How to Fish Petenwell Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Petenwell Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Petenwell Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	36-45	Pre-spawn walleyes are staging near spawning areas but still relatively passive, requiring slower presentations as evidenced by recent fishing reports Fish are utilizing river channels and boulder areas as transition routes, with feeding activity concentrated during low light periods due to the lake's turbid conditions (1.5m secchi)	River channel edges where pre-spawn walleyes are staging Boulder fields and rocky areas near potential spawning grounds Protected bays with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with minnows worked slowly Lipless Crankbaits in areas with floating ice and open water Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with methodical presentations	Live minnows, particularly during passive periods Blueback Herring, as mentioned in recent fishing reports	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving along channel edges and staging on adjacent structure, particularly during warming trends	Channel edge transitions to flats, especially near hard bottom areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays Riprap areas that warm quickly on sunny days	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges Ned Rigs worked methodically on transition areas Tubes dragged on hard bottom areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns Yellow perch in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-48	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding in current seams and shallow areas, showing aggressive behavior during daylight hours due to spawning preparation Fish suspending at various depths in the water column despite turbid conditions, requiring weighted presentations Utilizing ambush points near structural elements, particularly in areas with less current	Current seams and eddies near dams with reduced flow Shallow vegetated bays and coves where spawning will occur Rocky points and humps adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow-rolled with 1/4 oz or more weight Spinnerbaits worked along current breaks Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in shallow areas	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas Perch in shallow feeding flats Other baitfish utilizing current breaks	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter deep water (18-20ft) towards shallower spawning flats (5-6ft) Actively feeding during warming trends, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Congregating near channel edges and brush piles adjacent to spawning flats	Channel edges adjacent to shallow spawning flats Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Protected coves with staging areas near spawning flats	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Minnows Small Perch Young of Year Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	45-62	White bass staging in deeper areas near spawning flats, making periodic movements shallow to check water temperatures Aggressive feeding behavior increases as water temperatures rise, with fish starting to school up near tributary mouths and current areas	River channel mouths and current seams where pre-spawn fish stage Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning flats Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through staging areas Lipless Crankbaits burned through transitional areas	Small schooling baitfish in 2-4 inch range Shad congregating near spawning areas Juvenile perch near rocky areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes moving shallow during early spring, with peak activity during low light periods as evidenced by recent reports Fish actively feeding but selective, showing preference for smaller profile baits in current cooling conditions	Rocky shorelines and rip rap in 5-8 feet of water, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas River channel edges where they intersect with shallow flats Protected bays with hard bottom composition	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom Live Bait Rigs with minnows Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with hair jigs	Minnows (primary forage confirmed in recent reports) Small perch	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning flats. Males are actively guarding nests while females stage nearby Fish are becoming more aggressive as water warms, but may suspend activity during cold fronts or weather changes	Protected shallow bays with gravel or rocky substrate near deep water access Secondary points leading into spawning bays Transitions where river channels meet spawning flats	Tubes worked slowly along potential spawning areas Ned Rigs for finesse presentation around staging areas Soft Jerkbaits for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in shallow areas Minnows moving shallow with warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-52	Pre-spawn and spawning pike are actively feeding in shallow areas, particularly during low-light periods due to turbid conditions Fish utilizing current seams and structural elements like humps as staging areas between spawning movements	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation Humps near spawning areas Current seams and areas with reduced flow	Live Bait Rigs with minnows Inline Spinners in shallow areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly	Perch Various Minnow Species	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving shallow (2-8 feet) to spawn, staging near spawning flats and gradually transitioning to nesting areas Males will be the first to move up and prepare nests, becoming aggressive and territorial Fish are more active during warming trends and will pull back slightly deeper during cold fronts	Shallow flats near river channels in 5-6 feet (identified from walleye/white bass spawning areas) Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats serving as staging areas Protected coves and pockets with stable temperatures (abundant due to complex shoreline)	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations to visible cover Bobbers with light jigs for shallow spawning fish Crappie Spider Rigging for staging fish near brush piles	Small Minnows (primary forage based on reports) Young Perch (secondary forage in emerging weed growth)	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-65	Actively schooling and congregating in spawning areas, with multiple fish often chasing single hooked fish indicating aggressive spawning behavior Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding patterns in shallow water, targeting baitfish in preparation for and during spawn	Shallow flats in 6 feet or less where spawning activity is occurring River channel edges leading to spawning flats Rocky areas and rip-rap in shallow water that hold baitfish	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked steadily through spawning flats Blade Baits worked along channel edges leading to spawning areas Spinnerbaits in shallow water targeting actively feeding fish	Small minnows in 2-4 inch range Shad moving into spawning areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	55-65	Post-spawn walleyes are transitioning to early summer patterns, actively feeding during peak periods at dusk near shallow rock-to-deep water transitions Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior during prime evening hours, especially near areas with visible rough fish activity and baitfish schools	Rocky drop-offs adjacent to shallow flats in 5-15 foot depth range River channel edges with current breaks Riprap banks near deep water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with slow, steady retrieves and occasional pause Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along break lines Live Bait Rigs near bottom in transition areas	Minnows congregating near rocky structure Young-of-year rough fish in shallow feeding areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations Fish are utilizing the full water column, with increased activity during morning and evening periods	Wood/weed transition areas in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points and humps adjacent to spawning flats Riprap areas and channel edges near spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along transition areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish Tubes dragged along bottom structure	Young of year baitfish beginning to school Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Small perch in weed transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing ambush points near shallow flats and vegetation edges Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, moving between shallow feeding areas and adjacent deeper water Most active during early morning and evening due to turbid conditions (1.5m clarity)	Weed edges and lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water Current seams near dams and flowing water zones Shallow flats near rocky areas where baitfish are spawning	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Inline Spinners for aggressive reaction strikes in shallow water	Perch gathering in shallow areas Various minnow species concentrated on spawning flats White bass schools moving shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish beginning to suspend and school near deeper structure edges but still making frequent shallow water feeding movements	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet of water Channel edges near lily pad fields starting to develop Deeper dock areas providing shade and protection	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small minnows concentrating around emerging vegetation Young of year perch beginning to appear in weed edges Various small baitfish transitioning from spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery, forming schools around baitfish concentrations and current seams Moving from shallow spawning flats to transitional depths, following baitfish schools	Rocky points and rip-rap areas adjacent to spawning flats Current seams and channel edges in 6-12 feet of water Shallow flats with access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through active schools	Small shad and minnows in 2-4 inch range Young-of-year baitfish schools Small shallow water prey fish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-75	Walleyes are holding along steep breaks and river channel edges, actively feeding during lower light periods Fish are suspending 6-10 inches off bottom on structure, responding well to vertical presentations	River channel bends with steep drop-offs Rip rap areas with access to deeper water Brush piles along channel edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Perch Various Minnow Species	Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-78	Actively feeding along transition areas where different types of cover meet, particularly wood and weed edges Utilizing the full water column but primarily relating to structure in 5-15 foot depth range during summer warm water periods	Weed to wood transition areas, especially where lily pads meet other structure Deep weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks Points and humps with mixed vegetation	Football Jigs worked slowly through transition areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around lily pads and wood Swim Jigs along weed edges	Shad schools around vegetation Crawfish in rocky and woody areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-82	Pike actively patrolling weed edges and lily pad fields during early morning and evening, retreating to deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods Pursuing baitfish schools in current seams and around structural elements, with increased activity during cloudy conditions due to turbid water	Weed edges and lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water Current seams near structural elements like dams and humps Shallow feeding flats during low light periods	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') during low light periods Inline Spinners for aggressive presentations in turbid water	White Bass schools in open water and along structure Perch relating to weedy areas Various minnow species in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappie are holding in and around vegetation and brush piles, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are suspending near deep weed edges during midday heat, moving shallower to feed in low light conditions	Lily pad fields and weed edges in 8-12 feet of water Brush piles near channel edges, especially those adjacent to weeds Mud humps with vegetation in 12-15 foot range	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges with small jigs Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around lily pads and visible cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in thick cover during low light periods	Small minnows congregating around weed edges Young-of-year perch in vegetation Small bluegills in the lily pad fields	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	White Bass	68-76	Schools of white bass actively chasing baitfish in open water, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper channel edges depending on time of day and temperature Schooling behavior creates surface activity when actively feeding on minnows	Main lake points and rocky areas adjacent to river channels Shallow flats near deep water access Current seams and channel edges in 8-15 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movement Inline Spinners retrieved quickly through schooling fish Lipless Crankbaits worked along channel edges	Schooling minnows in 2-4 inch range Small shad and other baitfish Young-of-year fish gathering in schools	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Petenwell Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleyes are actively feeding on channel edges and relating heavily to brush structure, showing increased feeding activity as they prepare for winter Fish are primarily holding tight to structure and ambush points, with typical fall feeding windows during lower light conditions due to the stained water (1.5m secchi)	Channel edges with brush structure, particularly where woody cover intersects with depth changes Rocky drop-offs and rip rap areas near primary river channel routes Protected bays and points with access to deeper water migration routes	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with deadstick presentation using 1/4 oz jigs Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges Structure Jigs cast to brush piles and woody cover	Large fathead minnows, as evidenced by recent fishing success Natural baitfish schools following channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-73	Actively chasing baitfish schools near humps and drop-offs, showing aggressive feeding behavior in preparation for winter Moving along breaklines and channel edges following baitfish migrations	Main lake humps adjacent to deep water River channel break lines with active baitfish Deep water drop-offs near structural elements	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively over humps during baitfish activity Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along break lines following baitfish schools Spinnerbaits worked through active baitfish areas	Minnows schooling near structure Yellow Perch relating to break lines	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike shifting from shallow summer patterns to deeper main-lake areas, following baitfish schools. Active feeding periods increase as fish bulk up for winter. Aggressive reaction strikes near current seams and structured areas, particularly during cloudy conditions or dawn/dusk in the turbid water	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points where vegetation is still green Current seams near dams and flowing water zones Shallow flats near deep water access, especially during baitfish feeding periods	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points during low light	White Bass schools gathering in open water Perch relating to remaining vegetation Various minnow species schooling near current areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding heavily to prepare for winter, following baitfish schools in predictable patterns Fish are transitioning from shallow summer areas to deeper winter holding areas, often staging at intermediate depths Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon, especially around structure elements	Brush piles along river channel edges in 12-18 feet of water Deep edges of weed beds transitioning to channel areas Mud humps and bottom transitions near deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Minnows schooling in open water and around structure Young-of-year perch relating to remaining vegetation Small bluegills around brush and timber	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	White Bass	52-68	Actively schooling and feeding on larger concentrations of baitfish, often creating surface activity in the process Following baitfish migrations along channel edges and into creek arms, becoming more aggressive as water cools Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones throughout the day, responding to baitfish movement and light conditions	Main lake points and rocky areas adjacent to river channels where baitfish congregate Creek arm entrances with current seams and depth transitions Shallow flats near deep water access where schools of baitfish are present	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and depth transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement Lipless Crankbaits burned through schools of actively feeding fish	Schooling shad and small baitfish Minnows concentrated along structure Young-of-year fish species gathered in schools	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-42	Walleyes are holding near brush piles in mid-depth ranges, actively feeding on crappie and other baitfish as evidenced by recent reports Fish are following typical winter patterns using river channels as primary migration routes and winter holding areas Given the turbid water (1.5m Secchi), feeding activity is likely concentrated during low light periods	Brush piles positioned along river channel edges in 10-19 foot depth range Deep river channel bends and winter holding areas Rocky drop-offs adjacent to channel edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - directly supported by recent success reports Blade Baits - excellent for winter walleye near brush structure Ice Fishing Spoons - effective for active winter walleye	Crappie - primary forage based on recent reports General Baitfish/Minnows - consistent forage base noted in lake profile	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike actively feeding near structural elements in deeper water, particularly around current seams and near baitfish schools Fish suspending at various depths due to turbid conditions, moving up to feed during low-light periods	Deep edges of flats near current seams where baitfish concentrate Areas around dams and major structural elements with depth changes Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive lifts and drops Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through suspended fish	Perch schools concentrated near structure Suspended baitfish in open water areas White bass schools during warmer periods	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are suspending near deep brush piles and river channel edges, actively feeding during prime periods but becoming more lethargic in coldest conditions Fish tend to school tightly in winter, often suspending slightly above structure rather than directly in it	Brush piles positioned along river channel edges in 18-20 foot depths Mud humps near channel breaks that provide both cover and feeding opportunities Deep water timber adjacent to channel swings	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with subtle movements to trigger neutral fish Hover/Mid-Strolling around suspended schools once located Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and clearly visible on electronics	Small minnows suspended near structure Young-of-year perch relating to deeper brush Dormant crayfish near mud bottom areas	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-38	Walleyes are following a two-phase daily movement pattern - shallow early/late (8-10ft) and deeper (18-25ft) during mid-day, primarily relating to the river channel system Fish showing finnicky behavior during prime bite windows, requiring finesse presentations especially when jigging	River channel edges and breaks in 18-25 foot range Mud humps adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats 8-10 feet during early morning periods	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live minnows for larger walleyes Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle jigging action Dead stick presentations with live minnows	Minnows as primary forage base Yellow Perch as secondary forage	Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike will be less active but still feeding, typically suspending near structure adjacent to deeper water Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, often most active during mid-morning and late afternoon	Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats Current seams near dams where baitfish concentrate Humps and structural elements in 15-25 foot range	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Large Yellow Perch White Bass schools Suspended Baitfish schools	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-38	Crappie are holding in stable winter locations along the main river channel edges, showing consistent depth preferences of 18-20 feet Fish are likely schooling tightly in these deeper wintering areas, feeding primarily on minnows during prime daylight hours	Main river channel edges in 18-20 feet of water Brush piles adjacent to channel ledges Deep mud humps near channel intersections	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by pause Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live minnows Damiki Rig when fish are marked but less aggressive	Minnows Perch	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in Petenwell Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channel edges where pre-spawn walleyes are staging	Boulder fields and rocky areas near potential spawning grounds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Channel edge transitions to flats, especially near hard bottom areas	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Current seams and eddies near dams with reduced flow	Shallow vegetated bays and coves where spawning will occur
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Channel edges adjacent to shallow spawning flats	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	River channel mouths and current seams where pre-spawn fish stage	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky shorelines and rip rap in 5-8 feet of water, particularly those adjacent to spawning areas	River channel edges where they intersect with shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with gravel or rocky substrate near deep water access	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation	Humps near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow flats near river channels in 5-6 feet (identified from walleye/white bass spawning areas)	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shallow flats in 6 feet or less where spawning activity is occurring	River channel edges leading to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky drop-offs adjacent to shallow flats in 5-15 foot depth range	River channel edges with current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Wood/weed transition areas in 8-15 feet of water	Secondary points and humps adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges and lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water	Current seams near dams and flowing water zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 feet of water	Channel edges near lily pad fields starting to develop
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Rocky points and rip-rap areas adjacent to spawning flats	Current seams and channel edges in 6-12 feet of water
Summer	Walleye	River channel bends with steep drop-offs	Rip rap areas with access to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Weed to wood transition areas, especially where lily pads meet other structure	Deep weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water	Current seams near structural elements like dams and humps
Summer	Crappie	Lily pad fields and weed edges in 8-12 feet of water	Brush piles near channel edges, especially those adjacent to weeds
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points and rocky areas adjacent to river channels	Shallow flats near deep water access
Fall	Walleye	Channel edges with brush structure, particularly where woody cover intersects with depth changes	Rocky drop-offs and rip rap areas near primary river channel routes
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake humps adjacent to deep water	River channel break lines with active baitfish
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to main lake points where vegetation is still green	Current seams near dams and flowing water zones
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles along river channel edges in 12-18 feet of water	Deep edges of weed beds transitioning to channel areas
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points and rocky areas adjacent to river channels where baitfish congregate	Creek arm entrances with current seams and depth transitions
Winter	Walleye	Brush piles positioned along river channel edges in 10-19 foot depth range	Deep river channel bends and winter holding areas
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep edges of flats near current seams where baitfish concentrate	Areas around dams and major structural elements with depth changes
Winter	Crappie	Brush piles positioned along river channel edges in 18-20 foot depths	Mud humps near channel breaks that provide both cover and feeding opportunities
Ice	Walleye	River channel edges and breaks in 18-25 foot range	Mud humps adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Current seams near dams where baitfish concentrate
Ice	Crappie	Main river channel edges in 18-20 feet of water	Brush piles adjacent to channel ledges

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Live minnows, particularly during passive periods	Blueback Herring, as mentioned in recent fishing reports
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas	Perch in shallow feeding flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Small Perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Small schooling baitfish in 2-4 inch range	Shad congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows (primary forage confirmed in recent reports)	Small perch
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch	Various Minnow Species
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows (primary forage based on reports)	Young Perch (secondary forage in emerging weed growth)
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Small minnows in 2-4 inch range	Shad moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows congregating near rocky structure	Young-of-year rough fish in shallow feeding areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Young of year baitfish beginning to school	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch gathering in shallow areas	Various minnow species concentrated on spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows concentrating around emerging vegetation	Young of year perch beginning to appear in weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Small shad and minnows in 2-4 inch range	Young-of-year baitfish schools
Summer	Walleye	Perch	Various Minnow Species
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools around vegetation	Crawfish in rocky and woody areas
Summer	Northern Pike	White Bass schools in open water and along structure	Perch relating to weedy areas
Summer	Crappie	Small minnows congregating around weed edges	Young-of-year perch in vegetation
Summer	White Bass	Schooling minnows in 2-4 inch range	Small shad and other baitfish
Fall	Walleye	Large fathead minnows, as evidenced by recent fishing success	Natural baitfish schools following channel edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows schooling near structure	Yellow Perch relating to break lines
Fall	Northern Pike	White Bass schools gathering in open water	Perch relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Minnows schooling in open water and around structure	Young-of-year perch relating to remaining vegetation
Fall	White Bass	Schooling shad and small baitfish	Minnows concentrated along structure
Winter	Walleye	Crappie - primary forage based on recent reports	General Baitfish/Minnows - consistent forage base noted in lake profile
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch schools concentrated near structure	Suspended baitfish in open water areas
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows suspended near structure	Young-of-year perch relating to deeper brush
Ice	Walleye	Minnows as primary forage base	Yellow Perch as secondary forage
Ice	Northern Pike	Large Yellow Perch	White Bass schools
Ice	Crappie	Minnows	Perch

Bait Colors by Season for Petenwell Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Walleye	Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns Metallic Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns