning Fish actively feeding during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods, particularly on the uplake sides of points Key locations: Points adjacent to spawning coves, especially on the uplake side; Protected coves with laydown wood structure; Main lake points with access to deep water. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around laydowns and points, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on main lake points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for targeting bigger fish. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in warming water, Kokanee salmon in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Smallmouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-12 feet) near rocky points and boulder fields, becoming territorial and aggressive in protecting nesting sites Males staging on pre-spawn areas adjacent to spawning flats, with frequent movement between deeper staging areas and shallow nesting sites Key locations: Rocky points and boulder fields in 2-12 foot depth range with nearby deep water access; Protected shallow bays with gravel or rocky bottom composition; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper staging locations in 15-25 foot range. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas and potential nest sites, Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near staging areas, Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to trigger territorial responses. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish moving into shallow warming waters, Juvenile Kokanee in deeper staging areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-66°F. Spotted bass are transitioning from spawning areas to summer patterns, actively feeding on points and drop-offs to recover energy Fish are utilizing multiple depth ranges throughout the day, following baitfish and responding to warming temperatures Key locations: Boulder fields and drop-offs in 7-12 foot range; Ledges and shelf areas with access to deeper water; Main lake points with rock structure. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Worming) with 3/8 oz tungsten weight worked slowly along structure, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to ledges and drop-offs, Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near structure. Primary forage: Kokanee salmon, Bluegill. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between 20-40 foot depths during the day and shallower areas during dawn/dusk feeding periods Key locations: Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats in 15-25 foot depths; Deep ledges and drop-offs near shoreline structure in 20-40 foot range; Secondary points with boulder transitions leading to deeper water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along rocky structure, Tubes dragged and hopped through boulder fields, Ned Rigs worked methodically on points and transitions. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Small kokanee in deeper water columns, Juvenile baitfish beginning to school. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 70-83°F. Spotted bass are actively feeding on kokanee in deeper water during hot summer conditions, showing strong preference for drop shot and Texas rig presentations Fish are holding on hard structure (boulders, points, ledges) and responding well to slow, deliberate presentations in 70-83°F water Key locations: Boulder fields in 10-20 foot depth range; Main lake points, especially in areas with access to deep water; Ledges adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with flutter-style baits worked slowly, Texas Rigs (Worming) with finesse worms worked through rocks, Ned Rigs bounced along bottom structure. Primary forage: Kokanee Salmon, Smaller baitfish. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 75-83°F. Fish are moving deeper during hot midday periods (100+ degree days), actively feeding early morning and late evening Holding tight to submerged boulders and ledges in 10-30 foot depth range, seeking cooler water and ambush points Key locations: Deep submerged boulder fields in 10-30 foot range; Main lake points and ledges with access to deep water; Rocky structure near kokanee schools. Best techniques: Carolina Rigs worked slowly along deep boulder edges, Drop Shot with finesse presentations in clear water, Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) early and late in day. Primary forage: Kokanee, Crawfish in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 68-75°F. Spotted bass are actively feeding on primary points and submerged shelves, especially during wind-driven conditions Fish are showing clear depth transitions, utilizing both shallow ledges and deep water (30-40 feet) structure Precision-oriented feeding behavior observed, with fish keying on specific structural edges and transitions Key locations: Submerged shelves and ledges with shade pockets; Extended main lake points in 30-40 foot range; Rocky transition areas between shallow and deep water. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Worming) with precise flipping to structure edges, Shakey Heads worked slowly in deeper water, Drop Shot for suspended fish near structure. Primary forage: Kokanee Salmon, Pelagic Baitfish. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and focusing on deep structure transitions Fish are making predictable movements between deep main lake points and adjacent feeding flats, especially during morning and evening periods Key locations: Deep main lake points with boulder fields in 20-40 foot range; Rocky ledges and drop-offs adjacent to feeding flats; Steep shoreline transitions where deep water meets rocky structure. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly along deep structure, Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish, Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom transitions. Primary forage: Kokanee schools suspending over deep structure, Crawfish in rocky areas, Small baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 43-58°F. Fish are holding in deeper water (20-50 feet) near points and rock structures, requiring slow, methodical presentations Spotted bass are suspending at varying depths throughout the day, with more active feeding during warmer periods Fish showing subtle bites and decreased aggression due to colder water temperatures Key locations: Main lake points in 20-45 feet of water, especially those with rock structure; Submerged rock piles and boulder fields in deep water; Secondary points and deeper transition areas near creek channels. Best techniques: Drop Shot with slow, subtle movements and extended pauses, Texas Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure in deep water, Spybaits for suspended fish when actively feeding. Primary forage: Minnows in deeper water, Shad suspending near points, Kokanee salmon in open water areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on New Bullards Bar Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 43-52°F. Smallmouth bass are concentrated in deep winter holding areas, typically 20-40 feet deep near rock structure and ledges, moving minimally to conserve energy Feeding windows are short and typically occur during warmer parts of the day, with fish showing preference for slower-moving prey Key locations: Deep rock piles and boulder fields in 20-40 foot range adjacent to steep breaks; Deep main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water; Steep ledges near deep water that offer winter holding areas. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom structure, Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts and drops in deep water, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with measured, deliberate movements. Primary forage: Suspended Kokanee in deeper water columns, Bottom-oriented crawfish seeking shelter in rocky structure, Small baitfish schools congregating near deep structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Natural Craw Colors.