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Patoka Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Patoka Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish while moving progressively shallower as water warms Fish are showing distinct daily movement patterns - starting deeper (8-12ft) in morning and moving shallower as day progresses, likely following temperature changes and light conditions in stained water	Rocky main lake points in 8-12 feet of water - primary staging areas Laydowns and wood cover near pre-spawn staging areas Rip rap banks with deep water access Brush piles along migration routes to spawning areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked parallel to bank and around wood cover Football Jigs worked on rocky points Finesse Jigs worked slowly around brush piles Medium Diving Crankbaits around stumps and staging areas	Crawfish - primary forage during pre-spawn Shad - secondary forage particularly in clearer sections	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye actively staging near spawning areas, making feeding movements into adjacent shallow flats during low light periods Fish transitioning between wintering areas and spawning locations, following primary creek channels and main lake points Increased feeding activity due to pre-spawn metabolism, with fish particularly active during dawn and dusk periods	Rocky points and gravel bars adjacent to deep water access Creek channel bends and staging areas near spawning tributaries Shallow flats with scattered brush piles in 5-15 feet of water	Blade Baits worked with short hops along channel edges Jig and Minnow combinations using Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled near structure	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small yellow perch moving shallow with warming water Various minnow species gathering near spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	45-58	Crappie are transitioning from winter patterns, staging near spawning areas but still maintaining deeper holding patterns Fish are beginning to feed more actively but movements are cautious and deliberate due to cold water conditions	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, especially those near spawning flats Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning coves Deep dock structures adjacent to spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Finesse Hair Jigs	Shad Small Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	56-64	Bass are moving into spawning areas, focusing on shallow protected areas near deeper water access. Fish are actively guarding beds and responding defensively to bait presentations. Fish showing aggressive reactions to flipped baits around cover, often requiring multiple presentations to trigger strikes as noted in recent reports.	Stumps and laydowns in shallow water near deep water access, particularly noted in multiple recent fishing reports Protected areas with reeds and standing timber, offering ideal spawning habitat Boulder fields and other hard bottom areas in shallow water, where recent catches have been reported	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - dominant technique in recent reports, especially effective around stumps and reeds Wacky Rigs - proven effective for bed fishing as noted in recent reports Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) - successful around boulders and timber per recent catches	Shad - mentioned specifically in multiple recent fishing reports Crawfish - evidenced by successful green pumpkin bait colors and lake profile data	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around rocky points, gravel flats, and tributary inlets where the complex shoreline creates abundant spawning habitat Post-spawn fish will stage near spawning areas before transitioning to feeding locations, with the turbid water (1.5m Secchi) allowing for active feeding throughout the day	Rocky points and gravel flats in 2-8 feet of water for actively spawning fish Deeper adjacent drops in 12-20 feet for staging post-spawn fish Tributary mouths and current areas where spawning activity is concentrated	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Blade Baits worked through staging areas for post-spawn fish	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish in tributary areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are actively moving to shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near shoreline cover, particularly in protected coves and around brush piles Males arrive first to prepare nests, followed by females. Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, becomes sporadic during peak spawn	Protected coves with brush piles in 2-8 feet of water Shallow timber and submerged vegetation near shoreline areas Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Finesse Jigs Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports) Small sunfish and juvenile fish Aquatic insects and larvae	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad around stumps and laydowns, with aggressive responses to baits paused near structure Fish are making daily movements between shallow and deeper water, with most active feeding during low-light periods near ambush points	Stumps and laydowns in 4-8 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access Secondary points with wood cover in creeks and coves Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas with scattered wood cover	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked with a stop-and-go retrieve, especially when contacting structure Football Jigs worked slowly around wood cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting specific pieces of cover	Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports Crawfish - still relevant given the season and lake profile	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Walleye actively transitioning from spawning areas to early-season feeding locations, becoming more aggressive as water warms Fish staging along transitional structure between spawning areas and summer locations, often relating to points and channel edges	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near spawning bays Brush piles and timber in 8-15 foot depth range along channel edges Secondary points in major creek arms with mixed rock and wood cover	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Live Bait Rigs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Young-of-year shad beginning to school Crawfish active in warming shallows Small bluegill in emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, staging at mid-depth brush piles and timber Actively feeding to recover from spawn, with most aggressive feeding during morning and evening periods Suspending near cover in loose schools, relating to structure but not tightly holding to bottom	Brush piles and timber in 10-19 foot depth range near spawning flats Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth Main lake points with deep water access	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Finesse Hair Jigs	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports) Small bluegill and juvenile panfish Juvenile yellow perch	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-85	Bass are holding tight to cover during daylight hours due to high summer temperatures, with increased shallow activity during early morning Fish are showing distinct daily movement patterns, transitioning between deep and shallow water based on light and temperature Active feeding periods occur early and late in the day, with fish seeking shade and deeper water during mid-day heat	Laydowns and stumps in shaded areas, particularly in creek arms Deep ledges and offshore structure during mid-day heat Riprap banks where rock meets natural bottom Areas near bluegill beds for early morning topwater action	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning hours Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on offshore ledges Structure Jigs flipped to visible cover	Bluegill, especially around shallow cover and bedding areas Shad relating to deeper structure Crawfish around rocky structure and laydowns	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	78-83	Walleye are transitioning to deeper, cooler water due to high surface temperatures (80-83°F), concentrating around main lake structure Actively feeding on shad in deeper water, with peak activity during lower light conditions and in turbid areas due to 5-foot visibility	Deep main lake points in 20+ feet of water Offshore humps adjacent to deep water Deep brush piles and standing timber near main lake structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+ Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools in deeper water Deep water baitfish relating to structure	Vibrant Assorted Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near deeper brush piles and timber in 10-19 feet, moving shallower during low light periods Actively feeding on shad schools during early morning and evening, with reduced activity during bright midday hours Relating strongly to shade and cover during summer heat, particularly under docks and near submerged vegetation edges	Brush piles and timber in 10-19 feet of water Shaded dock areas with good depth Edges of submerged vegetation near deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools in mid-depth zones Small bluegill near vegetation Young-of-year baitfish in brush pile areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Patoka Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding in channel arms, using laydowns as ambush points to target shad and other prey as they feed up for winter Fish are showing aggressive chase behavior, willing to move away from cover to attack prey	Laydowns in the backs of channel arms Main lake points with wood cover Secondary points with access to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked around laydowns, starting wide and working closer to cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to wood cover Bladed Jigs around woody cover in stained water	Shad schools moving into creek arms Bluegill relating to wood cover	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Walleye	55-68	Beginning to transition from summer deep water patterns to shallower feeding zones, following baitfish migrations into bays and creek arms Increased feeding activity during low-light periods, with fish moving shallower during dawn/dusk to ambush shad schools More aggressive feeding behavior as fish build energy reserves for winter	Main lake points and humps adjacent to deep water in 15-25 foot range Creek arm channels and flats where shad are congregating Brush piles and standing timber near depth transitions	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Shad schools migrating into creek arms Secondary forage in brush piles and timber	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-68	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding on baitfish, transitioning from shallow to deeper brush piles as they follow forage Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions, particularly around structure	Brush piles in 10-20 feet of water Deep creek channel bends with woody cover Main lake points with submerged vegetation	Finesse Jigs worked vertically through brush piles Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad schools concentrating around structure Small crappie gathering in schools	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	Bass are suspending near main lake points with grass, especially active during sunny periods when they move up in the water column Fish are generally lethargic but will react to erratic presentations, particularly when baits are ripped free from grass	Main lake points with grass in 6-9 feet of water Deep water access points near the main lake basin Grass edges adjacent to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive rips when contacting grass Blade Baits worked slowly along point transitions Shakey Heads worked slowly on point bottoms	Shad schooling near points Small bluegill relating to grass edges	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Late winter walleye begin transitioning to shallower water, staging near spawning areas as daylight increases and water temperatures rise. Early feeding migrations during stable weather. Feeding windows extend during warming trends, with most active periods during low-light conditions and overcast days.	Main lake points and humps adjacent to deeper wintering areas Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot range Protected coves and inlets where water may warm faster	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows or soft plastics Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small yellow perch near brush and timber Suspended baitfish in mid-depth ranges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-48	Crappie are suspending near deep brush piles and timber, typically schooling tightly in predictable areas Fish become less active during mid-day, with peak feeding periods during early morning and late afternoon Slower, more methodical feeding patterns with a preference for smaller profile baits	Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot ranges Channel swings with nearby woody cover Deep water adjacent to creek channel intersections	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Damiki Rig	Suspended shad schools in mid-depth ranges Small sunfish near structure Young-of-year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Patoka Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky main lake points in 8-12 feet of water - primary staging areas	Laydowns and wood cover near pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel bars adjacent to deep water access	Creek channel bends and staging areas near spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-19 foot depth range, especially those near spawning flats	Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Stumps and laydowns in shallow water near deep water access, particularly noted in multiple recent fishing reports	Protected areas with reeds and standing timber, offering ideal spawning habitat
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel flats in 2-8 feet of water for actively spawning fish	Deeper adjacent drops in 12-20 feet for staging post-spawn fish
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with brush piles in 2-8 feet of water	Shallow timber and submerged vegetation near shoreline areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Stumps and laydowns in 4-8 foot depth range, especially those near deeper water access	Secondary points with wood cover in creeks and coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those near spawning bays	Brush piles and timber in 8-15 foot depth range along channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and timber in 10-19 foot depth range near spawning flats	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depth
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and stumps in shaded areas, particularly in creek arms	Deep ledges and offshore structure during mid-day heat
Summer	Walleye	Deep main lake points in 20+ feet of water	Offshore humps adjacent to deep water
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles and timber in 10-19 feet of water	Shaded dock areas with good depth
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns in the backs of channel arms	Main lake points with wood cover
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points and humps adjacent to deep water in 15-25 foot range	Creek arm channels and flats where shad are congregating
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-20 feet of water	Deep creek channel bends with woody cover
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with grass in 6-9 feet of water	Deep water access points near the main lake basin
Winter	Walleye	Main lake points and humps adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Brush piles and standing timber in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot ranges	Channel swings with nearby woody cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during pre-spawn	Shad - secondary forage particularly in clearer sections
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small yellow perch moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small Crappie
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - mentioned specifically in multiple recent fishing reports	Crawfish - evidenced by successful green pumpkin bait colors and lake profile data
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports)	Small sunfish and juvenile fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports	Crawfish - still relevant given the season and lake profile
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year shad beginning to school	Crawfish active in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports)	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, especially around shallow cover and bedding areas	Shad relating to deeper structure
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools in deeper water	Deep water baitfish relating to structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in mid-depth zones	Small bluegill near vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creek arms	Bluegill relating to wood cover
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools migrating into creek arms	Secondary forage in brush piles and timber
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating around structure	Small crappie gathering in schools
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling near points	Small bluegill relating to grass edges
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small yellow perch near brush and timber
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in mid-depth ranges	Small sunfish near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Patoka Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Assorted Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

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