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

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Pelican Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pelican Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleyes moving from deep wintering areas to shallow spawning grounds, staging in transition areas Most active during low-light periods due to moderate water clarity (2.3m Secchi), feeding opportunistically near structure	Rocky points and shallow gravel areas adjacent to deeper water Transition areas between deep basins and spawning flats in 8-15 foot range Wind-swept shorelines with emerging vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations Live Bait Rigs with minnows near transition areas Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Juvenile perch near emerging vegetation Bluegills in protected areas with vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas, particularly near spawning flats Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Bass are relating strongly to structure transitions where deep water meets potential spawning areas	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with submerged vegetation Shallow dock areas (4-8 feet) with nearby deep water access Protected coves with gradually sloping bottom composition	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around dock posts and vegetation edges Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly over transition areas	Bluegill starting to become more active in shallow areas Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools relating to warming shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappies staging in transition areas between wintering and spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves Moving from deeper winter vegetation edges (12-18ft) towards shallower pre-spawn staging areas (8-12ft) Becoming more active during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours	Vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths adjacent to spawning bays Protected bays with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small Bluegills Emerging insects near vegetation Small minnows in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-50	Walleye are moving into shallow rocky areas and tributaries for spawning, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Males arrive first and stay longer on spawning grounds, with females moving in briefly to deposit eggs Post-spawn fish gradually transition to deeper adjacent areas to recover	Rocky points and shorelines in 2-6 foot depths with good water flow Tributary mouths and current areas with gravel or rock substrate Adjacent deeper breaks in 8-12 feet for staging post-spawn fish	Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to shoreline structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs	Small Minnows Young of Year Perch Shiners	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish transitioning to shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and bays with ideal bottom composition Males preparing and guarding nests while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning coves Shallow areas near docks with associated grass beds	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and slow presentations Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn staging fish	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies moving shallow (2-8 feet) to spawn near vegetation and woody cover as water temperatures rise Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-8 foot depths Dock areas with adjacent grass beds Protected coves with woody cover and vegetation	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around shallow cover Bobbers with small jigs suspended at specific depths Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to structure	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Emerging insects and larvae Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleyes are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods Fish are moving along shoreline points and establishing patterns around submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depths	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with emerging weed growth Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water in 8-15 foot range Weed edges and dock areas with adjacent deep water access	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions and weed edges Jig and minnow combinations using Finesse Jigs in 1/8 to 1/4 oz Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Small minnows and shiners gathering in emerging weed growth Young of year perch beginning to show in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are recovering from the spawn and beginning to feed actively, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby feeding zones Fish are establishing summer patterns, relating strongly to the extensive dock and vegetation areas while feeding opportunistically on bluegill	Docks with adjacent grass in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points with submerged vegetation Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around dock posts and grass edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock shade lines and vegetation Swim Jigs paralleling dock edges and through scattered grass	Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge Crawfish active in warmer shallows	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Crappies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding in and around vegetation edges and dock areas Fish are making daily movements between shallow feeding zones and slightly deeper resting areas, with peak activity during morning and evening	Vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths adjacent to spawning bays Dock areas with emerging weed growth in 6-10 feet of water Secondary points with submerged vegetation between spawning bays and deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Young-of-year bluegills gathering near vegetation Small minnows in emerging weed beds Aquatic insects active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	58-75	Actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods in 8-15 foot range, with movement to deeper water during bright midday hours Utilizing weed edges and dock areas as ambush points, particularly during low light conditions Moving between deep and shallow structure based on light penetration in moderately stained water	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, especially near points or irregular shoreline features Deep water adjacent to shallow flats for midday holding areas Dock areas with nearby grass and submerged vegetation	Live Bait Rigs worked along weed edges and depth transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during midday	Bluegills near weed edges and dock areas Young-of-year perch in vegetation Smaller baitfish relating to submerged vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-85	During summer, largemouth bass establish daily feeding patterns around key structure, with peak activity during early morning and late evening. They typically hold near deeper edges of vegetation and docks during midday heat. Fish will move between shallow feeding zones and deeper comfort zones as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, utilizing the lake's abundant vegetation and dock structures as travel corridors.	Docks with adjacent grass beds in 5-15 feet of water, particularly those near deeper water access Weed edges and points with access to deeper water Shaded areas under docks during midday hours Complex shoreline points and coves with vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) during morning and evening feeding periods Drop Shot along deeper weed edges during midday Frogs/Toads over matted vegetation early and late	Bluegill (primary forage confirmed in fishing reports) Young of year panfish around docks Crawfish in vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappies are actively feeding in and around vegetation edges and dock structures, moving deeper during midday heat Schools are relating strongly to the thermocline, typically suspended 8-15 feet deep during summer Fish exhibit more aggressive feeding during early morning and evening hours, following baitfish movements	Docks with adjacent vegetation in 8-12 foot depths Deeper weed edges in 12-15 foot range Suspended schools near main lake points with vegetation	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Young-of-year bluegills Small minnows relating to vegetation Aquatic insects near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Pelican Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-58	Walleye are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, with increased activity during cloudy days and dawn/dusk periods due to the moderate water clarity (2.3m Secchi) Fish are transitioning from shallow feeding areas to deeper winter holding areas, often staging at structural breaks and points	Main lake points and steep breaks adjacent to shallow flats Deep weed edges in 12-18 foot range where vegetation is still green Wind-swept shorelines with rock or gravel substrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging action Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools	Young-of-year perch schooling near deep weed edges Baitfish schools (shiners/shad) suspending near breaks Late-season crayfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on bluegill around dock areas with grass, becoming more aggressive as they build up reserves for winter Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, utilizing docks and vegetation as primary ambush points	Docks with adjacent grass beds in 4-8 feet of water Protected coves with vegetation Secondary points with remaining vegetation	Grass Jigs worked slowly through vegetation near docks Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and grass edges Spinnerbaits parallel to dock edges during cloudy conditions	Bluegill congregating around dock structures Young of year baitfish schooling in protected areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-62	Crappies are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, forming loose schools around key structure Fish are transitioning from shallow vegetation to deeper winter holding areas, following baitfish movements	Deep edges of weed beds in 12-18 foot range Deeper dock areas with nearby grass Main lake points with vegetation transition areas	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Juvenile bluegills concentrated near vegetation edges Small minnows schooling in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye actively feeding in late afternoon through early evening, concentrating near deep structure adjacent to shallow flats Fish holding tight to bottom in 15-25 foot range during midday, becoming more active during low light periods	Deep rock piles and points adjacent to shallow flats in 15-25 foot range Steep breaks near remaining vegetation in 12-18 foot depth Deep basin edges where suspended baitfish schools concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Suspended schools of young-of-year perch Remaining small bluegills near deep weed edges Concentrated schools of shiners in deep basins	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-42	Suspending in schools at variable depths near deep basin edges and submerged vegetation Most active during low-light periods with moderate feeding during stable weather conditions	Deep basin edges adjacent to submerged vegetation in 12-18 foot range Deeper holes near creek channels or basin transitions Suspended schools over main lake basins during stable weather	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Young-of-year bluegills Small minnows Zooplankton	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye become more concentrated in deeper basins and transition areas during ice season, moving between feeding areas and resting locations Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary peak during overcast conditions	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements in 18-22 foot range Edges of submerged vegetation in 12-15 foot range Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish	Bluegills holding in and around remaining vegetation Small perch schools in transition areas Juvenile whitefish in deeper basin areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	33-38	Crappies are schooling near vegetation edges in 12-18 foot depth ranges, making periodic feeding movements along these edges Fish are exhibiting typical winter behavior, suspending near vegetation but moving up in the water column during prime feeding periods	Edges of submerged vegetation in 12-18 foot depth ranges Deep basin areas adjacent to vegetation in 15-20 foot depths Transition areas where vegetation meets basin flats	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with a subtle jigging motion just above the fish Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live bait and worked slowly Damiki Rig presented vertically when fish are tightly schooled	Small Bluegills Young-of-year Perch Micro invertebrates near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pelican Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shallow gravel areas adjacent to deeper water	Transition areas between deep basins and spawning flats in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays, especially those with submerged vegetation	Shallow dock areas (4-8 feet) with nearby deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths adjacent to spawning bays	Protected bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shorelines in 2-6 foot depths with good water flow	Tributary mouths and current areas with gravel or rock substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-8 foot depths	Dock areas with adjacent grass beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays with emerging weed growth	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent grass in 4-8 feet of water	Secondary points with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths adjacent to spawning bays	Dock areas with emerging weed growth in 6-10 feet of water
Summer	Walleye	Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range, especially near points or irregular shoreline features	Deep water adjacent to shallow flats for midday holding areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent grass beds in 5-15 feet of water, particularly those near deeper water access	Weed edges and points with access to deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Docks with adjacent vegetation in 8-12 foot depths	Deeper weed edges in 12-15 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points and steep breaks adjacent to shallow flats	Deep weed edges in 12-18 foot range where vegetation is still green
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent grass beds in 4-8 feet of water	Protected coves with vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep edges of weed beds in 12-18 foot range	Deeper dock areas with nearby grass
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and points adjacent to shallow flats in 15-25 foot range	Steep breaks near remaining vegetation in 12-18 foot depth
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin edges adjacent to submerged vegetation in 12-18 foot range	Deeper holes near creek channels or basin transitions
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements in 18-22 foot range	Edges of submerged vegetation in 12-15 foot range
Ice	Crappie	Edges of submerged vegetation in 12-18 foot depth ranges	Deep basin areas adjacent to vegetation in 15-20 foot depths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Juvenile perch near emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill starting to become more active in shallow areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Emerging insects near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small Minnows	Young of Year Perch
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Emerging insects and larvae
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows and shiners gathering in emerging weed growth	Young of year perch beginning to show in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around docks and vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills gathering near vegetation	Small minnows in emerging weed beds
Summer	Walleye	Bluegills near weed edges and dock areas	Young-of-year perch in vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage confirmed in fishing reports)	Young of year panfish around docks
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills	Small minnows relating to vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Young-of-year perch schooling near deep weed edges	Baitfish schools (shiners/shad) suspending near breaks
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating around dock structures	Young of year baitfish schooling in protected areas
Fall	Crappie	Juvenile bluegills concentrated near vegetation edges	Small minnows schooling in deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Suspended schools of young-of-year perch	Remaining small bluegills near deep weed edges
Winter	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills	Small minnows
Ice	Walleye	Bluegills holding in and around remaining vegetation	Small perch schools in transition areas
Ice	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Young-of-year Perch

Bait Colors by Season for Pelican Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Pink Colors

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