How to Fish Oneida Lake : Best Patterns & Techniques

Oneida Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Oneida Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-60	Fish are actively moving into pre-spawn staging areas, forming 'wolf packs' in 4-8ft of water near potential spawning sites Activity level increases with daily sun warming, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise above 50°F Fish are maintaining close bottom contact during early morning, becoming more active in the water column as temperatures warm	Rocky shallows near points in 3-8 foot depth range Boulder fields and rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas Protected bays where water warms faster than main lake	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom with occasional twitches Ned Rigs crawled slowly on bottom around rocky areas Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in slightly deeper water	Minnows - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Crawfish - becoming more active as water warms Small perch - secondary forage in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are transitioning from winter locations to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water temperatures Fish are congregating near spawning areas such as connected river channels and moving into shallower water during low light periods	River channel connections and canal areas where spawning will occur Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to deeper water Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water in 8-15 foot range	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with jigs during prime feeding periods	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-60	Largemouth bass are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding while preparing for the spawn. Fish are relating heavily to shallow wood cover and undercut banks in 2-6 foot depths. Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around wood cover and creek channels, with a preference for ambush points near deeper water access.	Laydowns and woody cover in 2-6 foot depths, especially those near creek channels Undercut banks with wood cover Protected areas in creek channels with flooded brush	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked around laydowns and brush Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') burned and paused around wood cover Structure Jigs worked with a sweeping motion in shallow cover	Crawfish emerging in warming water Bluegill in shallow cover	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-55	Pre-spawn perch are moving from deeper wintering areas towards shallow spawning zones, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are beginning to stage in 8-14 foot depths along weed edges and transitional areas	Weed-rock transition areas in 8-14 foot depth range Protected bays with emerging vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small presentations Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small minnows in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warming shallows, staging near emerging vegetation and preparing for spawn Fish become increasingly active as water temperatures rise, with feeding activity intensifying during stable weather patterns	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning flats in 8-12 feet Secondary points near spawning bays with sporadic weed growth	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around emerging vegetation Finesse Hair Jigs worked with subtle movements near structure Micro Crankbaits retrieved slowly along transition areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water Smaller crawfish becoming active in warming shallows Zooplankton concentrations in warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are staging near spawning areas, particularly around river channel mouths and shallow bays, preparing for the spawn Aggressive feeding behavior as fish bulk up before spawning, with most activity during warmer parts of the day Fish are transitioning from winter deep-water areas to shallow spawning zones, following primary tributaries and channel edges	River channel mouths and tributary inflows where pike stage for spawning Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot range Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Inline Spinners worked slowly along channel edges and through staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved with occasional pauses near structure Spoons worked with a flutter action in deeper staging areas	Perch congregating near spawning areas Small suckers moving into tributary areas Juvenile cisco in slightly deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	45-55	Chain pickerel are actively hunting in early vegetation growth areas, showing aggressive chase behavior with moderate to slow-moving baits Fish are staging near emerging vegetation, using it as ambush points while staying active in cooler water temperatures	Early growing vegetation beds in 8-14 foot depth range Protected shallow bays with emerging weed growth Weed edges adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow, steady retrieve and occasional pauses Soft Jerkbaits worked with slight twitches and longer pauses Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through vegetation gaps	Minnows gathering near emerging vegetation Young of year perch in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-54	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, with some fish actively on beds while others are in pre-spawn feeding. Fish are showing a mix of aggressive feeding in staging areas and defensive behavior around spawning sites. During sunny periods, fish are clearly visible on beds in shallow water, but the most active feeding occurs in slightly deeper transitional areas around 9-11 feet where pre-spawn fish are staging.	Rock piles and rocky areas in 9-11 foot depth range Shallow flats in 4-6 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Tops of humps, especially those with rock cover in 6-11 foot range	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along rocky bottom structure Ned Rigs with subtle lift-and-drop retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow, steady retrieves	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports and success with bottom presentations Small baitfish in staging areas near spawning flats	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Fish are moving into shallow spawning areas near river channels and hard bottom areas, typically staging in pre-spawn locations during early spring Active during low-light periods, with feeding increasing as water temperatures rise through the mid-40s to low 50s Males arrive first at spawning areas, with females staging slightly deeper until ready to spawn	River channel connections and canal areas where spawning will occur Rocky points and shoals with gravel or rock substrate Shallow weed edges in 8-15 foot range for staging fish	Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows worked slowly along bottom Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows or soft plastics	Perch (primary forage based on multiple reports) Crawfish (actively emerging in spring)	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Largemouth bass are in spawn/pre-spawn mode, actively moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats. Males are guarding nests while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning zones. Fish are showing aggressive reaction strikes to fast-moving baits when spotted, but also responding to dead-stick presentations as noted in recent reports.	Docks and adjacent shallow areas, particularly where recent success has been documented Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-6 foot range, as indicated by lake profile data Protected spawning flats near deep water access	Soft Jerkbaits with aggressive twitching followed by dead-stick presentation, matching recent successful patterns Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and dock areas Wacky Rigs for sight fishing spawning bass	Alewife, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Perch, as indicated by lake profile data Bluegill, typically present in dock areas during spawn	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Moving shallow (8-14 feet) along weed edges during pre-spawn, transitioning to even shallower spawning areas as temperatures rise Post-spawn fish staging on humps and flats, actively feeding to recover energy	Weed-rock transitions in 8-14 foot depth range Protected bays with mixed bottom composition Offshore humps and flats during post-spawn period	Live Bait Rigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small minnows in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and bays with firm bottom Males actively guarding nests in colonies, becoming aggressive and territorial Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, with fish staging near spawning areas	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near weed edges Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water in 2-6 foot depth Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot range for pre-spawn staging	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Finesse Hair Jigs cast to visible beds or staging areas Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms for finicky fish	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming waters Small minnows near weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are actively spawning in shallow, vegetated areas and river inlet areas, typically right after ice-out when water temperatures begin to rise Post-spawn fish remain shallow and begin aggressive feeding to recover energy, often ambushing prey from weed edges and tributary areas	River channel inlets and tributary areas with emerging vegetation Shallow bays with remaining vegetation from previous season Transitional areas between spawning grounds and deeper water	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow spawning areas Spinnerbaits along edges of vegetation and tributary areas Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for post-spawn fish	Perch congregating in similar shallow areas Small baitfish moving into warming shallows Suckers moving into spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	48-58	Chain pickerel actively moving into shallow, vegetated areas (8-14 feet) for spawning, with increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise Fish staging near emerging vegetation, making frequent forays into even shallower water (2-6 feet) during peak spawning periods Aggressive sight-feeding behavior, particularly during early morning and evening hours when visibility is optimal	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 8-14 foot depth range Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water, especially near points Protected spawning areas with submerged vegetation near shoreline structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through emerging vegetation Inline Spinners retrieved steadily just above weed tops Soft Jerkbaits worked with twitching action near vegetation edges	Minnows congregating in warming shallow waters Young perch moving into vegetated areas Small sunfish beginning to populate emerging weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	68-74	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding on crawfish near mixed rock and weed areas, with reports showing consistent feeding patterns in 8-15 foot depths Fish are showing clear structure-oriented behavior, relating heavily to transitions between rocks and weeds, particularly on humps and shoals	Rock to weed transitions on humps and shoals in 8-15 foot depth range Weed edges adjacent to rocky areas, particularly in 8-12 foot depths Boulder fields and rock piles on flats Bridge pilings and other shaded structure in water 12 feet and deeper	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock-to-weed transitions Drop Shot rigs targeting deeper structure and weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along shoal edges Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged across boulder fields	Crawfish - multiple reports confirm this as primary forage Shad - particularly around shoals and deeper structure Goby - mentioned in reports around boulder areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	68-74	Post-spawn walleye actively feeding on perch around weed edges, particularly during early morning periods with light wind Fish holding in relatively shallow water (7-14 feet) around vegetation, showing increased feeding activity during low-light conditions	Weed edges in 8-11 foot depth range with clear breaks Bay areas near deeper water access, particularly around submerged vegetation in 7-14 foot range Protected shallow bays with emerging weed growth	Finesse Hair Jigs snapped and dragged through weed edges Live Bait Rigs (worm harnesses) worked slowly along weed breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') targeting active fish in vegetation	Perch - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports Crawfish - indicated by lake profile showing rocky substrate	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing a mix of depths, moving between shallow cover and slightly deeper staging areas throughout the day	Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water Developing weed edges in 8-12 foot range Docks and undercut banks providing shade and ambush points	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shallow wood and emerging weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and dock posts Shakey Heads worked along transitions from spawning flats to deeper water	Perch congregating around developing weed edges Bluegill beginning to establish in shallow cover Crawfish active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	62-74	Post-spawn perch actively feeding on crawfish along weed-rock transition areas, moving in schools across flats and humps in 6-14 foot depth range Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior during daylight hours, particularly around mixed habitat structures where crawfish are abundant	Rock and weed humps in 6-8 feet of water situated on larger 12-14 foot flats Weed edges where vegetation meets rocky bottom in 8-10 foot depth Sandy flats adjacent to steep ledges with scattered rock and emerging weed growth	Ned Rigs with TRD CrawZ using drag and pause cadence Drop Shot with live minnows or soft plastics Small swimbaits on ball jigs with slow lift and drop retrieve	Crawfish - primary forage during post-spawn period Small minnows - secondary forage around weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones near weed edges Actively feeding during daylight hours, particularly during morning and evening periods	Deep weed edges in 8-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats Humps with vegetation in 8-14 foot depth range Transition areas between spawning bays and summer feeding grounds	Bobbers with light jigs suspended near weed edges Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through transitions Live Bait Rigs along deep weed edges	Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Juvenile crawfish in weed beds Small aquatic invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-62	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting in and around emerging weed growth and structure in 8-14 foot depth range Fish are making transition movements from spawning areas near river channels to early summer feeding grounds, following baitfish schools	Emerging cabbage weed beds in 8-12 foot range with access to deeper water Points and irregularities near river channel mouths Shallow bays with developing vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Inline Spinners worked parallel to weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits worked through scattered weeds and along depth transitions	Perch concentrating around emerging weed growth Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	48-62	Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, targeting abundant baitfish near emerging vegetation Most active during early morning and evening hours, utilizing weed edges and points as ambush locations	Emerging weed beds in 8-14 foot range with nearby access to deeper water Protected shallow bays with early vegetation growth Points and weed edges adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through and over vegetation Soft Jerkbaits with twitching retrieve near weed edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily along weed edges	Minnows gathering around emerging vegetation Young of year perch in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-78	Fish are actively feeding on mixed forage (perch and crawfish) around rock-weed transitions in 10-20 foot depths Showing distinct daily patterns with more aggressive feeding during morning/evening, becoming more selective during midday heat	Rock piles and boulder fields with adjacent grass in 10-15 foot depth range Offshore humps and shoals with mixed rock/grass in 15-21 foot depth Isolated boulders near weed edges in 12-18 foot depth	Drop Shot with slow dragging presentation and subtle shakes Carolina Rig worked painfully slow through rock and grass transitions Deep diving crankbaits with fast retrieves during active feeding periods	Perch fry and juvenile perch Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	76-80	Walleye are holding on deep structure (15-22') during daytime, actively feeding on perch and moving shallower during low light periods Fish are showing selective feeding patterns in warm water (76-80°F), responding best to slow presentations with extended pauses	Steep breaks and ledges in 15-22 foot range, particularly near shoal areas Healthy weed edges in 12-15 foot range Humps and structural elements in 18-24 foot range	Blade Baits worked slowly with 1-second bottom pause Live Bait Rigs (worm harnesses) drifted along breaks Ned Rigs hopped quickly up steep structure	Perch (particularly young-of-year perch) Crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-76	Actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation at 10-12 foot depths, particularly during early and late day periods Moving between deep weed edges and matted surface vegetation, utilizing both for cover and feeding opportunities Showing aggressive behavior toward moving baits around grass edges and dock areas	Deep weed edges in 10-12 feet of water, especially near river mouths Matted grass areas adjacent to deeper water Dock areas with nearby vegetation Scattered rock piles with light grass in 12-18 feet	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked through submerged vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass Wacky Rigs for follow-up presentations Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around scattered rock and grass edges	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - active in rocky areas and vegetation Bluegill - present in shallow vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	72-78	Yellow perch are actively feeding in schools around offshore structure, particularly humps in the 16-22 foot range, with increased activity during wind-driven conditions Fish are showing preference for active presentations with flash and vibration, suggesting aggressive feeding behavior on baitfish schools	Offshore humps in 16-22 foot range, particularly those adjacent to deeper water Weed-rock transition areas in 8-14 foot range where diverse habitat creates ambush points Deep weed edges adjacent to feeding flats where perch can move up to feed	Blade Baits worked with light lift and pause retrieve along bottom structure Drop Shot rigs fished vertically over schools when marked on electronics Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with jigging raps using subtle movements	Small yellow perch Various minnow species	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-82	Aggressive feeding behavior along weed edges of humps, with fish actively pursuing both artificial and live baits at depths of 10-14 feet Quality-sized sunfish (8-10 inches) showing competitive feeding behavior, responding well to faster presentations in warm water conditions	Deep weed edges along humps in 10-14 foot depth range Submerged vegetation edges near points and coves Deeper structure adjacent to shallow feeding areas	Drop Shot with aggressive, faster presentation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers worked along weed edges	Crawfish, particularly around humps and rocky areas Aquatic insects in and around weed beds	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike are actively patrolling weed edges and river channel areas, using cabbage beds in 10-12 foot range as primary ambush points Fish are showing typical summer pattern of moving deeper during peak heat, while feeding actively during early morning and evening hours near structure	Cabbage weed beds in 10-12 foot depth range, especially near river channel intersections River channel edges with adjacent vegetation Deep weed edges near points and irregular shoreline features	Inline Spinners worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits through gaps in vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) along channel edges	Perch Other local baitfish utilizing weed cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Chain Pickerel	68-78	Chain pickerel actively hunt along weed edges during early morning and evening, moving to deeper vegetation during midday heat Fish are ambush predators, positioning themselves in thick vegetation near channels and openings to attack passing prey	Thick weed beds in 8-14 foot depth range with adjacent open water Shallow bays with vegetation during low-light periods Weed edges near deeper water for midday retreats	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through vegetation gaps Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically over weed tops	Minnows concentrated in and around weed beds Yellow Perch moving between vegetation patches Young-of-year baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Oneida Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	54-64	Actively following and feeding on baitfish schools in 15-18 foot depth range, with aggressive feeding periods when bait is located Showing preference for moving baits with quick response strikes, particularly around vegetation holes and boulder areas	Holes in weed beds adjacent to deeper water Boulder fields and rock piles in 15-24 foot range Areas holding concentrated schools of baitfish	Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools at varying speeds Hard Jerkbaits with active twitching retrieve Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked near bottom structure	Perch schools in 19-24 foot range Minnows in suspended schools Shad around structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	58-69	Moving along deep weed edges and channel breaks in 11-15 feet, actively feeding during low light periods Responding to cooling water temperatures by following baitfish schools into shallower water Most aggressive during dawn and dusk, with notable after-dark activity near structure	Weed edges in 11-15 feet of water River channel breaks and canal areas Points and shoals in 12-18 feet	Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses Blade Baits ripped 3-4 feet off bottom Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near bait pods	Perch concentrating along weed edges Shad schools in open water Small baitfish moving shallow with cooling temperatures	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding in preparation for winter, following baitfish movements into coves and creek arms Transitioning between deep weed edges and shallow flats based on daily temperature fluctuations Becoming more aggressive during feeding windows, especially during afternoon warm-up periods	Deep weed edges in 10-12 foot range adjacent to shallow flats Protected coves with remaining vegetation Dock areas with deep water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through dying vegetation Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching perch forage	Perch congregating in remaining weed beds Bluegill relating to dock areas Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	58-67	Perch are actively schooling and feeding heavily on baitfish, particularly in deeper water (15-25 feet), with schools roaming and following bait pods Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during daylight hours, particularly around transitions and flats where baitfish concentrate	Deep flats and basin areas in 15-25 feet of water, particularly on the south shore Shallower flats (11-14 feet) near islands, especially on the west end Weed edges and transitions where baitfish concentrate	Drop Shot with soft plastics or live minnows 1-3 feet off bottom Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when targeting suspended schools Blade Baits worked through active schools	Small minnows and shad in large schools Juvenile perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Actively schooling and feeding more aggressively as water cools, preparing for winter Moving between deep weed edges and nearby deeper basins as temperatures fluctuate Primarily feeding during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures are optimal	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range near basin access Humps with remaining vegetation in 8-10 foot depth Deeper holes adjacent to summer feeding areas in 12-15 foot range	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Hover/Mid-Strolling	Crawfish remaining active in vegetation Small invertebrates in weed beds Zooplankton in open water columns	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following large schools of perch along weed edges and channel breaks Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to deeper water, using cabbage weed edges and river channel drops as primary hunting grounds More aggressive feeding during overcast conditions, with peak activity during morning and evening hours	Deep weed edges where cabbage beds meet river channel drops (10-14 foot range) Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water River channel edges and deeper flats (15-25 feet) where baitfish schools congregate	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools	Perch concentrating in schools near structure Baitfish schools suspending over deeper water Remaining young-of-year forage in weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Chain Pickerel	52-65	Chain pickerel become increasingly active as water temperatures cool, utilizing weed edges and ambush points to target schools of baitfish preparing for winter Fish are engaging in more aggressive feeding patterns, following baitfish movements and utilizing the lake's complex shoreline structure for hunting	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly where vegetation is beginning to die back Points and bay entrances with remaining vegetation where baitfish schools congregate Shallow bays with remaining vegetation, especially during warmer parts of the day	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along vegetation edges and through scattered weeds Soft Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves to trigger reaction strikes	Schooling minnows congregating near vegetation edges Yellow perch utilizing remaining weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-39	Concentrated in river channels and canal areas, particularly at Sylvan Beach, with sluggish feeding activity typical of winter conditions Most active during brief feeding windows, showing preference for slower, bottom-oriented presentations	River channels and canal walls, particularly at the east end of the lake Deep water transition areas adjacent to channel edges Protected areas with reduced current that concentrate baitfish	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Spoons with subtle movements	Perch General Baitfish schools in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	42-52	Schools of perch suspending and following baitfish in open water, particularly in the 15-25 foot depth range Active feeding periods focused on larger baitfish and small perch, with schools moving between feeding zones	Deep water basins adjacent to structural elements in 15-25 FOW Suspended schools over deep flats where baitfish congregate Deep weed edges and rock transitions where remaining vegetation provides ambush points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small Yellow Perch Various Minnow Species Remaining Young-of-Year Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Panfish concentrated in deeper open water basins (8-10 feet) adjacent to summer feeding areas Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish tightly grouped in predictable locations Feeding activity is more subdued but consistent throughout the day in stable deep water areas	Deep basins 8-10 feet adjacent to summer feeding humps Deeper edges of weed beds that remain green Open water areas near transition zones between summer and winter holding areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with precise control Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or waxworms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Dormant or slow-moving crawfish Smaller baitfish in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike are holding in or near deep river channels and moving into adjacent structure to feed during stable weather periods Becoming more active during warming trends, particularly during mid-day periods when water temperatures rise slightly	Deep river channel edges where they meet flats (20-32 feet) Transitions between deep channels and remaining cabbage weed edges Protected bays with deeper water access during warming trends	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with large profile baits worked slowly Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges during stable weather Blade Baits worked vertically with long pauses	Perch concentrated in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish schools near channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Chain Pickerel	38-52	Chain pickerel remain active in open water during winter, holding tight to remaining vegetation edges and ambush points Feeding activity is most intense during warmer parts of the day, with fish moving slightly shallower to hunt in sun-warmed areas	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where vegetation remains green Protected bays with remaining vegetation near deeper water access Points and inside turns with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with spoons near weed edges	Winter-weakened minnows Small perch Remaining baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	32-34	Walleye actively suspending 10 feet off bottom to feed on suspended minnow schools, showing aggressive striking behavior Fish maintaining consistent feeding patterns along deep ledge structures, responding well to vertical presentations	Deep water ledges with sharp breaks Basin areas adjacent to structural transitions Deep water areas near river channel connections	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs worked more subtly during slower periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Minnows suspended in the water column Perch relating to bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Forming large schools in 15-25 foot depths, particularly around structure and deep flats Feeding activity increases during early morning and late afternoon periods Schools remain relatively stationary once located, with periodic movement to follow forage	Deep flats adjacent to weed edges in 15-25 FOW Offshore humps and structure near primary lake basins Transitions between hard and soft bottom in 12-18 FOW	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small minnows and juvenile perch Remaining bottom-dwelling invertebrates Dormant or slow-moving crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	33-35	Panfish are concentrating in predictable winter locations, holding in open water basins near summer feeding areas at 8-10 foot depths Fish are actively feeding but require precise presentation in their confined winter zones	Open water basins in 8-10 foot depths Deep edges of summer weed flats that transition to basins Basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish Hover/Mid-Strolling when fish require finesse presentation	Small aquatic insects Dormant micro-invertebrates Juvenile baitfish in winter patterns	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding periods, especially during early morning and late afternoon Concentrate near river channel edges and deeper weed edges where perch schools gather	River channel edges in 15-25 foot range Deep weed edges adjacent to cabbage beds in 12-15 foot range Transition areas between shallow bays and main lake points	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively with periodic pauses Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Perch schools in deeper water Suspended baitfish near channel edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Oneida Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky shallows near points in 3-8 foot depth range	Boulder fields and rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel connections and canal areas where spawning will occur	Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover in 2-6 foot depths, especially those near creek channels	Undercut banks with wood cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed-rock transition areas in 8-14 foot depth range	Protected bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depths	Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning flats in 8-12 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	River channel mouths and tributary inflows where pike stage for spawning	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Early growing vegetation beds in 8-14 foot depth range	Protected shallow bays with emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rocky areas in 9-11 foot depth range	Shallow flats in 4-6 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	River channel connections and canal areas where spawning will occur	Rocky points and shoals with gravel or rock substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks and adjacent shallow areas, particularly where recent success has been documented	Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-6 foot range, as indicated by lake profile data
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed-rock transitions in 8-14 foot depth range	Protected bays with mixed bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom composition, especially near weed edges	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water in 2-6 foot depth
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	River channel inlets and tributary areas with emerging vegetation	Shallow bays with remaining vegetation from previous season
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 8-14 foot depth range	Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water, especially near points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock to weed transitions on humps and shoals in 8-15 foot depth range	Weed edges adjacent to rocky areas, particularly in 8-12 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges in 8-11 foot depth range with clear breaks	Bay areas near deeper water access, particularly around submerged vegetation in 7-14 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water	Developing weed edges in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rock and weed humps in 6-8 feet of water situated on larger 12-14 foot flats	Weed edges where vegetation meets rocky bottom in 8-10 foot depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-10 foot range adjacent to spawning flats	Humps with vegetation in 8-14 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Emerging cabbage weed beds in 8-12 foot range with access to deeper water	Points and irregularities near river channel mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Emerging weed beds in 8-14 foot range with nearby access to deeper water	Protected shallow bays with early vegetation growth
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields with adjacent grass in 10-15 foot depth range	Offshore humps and shoals with mixed rock/grass in 15-21 foot depth
Summer	Walleye	Steep breaks and ledges in 15-22 foot range, particularly near shoal areas	Healthy weed edges in 12-15 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-12 feet of water, especially near river mouths	Matted grass areas adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Yellow Perch	Offshore humps in 16-22 foot range, particularly those adjacent to deeper water	Weed-rock transition areas in 8-14 foot range where diverse habitat creates ambush points
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges along humps in 10-14 foot depth range	Submerged vegetation edges near points and coves
Summer	Northern Pike	Cabbage weed beds in 10-12 foot depth range, especially near river channel intersections	River channel edges with adjacent vegetation
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Thick weed beds in 8-14 foot depth range with adjacent open water	Shallow bays with vegetation during low-light periods
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Holes in weed beds adjacent to deeper water	Boulder fields and rock piles in 15-24 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Weed edges in 11-15 feet of water	River channel breaks and canal areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-12 foot range adjacent to shallow flats	Protected coves with remaining vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep flats and basin areas in 15-25 feet of water, particularly on the south shore	Shallower flats (11-14 feet) near islands, especially on the west end
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range near basin access	Humps with remaining vegetation in 8-10 foot depth
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges where cabbage beds meet river channel drops (10-14 foot range)	Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly where vegetation is beginning to die back	Points and bay entrances with remaining vegetation where baitfish schools congregate
Winter	Walleye	River channels and canal walls, particularly at the east end of the lake	Deep water transition areas adjacent to channel edges
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep water basins adjacent to structural elements in 15-25 FOW	Suspended schools over deep flats where baitfish congregate
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins 8-10 feet adjacent to summer feeding humps	Deeper edges of weed beds that remain green
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep river channel edges where they meet flats (20-32 feet)	Transitions between deep channels and remaining cabbage weed edges
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where vegetation remains green	Protected bays with remaining vegetation near deeper water access
Ice	Walleye	Deep water ledges with sharp breaks	Basin areas adjacent to structural transitions
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep flats adjacent to weed edges in 15-25 FOW	Offshore humps and structure near primary lake basins
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Open water basins in 8-10 foot depths	Deep edges of summer weed flats that transition to basins
Ice	Northern Pike	River channel edges in 15-25 foot range	Deep weed edges adjacent to cabbage beds in 12-15 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Crawfish - becoming more active as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming water	Bluegill in shallow cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small minnows in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Smaller crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating near spawning areas	Small suckers moving into tributary areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Minnows gathering near emerging vegetation	Young of year perch in protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports and success with bottom presentations	Small baitfish in staging areas near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Crawfish (actively emerging in spring)
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Alewife, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Perch, as indicated by lake profile data
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small minnows in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in similar shallow areas	Small baitfish moving into warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Minnows congregating in warming shallow waters	Young perch moving into vegetated areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - multiple reports confirm this as primary forage	Shad - particularly around shoals and deeper structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports	Crawfish - indicated by lake profile showing rocky substrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch congregating around developing weed edges	Bluegill beginning to establish in shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Crawfish - primary forage during post-spawn period	Small minnows - secondary forage around weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Juvenile crawfish in weed beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating around emerging weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Minnows gathering around emerging vegetation	Young of year perch in weed beds
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Perch fry and juvenile perch	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Walleye	Perch (particularly young-of-year perch)	Crawfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - active in rocky areas and vegetation
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small yellow perch	Various minnow species
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Crawfish, particularly around humps and rocky areas	Aquatic insects in and around weed beds
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch	Other local baitfish utilizing weed cover
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Minnows concentrated in and around weed beds	Yellow Perch moving between vegetation patches
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch schools in 19-24 foot range	Minnows in suspended schools
Fall	Walleye	Perch concentrating along weed edges	Shad schools in open water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Perch congregating in remaining weed beds	Bluegill relating to dock areas
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and shad in large schools	Juvenile perch
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Crawfish remaining active in vegetation	Small invertebrates in weed beds
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating in schools near structure	Baitfish schools suspending over deeper water
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Schooling minnows congregating near vegetation edges	Yellow perch utilizing remaining weed growth
Winter	Walleye	Perch	General Baitfish schools in deeper water
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small Yellow Perch	Various Minnow Species
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Dormant or slow-moving crawfish
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch concentrated in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish schools near channel edges
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Winter-weakened minnows	Small perch
Ice	Walleye	Minnows suspended in the water column	Perch relating to bottom structure
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile perch	Remaining bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Dormant micro-invertebrates
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch schools in deeper water	Suspended baitfish near channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Oneida Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Chain Pickerel	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals