Ninemile Lake
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How to Fish Ninemile Lake
Synthesized from 1 angler reports
Ninemile Lake produces Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch. Below are season-by-season fishing patterns by species.
Spring
Spring (Pre-Spawn) Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For spring (pre-spawn) walleye on Ninemile Lake, work vertical jigging shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations around rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range with chartreuse colors baits. Water temps run 38-48°F. Walleye staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from wintering holes towards shallow spawning areas Feeding actively but sporadically, with peak activity during low-light periods Concentrating near transition areas between deeper wintering areas and future spawning sites
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 38-48°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Walleye staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from wintering holes towards shallow spawning areas Feeding actively but sporadically, with peak activity during low-light periods Concentrating near transition areas between deeper wintering areas and future spawning sites |
| Key locations | Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range; Transition areas between deeper channels and shallow flats; Hard-bottom areas near weed edges that could serve as spawning grounds |
| Best techniques | Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations; Live Bait Rigs with minnows worked slowly along bottom transitions; Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts and drops |
| Forage | Small minnows congregating near spawning areas, Yellow Perch in transition areas, Bottom-dwelling prey like young of year perch |
| Structure | Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range, Transition areas between deeper channels and shallow flats |
| Bait colors | Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Pink Colors |
Spring (Spawn) Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For spring (spawn) walleye on Ninemile Lake, work live bait rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions around rock piles and gravel areas in 2-6 foot depth range with chartreuse colors baits. Water temps run 42-52°F. Walleye actively moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) near hard bottom or gravel for spawning Most active during low-light periods, especially given the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi) Post-spawn fish staging near adjacent deeper holes for recovery
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 42-52°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Walleye actively moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) near hard bottom or gravel for spawning Most active during low-light periods, especially given the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi) Post-spawn fish staging near adjacent deeper holes for recovery |
| Key locations | Rock piles and gravel areas in 2-6 foot depth range; Shallow points adjacent to deeper holes; Wind-swept shorelines with firm bottom composition |
| Best techniques | Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions; Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements; Blade Baits worked with gentle lifts near spawning areas |
| Forage | Newly active crawfish emerging from winter, Small perch in shallow areas, Minnows congregating near spawning areas |
| Structure | Rock piles and gravel areas in 2-6 foot depth range, Shallow points adjacent to deeper holes |
| Bait colors | Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals |
Spring (Post-Spawn) Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For spring (post-spawn) walleye on Ninemile Lake, work live bait rigs worked slowly along rock-to-weed transitions around rock piles in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas with vibrant craw colors baits. Water temps run 48-62°F. Walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early season feeding locations, actively hunting in low-light conditions due to the lake's turbidity (1.5m Secchi) Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, utilizing shallow rock piles and weed edges as primary feeding zones
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 48-62°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early season feeding locations, actively hunting in low-light conditions due to the lake's turbidity (1.5m Secchi) Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, utilizing shallow rock piles and weed edges as primary feeding zones |
| Key locations | Rock piles in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas; Emerging weed edges where bottom transitions from hard to soft substrate; Scattered deeper holes that provide staging areas between spawning and feeding zones |
| Best techniques | Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock-to-weed transitions; Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near rock piles; Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges |
| Forage | Small perch moving shallow with warming water, Minnows gathering around emerging weed growth, Bottom-dwelling prey like small crayfish becoming more active |
| Structure | Rock piles in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas, Emerging weed edges where bottom transitions from hard to soft substrate |
| Bait colors | Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns |
Summer
Summer Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For summer walleye on Ninemile Lake, work vertical jigging mid depth (10-19') with tungsten jigs around scattered rock piles adjacent to weed edges in mid-depth ranges with chartreuse colors baits. Water temps run 72-78°F. Walleye are seeking thermal refuge in deeper holes and relating to rock pile structure during peak summer heat (75°F water temperature) Fish are actively feeding during lower light conditions, using weed edges and rock piles as ambush points in the turbid water
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 72-78°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Walleye are seeking thermal refuge in deeper holes and relating to rock pile structure during peak summer heat (75°F water temperature) Fish are actively feeding during lower light conditions, using weed edges and rock piles as ambush points in the turbid water |
| Key locations | Scattered rock piles adjacent to weed edges in mid-depth ranges; Deeper holes and channels providing thermal refuge; Wind-swept points and structure where baitfish concentrate |
| Best techniques | Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with tungsten jigs; Live Bait Rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers; Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during lower light periods |
| Forage | Yellow Perch relating to weed edges, Bottom-dwelling prey (leeches, crawfish) around rock piles, Smaller baitfish in wind-swept areas |
| Structure | Scattered rock piles adjacent to weed edges in mid-depth ranges, Deeper holes and channels providing thermal refuge |
| Bait colors | Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns |
Fall
Fall Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For fall walleye on Ninemile Lake, work vertical jigging shallow (0-9') around rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range with vibrant craw colors baits. Water temps run 45-65°F. Walleye becoming more active with cooling water temperatures, feeding aggressively on baitfish near structural elements Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper holes based on light conditions, with peak activity during dawn and dusk
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 45-65°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Walleye becoming more active with cooling water temperatures, feeding aggressively on baitfish near structural elements Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper holes based on light conditions, with peak activity during dawn and dusk |
| Key locations | Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range; Weed edges that are beginning to die off, creating ambush points; Main lake points where wind concentrates baitfish |
| Best techniques | Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'); Live Bait Rigs; Lipless Crankbaits |
| Forage | Yellow Perch schooling in the remnant weed edges, Minnows congregating near rock structures |
| Structure | Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range, Weed edges that are beginning to die off, creating ambush points |
| Bait colors | Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals |
Winter & Ice
Winter Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For winter walleye on Ninemile Lake, work vertical jigging mid depth (10-19') around deeper holes and channels offering thermal refuge from cold surface waters with chartreuse colors baits. Water temps run 34-45°F. Fish schooling in deeper holes and channels, actively feeding during low-light periods Walleye maintaining position near bottom structure, conserving energy while opportunistically feeding
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 34-45°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Fish schooling in deeper holes and channels, actively feeding during low-light periods Walleye maintaining position near bottom structure, conserving energy while opportunistically feeding |
| Key locations | Deeper holes and channels offering thermal refuge from cold surface waters; Rock pile structures adjacent to deeper water; Edges of remaining weed beds near depth changes |
| Best techniques | Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'); Blade Baits; Live Bait Rigs |
| Forage | Yellow Perch congregating in deeper water, Bottom-dwelling prey like small minnows, Remaining juvenile baitfish near deep structure |
| Structure | Deeper holes and channels offering thermal refuge from cold surface waters, Rock pile structures adjacent to deeper water |
| Bait colors | Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals |
Ice Walleye on Ninemile Lake
For ice walleye on Ninemile Lake, work ice fishing jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom around deeper holes and channels that contrast with the 3.3-foot average depth with chartreuse colors baits. Water temps run 33-38°F. Walleye are concentrated in the deeper holes and channels, using these areas as primary winter holding zones Fish become more active during dawn and dusk periods, moving slightly shallower to feed on the edges of these deeper areas Given the turbid water conditions, walleye may remain active during daylight hours more than in clearer lakes
Shop walleye baits for Ninemile Lake →See full pattern▾
| Water temp | 33-38°F |
|---|---|
| Behavior | Walleye are concentrated in the deeper holes and channels, using these areas as primary winter holding zones Fish become more active during dawn and dusk periods, moving slightly shallower to feed on the edges of these deeper areas Given the turbid water conditions, walleye may remain active during daylight hours more than in clearer lakes |
| Key locations | Deeper holes and channels that contrast with the 3.3-foot average depth; Rock pile edges near deeper water; Transitions where weeds meet deeper water structures |
| Best techniques | Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom; Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for attracting fish in turbid conditions; Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions |
| Forage | Yellow Perch concentrated near structure, Bottom-dwelling prey like small minnows and aquatic invertebrates, Juvenile panfish near weed edges |
| Structure | Deeper holes and channels that contrast with the 3.3-foot average depth, Rock pile edges near deeper water |
| Bait colors | Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Pink Colors |
Pattern summary
| Season | Species | Structure | Forage | Bait colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Walleye | Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range | Small minnows congregating near spawning areas | Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Pink Colors |
| Spring (Spawn) | Walleye | Rock piles and gravel areas in 2-6 foot depth range | Newly active crawfish emerging from winter | Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals |
| Spring (Post-Spawn) | Walleye | Rock piles in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas | Small perch moving shallow with warming water | Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns |
| Summer | Walleye | Scattered rock piles adjacent to weed edges in mid-depth ranges | Yellow Perch relating to weed edges | Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns |
| Fall | Walleye | Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range | Yellow Perch schooling in the remnant weed edges | Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals |
| Winter | Walleye | Deeper holes and channels offering thermal refuge from cold surface waters | Yellow Perch congregating in deeper water | Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals |
| Ice | Walleye | Deeper holes and channels that contrast with the 3.3-foot average depth | Yellow Perch concentrated near structure | Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Pink Colors |
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Plan your trip on Ninemile Lake with live conditions and matched tackle.
Ninemile Lake fishing FAQ
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?
- Water temp 38-48°F. Walleye staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from wintering holes towards shallow spawning areas Feeding actively but sporadically, with peak activity during low-light periods Concentrating near transition areas between deeper wintering areas and future spawning sites Key locations: Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range; Transition areas between deeper channels and shallow flats; Hard-bottom areas near weed edges that could serve as spawning grounds. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations, Live Bait Rigs with minnows worked slowly along bottom transitions, Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts and drops. Primary forage: Small minnows congregating near spawning areas, Yellow Perch in transition areas, Bottom-dwelling prey like young of year perch. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Pink Colors.
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Spring (Spawn)?
- Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye actively moving into shallow areas (2-6 feet) near hard bottom or gravel for spawning Most active during low-light periods, especially given the turbid conditions (1.5m Secchi) Post-spawn fish staging near adjacent deeper holes for recovery Key locations: Rock piles and gravel areas in 2-6 foot depth range; Shallow points adjacent to deeper holes; Wind-swept shorelines with firm bottom composition. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements, Blade Baits worked with gentle lifts near spawning areas. Primary forage: Newly active crawfish emerging from winter, Small perch in shallow areas, Minnows congregating near spawning areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?
- Water temp 48-62°F. Walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early season feeding locations, actively hunting in low-light conditions due to the lake's turbidity (1.5m Secchi) Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, utilizing shallow rock piles and weed edges as primary feeding zones Key locations: Rock piles in 4-8 foot depth range, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas; Emerging weed edges where bottom transitions from hard to soft substrate; Scattered deeper holes that provide staging areas between spawning and feeding zones. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock-to-weed transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs near rock piles, Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges. Primary forage: Small perch moving shallow with warming water, Minnows gathering around emerging weed growth, Bottom-dwelling prey like small crayfish becoming more active. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Summer?
- Water temp 72-78°F. Walleye are seeking thermal refuge in deeper holes and relating to rock pile structure during peak summer heat (75°F water temperature) Fish are actively feeding during lower light conditions, using weed edges and rock piles as ambush points in the turbid water Key locations: Scattered rock piles adjacent to weed edges in mid-depth ranges; Deeper holes and channels providing thermal refuge; Wind-swept points and structure where baitfish concentrate. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with tungsten jigs, Live Bait Rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during lower light periods. Primary forage: Yellow Perch relating to weed edges, Bottom-dwelling prey (leeches, crawfish) around rock piles, Smaller baitfish in wind-swept areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Fall?
- Water temp 45-65°F. Walleye becoming more active with cooling water temperatures, feeding aggressively on baitfish near structural elements Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper holes based on light conditions, with peak activity during dawn and dusk Key locations: Rock piles adjacent to deeper holes, particularly in 6-12 foot depth range; Weed edges that are beginning to die off, creating ambush points; Main lake points where wind concentrates baitfish. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Live Bait Rigs, Lipless Crankbaits. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling in the remnant weed edges, Minnows congregating near rock structures. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Winter?
- Water temp 34-45°F. Fish schooling in deeper holes and channels, actively feeding during low-light periods Walleye maintaining position near bottom structure, conserving energy while opportunistically feeding Key locations: Deeper holes and channels offering thermal refuge from cold surface waters; Rock pile structures adjacent to deeper water; Edges of remaining weed beds near depth changes. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Yellow Perch congregating in deeper water, Bottom-dwelling prey like small minnows, Remaining juvenile baitfish near deep structure. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.
- How do you catch Walleye on Ninemile Lake in Ice?
- Water temp 33-38°F. Walleye are concentrated in the deeper holes and channels, using these areas as primary winter holding zones Fish become more active during dawn and dusk periods, moving slightly shallower to feed on the edges of these deeper areas Given the turbid water conditions, walleye may remain active during daylight hours more than in clearer lakes Key locations: Deeper holes and channels that contrast with the 3.3-foot average depth; Rock pile edges near deeper water; Transitions where weeds meet deeper water structures. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for attracting fish in turbid conditions, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions. Primary forage: Yellow Perch concentrated near structure, Bottom-dwelling prey like small minnows and aquatic invertebrates, Juvenile panfish near weed edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Pink Colors.