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Omnia Fishing
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Omnia Fishing

Norris Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Norris Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-65
  • Pre-spawn largemouth are actively staging near spawning areas, feeding heavily to build energy reserves
  • Fish are transitioning between winter and spawning areas, utilizing staging points like rock piles and laydowns
  • Laydowns leading into spawning pockets
  • Rock piles and boulder fields in 12-20 foot range
  • Ledge transitions near spawning flats
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked over rock piles
  • Spinnerbaits near laydowns
  • Bladed Jigs around transition areas
  • Texas Rigs with stick worms on ledges
  • Crawfish becoming active on rocky structure
  • Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass48-58
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, actively moving along migration routes between deep basins and spawning grounds
  • Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, staging on structural elements in 10-20 foot depth range, particularly focused on rocky transitions
  • 45-degree banks with chunk rock and transition areas, focusing on 10-15 foot depth range
  • Main lake points between deep basins and spawning areas
  • Steeper banks with mixed chunk rock and fallen timber
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses along rocky banks
  • Drop Shot rigs worked methodically on main lake points
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) bounced off rocks in 12-20 foot range
  • Spinnerbaits worked along steep banks with timber
  • Alewife gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish52-65
  • Moving from winter deep water haunts to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, especially near channel edges and creek arms
  • Becoming more active with warming temperatures, feeding opportunistically as metabolism increases
  • Utilizing rocky structure and brush piles as transition points between deep winter areas and spawning flats
  • Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot range
  • Brush piles near creek arms in 15-20 foot depth
  • Rocky points and boulder areas that warm quickly in spring sun
  • Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transition areas
  • Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas
  • Bluegill beginning to become more active in warming water
  • Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill55-65
  • Bluegills are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise
  • Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively on insects and small invertebrates in preparation for spawning
  • Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water
  • Secondary points leading into spawning bays
  • Deeper dock areas adjacent to potential spawning flats
  • Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shots for a natural presentation
  • Bobbers suspended 2-4 feet deep over emerging vegetation
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near structure for finicky fish
  • Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water
  • Tiny crustaceans in shallow areas
  • Small worms and invertebrates becoming active in warming shallows
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-68
  • Bass are in various spawn stages, with largemouth beginning to move shallow while some smallmouth are already post-spawn. Fish are less aggressive due to spawning focus, requiring slower presentations
  • During cold fronts or wind, fish hold tighter to structure and become more bottom-oriented, requiring precise presentations to deep rock and brush
  • Outside points leading into spawning areas, especially those with large rocks in 8-12 foot depth
  • Brush piles in 10-20 foot range near docks
  • Laydowns in protected areas
  • Drop Shot with light weights and minimal movement, especially effective in brush piles
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) when wind is present
  • Wacky Rigs around laydowns during calm conditions
  • Crawfish, especially around rocky areas
  • Shad, particularly on windy points and near brush
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-65
  • Smallmouth bass are actively spawning or preparing to spawn, with males guarding nests in shallow water areas. Fish are highly territorial and aggressive during this period.
  • Fish are moving between staging areas and spawning flats, with water temperatures (58-65°F) indicating peak spawning activity
  • Docks on main lake and secondary points, especially those with good skip-casting access
  • Rocky points with gradual slopes leading to spawning flats
  • Protected shallow areas with hard bottom composition
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) skipped under docks with slow retrieval
  • Hard Topwater (Walking) worked around points and shallow structure
  • Drop Shot targeting transitional areas between deep and shallow water
  • Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports
  • Crawfish - becoming more active in warming waters
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish65-75
  • Catfish moving into shallower spawning areas (5-15 feet) near shore, especially around rock piles and laydowns as water warms
  • Males actively guarding nesting sites in cavities near structure, while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas
  • Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, followed by decreased feeding during actual spawning
  • Rocky areas and boulder piles in 5-15 foot depth range, especially near shoreline
  • Laydowns and brush piles in shallow to moderate depths
  • Protected coves and creek arms with stable temperatures
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near spawning areas
  • Shad moving into spawning areas
  • Bluegill becoming more active in shallows
  • Benthic organisms in rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill65-75
  • Actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in coves and protected pockets with firm bottom
  • Males constructing and guarding nests in colonies, while females stage in slightly deeper water nearby
  • Feeding actively between spawning activities, targeting insects and small invertebrates
  • Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation
  • Sandy or gravel bottom areas near shoreline structure
  • Back areas of pockets where water warms first
  • Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended 2-4 feet deep
  • Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through spawning areas
  • Inline Spinners retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to spawning areas
  • Aquatic insects and larvae
  • Small crustaceans
  • Tiny baitfish fry
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass64-73
  • Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, showing aggressive reaction strikes particularly around laydowns and woody cover
  • Fish are most active during early morning and evening periods, being more cautious during bright conditions due to clear water
  • Laydowns and fallen trees in shallow to moderate depth zones
  • Trash mats and other surface cover providing shade
  • Points and creek arms with wood cover
  • Hard Topwater (Walking) worked around laydowns with long casts due to clear water
  • Spinnerbaits with white double willow blades deflected off cover for reaction strikes
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around cover during bright conditions
  • Shad becoming primary forage as evidenced by multiple fishing reports
  • Crawfish still active in rocky areas and around wood cover
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-68
  • Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts along migration routes
  • Fish are utilizing rocky points and 45-degree banks as feeding stations, making frequent foraging runs into 8-12 foot depths
  • Main lake points between spawning bays and deep water basins
  • Rocky 45-degree banks with access to deeper water
  • Transition areas with mixed rock and brush in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Tubes worked along rocky transitions
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to banks
  • Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish
  • Crawfish emerging from winter patterns
  • Small shad schools in transition areas
  • Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish58-72
  • Post-spawn catfish becoming increasingly active, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones
  • Fish transitioning to more aggressive feeding patterns as water warms, particularly active during dawn and dusk periods
  • Rocky points and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Brush piles near channel edges in 15-20 foot range
  • Laydowns and woody cover in shallow feeding areas
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure transitions
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near brush piles
  • Carolina Rigs dragged through rocky areas
  • Shad schools beginning to move shallow
  • Bluegill spawning in protected areas
  • Benthic organisms active in warming shallows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill65-75
  • Post-spawn bluegill are recovering and actively feeding, primarily in shallow to mid-depth areas near cover
  • Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones
  • Most active during morning and evening hours, utilizing weed edges and dock areas for feeding
  • Submerged weed edges in 4-8 feet of water
  • Protected dock areas with nearby vegetation
  • Shallow coves with emerging vegetation
  • Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep
  • Live Bait Rigs with light tackle
  • Micro Crankbaits worked slowly along weed edges
  • Small insects and larvae
  • Tiny crustaceans
  • Small minnows
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass72-85
  • Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, holding on deeper structure (15-25ft) near the thermocline during midday, moving shallower during low light periods
  • Active feeding on shad and bluegill around laydowns and submerged vegetation, with some fish still targeting crawfish near rocky structure
  • Laydowns in 15-25 feet of water on main lake and back of creeks
  • Submerged vegetation edges, especially near deeper water access
  • Ledges and brush piles in the 10-20 foot range
  • Structure Jigs worked slowly through deep laydowns and brush
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits with slow retrieve around baitfish schools
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) along ledges and deeper structure
  • Shad schooling in open water and around structure
  • Bluegill relating to wood cover and vegetation
  • Crawfish on rocky structure and ledges
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass68-80
  • Actively feeding on baitfish, utilizing rocky structures and points as ambush locations
  • Moving between deep and shallow zones throughout the day, with more active periods during morning and evening
  • Establishing summer feeding patterns with a focus on main lake structure
  • Main lake points with rocky structure in 8-20 foot range
  • Deep rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to feeding flats
  • 45-degree rocky banks with quick access to deeper water
  • Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly along bottom structure
  • Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along rocky points
  • Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas
  • Baitfish schools holding near structure
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Small perch near rocky points
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
SummerCatfish72-80
  • Actively feeding in shaded areas near docks and woody structure during summer heat
  • Most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime periods with optimal feeding temperatures
  • Docks with deep water access, especially those with brush or woody cover
  • Rock piles and boulder areas in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Laydowns and brush piles providing shade and ambush points
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and brush
  • Carolina Rigs when covering rocky areas
  • Shad schools
  • Bluegill
  • Benthic organisms and crawfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerPanfish / Bluegill75-85
  • Bluegills are actively feeding around dock structures in warm water (80°F), focusing on insects and other small prey
  • Fish are using docks as primary holding structure, moving between shade and feeding zones throughout the day
  • Docks with deep water access, especially those with submerged vegetation nearby
  • Shallow coves with vegetation and protected pockets
  • Shaded areas between dock posts and under floating sections
  • Bobbers with small live bait or artificial presentations, especially effective around dock edges
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near structure
  • Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under docks
  • Insects, particularly aquatic varieties near vegetation
  • Small invertebrates around dock structures
  • Tiny baitfish and fry in shallow areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Norris Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass65-75
  • Actively chasing shad in creek arms and near wood structure, showing aggressive feeding behavior as evidenced by recent fishing reports
  • Moving between shallow wood cover and nearby rock structure, utilizing both for ambush points
  • Laydowns and wood structure in creek arms
  • Rock piles near the bank
  • Points with mixed rock and wood cover
  • Spinnerbaits worked around laydowns and wood structure
  • Hard Topwater (Prop) worked over rock piles early morning
  • Blade Baits near points
  • Shad - primary forage based on multiple fall reports
  • Crawfish - secondary forage around rock structure
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass55-68
  • Smallmouth bass are actively feeding and chasing bait fish, exhibiting aggressive behavior around rock structure and wood as they bulk up for winter
  • Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish schools and utilizing ambush points along structural elements
  • Shelf rock with adjacent deep water access
  • Main lake points with rocky structure
  • Wood structure along steep banks
  • Spinnerbaits with swimbait trailers around rocky structure
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) paralleling break lines
  • Drop Shot in deeper areas when fish are less active
  • Minnows and shad schools
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
FallCatfish58-72
  • Catfish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool
  • Fish become more concentrated around deep structure and channel edges, with feeding activity most intense during warming afternoon periods
  • Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range near channel edges
  • Rocky structure and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
  • Deep water laydowns near creek arms and points
  • Live Bait Rigs with heavy sinkers to maintain bottom contact in deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) around brush piles and structure
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and through rocky areas
  • Shad schools moving into creek arms and deeper water
  • Bluegill concentrating around deeper structure
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
FallPanfish / Bluegill55-68
  • Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, forming loose schools around structure
  • Feeding becomes more aggressive as fish build energy reserves for winter, particularly during warm afternoon periods
  • Deep dock edges where they transition to deeper water (8-12 feet)
  • Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
  • Protected coves with remaining vegetation in 6-10 feet of water
  • Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended just off bottom
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro jigs around dock posts
  • Bobbers with adjustable depths to follow fish as they move up and down in the water column
  • Small insects including remaining aquatic larvae
  • Tiny minnows and juvenile shad
  • Zooplankton in deeper water columns
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass48-55
  • Largemouth bass are holding tight to cover in 10-20 foot depth range, particularly around brush piles and laydowns on main lake structure
  • Fish are displaying a very subtle feeding pattern, requiring slow presentations and deadsticking techniques
  • Main lake 45-degree rock banks with brush piles in 10-20 foot range
  • Main lake laydowns and wood cover
  • Rocky points with adjacent deep water access
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly with extended deadsticking periods
  • Drop Shot rigs around brush piles in 15-20 feet
  • Texas Rigs pitched to laydowns and wood cover
  • Crawfish
  • Small baitfish relating to brush piles
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
WinterSmallmouth Bass48-55
  • Smallmouth bass are holding in deeper water (15-20 feet) near channel swings and rocky secondary points, responding best to slow, subtle presentations
  • Fish are showing a preference for bottom-oriented presentations, with subtle bites requiring careful line watching
  • Movement patterns indicate fish are transitioning between winter holding areas and pre-spring staging locations
  • Channel swing banks in 15-20 foot depth range
  • Rocky secondary points with access to deep water
  • Deep boulder-strewn areas adjacent to winter staging zones
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom with subtle hops
  • Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water
  • Damiki Rig when fish are spotted on electronics
  • Crawfish emerging from winter holding areas
  • Smaller baitfish holding in deeper water
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterCatfish48-55
  • Catfish school tightly in deeper water near structure, moving less and feeding less frequently but opportunistically
  • Fish tend to hold close to bottom in areas with minimal current, conserving energy while remaining near food sources
  • Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Deep rock piles and boulder areas
  • Channel edges near deep water laydowns
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with scented baits
  • Structure Jigs worked methodically through brush piles
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water
  • Bluegill holding near deep structure
  • Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near rocky areas
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterPanfish / Bluegill38-45
  • Bluegill are suspending in deeper water columns, typically 15-25 feet, relating to structure near deeper basins
  • During warming trends, fish become more active and may move shallower to feed on insects and small invertebrates near weed edges
  • Deep weed edges adjacent to basin areas, especially in protected coves
  • Submerged brush or timber in 15-25 foot depths
  • Deep dock areas where structure meets deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Micro Crankbaits
  • Small aquatic insects and larvae
  • Zooplankton
  • Small invertebrates near vegetation
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Norris Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns leading into spawning pocketsRock piles and boulder fields in 12-20 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass45-degree banks with chunk rock and transition areas, focusing on 10-15 foot depth rangeMain lake points between deep basins and spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishChannel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot rangeBrush piles near creek arms in 15-20 foot depth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillProtected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of waterSecondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassOutside points leading into spawning areas, especially those with large rocks in 8-12 foot depthBrush piles in 10-20 foot range near docks
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassDocks on main lake and secondary points, especially those with good skip-casting accessRocky points with gradual slopes leading to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)CatfishRocky areas and boulder piles in 5-15 foot depth range, especially near shorelineLaydowns and brush piles in shallow to moderate depths
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillProtected shallow coves with submerged vegetationSandy or gravel bottom areas near shoreline structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns and fallen trees in shallow to moderate depth zonesTrash mats and other surface cover providing shade
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassMain lake points between spawning bays and deep water basinsRocky 45-degree banks with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishRocky points and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depth rangeBrush piles near channel edges in 15-20 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSubmerged weed edges in 4-8 feet of waterProtected dock areas with nearby vegetation
SummerLargemouth BassLaydowns in 15-25 feet of water on main lake and back of creeksSubmerged vegetation edges, especially near deeper water access
SummerSmallmouth BassMain lake points with rocky structure in 8-20 foot rangeDeep rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to feeding flats
SummerCatfishDocks with deep water access, especially those with brush or woody coverRock piles and boulder areas in 15-25 foot depth range
SummerPanfish / BluegillDocks with deep water access, especially those with submerged vegetation nearbyShallow coves with vegetation and protected pockets
FallLargemouth BassLaydowns and wood structure in creek armsRock piles near the bank
FallSmallmouth BassShelf rock with adjacent deep water accessMain lake points with rocky structure
FallCatfishDeep brush piles in 15-25 foot range near channel edgesRocky structure and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
FallPanfish / BluegillDeep dock edges where they transition to deeper water (8-12 feet)Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
WinterLargemouth BassMain lake 45-degree rock banks with brush piles in 10-20 foot rangeMain lake laydowns and wood cover
WinterSmallmouth BassChannel swing banks in 15-20 foot depth rangeRocky secondary points with access to deep water
WinterCatfishBrush piles in 15-25 foot depth rangeDeep rock piles and boulder areas
WinterPanfish / BluegillDeep weed edges adjacent to basin areas, especially in protected covesSubmerged brush or timber in 15-25 foot depths

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish becoming active on rocky structureShad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassAlewife gathering in pre-spawn areasCrawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishShad schools congregating in pre-spawn areasBluegill beginning to become more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming waterTiny crustaceans in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish, especially around rocky areasShad, particularly on windy points and near brush
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassShad - primary forage based on recent fishing reportsCrawfish - becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)CatfishShad moving into spawning areasBluegill becoming more active in shallows
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillAquatic insects and larvaeSmall crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassShad becoming primary forage as evidenced by multiple fishing reportsCrawfish still active in rocky areas and around wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter patternsSmall shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishShad schools beginning to move shallowBluegill spawning in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvaeTiny crustaceans
SummerLargemouth BassShad schooling in open water and around structureBluegill relating to wood cover and vegetation
SummerSmallmouth BassBaitfish schools holding near structureCrawfish in rocky areas
SummerCatfishShad schoolsBluegill
SummerPanfish / BluegillInsects, particularly aquatic varieties near vegetationSmall invertebrates around dock structures
FallLargemouth BassShad - primary forage based on multiple fall reportsCrawfish - secondary forage around rock structure
FallSmallmouth BassMinnows and shad schoolsCrawfish in rocky areas
FallCatfishShad schools moving into creek arms and deeper waterBluegill concentrating around deeper structure
FallPanfish / BluegillSmall insects including remaining aquatic larvaeTiny minnows and juvenile shad
WinterLargemouth BassCrawfishSmall baitfish relating to brush piles
WinterSmallmouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter holding areasSmaller baitfish holding in deeper water
WinterCatfishShad schools concentrated in deeper waterBluegill holding near deep structure
WinterPanfish / BluegillSmall aquatic insects and larvaeZooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Norris Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Green Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
SummerCatfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerPanfish / Bluegill
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
FallCatfish
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
FallPanfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
WinterSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterCatfish
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterPanfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors