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

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Peltier Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Peltier Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-69	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding and transitioning from winter areas to spawning locations, utilizing inside weed edges and dock areas as primary feeding zones Fish are showing increased activity with warming water temperatures (65-69°F), making frequent moves between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones	Inside weedlines where early vegetation is emerging Docks, especially those near spawning flats Timber areas providing cover and warmth	Swim Jigs worked along weed edges and through timber Spinnerbaits in wind-protected areas near cover Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around emerging vegetation	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Crappie moving into shallow staging areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike are transitioning to shallow spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. They are particularly aggressive during this pre-spawn period. Fish are moving along weed edges and points, targeting concentrated schools of panfish in preparation for spawning activities.	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access Wind-protected shorelines with early-growing weeds Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges and points Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds parallel to emerging weed growth Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near structure transitions	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Bluegills moving into warming shallows Crappies staging near spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas, gradually moving from winter depths to warming shallow bays and coves Increasing feeding activity as water temperatures rise, with most active periods during mid-morning and afternoon Relating strongly to emerging vegetation and structure that provides both cover and feeding opportunities	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially in 3-6 feet of water Transition areas between winter depths (around 11 feet) and spawning flats Areas near docks and timber in 5-8 feet of water where cover provides warming pockets	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around emerging vegetation Micro Crankbaits cast parallel to transition areas Finesse Hair Jigs worked methodically near structure	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans becoming active in the vegetation Small minnows congregating in warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-69	Pre-spawn staging and spawn phase movement to shallow protected areas, particularly in coves and around docks where water warms first Males actively guarding nests while females move between spawning areas and slightly deeper staging areas	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition, especially near emerging vegetation Inside weedlines in 2-4 foot depths where early vegetation growth is starting Docks and timber in protected areas that provide both cover and spawning habitat	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around shallow cover and bedding areas Soft Jerkbaits worked with subtle twitches around staging areas Wacky Rigs deadsticked near visible beds or potential spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill and juvenile panfish	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-69	Northern Pike are in pre and post-spawn patterns, actively feeding in shallow, weedy areas near spawning grounds Fish are highly aggressive during daylight hours, particularly during stable weather patterns Pike are utilizing wind-protected bays and coves with emerging vegetation for spawning activities	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Protected coves with submerged vegetation near spawning areas Points and edges adjacent to spawning bays where pre/post spawn fish stage	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved at medium speed parallel to weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near spawning areas	Bluegills concentrated in shallow, weedy areas Yellow Perch moving into spawning areas Crappies staging in pre-spawn locations	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) to establish nesting sites, particularly in areas with firm bottom and nearby cover Males becoming territorial and aggressive while guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at small baits that invade their space Concentrated in protected bays and coves where water warms first, often relating to emerging vegetation	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation and firm bottom Areas adjacent to docks in 2-6 feet of water Shallow coves with scattered timber or brush	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet below surface Crappie Dock Shooting around man-made cover Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae Emerging aquatic vegetation Tiny crustaceans	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-69	Bass are actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, utilizing wind-protected areas and dock structures for ambush points Fish are showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations but will pursue moving baits in warmer periods	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly on the eastern shoreline for wind protection Inside weed edges forming early season growth Secondary points and coves with emerging vegetation	Ned Rigs worked slowly along dock edges and emerging vegetation Swim Jigs paralleling weed edges and dock lines Texas Rigs (Worming) for working through developing vegetation patches	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas Crappie in transition areas near docks Young of year baitfish emerging in warming shallows	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	55-69	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting abundant panfish in vegetated areas and along weed edges Fish are making frequent transitions between shallow feeding zones and slightly deeper recovery areas, especially during changing light conditions	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays, especially where milfoil meets deeper water Wind-protected coves with emerging vegetation Points and structure near the dam where current creates ambush opportunities	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves through vegetation gaps Inline Spinners near surface-matted grass edges	Bluegills congregating in emerging weed beds Perch schools moving along weed edges Crappies suspended near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and nearby deeper vegetation edges Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, concentrating around newly emerging weed growth and dock structures	Weed edges in 4-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas with emerging vegetation Protected coves with developing milfoil beds	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly through vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting around pier structures Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Tiny crustaceans in weed beds Small minnows gathering around dock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Bass are heavily relating to thick vegetation, particularly milfoil mats and lily pads, using these areas as primary feeding zones and shelter from the summer heat Fish are showing most active feeding during low light periods and in areas with cover, with successful catches reported near vegetation edges and creek access points	Thick milfoil mats and lily pad fields, especially where they create edges with open water Creek access areas and protected coves with vegetation Docks with adjacent submerged vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting the thickest vegetation mats Swim Jigs worked through and along edges of milfoil Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation Drop Shot in slightly more open areas near vegetation edges	Bluegill and other sunfish in the vegetation Crappie around dock areas and vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike are seeking cooler, oxygen-rich water near thick weed edges and deeper points, especially during peak summer heat Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving shallow to feed before retreating to deeper weed edges during midday Aggressive ambush behavior near thick milfoil edges and surface-matted grass, particularly when targeting concentrated schools of panfish	Outer weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where milfoil meets clean breaks Wind-protected coves with matted vegetation, particularly during early and late hours Deep points near the dam structure where current creates oxygen-rich water	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through holes in matted vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through deeper weed edges Frogs/Toads worked across matted vegetation during low light periods	Bluegills concentrated in weed beds Yellow Perch along weed edges Crappies suspended near deeper weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Bluegills actively feeding in and around heavy vegetation, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper staging areas during midday heat Establishing spawning beds in protected shallow areas and defending territory during early summer	Weed edges and pockets within milfoil beds in 4-8 feet of water Docks with adjacent vegetation providing shade and cover Protected coves with mixed vegetation and woody cover	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at varying depths around vegetation Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks during midday Inline Spinners worked slowly through weed pockets for active fish	Aquatic insects and larvae abundant in vegetation Small crustaceans and zooplankton Newly hatched fish fry	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Peltier Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish and transitioning from summer vegetation to deeper structure, following forage Relating heavily to remaining vegetation edges and ambush points near deeper water access More aggressive during overcast conditions, moving shallower during low-light periods	Inside weedline edges adjacent to deeper water Docks with nearby deep water access Points and inside turns where vegetation meets timber	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating fleeing baitfish Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through remaining vegetation	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation Crappie schools in deeper water near structure Young-of-year shad schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, targeting larger prey fish around weed edges and points Fish are following baitfish schools in shallow to mid-depth areas, particularly during overcast days or low-light periods Pike showing increased aggression due to cooling water temperatures, making them more likely to chase faster-moving baits	Edges of remaining weed beds, especially where they meet deeper water Wind-protected coves where baitfish concentrate Points and drop-offs near the dam structure	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive stop-and-go retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near vegetation edges	Bluegills congregating in remaining vegetation Schools of perch moving along drop-offs Crappie schools in deeper water near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Panfish are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, moving between vegetation edges and deeper water Fish are schooling more tightly and beginning transition to deeper water as vegetation starts to die off Feeding activity is concentrated during warmer parts of the day when water temperatures are optimal	Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation meets basin areas (8-11 feet) Deeper docks with nearby access to vegetation Deeper holes and basins near structure (10-12 feet)	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small invertebrates and insects around remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish gathering in schools Zooplankton in deeper water columns	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	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike actively patrolling edges of weed beds and points near deeper water, targeting concentrated schools of panfish Feeding activity peaks during stable weather patterns, with fish more aggressive on overcast days	Edges of thick milfoil beds adjacent to deeper water (8-11 feet) Wind-protected coves where baitfish concentrate Dam area current breaks where deeper water meets structure	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spoons	Bluegills concentrated in winter schools Yellow Perch in deeper weed edges Crappies suspended near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	42-52	Panfish transitioning between late fall and winter patterns, actively feeding but beginning to concentrate in deeper areas Fish becoming more structure-oriented, using deeper vegetation edges and basin areas as winter approaches	Deep weed edges in 8-11 feet of water Deeper basin areas near structure Areas near timber in deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot	Small invertebrates Juvenile perch Aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike are actively patrolling areas near concentrated panfish schools, particularly around the 11-foot depth contours where ice fishing reports show successful panfish catches During ice season, pike typically establish predictable hunting patterns, moving between primary feeding zones during peak activity periods, especially during dawn and dusk	Weed edges near the 11-foot depth contour where panfish schools concentrate Areas near the dam structure where current breaks create ambush points Wind-protected coves with remaining vegetation that hold baitfish	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths from 8-12 feet Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked with a subtle lift-and-drop presentation	Bluegills and Crappie concentrated in winter schools Yellow Perch moving along remaining weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills and perch are concentrating in deeper basin areas around 11 feet of water, likely due to optimal oxygen levels Fish are actively feeding but require precise presentations with small profile baits	Deep basin areas in 11 feet of water Points dropping into deeper water Deeper holes with good oxygen content	Ice Fishing Jigs with plastics Ice Fishing Spoons with small profile Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small aquatic insects Tiny crustaceans Small minnows	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Peltier Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Inside weedlines where early vegetation is emerging	Docks, especially those near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Wind-protected shorelines with early-growing weeds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially in 3-6 feet of water	Transition areas between winter depths (around 11 feet) and spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition, especially near emerging vegetation	Inside weedlines in 2-4 foot depths where early vegetation growth is starting
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow, weedy bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Protected coves with submerged vegetation near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation and firm bottom	Areas adjacent to docks in 2-6 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly on the eastern shoreline for wind protection	Inside weed edges forming early season growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays, especially where milfoil meets deeper water	Wind-protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 4-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Dock areas with emerging vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick milfoil mats and lily pad fields, especially where they create edges with open water	Creek access areas and protected coves with vegetation
Summer	Northern Pike	Outer weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where milfoil meets clean breaks	Wind-protected coves with matted vegetation, particularly during early and late hours
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and pockets within milfoil beds in 4-8 feet of water	Docks with adjacent vegetation providing shade and cover
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Inside weedline edges adjacent to deeper water	Docks with nearby deep water access
Fall	Northern Pike	Edges of remaining weed beds, especially where they meet deeper water	Wind-protected coves where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation meets basin areas (8-11 feet)	Deeper docks with nearby access to vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Edges of thick milfoil beds adjacent to deeper water (8-11 feet)	Wind-protected coves where baitfish concentrate
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-11 feet of water	Deeper basin areas near structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges near the 11-foot depth contour where panfish schools concentrate	Areas near the dam structure where current breaks create ambush points
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 11 feet of water	Points dropping into deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Crappie moving into shallow staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Bluegills moving into warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans becoming active in the vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in shallow, weedy areas	Yellow Perch moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Emerging aquatic vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas	Crappie in transition areas near docks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in emerging weed beds	Perch schools moving along weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Tiny crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill and other sunfish in the vegetation	Crappie around dock areas and vegetation edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in weed beds	Yellow Perch along weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae abundant in vegetation	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation	Crappie schools in deeper water near structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in remaining vegetation	Schools of perch moving along drop-offs
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects around remaining vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish gathering in schools
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in winter schools	Yellow Perch in deeper weed edges
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates	Juvenile perch
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills and Crappie concentrated in winter schools	Yellow Perch moving along remaining weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Tiny crustaceans

Bait Colors by Season for Peltier Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

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