Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 52-62 | - Transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding to build energy for spawning
- Moving between deeper transition areas (6-10ft) and shallow flats, following shad movements
- Showing increased aggression and feeding activity with water temperatures in mid-50s
| - Transition areas near shallow flats with submerged timber
- Rip rap areas with adjacent grass
- Points with mixed rock and vegetation in 4-10ft
- Secondary creek channels leading to spawning flats
| - Hard Jerkbaits with medium retrieve and long pauses
- Bladed Jigs worked near cover
- Lipless Crankbaits around grass edges
- Shakey Heads on deeper transition areas
| - Shad schooling in transition areas
- Crawfish becoming more active in rocks and riprap
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 48-62 | - Smallmouth bass actively feeding on migrating minnows, staging in pre-spawn locations near potential spawning areas
- Fish transitioning between deeper winter areas and shallow spawning grounds, using ledges and channel edges as migration routes
| - Ledges and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats
- Main lake points with access to deep water
- Rocky transitions where shallow flats meet deeper water
| - Soft Jerkbaits worked with a subtle action to mimic vulnerable baitfish
- Drop Shot rigged with small profile baits for suspended fish
- Ned Rigs worked slowly along ledges and transition areas
| - Minnows in large schools moving shallow
- Small crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
| - Natural Baitfish Colors
- Green Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Striped Bass | 52-65 | - Stripers are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding while following bait schools up from deeper winter haunts
- Fish are becoming more aggressive as water warms, moving into creek mouths and channel ledges adjacent to spawning areas
| - Creek mouths and river channel intersections where pre-spawn stripers stage
- Steep drops and channel ledges adjacent to shallow flats
- Areas near the Gallatin Steam Plant where warm water discharge creates temperature breaks
| - Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges and through bait schools
- Hard Jerkbaits retrieved with aggressive cadence around staging areas
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel breaks and creek mouths
| - Large schools of shad beginning to move shallower with warming water
- Skipjack herring congregating near warm water areas and channel edges
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Drum | 52-65 | - Drum are transitioning from winter patterns to more active feeding, following temperature increases and moving into shallower feeding zones
- Fish are staging near hard structure (rip rap, rocky points) adjacent to deeper water, actively feeding on mollusks and early-season baitfish
| - Rip rap banks and rocky points adjacent to creek channels in 8-12 foot depths
- Brush piles near channel swings in 12-18 foot depths
- Current breaks where tributary channels enter main lake body
| - Bladed Jigs worked slowly along rip rap and rocky transitions
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through the middle water column
- Structure Jigs bounced along rocky bottom areas
| - Mollusks and crustaceans on hard structure
- Shad and small baitfish schools
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | White Bass | 52-62 | - Pre-spawn white bass are beginning their upstream migration, using creek and river channels as highways while staging in deeper areas adjacent to spawning grounds
- Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, often ambushing shad schools near current breaks and channel edges
| - Creek channel intersections with main river channels, particularly areas with current breaks
- Staging areas near tributary mouths in 8-15 foot depths
- Secondary points and timber-lined channel edges leading to spawning areas
| - Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and through suspended schools
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas
- Lipless Crankbaits burned through areas where fish are actively feeding on shad
| - Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
- Small baitfish utilizing channel edges and current breaks
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Spotted Bass | 52-62 | - Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
- Fish are moving from deeper winter areas to shallower transition zones, following shad movements and utilizing creek channels as migration routes
| - Creek channel intersections with submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depth range
- Secondary points with brush piles near spawning pockets
- Marina areas with stable structure and nearby deeper water access
| - Lipless Crankbaits worked through submerged vegetation transitions
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish
- Football Jigs worked slowly along channel edges and through brush piles
| - Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
- Crawfish becoming more active as water temperatures rise
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Metallic Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Sauger | 42-52 | - Pre-spawn Sauger are transitioning from winter deep-water patterns to staging areas near spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves
- Fish are following baitfish schools along channel edges and migration routes, particularly during dawn and dusk periods
| - Channel edges and drop-offs in 8-20 foot range adjacent to spawning flats
- Current-swept points and structure near deep water access
- Hard-bottom areas near river channel intersections
| - Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Blade Baits
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
| - Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
- Small minnows along channel edges
- Young-of-year baitfish in slightly warmer pockets
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Pre-Spawn) | Catfish | 58-68 | - Catfish transitioning from winter patterns, becoming more active as they stage for spawning near structure
- Moving from deeper winter areas into pre-spawn staging areas, following shad movements
- Increasing feeding activity during warming trends, especially in areas with current
| - Channel edges near spawning flats in 8-12 foot depth
- Rocky areas and rip rap with good sun exposure
- Bridge pilings and deep dock areas adjacent to spawning flats
- Current-swept points where channels meet shallow flats
| - Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or large minnows
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure
- Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges
| - Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas
- Smaller bottom-dwelling fish like bluegill
- Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 57-63 | - Bass are in various spawning stages, with smaller males actively guarding nests in shallow water while larger females move between spawning flats and adjacent deeper water
- Fish are relating heavily to cover, particularly wood structure and docks, using these as staging areas and spawning protection
- Activity levels are increasing with warming water temperatures, with most active periods during warmer afternoon hours
| - Spawning flats adjacent to deeper water, especially those with wood cover
- Docks with nearby grass
- Protected creek arms with laydowns
| - Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through cover
- Grass Jigs around dock areas
- Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish
| - Shad in mid-depth areas
- Bluegill in shallow spawning areas
| - Dark Neutrals
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 55-65 | - Smallmouth bass actively spawning and guarding beds in shallow areas, particularly around rocky substrate
- Males aggressively defending nests while females move between staging areas and spawning flats
- Fish picking up and moving baits off beds without fully committing, typical spawning behavior
| - Rocky flats and shorelines with suitable spawning substrate
- Protected pockets and coves with bedding areas
- Adjacent drop-offs and channel edges serving as staging areas
| - Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds
- Drop Shot with finesse presentations for sight fishing
- Soft Jerkbaits for fish moving between beds and staging areas
| - Smaller profile baitfish in shallow water
- Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Green Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Striped Bass | 58-68 | - Striped bass are actively moving into major creek mouths and river channels for spawning, often staging in pre-spawn areas near deep water access
- Fish are schooling and making aggressive feeding pushes in shallow water, especially during early morning and evening hours
| - Creek mouths and river channels, particularly Bledsoe Creek area, where spawning activity is concentrated
- Channel ledges adjacent to shallow flats where pre-spawn staging occurs
- Steep drops near thermal discharge areas which can attract baitfish and provide temperature stability
| - Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked along channel edges where fish are staging
- Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish chasing shad schools
- Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively in shallow feeding areas
| - Shad schools congregating in creek mouths and channel edges
- Skipjack herring gathering near warm water areas and current breaks
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Drum | 52-65 | - Drum are moving into shallower transitional areas (8-15 feet) near rocky points and creek channels as water warms, actively feeding on mollusks and emerging crayfish
- Fish are congregating in pre-spawn areas, particularly around hard bottom areas and rip rap where water warms faster
| - Rip rap banks near creek channel intersections in 8-15 foot depths
- Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to deeper water
- Hard bottom areas in creek arms where water warms fastest
| - Bladed Jigs worked slowly along rip rap and rocky transitions
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through feeding zones
- Football Jigs dragged along hard bottom areas
| - Mollusks and crayfish becoming active in warming water
- Shad and small baitfish in transitional areas
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | White Bass | 58-65 | - White bass are making spawning runs up creek channels and river arms, congregating in large schools
- Fish are highly aggressive during pre-spawn and spawn, actively feeding while moving upstream
- Males arrive first and stay longer in spawning areas, with females moving in and out quickly
| - Creek channel intersections and tributary mouths where spawning runs begin
- Rocky or gravel areas in current breaks 2-6 feet deep
- Staging areas near deep water adjacent to spawning flats
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through current breaks
- Blade Baits retrieved with quick, erratic action
- Inline Spinners cast upstream and retrieved with the current
| - Small shad schools moving with spawning white bass
- Resident baitfish in creek channels
- Small crayfish in rocky spawning areas
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Spotted Bass | 58-68 | - Spotted bass moving into shallow spawning areas 2-6 feet deep, particularly around hard bottom areas near points and in protected coves
- Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning runs
- Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning sites, with fish responding to both sight and lateral line stimuli
| - Protected shallow coves with hard bottom and scattered brush
- Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
- Marina docks adjacent to spawning flats
- Submerged vegetation edges in 2-4 foot depths
| - Shakey Heads worked slowly around visible beds and staging areas
- Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic retrieves parallel to shoreline
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeted at visible cover near spawning areas
- Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along transition areas
| - Shad congregating in spawning pockets
- Bluegill beginning to move shallow
- Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Sauger | 42-55 | - Sauger actively moving to spawning areas in river channels and incoming tributaries, staging in pre-spawn locations around drop-offs
- Feeding becomes more aggressive as water warms, with fish targeting baitfish in transition areas between deep and shallow water
| - River channel edges and tributary mouths where spawning activity occurs
- Drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 8-20 foot range
- Deep structure near current areas providing staging locations
| - Blade Baits worked along channel edges and drop-offs
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish
- Live Bait Rigs for finicky pre-spawn fish
| - Shad concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas
- Various minnow species gathering in tributary areas
- Small baitfish moving with current flows
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
|
Spring (Spawn) | Catfish | 65-75 | - Catfish are moving into spawning areas, focusing on rocky structure and sheltered locations with stable temperatures
- Males are actively guarding nesting sites while females stage in nearby deeper water, feeding opportunistically
| - Rock piles and rip rap areas in 4-8 feet of water, especially near channel transitions
- Protected coves with woody cover and stable temperatures
- Bridge pilings and dock areas adjacent to deeper water
| - Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near spawning areas
- Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around structure and spawning sites
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with larger soft plastics around cover
| - Shad schools concentrating in spawning areas
- Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
- Small sunfish around shallow structure
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Shad Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Largemouth Bass | 68-75 | - Post-spawn bass are actively feeding on shad in shallow to intermediate depths, showing aggressive topwater strikes as evidenced by recent reports
- Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper summer locations, with some fish starting to stage near ledges
| - Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with submerged vegetation
- Points with access to deeper water
- Ledges near flats where fish are beginning to stage
| - Hard Topwater (Walking)
- Hard Topwater (Popping)
- Hard Body Swimbaits
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
| - Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports
- Baitfish concentrations around vegetation edges
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Smallmouth Bass | 65-72 | - Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding and recovering, with fish pushed up on main lake points by wind conditions
- Fish are showing two distinct patterns - aggressive feeding on points and more reserved behavior around docks, responding well to both moving baits and slower presentations
| - Main lake points, especially those with wind exposure
- Dock areas as secondary pattern
- Channel swings and ledges adjacent to points
| - Bladed Jigs for covering water and locating active fish
- Drop Shot for working found fish thoroughly
- Ned Rigs for pressured fish around docks
- Shakey Heads for methodical dock presentations
| - Shad as primary forage based on recent reports
- Smaller baitfish in dock areas
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Striped Bass | 62-72 | - Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in open water and along channel edges
- Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, using creek channels and river channels as migration corridors
| - Creek mouth intersections with main river channels, particularly near Bledsoe Creek
- Steep channel ledges adjacent to shallow flats where bait schools congregate
- Points and cuts with access to deep water, especially those near primary channel swings
| - Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges and through bait schools
- Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large diving crankbaits along channel edges
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended bait schools
| - Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad
- Skipjack herring, particularly in areas with current
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Metallic Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Drum | 58-72 | - Post-spawn drum actively feeding and recovering, moving from spawning areas to primary feeding zones along rocky structures and channel edges
- Establishing regular feeding patterns in 8-18 foot zones, particularly active during morning and evening periods
| - Rip rap banks and rocky points adjacent to creek channels
- Brush piles in 8-18 foot depth range near channel swings
- Current breaks where tributaries enter main lake body
| - Bladed Jigs worked slowly along rip rap and rocky transitions
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through feeding zones
- Structure Jigs bounced along bottom near brush piles and rocky areas
| - Shad moving into post-spawn feeding patterns
- Crawfish active in rocky areas
- Small minnows congregating around structure
| - Natural Craw Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | White Bass | 62-72 | - Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and schooling, moving from spawning areas back to main lake structure following baitfish schools
- Fish are utilizing current breaks and channel edges as primary feeding stations, particularly during shad movements
| - Main lake points and creek channel intersections where current creates feeding opportunities
- Secondary points and flats adjacent to deep water migration routes
- Standing timber areas near creek channels in 8-15 foot depth ranges
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along channel edges and through schooling fish
- Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools near structure
- Inline Spinners retrieved at varying speeds parallel to points and current breaks
| - Shad schools moving along channel edges and near points
- Small baitfish concentrating around vertical structure and timber
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Metallic Colors
- Light Neutral Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Spotted Bass | 65-75 | - Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad in transition areas between shallow and deep water
- Fish are establishing predictable daily movement patterns, pushing bait against structure and utilizing ambush points
| - Main lake points and creek channel intersections with submerged vegetation
- Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
- Marina structures and dock areas with access to deeper water
| - Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points and through brush
- Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along channel edges
- Shakey Heads worked slowly around brush piles and dock posts
| - Shad schools beginning their post-winter movements
- Small bluegill in shallow vegetation areas
- Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Natural Baitfish Colors
- Natural Craw Colors
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Sauger | 52-65 | - Post-spawn Sauger are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding zones
- Fish are utilizing current breaks and channel edges, becoming more active during low-light periods
| - Main river channel edges in 8-20 foot depths with current breaks
- Secondary points near deep water access
- Deep structure areas with proximity to spawning flats
| - Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
- Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)
- Live Bait Rigs
| - Shad schools recovering from winter patterns
- Small minnows gathering in warming shallows
- Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Chartreuse Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|
Spring (Post-Spawn) | Catfish | 65-75 | - Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on current areas and channel edges where baitfish concentrate
- Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer holding areas, making frequent stops at structure along the way
| - River and creek channel edges near spawning flats, especially where current is present
- Bridge pilings and rip rap areas in 8-12 foot depth range
- Sharp depth transitions near woody cover and laydowns
| - Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or chicken liver near structure
- Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with large soft plastics around laydowns
- Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges
| - Shad schools concentrating in current areas
- Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
- Smaller sunfish near shallow structure
| - Natural Shad Colors
- Vibrant Craw Colors
- Dark Neutrals
|