How to Fish O'Dowd Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

O'Dowd Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on O'Dowd Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Pre-spawn bass staging in transition areas near spawning flats, actively feeding but not yet on beds with water temps in low 60s Fish responding well to moving baits in warmer pockets of the lake, showing increased activity levels as temperatures rise	Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to potential spawning flats Protected coves and pockets with slightly warmer water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bladed Jigs worked steadily through vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water Wacky Rigs worked slowly in areas where fish are located	Bluegill concentrating in pre-spawn areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappies are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, gradually moving toward shallower spawning zones Fish are becoming more active with warming trends, but feeding remains somewhat inconsistent due to temperature fluctuations	Vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range where they intersect with points Protected coves with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake Transitional areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning flats	Bobbers with small minnows or jigs suspended just above vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in areas where fish are holding tight to cover	Small minnows congregating near warming shallows Young-of-year panfish in and around vegetation Emerging aquatic insects in vegetation zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-65	Bluegill are beginning to move from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallow flats and protected coves in preparation for spawning Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during mid-morning to afternoon when water temperatures peak Congregating near emerging vegetation and shallow structure, making frequent feeding forays	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet of water Points and transitions near spawning flats Areas where shallow water meets deeper wintering areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around emerging vegetation Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through transitional areas	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans in vegetation Small minnows in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Moving from winter depths to shallow spawning areas, staging near transitions to spawning grounds Feeding more actively as water warms, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Congregating near hard-bottom areas and structural elements that will be used for spawning	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range adjacent to potential spawning areas Transition areas between weeds and hard bottom Protected bays with firm bottom composition	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate movements	Golden Shiners Young Perch Small Panfish	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, targeting shallow flats and emerging vegetation near spawning areas Fish are moving from winter deep-water locations to warmer, shallow bays and coves with early vegetation growth	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range Wind-blown points adjacent to spawning bays Weed edges near rock piles in 8-14 foot range serving as transition areas	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along emerging weed edges and through shallow flats Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs positioned near creek mouths and warming shallow bays	Bluegills congregating in warming shallow areas Crappies staging in pre-spawn locations	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	66-70	Males actively guarding spawning beds in shallow water while females stage nearby, moving between beds and adjacent cover Fish are most active during early morning and evening, seeking shaded areas during bright conditions	Protected shallow areas with mixed vegetation and hard bottom (sand/gravel) in 1-5 feet Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with weed edges	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around shallow cover and beds Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with soft plastics around heavy cover Lipless Crankbaits for covering water on secondary points early in day	Bluegill Young of year baitfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near vegetation and woody cover as water temperatures rise, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased daytime activity as spawning approaches, particularly around vegetation edges and protected shoreline areas	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range Points and vegetation edges adjacent to slightly deeper water (6-8 feet) where females stage Shallow protected areas near woody cover and emergent vegetation	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around visible cover Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended at spawn depth Crappie Spider Rigging for staging fish slightly outside spawning areas	Young-of-year panfish and small baitfish in shallow vegetation Small invertebrates around spawning areas Various minnow species relating to vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Bluegill are actively moving into shallow spawning areas around 3-6 feet, particularly near submerged vegetation as water temperatures reach upper 50s Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns as they prepare for spawning, showing increased activity in areas with good light penetration	Shallow submerged vegetation in 3-6 foot depths, especially where sparse vegetation is just beginning to grow Protected coves and bays with warming water temperatures Transition areas between shallow flats and slightly deeper water near spawning areas	Finesse Jigs worked slowly near vegetation Bobbers with small jigs suspended at 2-4 feet Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light tackle in shallow areas	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye actively moving to spawning areas, focused on rocky points and hard-bottom areas in shallow water Most active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) but feeding opportunities exist throughout day due to turbid conditions Post-spawn fish gradually transitioning to feeding locations near weed edges and structural elements	Rocky points and hard-bottom areas in 2-8 foot depth range Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to spawning areas Transition areas between spawning sites and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom structure	Minnows congregating near spawning areas Young perch in emerging weed growth Small shiners around rocky structure	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are in shallow, warmer bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out when water temperatures reach 40-48°F Fish are aggressive during pre-spawn and post-spawn periods, actively feeding to build energy reserves and recover	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depths Wind-blown points adjacent to spawning bays Submerged weed edges in 8-14 foot range for post-spawn recovery	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Inline Spinners for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Spawning Panfish (Bluegills and Crappie) Young of Year Baitfish Small Yellow Perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding in 8-14 foot depth ranges around vegetation edges and points Fish are showing increased activity during wind events, particularly on points and weed edges as they target bluegill and shad	Deep weed edges in 12-14 feet of water, particularly in the main basin Wind-blown points with vegetation Docks and laydowns adjacent to deeper water Submerged vegetation in 6-8 foot depths	Drop Shot with finesse worms worked slowly around deeper weed clumps Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses on points and weed edges Wacky Rigs worked methodically around cover Ned Rigs worked through vegetation in 8-10 foot range	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation edges and dock areas Shad moving along points and main lake structure	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy with increased activity during morning and evening hours Suspending near vegetation edges and relating to cover during midday, moving between depths of 6-12 feet as they follow baitfish	Vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range, particularly near points where cover meets deeper water Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water access Shallow coves with abundant vegetation, especially during early morning and late evening	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges with light jigs Hover/Mid-Strolling along vegetation edges and points Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) to cover water and locate active fish	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in and around vegetation Small invertebrates in and around vegetation edges Juvenile panfish in shallow vegetation areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-72	Post-spawn bluegill actively feeding and recovering in shallow to moderate depths (3-8 feet), relating heavily to emerging vegetation Fish showing increased aggression and territorial behavior, especially around newly growing weed edges and transition areas	Emerging weed edges in 3-6 feet of water Protected coves with developing vegetation Secondary points adjacent to spawning areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Micro Crankbaits worked slowly through vegetation	Emerging aquatic insects Small crustaceans Newly hatched baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleyes are recovering and beginning to actively feed, typically following deeper edges of structure and weed lines Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding areas, often using points and rock piles as staging areas	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range where walleyes stage post-spawn Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas Shallow to mid-depth transitions near structural elements	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows near rock piles Lipless Crankbaits along weed edges	Young perch gathering near weed edges Golden shiners in shallow zones Small minnows around rock structures	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery, seeking high-protein meals near emerging weed growth and points Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, utilizing wind-blown points and weed edges as ambush points	Emerging weed edges in 8-14 foot depth range Wind-blown main lake points with vegetation Rock piles adjacent to vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Inline Spinners near vegetation transitions	Bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation Crappies transitioning through post-spawn areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-80	Actively feeding on large concentrations of bluegills around heavy vegetation, especially during morning and evening hours Moving between shallow cover and deeper weed edges (8-14 feet) as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day Holding tight to cover in the stained water conditions, requiring slow, methodical presentations	Weed edges with mixed hard cover in 8-14 feet of water Shallow vegetation, especially lily pads and milfoil patches Docks with adjacent vegetation	Drop Shot worked slowly through sparse weeds in 10-15 feet Wacky Rigs skipped under docks and worked along weed edges Ned Rigs dragged slowly on points and weed flats Frogs/Toads worked over lily pads and matted vegetation	Bluegill Juvenile Bass Crappie	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappies are actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, suspending near vegetation edges and points in 6-8 foot depth range During midday heat, fish move slightly deeper and tighter to cover, especially in areas with submerged vegetation	Vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range, especially where they intersect with points Shaded areas under docks adjacent to deeper water Deeper pockets within weed beds where multiple types of vegetation intersect	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks during bright conditions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in pockets and edges of vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish congregating around vegetation Small invertebrates in and around aquatic vegetation Small bluegills and other juvenile panfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-80	Bluegills are actively feeding in and around thick vegetation in shallow water (5-6 feet), taking advantage of abundant insect life and cover from predators Fish are showing preference for shallow zones with good light penetration, likely due to the lake's turbid conditions (3.6ft Secchi depth)	Thick vegetation beds in 5-6 feet of water Complex shoreline areas with coves and points containing submerged vegetation Shallow feeding zones with mixed vegetation in 3-5 feet of water	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at proper depth above vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in pockets within vegetation	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation Small invertebrates Zooplankton in and around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleye are transitioning to deeper water during daylight hours due to summer heat, but actively feeding in shallower areas during low light periods Fish are relating to weed edges and rock piles, using these structures as ambush points for feeding	Weed edges in 8-15 foot range, especially near points or rock piles Rock piles adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with access to both shallow and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked along weed edges and rock piles Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during peak daylight hours Trolling Shallow (0-9') during early morning and evening periods	Young perch and golden shiners in weed areas Juvenile panfish near structure Minnows relating to rock piles	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	72-80	Pike are actively patrolling weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range, using submerged vegetation as ambush points for panfish Fish are most active during early morning and evening, moving shallower to feed and deeper during bright midday periods	Weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 8-10 foot range Wind-blown points with submerged vegetation Deep weed edges near main lake points	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits burned just above vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through scattered weeds	Bluegills holding in weed beds Crappies suspending near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for O'Dowd Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	57-60	Bass actively feeding on bluegill and baitfish around remaining vegetation edges and wind-blown points, with increased activity during low-light periods Fish transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following bait movements and responding to cooling water temperatures (57-60°F)	Wind-blown points with remaining green vegetation Weed edges adjacent to deeper water Rock structures in 6-8 foot depth range	Lipless Crankbaits ripped through remaining weeds Grass Jigs worked slowly along weed edges Ned Rig fished around bait balls outside weed edges Drop Shot presented very slow with soft plastic on weed edges	Bluegill concentrated around remaining vegetation Baitfish schools gathering in balls near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements to deeper water, particularly around vegetation edges and points Feeding activity increases during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more aggressive as they prepare for winter	Deep edges of vegetation in 6-8 foot range where it transitions to deeper water Points with submerged vegetation that provide ambush locations Deeper coves with remaining vegetation that offer both cover and access to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Hover/Mid-Strolling around points and vegetation transitions	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper areas Small minnows relating to vegetation edges Late-season invertebrates in remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but still actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter. They are likely to school more tightly and relate closely to remaining vegetation and structure. Feeding activity is concentrated during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures are optimal, with fish moving between vegetation edges and nearby deeper structures.	Deep edges of weed beds in 6-10 feet of water where vegetation is still healthy Points and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding areas Deeper pockets within remaining vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small ice fishing jigs worked slowly through the water column Live Bait Rigs with smaller presentations positioned just above the weed tops Micro Crankbaits worked slowly along weed edges	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	45-58	Walleye becoming more active with cooling water temperatures, following baitfish schools and feeding heavily to prepare for winter Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper structure, with peak activity during low-light periods	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range, especially those adjacent to deeper water Weed edges that are beginning to die off, particularly near depth transitions Mid-depth flats with scattered rock or gravel bottom	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Young-of-year perch schooling in deeper water Shiners and small baitfish in large schools Juvenile panfish near remaining weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, focusing on larger prey near weed edges and points Fish are following baitfish schools, particularly targeting panfish concentrations near remaining vegetation	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where vegetation is still healthy Wind-blown main lake points with rock and vegetation mix Shallow vegetation near deep water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through vegetation gaps Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near vegetation edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges with crankbaits	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation Crappies schooling near deeper weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Suspending in deeper basin areas near structure, actively feeding during low light periods Moving between depth ranges based on light penetration and temperature changes	Deep basin areas adjacent to vegetation edges (8-15 feet) Points and underwater structure in 6-12 foot range Deeper holes near submerged vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small minnows and young-of-year fish Suspended baitfish schools Small invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	39-45	Panfish are holding near deep water points and transitions, suspending in loose schools Fish are less active but will feed opportunistically during warmer parts of the day	Points adjacent to deep water, especially where vegetation has died back Transitions from shallow flats to deeper basins Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small invertebrates Dying/dead vegetation-related insects Smaller baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye actively feed during low-light periods, taking advantage of their superior vision in the turbid water conditions Fish are concentrating near structural elements like rock piles and weed edges, using these as ambush points	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range Deep weed edges adjacent to structural elements Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along structure	Golden Shiners Young Perch Small Panfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike transitioning between deep weed edges and rock piles, actively feeding during low-light periods Targeting larger forage due to cold water metabolic demands, using the turbid water conditions for ambush advantage	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, especially near rock pile transitions Wind-blown main lake points with remaining vegetation Complex shoreline areas with deep water access	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along weed edges Lipless Crankbaits with stop-and-go retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through transition areas	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed edges Crappie schools in deeper water adjacent to structure Smaller pike and yellow perch	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	32-33	Crappies are schooling in deeper basin areas and points, actively feeding on minnows during daylight hours as evidenced by recent catches Fish showing willingness to chase and strike reaction baits like spoons, suggesting active feeding periods despite cold water conditions	Deep basin areas adjacent to points where schools are concentrating Main lake points that provide access to both shallow and deep water Areas with submerged vegetation in 6-8 foot range that remain green under the ice	Ice Fishing Spoons with minnow tails, worked with an aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for larger crappies Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked more subtly during slower periods	Small minnows and fathead minnows, primary winter forage Young-of-year panfish in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Schooling in deeper water near main lake points and structure, with periodic movements to shallower feeding zones Activity levels moderate during prime daylight hours, with peaks during dawn and dusk	Main lake points where summer vegetation has died back Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water Areas with remaining green vegetation providing oxygen and cover	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton concentrations Remaining vegetation-dwelling invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	33-38	Actively feeding near submerged vegetation edges and rock piles, with consistent bite on jigging presentations Moving between deep and mid-depth zones, following baitfish schools in 8-15 foot range	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near rock piles Mid-lake rock piles in 8-15 foot range Transition areas between vegetation and hard bottom	Ice Fishing Spoons with minnow heads, worked with a jigging motion Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live suckers or large minnows Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked slowly near bottom	Minnows, particularly golden shiners Young perch Small panfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike transition to mid-depth weed edges and concentrate near structure during ice season, actively feeding during prime dawn/dusk periods Fish maintain ambush positions near submerged vegetation edges in 8-14 foot range, utilizing rock pile areas for additional structure	Weed edges in 8-14 foot depth range, especially near rock pile intersections Points and inside turns of weed lines where vegetation meets deeper water Areas where submerged vegetation creates defined edges near deeper water access	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live bait positioned along weed edges Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows near structure	Bluegills concentrated in weedy areas Crappies suspended near weed edges Suckers moving along bottom near structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in O'Dowd Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to potential spawning flats	Protected coves and pockets with slightly warmer water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range where they intersect with points	Protected coves with emerging vegetation, especially on the north side of the lake
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet of water	Points and transitions near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range adjacent to potential spawning areas	Transition areas between weeds and hard bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range	Wind-blown points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow areas with mixed vegetation and hard bottom (sand/gravel) in 1-5 feet	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range	Points and vegetation edges adjacent to slightly deeper water (6-8 feet) where females stage
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow submerged vegetation in 3-6 foot depths, especially where sparse vegetation is just beginning to grow	Protected coves and bays with warming water temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and hard-bottom areas in 2-8 foot depth range	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depths	Wind-blown points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 12-14 feet of water, particularly in the main basin	Wind-blown points with vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range, particularly near points where cover meets deeper water	Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging weed edges in 3-6 feet of water	Protected coves with developing vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range where walleyes stage post-spawn	Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging weed edges in 8-14 foot depth range	Wind-blown main lake points with vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges with mixed hard cover in 8-14 feet of water	Shallow vegetation, especially lily pads and milfoil patches
Summer	Crappie	Vegetation edges in 6-8 foot depth range, especially where they intersect with points	Shaded areas under docks adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Thick vegetation beds in 5-6 feet of water	Complex shoreline areas with coves and points containing submerged vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Weed edges in 8-15 foot range, especially near points or rock piles	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 8-10 foot range	Wind-blown points with submerged vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Wind-blown points with remaining green vegetation	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Deep edges of vegetation in 6-8 foot range where it transitions to deeper water	Points with submerged vegetation that provide ambush locations
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of weed beds in 6-10 feet of water where vegetation is still healthy	Points and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding areas
Fall	Walleye	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Weed edges that are beginning to die off, particularly near depth transitions
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where vegetation is still healthy	Wind-blown main lake points with rock and vegetation mix
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to vegetation edges (8-15 feet)	Points and underwater structure in 6-12 foot range
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Points adjacent to deep water, especially where vegetation has died back	Transitions from shallow flats to deeper basins
Winter	Walleye	Rock piles and points in 8-15 foot range	Deep weed edges adjacent to structural elements
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, especially near rock pile transitions	Wind-blown main lake points with remaining vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to points where schools are concentrating	Main lake points that provide access to both shallow and deep water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Main lake points where summer vegetation has died back	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near rock piles	Mid-lake rock piles in 8-15 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 8-14 foot depth range, especially near rock pile intersections	Points and inside turns of weed lines where vegetation meets deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in pre-spawn areas	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows congregating near warming shallows	Young-of-year panfish in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Golden Shiners	Young Perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in warming shallow areas	Crappies staging in pre-spawn locations
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year panfish and small baitfish in shallow vegetation	Small invertebrates around spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating near spawning areas	Young perch in emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Spawning Panfish (Bluegills and Crappie)	Young of Year Baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation edges and dock areas	Shad moving along points and main lake structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in and around vegetation	Small invertebrates in and around vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects	Small crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young perch gathering near weed edges	Golden shiners in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation	Crappies transitioning through post-spawn areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Juvenile Bass
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish congregating around vegetation	Small invertebrates in and around aquatic vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation	Small invertebrates
Summer	Walleye	Young perch and golden shiners in weed areas	Juvenile panfish near structure
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills holding in weed beds	Crappies suspending near weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around remaining vegetation	Baitfish schools gathering in balls near structure
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in deeper areas	Small minnows relating to vegetation edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Fall	Walleye	Young-of-year perch schooling in deeper water	Shiners and small baitfish in large schools
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining vegetation	Crappies schooling near deeper weed edges
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Suspended baitfish schools
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates	Dying/dead vegetation-related insects
Winter	Walleye	Golden Shiners	Young Perch
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed edges	Crappie schools in deeper water adjacent to structure
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows and fathead minnows, primary winter forage	Young-of-year panfish in deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton concentrations
Ice	Walleye	Minnows, particularly golden shiners	Young perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in weedy areas	Crappies suspended near weed edges

Bait Colors by Season for O'Dowd Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors