How to Fish Nickajack Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Nickajack Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Nickajack Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass transitioning to spawning areas, actively staging near shallow flats and making beds in 3-5 foot range as evidenced by recent reports Increased feeding activity as fish prepare for spawn, with movement patterns influenced by wind and weather conditions	Protected shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot range Dock areas providing wind protection and staging areas Areas with submerged stumps in pre-spawn transition zones	Bladed Jigs around submerged vegetation and stumps Lipless Crankbaits worked through vegetation Ned Rigs near dock areas and protected zones	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - becoming active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Striped bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are following shad schools in mid-depth ranges, making frequent moves to shallower water during low light periods Aggressive feeding behavior near current areas and along grass edges where baitfish concentrate	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning areas Current-swept areas near the dam where shad congregate Grass edges in 8-15 foot depth range where baitfish stage	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along grass edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) near current areas	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Young-of-year baitfish emerging in grass beds Smaller fish species utilizing warming shallow waters	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	55-65	Drum are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, following shad movements and becoming more active with warming water Fish are actively feeding but still relating strongly to deeper structure, especially near current breaks and dam areas	Deep structure near dam with current breaks, particularly in 15-25 foot depths Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats, especially where current is present Brush piles and standing timber in transitional areas between winter and spawning locations	Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active with warming water Baitfish utilizing current breaks near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-65	Moving from winter depths to transitional staging areas (8-15 feet) near spawning flats, actively feeding to prepare for spawn Relating strongly to grass edges and points, especially where vegetation meets deeper water	Main lake points with grass in 8-15 foot range, especially near spawning pockets Secondary points in major creek arms with hydrilla edges Standing timber areas adjacent to spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging grass Shakey Heads worked slowly along grass edges and points Bladed Jigs parallel to vegetation lines	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Moving into staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn locations, following daily temperature changes	Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats Transition areas where rock meets grass edges in 8-15 feet Secondary points with access to deeper water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Blade Baits for actively feeding fish in deeper staging areas Tubes dragged on rocky points	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to rock-grass transitions	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass actively moving into shallow spawning areas around 3-foot depths, showing aggressive bed defense behavior Fish transitioning between spawning flats and slightly deeper staging areas near docks and brush, with some still pre-spawn	Protected shallow flats in 2-4 foot range with spawning beds Boat docks and brush in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas Old road beds and other hard-bottom areas near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with lizards for sight fishing beds Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly around deeper banks with brush Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) for covering water between beds	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are moving into shallower tributary areas and current zones for spawning, actively feeding during pre-spawn phase Fish are schooling and more aggressive, often pushing bait against shoreline structures during dawn and dusk Post-spawn fish will gradually transition to deeper water, following shad schools	Current-swept areas near dam and major tributary inflows where spawning occurs Shallow grass edges in 5-12 feet adjacent to deeper water Main lake points and secondary points leading into spawning areas	Umbrella Rigs worked along grass edges and points to mimic shad schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through current areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure during low light Trolling Shallow (0-9') with multiple lines to cover water	Shad concentrating in spawning areas and tributary mouths Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in grass beds Smaller sunfish in shallow vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	58-68	Migrating from deep wintering areas to spawning locations near hard bottom areas with moderate current Actively feeding during pre-spawn, gathering in groups near structure with access to current	Rocky areas and hard bottom zones near the dam with moderate current Channel edges adjacent to submerged vegetation Areas with standing timber in 8-15 feet of water	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom in current areas Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) bounced near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near standing timber	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Small bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, mollusks)	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are in spawning mode, with males guarding nests in shallow protected areas while females stage nearby on adjacent points and deeper structure Fish are highly territorial and aggressive during this period, actively defending nesting areas and feeding opportunistically	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or hard bottom in 2-6 foot depth range Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets with grass in 8-15 foot range Shallow timber and brush piles near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible beds and shallow cover Shakey Heads worked slowly around staging areas and points Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish near spawning areas	Shad schools staging in spawning pockets Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass transitioning to spawning areas, with males preparing and guarding nests on rocky flats and protected areas Pre-spawn feeding heavily on crawfish near rocky transitions and points Becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial as water temperatures rise	Rocky points and flats in 2-6 foot depth range with pea gravel or small rock Protected coves with hard bottom adjacent to deeper water Transition areas where rock meets grass beds in spawning depth	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky areas and potential spawning flats Tubes dragged and hopped on transition areas Shakey Heads worked methodically through spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to spawning areas Perch in shallow grass-to-rock transition areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating strongly to grass edges and laydowns in 8-15 foot range, with some fish still shallow in 0-4 feet More aggressive feeding during cloudy conditions and wind, particularly around grass edges	Hydrilla patches in 8-15 feet of water Shallow laydowns and wood cover in 0-4 feet Rock bluffs with laydown wood Shallow flats with isolated laydowns and grass clumps	Drop Shot worked around deeper grass edges Carolina Rigs with 3-foot leader through grass patches Wacky Rigs around shallow cover Soft Body Swimbaits over grass when wind is present	Shad moving along grass edges Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to main lake structure Fish are most active during early morning and late evening, following shad schools and utilizing current areas for feeding opportunities	Areas where current meets structure near the dam, especially in 12-20 foot depth range Main lake points and ledges adjacent to spawning areas Edges of grass beds where they intersect with deeper water	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) parallel to grass edges and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near dam current areas	Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase Baitfish congregating around grass edges Suspended bait in current areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	65-75	Post-spawn drum are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on current-rich areas near structure Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, particularly around the dam and channel edges	Dam area with current breaks and deep structure Channel edges near submerged vegetation Standing timber and brush piles in 10-20 foot depths	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools in current breaks Small bottom-dwelling creatures near structure Baitfish around vegetation edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	65-78	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad in transition areas between spawning flats and summer haunts Fish are utilizing grass edges and points as ambush zones, especially during morning and evening feeding periods	Grass edges in 8-15 foot range, especially near points or channel swings Secondary points with access to deeper water Standing timber adjacent to spawning pockets	Shakey Heads worked slowly along grass edges and timber Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Shad schools moving along grass edges Bluegill in shallow grass areas Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth bass transitioning to active feeding patterns, recovering energy while utilizing rock piles and adjacent areas for feeding stations Fish are becoming more aggressive, moving between deep and shallow structure while targeting crawfish as primary forage	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water, particularly in wind-exposed areas Rocky points with vegetation transitions, especially where grass meets rocks Ledges and depth changes near post-spawn transition routes	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock piles and transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits around deeper structure Tubes dragged along rocky areas mimicking crawfish	Crawfish Small baitfish around vegetation edges	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-89	Bass are following typical summer patterns, actively feeding on shad in early mornings near grass edges and moving to deeper structure during midday heat Fish are showing selective feeding windows, particularly active during current generation and early morning periods	Deep grass edges in 10-20 foot range, particularly where they intersect with ledges Standing timber and brush piles near main lake structure Matted grass beds with defined edges in 3-5 foot range for early morning	Drop Shot with finesse worms, particularly effective around timber and deeper structure Soft Body Swimbaits worked along grass edges during morning hours Deep Diving Crankbaits around brush piles near ledges	Shad - primary forage based on multiple report mentions and successful shad-pattern baits Bluegill - secondary forage particularly around grass beds as evidenced by report mentions	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	68-78	Striped bass are forced into deeper, cooler water during summer days due to high surface temperatures (up to 89°F), primarily feeding during low light periods (early morning/late evening) Fish suspend near thermocline during day, moving up to shallow structure and grass edges to feed on shad during dawn/dusk periods	Deep ledges and points in 12-20 ft range near dam with current Edges of grass beds adjacent to deeper water Areas of current concentration near the dam where bait gets concentrated	Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs during midday hours Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along grass edges during low light periods Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure during peak heat	Shad schools suspending near thermocline Baitfish concentrations around grass edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Drum	75-89	Actively feeding in current zones near dam structure, taking advantage of baitfish concentrations Congregating in areas with strong current flow, especially during warmer summer periods	Dam areas with strong current breaks Channel edges with current flow Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water	Spoons worked in current Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Structure Jigs	Shad Minnows	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	75-89	Actively feeding on shad in early morning and late evening, utilizing points and grass edges as ambush zones Moving to deeper water during midday heat, suspending near vertical structure Relating strongly to current breaks and grass edges for feeding opportunities	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with grass Grass edges in 8-15 foot range with nearby deeper water Standing timber and brush piles in 15-20 foot range for midday holding areas	Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly along bottom structure Shakey Heads worked through grass edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for active fish on points	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill in and around grass beds Small bass and other juvenile fish around timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-89	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, seeking cooler water and stable oxygen levels near rock-vegetation transitions During midday heat, fish move to deeper ledges and points, typically 15-25 feet deep, relating to current breaks and vertical structure	Deep rocky points adjacent to grass beds, especially where current influences create oxygen-rich environments Submerged timber near ledges in 15-25 foot depth range Current-swept rock piles with nearby vegetation edges	Drop Shot worked slowly along deep ledges and rock-grass transitions Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) parallel to points and timber edges Football Jigs dragged through rock piles and ledges	Crawfish holding in rocky areas and vegetation edges Shad schools relating to deeper structure and current breaks Small sunfish near grass beds and timber	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Nickajack Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Bass are actively feeding on grass edges and mats, following baitfish movements in preparation for winter Fish are holding tight to vegetation, particularly in areas with matted grass and submerged grass lines	Matted grass edges and submerged grass lines Points with grass Protected grass beds in wind-sheltered areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting grass beds Texas Rigs (Worming) along grass edges Bladed Jigs worked through vegetation	Shad schooling around grass edges Bluegill in and around grass beds	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad schools in open water and along grass edges as baitfish migrate to creek arms and coves More aggressive feeding during daylight hours as water temperatures moderate, with increased surface activity Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish herding bait against structure or surface	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections where shad schools congregate Current areas near dam where baitfish get concentrated Grass edges in 8-15 foot depth range adjacent to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs along points and creek channels Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended bait schools Spoons and Blade Baits for vertical presentations when fish are holding deeper	Shad schools migrating to backs of creeks Smaller baitfish relating to grass edges Suspended bait balls in open water near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Drum	58-72	Moving from summer shallow areas to deeper current-driven locations near the dam and channel edges as water cools Actively feeding on shad schools in preparation for winter, particularly during low-light periods Utilizing standing timber and brush piles as ambush points, especially in areas with current	Dam area with current breaks and deeper water Channel edges with standing timber or brush piles Deep rock piles near current zones	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons Structure Jigs	Shad schools congregating in current breaks Small baitfish relating to structure Crawfish near rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-78	Spotted bass actively feeding on shad in creek arms and along grass edges, following baitfish schools as they migrate into these areas Fish moving between 5-15 foot depths, relating to current breaks and grass edges as water temperatures cool Increased aggression during feeding windows, especially during overcast conditions or when current is present	Main lake points with grass in 8-15 foot range, especially those adjacent to creek channels Grass edges near standing timber where current is present Secondary points in major creek arms where shad are congregating	Spinnerbaits worked along grass edges and through standing timber Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) paralleling points and creek channels Drop Shot around deeper brush piles and timber when fish are less aggressive	Shad schools migrating into creek arms Smaller sunfish relating to grass edges Crawfish in rocky areas and around timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Smallmouth bass actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish around deeper structure, following shad migrations Fish transitioning from summer deep patterns to fall feeding zones, using ledges and points as migration routes Becoming more aggressive in cooling waters, moving into medium depths to ambush prey	Main lake points with rock-to-grass transitions Deep ledges adjacent to standing timber Rocky points near deep water access	Drop Shot with finesse presentations around deeper structure Spinnerbaits worked along grass edges and timber Ned Rigs worked slowly on rocky points	Shad schools in migration patterns Crawfish on rocky structure Small sunfish near grass edges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-63	Bass are holding on transitional structures between deep wintering areas and shallow feeding zones, moving up to feed during warm fronts Fish are showing opportunistic feeding behavior, primarily targeting shad and crawfish near rip rap and grass edges	Rip rap banks, especially near slight points or transitions Secondary points with grass in 3-5 feet dropping into creek channels Remaining green grass beds near main channel edges	Bladed Jigs worked parallel to rip rap and grass edges Umbrella Rigs targeting secondary points and channel swings Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along windward banks	Shad schooling near structure and transition areas Crawfish active near rip rap and rocky areas Bluegill in remaining grass beds	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	48-58	Striped bass are schooling heavily, following large bait concentrations in the winter months Fish are more active during midday when water temperatures peak, especially near current areas Feeding patterns are concentrated and aggressive when bait schools are located	Dam areas with current flow, particularly in 12-20 foot depth range Deep ledges adjacent to primary points Tributary confluences where bait schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons Umbrella Rigs	Schooling shad in deeper water Suspended baitfish near current areas Winter-stressed baitfish in thermal refuges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Drum	45-55	Drum school tightly in deeper water near the dam and channel edges during winter, seeking more stable temperatures Fish become less active but will still feed during stable weather patterns, especially during afternoon warming periods	Deep water areas near the dam where current provides consistent feeding opportunities Channel edges with standing timber or rock piles in 20-30 foot depths Deep brush piles adjacent to primary river channels	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Schooling shad in deeper water Small bottom-dwelling prey near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	48-55	Spotted bass are suspending near primary points and channel ledges, following shad schools and responding to current breaks Fish are typically grouping in deeper water (12-20 feet) during winter, making shorter moves to feed during optimal temperature periods	Deep points and channel ledges adjacent to major creek arms, especially those with standing timber Current-swept areas near the dam with depth transitions Deeper grass edges where winter vegetation meets channel swings	Blade Baits worked vertically along depth transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits near structure Spybaits worked slowly through suspended fish Underspins paired with soft swimbaits when fish are actively chasing shad	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller baitfish holding near deep structure Crawfish emerging during warmer winter days	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	48-55	Smallmouth bass are schooling on deep structure, following primary forage (crawfish and baitfish) and seeking stable water temperatures Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, particularly in afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Deep rock piles and ledges adjacent to primary points in 18-25 foot range Transition areas where rock meets timber, especially near depth changes Main lake points with access to deep water and current breaks	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours with long pauses Drop Shot with small profile baits, maintaining bottom contact Football Jigs dragged slowly across rocky structure	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Nickajack Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot range	Dock areas providing wind protection and staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings adjacent to spawning areas	Current-swept areas near the dam where shad congregate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Deep structure near dam with current breaks, particularly in 15-25 foot depths	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats, especially where current is present
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with grass in 8-15 foot range, especially near spawning pockets	Secondary points in major creek arms with hydrilla edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats	Transition areas where rock meets grass edges in 8-15 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow flats in 2-4 foot range with spawning beds	Boat docks and brush in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Current-swept areas near dam and major tributary inflows where spawning occurs	Shallow grass edges in 5-12 feet adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Rocky areas and hard bottom zones near the dam with moderate current	Channel edges adjacent to submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or hard bottom in 2-6 foot depth range	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets with grass in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and flats in 2-6 foot depth range with pea gravel or small rock	Protected coves with hard bottom adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Hydrilla patches in 8-15 feet of water	Shallow laydowns and wood cover in 0-4 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Areas where current meets structure near the dam, especially in 12-20 foot depth range	Main lake points and ledges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Dam area with current breaks and deep structure	Channel edges near submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Grass edges in 8-15 foot range, especially near points or channel swings	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water, particularly in wind-exposed areas	Rocky points with vegetation transitions, especially where grass meets rocks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep grass edges in 10-20 foot range, particularly where they intersect with ledges	Standing timber and brush piles near main lake structure
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep ledges and points in 12-20 ft range near dam with current	Edges of grass beds adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Drum	Dam areas with strong current breaks	Channel edges with current flow
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with grass	Grass edges in 8-15 foot range with nearby deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rocky points adjacent to grass beds, especially where current influences create oxygen-rich environments	Submerged timber near ledges in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass edges and submerged grass lines	Points with grass
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections where shad schools congregate	Current areas near dam where baitfish get concentrated
Fall	Drum	Dam area with current breaks and deeper water	Channel edges with standing timber or brush piles
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with grass in 8-15 foot range, especially those adjacent to creek channels	Grass edges near standing timber where current is present
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock-to-grass transitions	Deep ledges adjacent to standing timber
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Rip rap banks, especially near slight points or transitions	Secondary points with grass in 3-5 feet dropping into creek channels
Winter	Striped Bass	Dam areas with current flow, particularly in 12-20 foot depth range	Deep ledges adjacent to primary points
Winter	Drum	Deep water areas near the dam where current provides consistent feeding opportunities	Channel edges with standing timber or rock piles in 20-30 foot depths
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep points and channel ledges adjacent to major creek arms, especially those with standing timber	Current-swept areas near the dam with depth transitions
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and ledges adjacent to primary points in 18-25 foot range	Transition areas where rock meets timber, especially near depth changes

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - becoming active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Young-of-year baitfish emerging in grass beds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to rock-grass transitions
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad concentrating in spawning areas and tributary mouths	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in grass beds
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Small bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, mollusks)
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools staging in spawning pockets	Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad moving along grass edges	Bluegill in shallow cover areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase	Baitfish congregating around grass edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Shad schools in current breaks	Small bottom-dwelling creatures near structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools moving along grass edges	Bluegill in shallow grass areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish	Small baitfish around vegetation edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple report mentions and successful shad-pattern baits	Bluegill - secondary forage particularly around grass beds as evidenced by report mentions
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools suspending near thermocline	Baitfish concentrations around grass edges
Summer	Drum	Shad	Minnows
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill in and around grass beds
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish holding in rocky areas and vegetation edges	Shad schools relating to deeper structure and current breaks
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling around grass edges	Bluegill in and around grass beds
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to backs of creeks	Smaller baitfish relating to grass edges
Fall	Drum	Shad schools congregating in current breaks	Small baitfish relating to structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating into creek arms	Smaller sunfish relating to grass edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in migration patterns	Crawfish on rocky structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near structure and transition areas	Crawfish active near rip rap and rocky areas
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Suspended baitfish near current areas
Winter	Drum	Schooling shad in deeper water	Small bottom-dwelling prey near structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller baitfish holding near deep structure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Suspended shad schools in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Nickajack Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Drum	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Drum	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Drum	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Drum	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Warm Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Drum	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Drum	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals