How to Fish Nickajack Lake

Nickajack Lake fishing FAQ

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

Water temp 55-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs around submerged vegetation and stumps, Lipless Crankbaits worked through vegetation, Ned Rigs near dock areas and protected zones. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports, Crawfish - becoming active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools, Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along grass edges and points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) near current areas. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating near spawning areas, Young-of-year baitfish emerging in grass beds, Smaller fish species utilizing warming shallow waters. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Drum on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Large Hair Jigs (Preacher), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Spoons. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas, Small bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active with warming water, Baitfish utilizing current breaks near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging grass, Shakey Heads worked slowly along grass edges and points, Bladed Jigs parallel to vegetation lines. Primary forage: Shad schools staging in pre-spawn areas, Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 48-58°F. 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 Key locations: Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats; Transition areas where rock meets grass edges in 8-15 feet; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions, Blade Baits for actively feeding fish in deeper staging areas, Tubes dragged on rocky points. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish relating to rock-grass transitions. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

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

Water temp 55-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into spawning areas, Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad concentrating in spawning areas and tributary mouths, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in grass beds, Smaller sunfish in shallow vegetation. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Drum on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools moving into spawning areas, Small bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, mollusks). Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools staging in spawning pockets, Crawfish becoming active in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 55-65°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish relating to spawning areas, Perch in shallow grass-to-rock transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

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

Water temp 62-72°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad moving along grass edges, Bluegill in shallow cover areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools in post-spawn recovery phase, Baitfish congregating around grass edges, Suspended bait in current areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Drum on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. 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 Key locations: Dam area with current breaks and deep structure; Channel edges near submerged vegetation; Standing timber and brush piles in 10-20 foot depths. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Spoons, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Shad schools in current breaks, Small bottom-dwelling creatures near structure, Baitfish around vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nickajack Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-78°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools moving along grass edges, Bluegill in shallow grass areas, Crawfish emerging in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 58-68°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Crawfish, Small baitfish around vegetation edges. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

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

Water temp 75-89°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: 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. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nickajack Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools suspending near thermocline, Baitfish concentrations around grass edges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Drum on Nickajack Lake in Summer?

Water temp 75-89°F. 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 Key locations: Dam areas with strong current breaks; Channel edges with current flow; Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water. Best techniques: Spoons worked in current, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Structure Jigs. Primary forage: Shad, Minnows. Best bait colors: Metallic Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nickajack Lake in Summer?

Water temp 75-89°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad - primary forage based on recent reports, Bluegill in and around grass beds, Small bass and other juvenile fish around timber. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 72-89°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Crawfish holding in rocky areas and vegetation edges, Shad schools relating to deeper structure and current breaks, Small sunfish near grass beds and timber. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 75-85°F. 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 Key locations: Matted grass edges and submerged grass lines; Points with grass; Protected grass beds in wind-sheltered areas. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting grass beds, Texas Rigs (Worming) along grass edges, Bladed Jigs worked through vegetation. Primary forage: Shad schooling around grass edges, Bluegill in and around grass beds. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Warm Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nickajack Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools migrating to backs of creeks, Smaller baitfish relating to grass edges, Suspended bait balls in open water near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Drum on Nickajack Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: Dam area with current breaks and deeper water; Channel edges with standing timber or brush piles; Deep rock piles near current zones. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Spoons, Structure Jigs. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in current breaks, Small baitfish relating to structure, Crawfish near rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nickajack Lake in Fall?

Water temp 65-78°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools migrating into creek arms, Smaller sunfish relating to grass edges, Crawfish in rocky areas and around timber. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

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

Water temp 58-72°F. 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 Key locations: Main lake points with rock-to-grass transitions; Deep ledges adjacent to standing timber; Rocky points near deep water access. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations around deeper structure, Spinnerbaits worked along grass edges and timber, Ned Rigs worked slowly on rocky points. Primary forage: Shad schools in migration patterns, Crawfish on rocky structure, Small sunfish near grass edges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Nickajack Lake in Winter?

Water temp 48-63°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schooling near structure and transition areas, Crawfish active near rip rap and rocky areas, Bluegill in remaining grass beds. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Striped Bass on Nickajack Lake in Winter?

Water temp 48-58°F. 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 Key locations: Dam areas with current flow, particularly in 12-20 foot depth range; Deep ledges adjacent to primary points; Tributary confluences where bait schools concentrate. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Spoons, Umbrella Rigs. Primary forage: Schooling shad in deeper water, Suspended baitfish near current areas, Winter-stressed baitfish in thermal refuges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Drum on Nickajack Lake in Winter?

Water temp 45-55°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Spoons. Primary forage: Schooling shad in deeper water, Small bottom-dwelling prey near structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Nickajack Lake in Winter?

Water temp 48-55°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deeper water, Smaller baitfish holding near deep structure, Crawfish emerging during warmer winter days. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Nickajack Lake in Winter?

Water temp 48-55°F. 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 Key locations: 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. Best techniques: 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. Primary forage: Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas, Suspended shad schools in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.