How to Fish Normandy Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Normandy Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Normandy Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active and moving towards spawning flats Fish are feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly active during warming trends	Laydowns and woody cover near spawning flats Secondary points with rock transitions leading to spawning areas Protected shallow coves with adequate cover	Bladed Jigs worked around laydowns and cover Ned Rigs worked slowly near potential staging areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Small baitfish in staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly targeting crawfish and baitfish near transition areas	Rocky points and bluff walls adjacent to deeper water, providing quick access to both shallow and deep water Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel leading into spawning coves Channel edges near river influences where current creates feeding opportunities	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions for bottom-oriented fish Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses for suspended fish near points Football Jigs dragged on deeper rock piles and channel edges	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in transition areas Small bottom-dwelling baitfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	52-65	Catfish are beginning to move from winter holding areas in deep river channels toward shallower, warmer areas in preparation for spawning Becoming more active in feeding as water temperatures rise, particularly during periods of water generation at the dam Starting to stage near spawning structure like laydowns and stumps, especially in areas with good current flow	Dam area during periods of water generation, focusing on current breaks and eddies Transition areas between deep river channels and shallow flats Areas with abundant wood cover like laydowns and stumps in 8-15 foot depths	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or nightcrawlers near current areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around wood structure Bobbers with live bait near laydowns during warmer afternoons	Shad schools starting to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Small bluegill near warming shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	44-62	Trout becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from deep winter holdover spots to shallower feeding zones Fish staging near creek arms and transition areas, following baitfish movements and increasing insect activity	Rock-to-clay transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range Creek arm entrances with access to deeper water Bluff walls adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly with frequent pauses Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds Live Bait Rigs suspended under bobbers near structure	Shad schools moving into shallower water Aquatic insects becoming more active in rocky areas Small baitfish in creek arms	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from deeper winter haunts toward spawning flats Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, particularly during warming trends Congregating around transition areas between deep and shallow water	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning flats Brush piles and stumps in 8-15 foot depth range River channel edges where they meet tributary arms	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad concentrations near channel edges Small baitfish in staging areas Young-of-year panfish near brush structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near potential spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves Moving from winter deep water locations to transitional points and secondary points Becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, following shad schools in creek arms	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets in 8-15 feet of water Bluff walls near creek channel intersections Transition areas where rock meets gravel, especially near deeper water access	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near points Shakey Heads worked slowly along transitions Bladed Jigs around shallow cover when shad are present Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rocky banks	Shad schools gathering in creek arms and around points Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structures Small bluegill in shallow pockets	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are in their spawning phase, with pre-spawn and spawning activity occurring. Fish are moving into shallow areas, particularly around cypress trees and stumps, to establish spawning beds. Bass are becoming more aggressive and territorial as they prepare for and engage in spawning activities, making them more likely to strike at baits that enter their territory.	Shallow areas around cypress trees and stumps in protected water, particularly where spawning beds are visible Protected coves and creek arms with slower-moving water Transition areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and shallow cover Hard Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish moving up to spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around stumps and cypress trees	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from winter depths to shallow rocky areas for nest building Males actively guard nests while females move between spawning areas and nearby deeper water recovery zones Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with fish more likely to strike out of defense than hunger	Rocky points and gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water for spawning Adjacent drop-offs and channel edges in 8-15 feet for staging areas Protected coves with hard bottom composition for nest building	Tubes worked slowly around visible beds and potential spawning areas Ned Rigs cast to staging areas near spawning flats Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water to locate active fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish moving into spawning areas Juvenile bluegill in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-75	Catfish are becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise, moving into spawning areas near woody cover and rocky structures Males are beginning to prepare and guard spawning cavities in submerged logs, undercut banks, and rock crevices Feeding activity intensifies in pre-spawn, with fish actively searching for food in shallower waters during dawn and dusk	Points with adjacent deep water access, especially those with rocky structure Areas with laydowns and stumps in 5-15 feet of water Dam area during water generation periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around woody cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure	Shad Bottom-dwelling prey (crawfish, worms) Small sunfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	48-58	Trout are actively spawning and feeding in shallower, cooler water areas, particularly near rocky substrate and creek arms Fish are more aggressive due to pre and post-spawn feeding behavior, with increased activity during dawn and dusk	Rocky points and gravel areas near creek arms where spawning activity occurs Bluff walls adjacent to spawning areas providing quick access to deeper water Rock-to-clay transitions where aquatic insects are abundant	Inline Spinners worked parallel to shoreline structure Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs targeting deeper holding areas adjacent to spawning grounds	Aquatic insects emerging in spring Small shad and baitfish Crawfish becoming active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near cover, particularly around stumps and brush piles Males staging and creating beds while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Protected coves with stumps and brush piles in 2-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning coves Shallow brush near river channel bends with access to deeper water	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Shad (primary forage as indicated in reports) Small sunfish Minnows in shallow spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass in spring spawn period stage in 2-6 foot depths near hard bottom areas, particularly around main lake points and bluff transitions Males guard nests while females move between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones, creating opportunities in both shallow and adjacent deeper water	Main lake points with pea gravel or rocky transitions Protected pockets near river channel bends Bluff wall transitions to spawning flats	Shakey Heads worked slowly on bottom near spawning areas Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses parallel to points Soft Jerkbaits rigged weightless for sight fishing spawners Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Crawfish emerging in warming shallows Small bluegill near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts Fish are utilizing both shallow feeding zones during morning/evening and deeper structure during midday Actively feeding on both shad schools and crawfish, with increased aggression as they recover from spawn	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets with access to deeper water Shallow stump fields and laydowns in 5-15 feet near river channels Rock piles and boulder areas near creek channel intersections	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along transition areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover Shakey Heads on deeper structure during midday	Shad schools moving along points and flats Crawfish active among rocky structure Bluegill beginning to nest in shallow protected areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth bass recovering and actively feeding, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are becoming more aggressive, moving between shallow and mid-depth zones to capitalize on shad and crawfish activity	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to spawning flats Bluff walls with access to deeper water Current-swept areas near river channel edges	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieves in upper water column Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Young shad beginning to school Small bottom-dwelling baitfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering energy, moving from spawning areas to deeper feeding zones near channel edges and points Fish are establishing regular feeding patterns, often moving shallower during low-light periods to feed on shad Catfish are utilizing the abundant woody cover and rock piles as resting areas between feeding periods	River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats, especially near woody cover Bluff walls and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range Dam area during water generation periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or nightcrawlers near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during bright conditions	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns Crawfish emerging in rocky areas Small sunfish near shallow cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	52-65	Actively feeding in shallower water zones post-spawn, seeking optimal temperatures while following baitfish schools Moving between depths throughout the day, following temperature changes and baitfish movements	Rock-to-clay transition areas in 8-15 foot depths where insects and baitfish concentrate Points and bluff walls near river channel edges offering access to different depth ranges Creek arms with good water flow and rocky substrate	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses to mimic struggling baitfish Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds through transitional areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along depth changes	Shad schools moving into shallower water Aquatic insects emerging in rocky areas Small baitfish in creek arms and near structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to deeper water, but still relating to shoreline structure in 8-15 foot depths Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting shad and small baitfish around brush piles and channel swings	Brush piles and stumps along river channel edges in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points with access to deeper water Shaded dock areas near deep water access	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around structure Juvenile baitfish species gathering around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Actively feeding on shad in shallow areas, particularly around dam walls and points where shad are spawning Fish are dispersed throughout various depths but concentrated near shad spawning areas Aggressive feeding behavior during early morning and late evening, following shad movements	Dam walls where shad spawning activity is occurring Main lake points with access to deeper water Rocky banks and bluff walls adjacent to spawning flats	Hard Topwater (Popping) - especially effective during shad spawn Carolina Rigs - proven effective in recent reports Hard Jerkbaits - matches shad presence and post-spawn activity	Shad - primary forage with active spawning observed Smaller bass species - noted in mixed species catches	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-84	Establishing dual feeding patterns with early morning shallow activity and mid-day deep structure holding patterns Actively feeding during first light near points and bluff walls, transitioning to deeper water as sun and temperatures rise Showing preference for subtle presentations in clear water conditions, particularly during high sun periods	Main lake points and adjacent drop-offs, particularly during early morning Bluff walls in the Duck River section, especially in 10-20 foot depth range River channel edges with vertical structure	Hard Topwater (Popping) during early morning hours near points Shakey Heads worked along bluff walls and deeper structure Texas Rigs (Worming) with finesse worms for pressured fish	Shad schools in open water and near structure Crawfish around rocky structure and bluff walls Bluegill in shallow areas near points	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-84	Actively feeding on shad and crawfish during early morning and late evening, with a shift to deeper water during midday heat Establishing territory around rocky structures and points, using current areas near river channels for feeding opportunities	Main lake points and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range River channel edges where current meets structure Bluff walls with shade during midday periods	Drop Shot worked slowly along deeper rock piles and channel edges Football Jigs dragged through rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during active feeding periods	Shad schools concentrated near structure Crawfish in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to current areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	72-84	During summer, catfish are actively feeding during night hours and early morning, seeking cooler water during peak daytime temperatures Fish are moving between deep river channels during day and shallower feeding areas during low-light periods	Deep river channels near bluff walls during daytime Rocky points and structures during dawn/dusk transition periods Areas near laydowns and stumps in 8-15 feet of water during night feeding	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or nightcrawlers Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around wood structure	Shad schools in deeper water Crawfish near rocky structures Smaller sunfish around woody cover	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Trout	65-72	Trout are seeking thermal refuge in deeper, cooler water due to high surface temperatures exceeding 70°F Fish are focusing on shad schools in deeper water, with most active feeding occurring during early morning and late evening	Deep river channels and bluff walls providing thermal refuge Areas near dam with potential cold water release Rock piles in deeper water that hold baitfish and aquatic insects	Trolling Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Aquatic insects around rocky substrate Small baitfish seeking thermal refuge	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near brush piles and creek channel edges in 15-25 foot depths during daylight hours Early morning and evening feeding periods show more aggressive behavior, with fish moving shallower to feed on shad around points and timber	Deep brush piles near river channel edges Main lake points with standing timber Bridge pilings and deep dock areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools in 8-15 foot depth range Small bluegill around brush and timber Young-of-year baitfish near shoreline structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-84	Spotted bass actively feeding in early morning and late evening around main lake points and bluff walls, moving deeper during midday heat Relating strongly to vertical structure and suspended shad schools, frequently chasing bait to surface	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to river channels Bluff walls with vertical structure, particularly during midday Rocky banks and points in 15-25 foot depth range	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along main lake points and channel edges Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and late evening periods Drop Shot with finesse presentations during midday heat	Shad schools suspending near points and channel edges Smaller sunfish around rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Normandy Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	75-82	Actively feeding in pre-frontal conditions, with increased topwater activity at dawn as evidenced by multiple blow-ups reported Transitioning between shallow and deep water zones, utilizing both bluff walls (5-15ft) and surface zones based on time of day Beginning fall feeding patterns with water temperatures around 78-79°F, showing aggressive pursuit of bait	Bluff walls in 5-15 foot range, particularly near the Duck River portion Shallow areas with bait concentrations, especially during early morning Brush piles and laydowns near deeper water access	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning hours Shakey Heads worked along bluff walls with finesse worms Football Jigs dragged on deeper structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and brush	Minnows/Shad schooling in river sections Crawfish along rocky structure and bluff walls	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	65-79	Actively feeding on shad in the upper water column, particularly around rock-to-clay transition zones Exhibiting aggressive chase behavior, taking advantage of abundant shad presence Using complex shoreline features as ambush points during fall feeding periods	Rock to clay transition banks with shad presence Rock piles near points and irregular shoreline features Channel edges with hard structure nearby	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Spinnerbaits parallel to transition banks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad movements	Shad schools in upper water column Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding on shad schools, increasing activity during low-light periods as they follow baitfish movements in cooling waters Moving between deep river channels and adjacent structure, using bluff walls and rock piles as staging areas	Deep river channels near bluff walls, especially where channels intersect with points Rock piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water Dam area during water generation periods	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges and bluff walls Trolling Deep (20'+) following baitfish schools	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey near rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Trout	52-65	Becoming more active in the cooling water, moving to shallower areas to feed more aggressively Following shad schools more actively, particularly during morning and evening periods Utilizing rock-to-clay transitions and rock piles for feeding on aquatic insects	Main river channel edges near bluff walls in 15-25 foot depths Rock piles and rock-to-clay transitions in 8-15 foot depths Points and creek arms with access to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Inline Spinners near rock piles	Shad schools in mid-depth water Aquatic insects around rocky structures Small baitfish in creek arms	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in preparation for winter, following baitfish movements from tributary areas toward main lake structure Transitioning from shallow to deeper water as temperatures cool, suspending near vertical structure and brush piles	Deep brush piles and stumps near river channel edges (12-18 feet) Bluff walls adjacent to tributary mouths Main lake points with access to deep water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools moving toward deeper main lake areas Small sunfish around brush piles Juvenile baitfish in tributary mouths	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad schools in the upper water column and around main lake points during feeding periods Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones following baitfish migrations Utilizing bluff walls and channel edges as transitional holding areas	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad are congregating Steep bluff walls with access to deep water Secondary points in major creek arms where baitfish are migrating	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively around points and bluff walls Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement Spinnerbaits worked through schooling activity areas	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Secondary forage including small sunfish and crawfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	44-54	Largemouth bass are holding tight to deep structure near river channels and points, moving to slightly shallower water during warmer periods Fish are showing a preference for slow-moving presentations, with reports indicating successful catches on finesse techniques	45-degree chunk rock banks adjacent to river channels Main lake points with wind exposure Rock piles in 5-15 foot depth range	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Finesse Jigs targeted at rocky structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly around rock piles in the 5-foot range	Crawfish are primary forage, especially around rocky structure Shad in deeper water near river channels	Natural Craw Colors Warm Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-48	Smallmouth bass become more lethargic and group up in deeper water, typically suspending near structure in 15-25 foot zones Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, often occurring during midday when water temperatures peak slightly Fish tend to relate strongly to vertical structure like bluff walls and steep drops, staying close to deep-water access	Deep river channel bends with adjacent rock structure Steep bluff walls, especially those near deep water winter holding areas Deep rock piles and points that extend into the main river channel	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops Drop Shot with subtle movements near suspended fish Damiki Rig when fish are clearly marked on electronics Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom structure	Suspended schools of shad in deeper water Bottom-oriented crawfish in rocky areas Small baitfish holding tight to deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	44-52	Catfish migrate to deep river channels and bluff walls, concentrating in areas with minimal current and stable temperatures Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs, with fish most active during warmer parts of the day Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often gathering in predictable deep-water locations	Deep river channels, especially near bends or structure Bluff walls adjacent to deep water Dam area during periods of minimal water flow	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Winter-stressed shad Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish Small sunfish in deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Trout	44-55	Trout are actively feeding in the cooler water conditions, with increased activity during low-light periods. They are primarily focused on shad and aquatic insects. Fish are more likely to suspend in the water column and chase bait, less restricted by thermal refuges compared to summer months.	Deep river channels near bluff walls where shad schools congregate Rock piles and rock-to-clay transitions holding aquatic insects Dam tailwater areas providing consistent temperatures and current	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Inline Spinners Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Aquatic insects near rocky substrate	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are suspending near deep water structure, particularly around the dam area, seeking stable winter conditions and proximity to shad schools Fish are holding in dead water pockets and showing a preference for slower presentations, typical of winter metabolism patterns	Dam area dead water pockets, especially where current meets slack water Deep brush piles near river channel edges Bluff walls adjacent to deep water	Bobbers with bait suspended 2-3 feet deep near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging with slow presentations	Shad schools concentrating around the dam and deep structure Small baitfish utilizing dead water areas as winter refuge	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	44-52	Spotted bass are schooling in deeper water near main lake points and river channels, following shad schools Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially during middle of day Typically suspending at depths of 15-25 feet near vertical structure like bluff walls	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels Steep bluff walls with access to deep water Channel swing banks with rocky structure	Blade Baits worked vertically along structure Drop Shot with slow, subtle movements Shakey Heads worked along bottom structure Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses	Schooling Shad in deeper water Small Crawfish near rocky structure Smaller Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Normandy Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover near spawning flats	Secondary points with rock transitions leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and bluff walls adjacent to deeper water, providing quick access to both shallow and deep water	Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Dam area during periods of water generation, focusing on current breaks and eddies	Transition areas between deep river channels and shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Rock-to-clay transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Creek arm entrances with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning flats	Brush piles and stumps in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets in 8-15 feet of water	Bluff walls near creek channel intersections
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow areas around cypress trees and stumps in protected water, particularly where spawning beds are visible	Protected coves and creek arms with slower-moving water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water for spawning	Adjacent drop-offs and channel edges in 8-15 feet for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Points with adjacent deep water access, especially those with rocky structure	Areas with laydowns and stumps in 5-15 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Rocky points and gravel areas near creek arms where spawning activity occurs	Bluff walls adjacent to spawning areas providing quick access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with stumps and brush piles in 2-8 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with pea gravel or rocky transitions	Protected pockets near river channel bends
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning pockets with access to deeper water	Shallow stump fields and laydowns in 5-15 feet near river channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to spawning flats	Bluff walls with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	River channel edges adjacent to spawning flats, especially near woody cover	Bluff walls and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Rock-to-clay transition areas in 8-15 foot depths where insects and baitfish concentrate	Points and bluff walls near river channel edges offering access to different depth ranges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and stumps along river channel edges in 8-15 feet of water	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Dam walls where shad spawning activity is occurring	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and adjacent drop-offs, particularly during early morning	Bluff walls in the Duck River section, especially in 10-20 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range	River channel edges where current meets structure
Summer	Catfish	Deep river channels near bluff walls during daytime	Rocky points and structures during dawn/dusk transition periods
Summer	Trout	Deep river channels and bluff walls providing thermal refuge	Areas near dam with potential cold water release
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles near river channel edges	Main lake points with standing timber
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those adjacent to river channels	Bluff walls with vertical structure, particularly during midday
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluff walls in 5-15 foot range, particularly near the Duck River portion	Shallow areas with bait concentrations, especially during early morning
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock to clay transition banks with shad presence	Rock piles near points and irregular shoreline features
Fall	Catfish	Deep river channels near bluff walls, especially where channels intersect with points	Rock piles and laydowns adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Trout	Main river channel edges near bluff walls in 15-25 foot depths	Rock piles and rock-to-clay transitions in 8-15 foot depths
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles and stumps near river channel edges (12-18 feet)	Bluff walls adjacent to tributary mouths
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad are congregating	Steep bluff walls with access to deep water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-degree chunk rock banks adjacent to river channels	Main lake points with wind exposure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep river channel bends with adjacent rock structure	Steep bluff walls, especially those near deep water winter holding areas
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels, especially near bends or structure	Bluff walls adjacent to deep water
Winter	Trout	Deep river channels near bluff walls where shad schools congregate	Rock piles and rock-to-clay transitions holding aquatic insects
Winter	Crappie	Dam area dead water pockets, especially where current meets slack water	Deep brush piles near river channel edges
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels	Steep bluff walls with access to deep water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Small baitfish in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools starting to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Shad schools moving into shallower water	Aquatic insects becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad concentrations near channel edges	Small baitfish in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools gathering in creek arms and around points	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structures
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad	Bottom-dwelling prey (crawfish, worms)
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Aquatic insects emerging in spring	Small shad and baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage as indicated in reports)	Small sunfish
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving along points and flats	Crawfish active among rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Young shad beginning to school
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Shad schools moving into shallower water	Aquatic insects emerging in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad - primary forage with active spawning observed	Smaller bass species - noted in mixed species catches
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in open water and near structure	Crawfish around rocky structure and bluff walls
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in deeper water	Crawfish near rocky structures
Summer	Trout	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Aquatic insects around rocky substrate
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in 8-15 foot depth range	Small bluegill around brush and timber
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near points and channel edges	Smaller sunfish around rocky structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Minnows/Shad schooling in river sections	Crawfish along rocky structure and bluff walls
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in upper water column	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey near rocky structure
Fall	Trout	Shad schools in mid-depth water	Aquatic insects around rocky structures
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving toward deeper main lake areas	Small sunfish around brush piles
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Secondary forage including small sunfish and crawfish
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish are primary forage, especially around rocky structure	Shad in deeper water near river channels
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended schools of shad in deeper water	Bottom-oriented crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed shad	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish
Winter	Trout	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Aquatic insects near rocky substrate
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating around the dam and deep structure	Small baitfish utilizing dead water areas as winter refuge
Winter	Spotted Bass	Schooling Shad in deeper water	Small Crawfish near rocky structure

Bait Colors by Season for Normandy Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Warm Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Trout	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals