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Pelican Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 28, 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)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Fish moving from winter depths to warming shallows, staging near pre-spawn areas Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warm fronts	Rock/weed transition areas in 2-4 foot depths receiving afternoon sun Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 3-6 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around rock/weed transitions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting isolated cover	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Perch relating to newly growing vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from winter depths to shallower transition areas, particularly active during warming trends	Rock-weed transition zones in 6-12 foot depth range adjacent to potential spawning flats Isolated boulder fields with nearby deep water access Wind-blown shoreline points with rock structure	Tubes worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas Blade Baits worked through deeper transition zones	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappie are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallow pre-spawn staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to school more tightly and feed more aggressively in preparation for spawning Movement patterns follow daily temperature fluctuations, with fish being most active during warmer afternoon periods	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Weed-rock transition areas near spawning flats Protected coves with slightly darker bottom composition for heat retention	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small perch fry Juvenile bluegills Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and moving into spawning areas in 2-4 feet of water Males preparing and guarding nests in protected areas with firm bottom, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nesting sites	Protected shallow bays with mixed rock and vegetation in 2-4 feet Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow grass/rock transitions near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Soft Jerkbaits Wacky Rigs	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Perch relating to grass edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Transitioning from pre-spawn staging to spawning behavior, with males preparing and guarding nests in protected areas near rock-weed transitions Actively feeding during nest preparation and between spawning activities, particularly targeting crawfish in rocky areas	Protected rocky areas in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near weed edges Isolated boulder fields within sparse weed beds Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel in protected bays	Tubes worked slowly along rock-weed transitions Ned Rigs dragged through spawning areas Drop Shot with small profile baits for sight fishing	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to emerging weed growth	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas 2-6 feet deep, particularly in warmer protected bays and coves Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage nearby, creating concentrated fishing opportunities Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, becomes sporadic during actual spawn	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Weed-rock transition areas in protected coves Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with small soft plastics Finesse Hair Jigs worked horizontally through spawning zones	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Young of year perch Aquatic insects and larvae	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Bass are actively pursuing bluegills in shallow water areas, particularly around vegetation Post-spawn recovery period with fish transitioning to aggressive feeding patterns Fish utilizing ambush points near vegetation edges to target abundant panfish forage	Lily pad fields and openings, especially where they create edges or pockets Rock/weed transition areas in 2-8 foot depth range Shallow bays with mixed vegetation including emergent grass and matted grass	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked around vegetation edges Swim Jigs targeting openings in vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentation in heavy cover	Bluegill Perch	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-76	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on crawfish around rock-boulder areas in post-spawn period, showing increased aggression as water warms Fish are holding on transitional areas between sand and boulder fields, using these areas as primary feeding zones	Sand flats with scattered boulders in 6-12 foot depth range Rock-weed transition zones along shoreline points Isolated boulder fields adjacent to spawning bays	Tubes dragged and hopped along bottom in boulder fields Ned Rigs worked slowly through rock-sand transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish	Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports Small baitfish relating to rock-weed transitions	Natural Craw Colors Warm Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies actively feeding on perch and small baitfish while suspending near weed edges in 8-10 foot depth range Fish showing predictable depth patterns, maintaining positions along vegetation edges during daylight hours	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range Shallow bays with emergent vegetation in 4-6 foot depths Weed-rock transition areas along points and coves	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with beetle spin style lures Hover/Mid-Strolling along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish	Perch fry and juvenile perch Small bluegills	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-76	Actively feeding around rock-weed transition areas and matted grass, utilizing both shallow cover and nearby deeper structure as ambush points Most active during early morning and evening, moving between shallow grass and adjacent rocky structure	Rock piles and boulders surrounded by weeds in 2-8 feet of water Emergent grass and floating mats in middle of bays Hard edges where weed and rock transitions meet	Frogs/Toads worked over matted grass and emergent vegetation Bladed Jigs around rock-weed transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked through sparse weeds near boulders Neko Rigs and finesse presentations when fish need a slower approach	Bluegill Crawfish Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding around rock-weed transition zones, particularly near isolated boulders and rock piles that provide ambush points Showing aggressive pursuit behavior with preference for moving baits like swimbaits and chatterbaits	Rock piles and rocky points adjacent to weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range Isolated boulders within weed beds Wind-blown rocky shorelines	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with 3/16 oz heads Bladed Jigs worked along rock-weed transitions Hard Jerkbaits worked parallel to structure	Crawfish around rocky areas Small baitfish (fathead minnows and smelt)	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-76	Suspended crappies relating to weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, with most active feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish transitioning between deeper weed edges and adjacent structure throughout the day, seeking optimal temperature zones	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and creek channels Submerged vegetation near rock-weed transitions in 8-12 foot range Shaded areas under docks and overhanging vegetation during midday	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges Crappie Dock Shooting during bright midday periods Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in early morning and evening	Young-of-year perch in and around weed beds Small bluegills relating to vegetation Various small minnows suspended near weed edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pelican Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish and transitioning to deeper, more stable water as temperatures cool Following baitfish schools and relating heavily to remaining vegetation edges and rock transitions Forming loose schools near prime ambush points, especially during morning and evening feeding periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock/boulder transitions in 6-8 foot range Remaining cabbage grass beds near points and drop-offs Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits slow-rolled through transition areas Ned Rigs worked around rocky areas and sparse vegetation	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Perch schools around rock/weed transitions Baitfish schools in slightly deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	48-55	Actively feeding on windblown shorelines and rock structures, taking advantage of wind-generated current to ambush prey Transitioning to more aggressive pursuit hunting patterns, moving between 6-12 feet of depth as water cools	Windblown rocky shorelines in 6-12 feet of water Rock spines and isolated boulder fields near weed transitions Points and rock-weed transition zones with current	Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses Blade Baits worked along rock edges Drop Shot with smaller profile baits near rock structure	Baitfish (shad and small perch) Crawfish seeking winter shelter in rocks	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are actively schooling and feeding heavily to prepare for winter, following baitfish movements to deeper water Fish are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper water, particularly around drop-offs and remaining vegetation	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs in 8-12 foot range Deep basin areas near remaining vegetation in 10-15 foot depths Points and inside turns where vegetation meets deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') worked slowly through suspended schools Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and maintaining precise depth control Hover/Mid-Strolling along weed edges and transitions	Small perch concentrating in schools Juvenile bluegills near remaining vegetation Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	48-55	Crappies are suspending near the bottom in deeper water, typically near the transition areas between vegetation and open water Fish are schooling tightly in late open water season, often relating to remaining green vegetation or deeper structure	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near points or channel bends Deeper holes or depressions near remaining vegetation Rock-weed transition areas in protected bays	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with tight line techniques for precise control Hover/Mid-Strolling with small jigs for suspended fish Crappie Spider Rigging to effectively cover water and maintain proper depth	Small perch in the 1-2 inch range Juvenile bluegills holding near remaining vegetation Small minnows schooling near structure	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	During ice season, crappies will be concentrated in main lake basins and deeper weed edges where remaining green vegetation provides oxygen and cover Fish become less active during midday, with peak feeding periods during dawn and dusk Schools tend to suspend at consistent depths, often relating to the thermocline in this moderately shallow lake	Deep weed edges in 8-10 foot ranges where vegetation meets basin areas Main lake basins near structure transitions in 7-9 foot depths Areas where rock transitions meet remaining green vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger neutral fish Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations during peak feeding times Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern suspended fish	Small perch in the 1-2 inch range Bluegills suspended near remaining vegetation Smaller baitfish relating to weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pelican Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock/weed transition areas in 2-4 foot depths receiving afternoon sun	Protected coves with emerging vegetation in 3-6 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock-weed transition zones in 6-12 foot depth range adjacent to potential spawning flats	Isolated boulder fields with nearby deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range	Weed-rock transition areas near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with mixed rock and vegetation in 2-4 feet	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky areas in 4-8 foot depth range, especially near weed edges	Isolated boulder fields within sparse weed beds
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Weed-rock transition areas in protected coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields and openings, especially where they create edges or pockets	Rock/weed transition areas in 2-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Sand flats with scattered boulders in 6-12 foot depth range	Rock-weed transition zones along shoreline points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-10 foot depth range	Shallow bays with emergent vegetation in 4-6 foot depths
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles and boulders surrounded by weeds in 2-8 feet of water	Emergent grass and floating mats in middle of bays
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rocky points adjacent to weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range	Isolated boulders within weed beds
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and creek channels	Submerged vegetation near rock-weed transitions in 8-12 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock/boulder transitions in 6-8 foot range	Remaining cabbage grass beds near points and drop-offs
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Windblown rocky shorelines in 6-12 feet of water	Rock spines and isolated boulder fields near weed transitions
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges adjacent to drop-offs in 8-12 foot range	Deep basin areas near remaining vegetation in 10-15 foot depths
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near points or channel bends	Deeper holes or depressions near remaining vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-10 foot ranges where vegetation meets basin areas	Main lake basins near structure transitions in 7-9 foot depths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Perch relating to newly growing vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small perch fry	Juvenile bluegills
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Perch relating to grass edges
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Young of year perch
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Perch
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports	Small baitfish relating to rock-weed transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Perch fry and juvenile perch	Small bluegills
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish around rocky areas	Small baitfish (fathead minnows and smelt)
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year perch in and around weed beds	Small bluegills relating to vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Perch schools around rock/weed transitions
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Baitfish (shad and small perch)	Crawfish seeking winter shelter in rocks
Fall	Crappie	Small perch concentrating in schools	Juvenile bluegills near remaining vegetation
Winter	Crappie	Small perch in the 1-2 inch range	Juvenile bluegills holding near remaining vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Small perch in the 1-2 inch range	Bluegills suspended near remaining vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Pelican Lake

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

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