How to Fish Norway Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Norway Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jul 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Norway Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Transitioning from winter deep areas to warming shallow flats, becoming more active with rising water temperatures Staging near spawning areas but still actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning	Protected shallow flats adjacent to deeper water near the dam Submerged vegetation edges in 3-5 feet of water Secondary points leading into potential spawning bays	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses to imitate struggling baitfish Bladed Jigs around vegetation edges and near the dam structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in shallow warming areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and moving into shallow, warmer bays with emerging vegetation to prepare for spawning Fish are most active during early morning and late evening due to the lake's clear water conditions	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near the dam Areas with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through vegetation Spinnerbaits retrieved with occasional pauses near cover Trolling Shallow (0-9') along vegetation edges	Shallow water minnows gathering in warming bays Young-of-year panfish in vegetated areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected zones with stable temperatures Males are creating and guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Feeding activity is increased during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawning	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation Areas near dam that offer wind protection for stable temperatures Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Soft Jerkbaits Shakey Heads	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in spawning areas Juvenile bluegill near vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas, typically just after ice-out when water temperatures begin to warm Fish are seeking out flooded vegetation and marshy areas for spawning, with post-spawn fish remaining nearby to feed	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Marshy areas with slow-moving water Adjacent deeper water areas near spawning locations for post-spawn recovery	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves Live Bait Rigs under bobbers near spawning areas	Shallow water minnows Young of the year panfish Small yellow perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are becoming more active and beginning to feed aggressively to recover energy, typically moving from deeper spawning areas to shallower feeding zones Fish are establishing predictable daily patterns, often most active during early morning hours as indicated by fishing reports	Submerged vegetation edges in 3-6 feet of water, particularly where it meets slightly deeper water Dam structure, especially areas with good morning sun exposure Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas where fish transition to feeding zones	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically near vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation lines during low light conditions	Crawfish emerging in the warming waters Small baitfish schools beginning to gather in the shallows Young of the year panfish in vegetated areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, primarily in shallow vegetation areas and near emerging weed growth Most active during early morning and late evening due to high water clarity, becoming more structure-oriented during bright conditions	Shallow vegetated bays and emerging weed edges in 3-6 feet of water Secondary break lines near the dam area where deeper water access is available Shallow flat areas with scattered vegetation patches	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation Inline Spinners in open pockets between vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Young-of-year baitfish schools Shallow water minnow species Small panfish in vegetated areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Largemouth bass establishing daily patterns with early morning/late evening shallow feeding activity and midday movement to deeper vegetation edges During summer heat, fish become more active around dawn and dusk, seeking shade and cooler water near vegetation and the dam structure	Thick vegetation mats and edges, particularly in 4-6 foot depth range Dam structure, especially shaded areas during midday Submerged vegetation adjacent to slightly deeper water	Frogs/Toads worked over vegetation mats during morning and evening Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation edges and dam structure Swim Jigs through scattered vegetation Buzzbaits in early morning and late evening periods	Crawfish active in and around vegetation Small baitfish (minnows) schooling near vegetation edges Young-of-year panfish in shallow vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	65-75	Pike are likely to be active in early morning and late evening due to clear water conditions, seeking cooler, deeper water during midday Fish are relating to dense weed edges and submerged vegetation, using these areas as ambush points for feeding Given the shallow average depth and clear water, pike may be more cautious during bright conditions, requiring slower presentations	Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water, particularly near the dam area Submerged vegetation beds in 4-6 foot depth range Current areas near the dam where baitfish concentrate	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges during overcast conditions	Minnows concentrated near vegetation and dam area Small panfish utilizing weed cover Young-of-year fish schools in shallow vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Norway Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Bass are transitioning to fall feeding patterns, actively pursuing prey in early morning hours around vegetation and structure Fish are showing preference for natural presentations, likely due to clearer water conditions and slower metabolism	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly in shallow to mid-depth areas Dam structure, especially during early morning periods Transitions between vegetation and open water areas in 4-6 foot depth range	Wacky Rigs worked slowly through vegetation and near structure Ned Rigs for pressured fish in clearer water conditions Soft Jerkbaits for active fish during early morning periods	Crawfish actively moving in vegetation and near the dam Minnows schooling in the shallow to mid-depth ranges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	45-58	Pike are actively feeding near the dam, likely following baitfish schools and utilizing depth changes for ambush points Due to clear water conditions (8.9ft Secchi), pike are more structure-oriented and may be most active during lower light periods	Dam area with depth variations and current breaks Deep weed edges near primary lake basin Points and breaks adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Spinnerbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)	Schooling baitfish concentrated near structure Young-of-year panfish in remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-48	Pike are schooling near deeper structures, particularly around the dam area, due to cooling water temperatures and baitfish concentration Most active during low-light periods due to high water clarity, with increased feeding windows during overcast conditions	Dam area with depth changes and current breaks that concentrate baitfish Remaining deep weed edges where vegetation is still present Deeper depressions and channels that provide winter staging areas	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') parallel to deep weed edges and structure breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around the dam and deeper structure Spoons worked with aggressive flash and pause cadence	Schooling baitfish concentrated near deeper structure Remaining panfish in deeper weed edges Deeper-holding minnow species	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Northern Pike are concentrating in mid-depth vegetation edges and basin areas near the dam during ice season, following primary forage Most active during low-light periods in the clear water, with peak feeding windows during dawn and dusk Exhibiting more selective feeding patterns due to high water clarity, requiring precise bait presentations	Deep basin areas near the dam structure where baitfish concentrate Edges of remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Large Minnows and small panfish Remaining young-of-year baitfish schools Small pike feeding on concentrated pods of baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Norway Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow flats adjacent to deeper water near the dam	Submerged vegetation edges in 3-5 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near the dam
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation	Areas near dam that offer wind protection for stable temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Marshy areas with slow-moving water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges in 3-6 feet of water, particularly where it meets slightly deeper water	Dam structure, especially areas with good morning sun exposure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow vegetated bays and emerging weed edges in 3-6 feet of water	Secondary break lines near the dam area where deeper water access is available
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick vegetation mats and edges, particularly in 4-6 foot depth range	Dam structure, especially shaded areas during midday
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water, particularly near the dam area	Submerged vegetation beds in 4-6 foot depth range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly in shallow to mid-depth areas	Dam structure, especially during early morning periods
Fall	Northern Pike	Dam area with depth variations and current breaks	Deep weed edges near primary lake basin
Winter	Northern Pike	Dam area with depth changes and current breaks that concentrate baitfish	Remaining deep weed edges where vegetation is still present
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep basin areas near the dam structure where baitfish concentrate	Edges of remaining green vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in shallow warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow water minnows gathering in warming bays	Young-of-year panfish in vegetated areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow water minnows	Young of the year panfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in the warming waters	Small baitfish schools beginning to gather in the shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year baitfish schools	Shallow water minnow species
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish active in and around vegetation	Small baitfish (minnows) schooling near vegetation edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Minnows concentrated near vegetation and dam area	Small panfish utilizing weed cover
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in vegetation and near the dam	Minnows schooling in the shallow to mid-depth ranges
Fall	Northern Pike	Schooling baitfish concentrated near structure	Young-of-year panfish in remaining vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Schooling baitfish concentrated near deeper structure	Remaining panfish in deeper weed edges
Ice	Northern Pike	Large Minnows and small panfish	Remaining young-of-year baitfish schools

Bait Colors by Season for Norway Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

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