How to Fish Pelican: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pelican

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pelican

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Pre-spawn smallmouth transitioning from winter depths to staging areas, following warming trends and baitfish movements Fish becoming more active but still relating strongly to deeper structure adjacent to spawning flats Feeding periods becoming more extended as water warms, with fish actively pursuing perch and baitfish schools	Deep rock-to-sand transitions near spawning flats Main lake points with access to deeper water Protected bays with gravel or rock bottom	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses Tubes dragged along bottom structure	Yellow Perch Baitfish schools Crawfish becoming more active	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Moving from winter depths to transitional staging areas, actively seeking warmer water in preparation for spawn Becoming more active with warming trends, feeding opportunistically to build energy reserves for spawning Relating strongly to structure that provides both depth access and warming influences	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats Reed lines and emergent vegetation in 2-6 foot depths Docks with deep water access, especially those near spawning areas	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around reed edges and shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in transition areas	Perch in transitional areas Bluegill moving shallow Minnows schooling in warming areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter haunts to warmer, shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding during warming trends Fish are becoming more active and aggressive, moving into 8-15 foot depths near spawning areas, particularly during warmer afternoons	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning bays Deeper vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation Young perch in slightly deeper water Various small minnows moving shallow	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-55	Pre-spawn muskie are beginning to move from winter locations to staging areas near spawning grounds, becoming more active with warming water Fish are transitioning from lethargic winter behavior to more aggressive feeding patterns to build energy for spawning	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water Points and inside turns near spawning areas Reed beds and emerging weed edges in 5-12 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Hard Jerkbaits Inline Spinners	Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas Baitfish schools moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleye are staging near spawning areas and becoming more active with warming water temperatures, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Fish are most active during low-light periods, particularly around sunrise and sunset, and on overcast or windy days due to the moderate water clarity	Rock and gravel points leading into spawning bays Shallow to mid-depth ledges adjacent to spawning areas Transition areas where hard bottom meets emerging vegetation	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Perch Small Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to spawning areas, actively seeking warmer water and preparing spawning beds Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with pre-spawn feeding activity increasing near transition areas	Rocky points and gravel flats in 4-8 foot depths near deeper wintering areas Protected bays with hard bottom composition for spawning Transition areas between deep winter haunts and shallow spawning flats	Tubes worked slowly along rocky points and gravel transitions Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses in cooler water Ned Rigs for pressured fish and colder days	Perch moving shallow with warming trends Smaller baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Pre-spawn to spawning behavior with fish moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning flats, particularly around reed beds and docks as noted in reports showing 68°F temperatures Males actively guarding nests while females move between spawning areas and adjacent deeper water for rest periods	Reed beds and shallow flats near deeper water access, especially those with firm bottom composition Protected dock areas providing both spawning habitat and cover Shallow coves with emerging vegetation, particularly where the extensive shoreline creates protected spawning pockets	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around reeds and dock posts for precise presentation to spawning bass Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas and transition zones Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and working shallow spawning flats	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and congregate near spawning areas Small perch in transition zones between spawning flats and deeper water Minnows actively using shallow emerging vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and moving into spawning zones as water temperatures stabilize Males creating and guarding nests in protected areas while females move in and out of spawning zones Actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of the moderate water clarity for sight-feeding	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation and lily pad stems in 2-6 feet of water Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water in 8-12 feet Secondary points and coves with gradual slopes leading to spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging for methodically working spawning areas and transitions Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations around cover Bobbers with light jigs for shallow spawning areas	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Young perch Various small minnows gathering around spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	52-58	Males arrive first in spawning areas, with females moving in as temperatures stabilize. Fish are transitioning from winter lethargy to more active patterns Post-spawn fish remain shallow but begin actively feeding to recover energy, often ambushing prey near emerging vegetation	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and dark bottom composition for warmth Secondary points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas Reed beds and shallow grass flats in 3-8 feet of water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along spawning area edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transitional areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily near emerging vegetation	Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow Various baitfish schools following warming trends	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are moving into shallow spawning areas, primarily active during dawn and dusk, with males arriving first and staying longer Fish become more aggressive during pre-spawn feeding, followed by a brief lull during peak spawn Light sensitivity is heightened in the moderate clarity water (3.9m Secchi), causing fish to seek darker or deeper water during bright conditions	Rocky points and shorelines with gravel or small rock substrate Shallow tributary mouths and inflowing streams Protected bays with firm bottom adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Live Bait Rigs with minimal weight to maintain bottom contact Blade Baits worked slowly near bottom structure	Young-of-year perch gathering in spawning areas Small minnows concentrated near warming shallows Juvenile panfish in protected bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	50-58	Smallmouth bass are actively chasing perch schools in waves as they move up towards spawning grounds Fish are utilizing main lake flats and transition areas, showing aggressive feeding behavior in response to warming trends	Main lake flats adjacent to spawning grounds, especially areas with irregular features or black spots Transition areas where deeper water meets the flats, particularly where baitfish schools are present Points and structural elements that funnel baitfish movement toward spawning areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with varied cadence to trigger reaction strikes from actively feeding fish Drop Shot rigs worked along the deeper edges of flats where fish stage between feeding moves Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking the prevalent perch forage	Perch - primary forage base actively being targeted by smallmouth General baitfish schools moving with warming trends	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on shallow cover near spawning areas Fish are utilizing reeds and docks as primary cover, with some movement starting towards offshore grass and rocks	Reed beds, especially those with wind exposure Dock structures near spawning flats Offshore grass and rock transitions starting to hold fish	Structure Jigs with tube craws around reeds and docks Spinnerbaits worked through wind-blown reeds Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in heavy cover	Bluegill in shallow cover areas Young of year perch starting to appear	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations Relating heavily to emerging weed edges and structure transitions, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Forming loose schools around key structure, following baitfish movements	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depths Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water Outer edges of lily pad fields connecting to deeper water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges Hover/Mid-Strolling along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish	Young-of-year bluegill in emerging vegetation Small perch along weed edges Emerging insect larvae in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-62	Post-spawn muskies are recovering and beginning to actively feed, primarily targeting shallow areas with emerging vegetation and abundant baitfish Fish are moving from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, often staging near points and weed edges	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-12 feet of water Points and ledges adjacent to spawning bays Reed lines and shoreline vegetation in warming bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Inline Spinners Spinnerbaits	Perch gathering in shallow vegetation Bluegill moving into warming bays Baitfish schools relating to emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleye transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, actively feeding to recover energy Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to moderate water clarity, with deeper holding patterns during bright days Following wind-driven currents that concentrate baitfish, especially along structural elements	Secondary points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning sites Emerging weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range Wind-swept shorelines with good bottom transitions	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Jig and minnow combinations on structure	Young-of-year perch beginning to school Minnow species concentrated near warming shallows Small baitfish along emerging weed edges	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	68-78	Fish are actively feeding on shallow flats and areas with current during summer, particularly around baitfish schools and cover Smallmouth are utilizing both shallow feeding zones (6-8 ft) and deeper ledges, suggesting a dawn/dusk shallow feeding pattern with midday movement to deeper structure	6-8 foot flats with patches of grass or cover Ledges with access to deeper water Current areas holding baitfish	Drop Shot with finesse presentations Swim Jigs worked with active retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) dragged on bottom	Bluegill in shallow cover areas Minnows/Baitfish schools in current areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are actively feeding in and around lily pad fields, utilizing these areas as primary feeding zones in warm summer conditions Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving to deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods	Lily pad edges and openings in pad fields Deep weedlines adjacent to lily pad fields Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation	Buzzbaits worked through sparse pads and pad edges Frogs/Toads worked across pad fields Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked in pockets between pads	Bluegill concentrated around pad fields Perch relating to deeper weed edges Various minnow species utilizing vegetation for cover	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappies are establishing summer patterns with a mix of shallow and deep movements, relating strongly to vegetation edges and thermocline depths During early morning and evening, fish move shallower to feed in weed edges and near lily pads During midday heat, crappies suspend near deep structure or below thermocline, often schooling near points and ledges	Weed edges and lily pad fields in 8-12 feet of water Deep points and ledges near 18-22 feet where they meet the thermocline Suspended schools near submerged structure in 15-20 feet	Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish near deep structure Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure	Small bluegills and juvenile perch around vegetation Small baitfish schools suspending near thermocline Aquatic insects and larvae in and around vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-78	Muskies are establishing summer patterns, utilizing offshore structure and weed edges as primary hunting grounds Fish are actively feeding during dawn and dusk, with periodic feeding windows throughout the day near baitfish schools During midday heat, fish move to deeper water adjacent to structure, suspending near thermocline	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays Offshore grass beds in 15-20 foot depth range Rock-weed transition areas near deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and structure breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through and over weed tops Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges during lower light periods	Perch concentrating around weed beds Bluegill schools in and around vegetation Baitfish schools suspending near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	During summer, walleye are transitioning between shallow and deep water daily, with most active feeding during low-light periods due to the moderate water clarity (12.8 ft Secchi) Fish are relating strongly to ledge transitions and structural elements, using these areas as feeding stations when targeting perch	Deep ledges with access to adjacent flats, particularly those with 15-25 foot depth transitions Points with submerged vegetation edges where perch congregate Wind-swept structural elements that concentrate baitfish	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along ledge transitions Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows for deeper presentations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are concentrated on specific structure	Perch - primary forage confirmed in recent reports Young-of-year baitfish utilizing weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pelican

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Smallmouth bass are actively schooling in groups of 3-7 fish, aggressively feeding on baitfish and perch near points and shallow flats Fish are making a seasonal transition, moving shallow and actively chasing bait in preparation for winter	Main lake points, especially those with quick access to deeper water Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where baitfish are present Rocky areas with available crawfish forage	Drop Shot with finesse baits for actively feeding fish around points Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively chasing schooling fish	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports Minnows and small baitfish schools Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Largemouth bass are in full fall feeding mode, actively pursuing baitfish and targeting shallow cover areas with aggressive strikes Fish are showing increased activity around matted vegetation and submerged grass, using these areas as ambush points	Matted grass and lily pad areas in shallow water Submerged vegetation edges Points and irregular shoreline features with vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked with multiple pauses over matted vegetation Spinnerbaits around submerged vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for actively feeding fish	Perch Bluegill Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-64	Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and actively feeding to prepare for winter Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, congregating around deep points and ledges while making periodic moves to shallower areas during prime feeding periods	Deep structure adjacent to vegetation edges (15-20 feet) Points and ledges near deep basins Remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Hover/Mid-Strolling	Schooling baitfish (young-of-year) Small perch Bluegills	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are actively feeding in preparation for winter, following large baitfish schools (perch and other forage) and utilizing ambush points near structural elements Fish are making daily movements between deeper holding areas and shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods	Points and inside turns adjacent to deep water, especially those with submerged vegetation Offshore grass beds near drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate Shallow weed edges and reed lines during low-light periods when baitfish are active	Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked along weed edges and points Hard Body Swimbaits retrieved with occasional pauses near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') during low light periods parallel to weed edges	Yellow Perch schooling in shallow areas Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Baitfish schools suspending near structural elements	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	45-58	Actively feeding and schooling, following baitfish movements to deeper structure as water cools Most active during low-light periods, particularly around sunrise and sunset, with increased daytime activity as water temperatures drop	Deep ledges adjacent to points where baitfish schools concentrate Steep breaks near remaining vegetation edges in 15-25 foot range Wind-swept shorelines and points during low-light periods	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Perch congregating in schools Baitfish schools moving to deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-42	Crappie are suspending in mid-depth ranges above deep basins and near primary structural elements, often schooling tightly around baitfish pods Fish are less active during midday, with peak feeding windows during early morning and late afternoon when light penetration is optimal	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural breaks in 20-30 foot range Main lake points that transition into deeper water Deep ledges near primary lake channels	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Schooling baitfish in suspended patterns Small perch holding near structure Juvenile bluegills in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Muskie	52-58	Actively feeding on larger prey during last open water period before ice formation, often following baitfish schools and utilizing deeper structure Becoming more concentrated around key structural elements as water temperatures decline, with brief but intense feeding periods	Deep edges of weed flats near points where baitfish schools concentrate Rocky points and ledges adjacent to deeper water Last remaining green weed edges in 12-18 foot depth range	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large profile baits along weed edges and points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through baitfish concentrations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy blade baits near structure	Perch schooling near remaining vegetation Large concentrated schools of baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-42	Walleye remain active during winter, concentrating in predictable areas near structural elements and following forage. Most active during low-light periods given the moderate water clarity (3.9m Secchi). Fish typically school more tightly in winter, often relating to bottom structure and following perch schools. They tend to be less aggressive but will feed opportunistically.	Deep structural breaks and ledges, particularly those adjacent to wintering perch schools Points and transitions where bottom composition changes, especially in 20-35 foot depth range Areas where remaining vegetation edges meet deeper water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Perch Small baitfish schools Remaining bottom-oriented forage	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies suspend in deeper water columns, typically 15-20 feet down, relating to basins near structure during ice season Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during stable midday conditions Schooling behavior intensifies, with fish concentrating in areas with abundant forage	Deep basins adjacent to structural elements like points and ledges, particularly in 18-23 foot range Transitions where deep vegetation edges meet basin areas Deeper coves with consistent depth patterns where baitfish school	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, focusing on suspended fish Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive flash for calling fish from a distance Live Bait Rigs with small minnows for finicky winter bites	Small Perch in the 1-2 inch range Juvenile Bluegills concentrated in schools Small baitfish species in tight winter formations	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrate in basin areas and deep structural elements during ice season, typically schooling near bottom in 20-30 foot ranges Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a strong midday bite during overcast conditions Follow perch schools and relate strongly to transitions between hard and soft bottom areas	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and ledges Transitions from vegetation edges to deeper water Deep mud flats where perch congregate	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish from distance Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for passive approach	Perch Small Minnows Bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pelican

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock-to-sand transitions near spawning flats	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and creek channels leading to spawning flats	Reed lines and emergent vegetation in 2-6 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning bays	Deeper vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Points and inside turns near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rock and gravel points leading into spawning bays	Shallow to mid-depth ledges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and gravel flats in 4-8 foot depths near deeper wintering areas	Protected bays with hard bottom composition for spawning
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds and shallow flats near deeper water access, especially those with firm bottom composition	Protected dock areas providing both spawning habitat and cover
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation and lily pad stems in 2-6 feet of water	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and dark bottom composition for warmth	Secondary points and channel edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shorelines with gravel or small rock substrate	Shallow tributary mouths and inflowing streams
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake flats adjacent to spawning grounds, especially areas with irregular features or black spots	Transition areas where deeper water meets the flats, particularly where baitfish schools are present
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds, especially those with wind exposure	Dock structures near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays in 8-15 foot depths	Secondary points with submerged vegetation near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 5-12 feet of water	Points and ledges adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Secondary points and rocky areas adjacent to spawning sites	Emerging weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	6-8 foot flats with patches of grass or cover	Ledges with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad edges and openings in pad fields	Deep weedlines adjacent to lily pad fields
Summer	Crappie	Weed edges and lily pad fields in 8-12 feet of water	Deep points and ledges near 18-22 feet where they meet the thermocline
Summer	Muskie	Deep weed edges adjacent to points and bays	Offshore grass beds in 15-20 foot depth range
Summer	Walleye	Deep ledges with access to adjacent flats, particularly those with 15-25 foot depth transitions	Points with submerged vegetation edges where perch congregate
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points, especially those with quick access to deeper water	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where baitfish are present
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and lily pad areas in shallow water	Submerged vegetation edges
Fall	Crappie	Deep structure adjacent to vegetation edges (15-20 feet)	Points and ledges near deep basins
Fall	Muskie	Points and inside turns adjacent to deep water, especially those with submerged vegetation	Offshore grass beds near drop-offs where baitfish schools concentrate
Fall	Walleye	Deep ledges adjacent to points where baitfish schools concentrate	Steep breaks near remaining vegetation edges in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural breaks in 20-30 foot range	Main lake points that transition into deeper water
Winter	Muskie	Deep edges of weed flats near points where baitfish schools concentrate	Rocky points and ledges adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Walleye	Deep structural breaks and ledges, particularly those adjacent to wintering perch schools	Points and transitions where bottom composition changes, especially in 20-35 foot depth range
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins adjacent to structural elements like points and ledges, particularly in 18-23 foot range	Transitions where deep vegetation edges meet basin areas
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like points and ledges	Transitions from vegetation edges to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch	Baitfish schools
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch in transitional areas	Bluegill moving shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation	Young perch in slightly deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch concentrating in pre-spawn areas	Baitfish schools moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch	Small Minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch moving shallow with warming trends	Smaller baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow and congregate near spawning areas	Small perch in transition zones between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Young perch
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year perch gathering in spawning areas	Small minnows concentrated near warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary forage base actively being targeted by smallmouth	General baitfish schools moving with warming trends
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Young of year perch starting to appear
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegill in emerging vegetation	Small perch along weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in shallow vegetation	Bluegill moving into warming bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year perch beginning to school	Minnow species concentrated near warming shallows
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover areas	Minnows/Baitfish schools in current areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around pad fields	Perch relating to deeper weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile perch around vegetation	Small baitfish schools suspending near thermocline
Summer	Muskie	Perch concentrating around weed beds	Bluegill schools in and around vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Perch - primary forage confirmed in recent reports	Young-of-year baitfish utilizing weed edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports	Minnows and small baitfish schools
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Bluegill
Fall	Crappie	Schooling baitfish (young-of-year)	Small perch
Fall	Muskie	Yellow Perch schooling in shallow areas	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Perch congregating in schools	Baitfish schools moving to deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Schooling baitfish in suspended patterns	Small perch holding near structure
Winter	Muskie	Perch schooling near remaining vegetation	Large concentrated schools of baitfish
Winter	Walleye	Perch	Small baitfish schools
Ice	Crappie	Small Perch in the 1-2 inch range	Juvenile Bluegills concentrated in schools
Ice	Walleye	Perch	Small Minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Pelican

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors