How to Fish Pewaukee Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pewaukee Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pewaukee Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Staging in pre-spawn areas near potential spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from winter deep-water areas to shallower structures that warm first, particularly on sunny days Becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with feeding activity increasing during warm fronts	Hard rocky areas that warm up first, especially those adjacent to deeper wintering areas Transitional areas between deep water and potential spawning flats in 8-15 foot range Secondary points with rock and gravel composition near spawning bays	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations along depth transitions Tubes dragged slowly across rocky areas Ned Rigs worked methodically through staging areas	Minnows congregating near warming shallow areas Early season crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-74	Pre-spawn bass are staging near spawning areas, making transitional movements from winter deep water to shallow spawning bays, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, responding well to both reaction baits and slower presentations depending on daily conditions	Protected bays with firm bottom and emerging weed growth, particularly areas adjacent to deeper water access Deep breaks and drop-offs near potential spawning areas serving as staging points Points and channel swings leading into spawning bays	Ned Rigs worked slowly along breaks and staging areas Spinnerbaits around emerging weed growth and points Bladed Jigs in areas with scattered vegetation	Bluegill congregating in pre-spawn areas Emerging crawfish becoming active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding and schooling in preparation for spawning, typically moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower spawning grounds Fish are beginning to aggregate near spawning areas but still actively feeding, with increased activity during warming trends	Rock piles and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depths near spawning flats Deep weed edges transitioning to harder bottom Protected coves and points with mixed rock and vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Small minnows and baitfish Aquatic insects emerging with spring warming Small crustaceans near rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-63	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warmer, shallower staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are gathering in schools near transition areas between deep and shallow water, becoming more active during warm, sunny afternoons	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where they transition to shallower flats Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays Secondary points with submerged vegetation leading into spawning bays	Crappie Spider Rigging with slow vertical presentations along deep weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') focusing on suspended schools near structure Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) through transitional areas between deep and shallow water	Small bluegills concentrating near weed edges Schools of young-of-year minnows in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pike actively moving into shallow bays and backwater areas seeking warmer water temperatures for spawning preparation Aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased response to larger profile baits Fish staging near spawning areas but making frequent feeding movements to nearby structures	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays Transition areas between deeper water and shallow flats	Spinnerbaits worked slowly near emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses	Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Shallow-running baitfish schools Juvenile panfish in warming bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-65	Smallmouth bass are in spawning stages, actively moving into and protecting bedding areas in hard rocky locations that warm up first Fish are becoming increasingly active with warming water temperatures, transitioning from pre-spawn to spawning behavior	Hard rocky areas in shallow water that warm up first, particularly near spawning sites Transition areas where weed edges meet rocky structure Protected bays with firm bottom composition	Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations around spawning areas Tubes worked methodically through rocky areas Ned Rigs for finesse presentations in clearer water	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-74	Pre-spawn to spawning behavior with fish staging in protected bays and moving to shallow spawning areas. Males preparing and guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with fish responding well to both reaction baits and slower presentations depending on spawning phase	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation for spawning Secondary points leading into spawning bays where pre-spawn fish stage Weed edges in 8-15 foot depth range where non-spawning fish hold	Ned Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges and through spawning bays Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds and shallow cover	Bluegill beginning their own spawning activities Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Perch are congregating in shallow, sandy or gravel areas for spawning, typically moving in large schools Actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with increased activity in warmer afternoons as water temperatures rise	Sandy or gravel flats in 3-8 foot depths, especially near weed edges Rock piles and boulder areas in shallow water that warm quickly Protected coves with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with a slow, steady retrieve	Small minnows and baitfish schools Aquatic insects and larvae Newly emerging aquatic vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Actively seeking shallow, warmer bays and protected areas for spawning, with males building and guarding nests while females stage nearby Moving from deeper winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas near spawning flats, becoming increasingly active with warming water	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 2-6 foot depth Transition areas between deep weed edges and spawning flats in 8-12 foot range Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning flats providing pre-spawn staging areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around shallow cover Bobbers with live bait or small jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for staging fish near structure	Small Bluegills Minnows Newly hatched fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	40-55	Northern Pike are in shallow, warmer bays and backwater areas for spawning, typically right after ice-out when water temperatures reach 40-50°F Post-spawn pike remain shallow and actively feed to recover energy, targeting abundant baitfish in vegetated areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Tributary inflows and connecting channels where warmer water first enters Protected shorelines with remaining vegetation from previous season	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to emerging weed edges Spoons worked with erratic action in open pockets	Yellow Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas Various Minnow species moving into warming shallows Young-of-year panfish in backwater areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	63-68	Recovering from spawn, transitioning to active feeding patterns while remaining relatively shallow near spawning areas Moving between rocky areas and adjacent deeper water as they establish post-spawn feeding territories Becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior as water temperatures stabilize and metabolism increases	Rocky points and shelves adjacent to spawning bays Transition areas between rocks and weed edges in 10-15 foot range Hard bottom areas that warm up first, especially with boulder clusters	Drop Shot with finesse presentations around rocky transitions Tubes worked slowly along rock to weed transitions Ned Rigs dragged on hard bottom areas	Crawfish emerging from winter haunts and becoming more active Small baitfish schools gathering near warming shallows Young of the year perch beginning to show up	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-74	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to emerging weed growth and breaks, showing aggressive feeding behavior on bluegill	Weed edges and breaks between 8-18 feet, particularly where submerged vegetation meets depth changes Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays where bass stage during post-spawn Emerging weed flats in 5-12 feet of water where bluegill are active	Ned Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and breaks Swim Jigs mimicking bluegill through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish	Bluegill - primary forage based on fishing reports Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding and beginning to school up, moving between shallow flats and nearby deeper structure Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, utilizing rock piles and weed edges as primary feeding zones	Rock piles and boulder areas in 10-15 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depths Points and transitions where hard bottom meets softer substrate	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or pieces of nightcrawler, worked slowly along structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with soft plastics Inline Spinners cast and retrieved near structure edges	Small minnows gathering in post-spawn areas Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Young of the year baitfish beginning to appear	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	63-72	Crappies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy but remaining relatively shallow Fish are gathering around emerging weed growth and utilizing the edges of vegetation as ambush points Most active during dawn and dusk, with sporadic feeding throughout the day in areas with good cover	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays in 6-10 foot depth Outer edges of submerged vegetation patches in 5-8 foot depth	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around weed edges Hover/Mid-Strolling along deep weed lines Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through vegetation gaps	Small Bluegills concentrating around weed edges Minnow schools gathering in post-spawn recovery areas Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-68	Post-spawn pike actively feeding to recover energy, showing aggressive behavior in shallower waters near emerging weed growth Fish transitioning between shallow spawning areas and early summer patterns, using points and weed edges as primary hunting grounds	Shallow weed edges in 5-10 foot range with access to deeper water Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays Points and inside turns with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve Inline Spinners near rock transitions Trolling Shallow (0-9') along habitat transitions	Yellow Perch gathering in post-spawn areas Various Minnow Species in shallow water Young-of-year panfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-75	Active feeding around deep weed edges and rock transitions in 10-20 foot range, showing preference for smaller profile baits in clear water Establishing summer patterns with movement between rock and weed edges, primarily feeding during morning and evening periods	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, particularly on inside turns Boulder and rock piles adjacent to vegetation Transition areas between vegetation and rocky structure	Drop Shot with small profile baits around deep weed edges Tubes worked slowly around boulder areas Ned Rigs along weed edges and transition areas	Crawfish relating to rocky structure Minnows suspending near weed edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-79	Bass are actively feeding around submerged vegetation edges, utilizing ambush points to target bluegill Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, seeking shade during bright midday periods Bass are establishing regular feeding patterns in their summer locations, with consistent positioning around structure	Weed edges and pockets in submerged vegetation, especially where it meets depth changes Protected coves and bays with mature weed growth Deep weed edges extending to 18-foot depth range	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through pockets Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting dense vegetation Frogs/Toads for working over matted vegetation early and late in the day	Bluegill concentrated in and around weed beds Young of the year baitfish beginning to school	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	72-79	Actively feeding on small baitfish around hard structure, particularly bridges and rock piles, showing aggressive pursuit of prey Moving between deeper summer holding areas and structure-based feeding zones, following comfortable temperature ranges	Rock piles and bridge structures in 10-20 foot depth range Deep weed edges adjacent to hard structure Points and coves with mixed rock and vegetation habitat	Finesse Jigs worked slowly near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs near rock piles	Small minnows in and around structure Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-79	Crappies are holding near deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, making feeding movements into shallower weeds during low light periods Fish are suspending near structure during midday, actively feeding on small baitfish and bluegills during morning and evening	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, especially near rock pile intersections Suspended locations over main lake basins near structure Shaded areas under docks with nearby deep water access	Crappie Spider Rigging with light jigs worked slowly through suspended fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along deep weed edges Crappie Dock Shooting during midday when fish seek shade	Small Bluegills near weed edges Minnows in open water zones Young-of-year perch in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike are transitioning to deeper, cooler water during hot summer days, primarily using deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range as ambush points Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler, with fish moving shallower during these times Suspended in or near weed edges during midday, becoming more lethargic in peak heat	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, especially where they intersect with rock piles Points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges with consistent speed Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying depths near structure	Yellow Perch congregating near deep weed edges Various minnow species suspending near vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Pewaukee Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	61-64	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on crawfish and baitfish around rocky structure, showing increased activity as they build energy reserves for winter Fish are spreading out between deep edges and shallow areas, utilizing both deep and shallow structure depending on daily conditions and temperature changes	Rock piles and boulder fields with adjacent deep water access Deep weed edges with rocky transition areas Rocky points with access to deeper flats	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly around rock piles and deep edges Tubes dragged and hopped along rocky bottom structure Carolina Rigs with minnow-style baits drifted over flats in 10-15 foot range	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure Minnows schooling around deep edges and flats	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	64-72	Actively feeding on bluegill and other baitfish, following them to deeper structure as water cools Moving from summer weed edges to nearby deep breaks, regularly transitioning between depths based on daily temperature changes	Deep weed edges adjacent to breaks (12-18 feet) Points with access to both shallow and deep water Protected bays with remaining vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along deep weed edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) parallel to break lines Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through scattered vegetation	Bluegill moving to deeper water Baitfish schools congregating near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	52-65	Yellow perch are schooling more aggressively in fall, following baitfish schools and relating closely to structure Fish are feeding more actively during daylight hours, particularly during morning and evening periods Schools are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging zones based on light and temperature conditions	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets rock structure Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near depth changes Bridge areas with hard structure that concentrate baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Inline Spinners	Small minnows and baitfish schools Young-of-year perch Small invertebrates near rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They're schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements Fish become increasingly structure-oriented, relating to deep weed edges and rock piles in the 10-20 foot range	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water Basin areas where schools of baitfish are suspending	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Schooling baitfish/minnows congregating in deeper water Smaller bluegills still active around deep weed edges Young-of-year fish gathering in schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-65	Northern Pike are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, targeting larger prey fish along weed edges and points Fish are following baitfish schools and making feeding movements between deep weed edges and shallow ambush points	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets open water Rocky points adjacent to deeper water Shallow bays with remaining vegetation where baitfish school	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges and points	Yellow Perch schooling near structure Large Minnow species congregating in deeper weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	45-55	Yellow perch actively schooling in deeper water near prime structure, moving in groups to feed on baitfish and aquatic insects Fish showing preferences for patrolling transition areas between rocks and deeper weed edges for feeding opportunities	Deep rock piles in 10-20 foot range with nearby transitions Deep weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas Bridge pilings and associated deeper water structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Blade Baits	Small baitfish schools, particularly smelt Aquatic insects near structure Small crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	45-55	Crappie are suspending near deep weed edges and rock piles in 10-20 foot range, typically schooling tightly in late fall/early winter Fish are following baitfish schools in open water basins, moving between structure and suspended positions based on forage location	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets basin Rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water Open water basins near structure when following baitfish schools	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Schooling minnows in open water Smaller bluegills near deep weed edges Young-of-year perch in and around rock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike are actively feeding during late fall through early winter, seeking high-calorie meals before winter deepens Fish are moving between deeper main lake areas and shallow flats, following baitfish schools	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets open water Rock piles adjacent to deep water access Points and irregular shoreline features with quick access to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along deep weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved at moderate speeds through transitional areas Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') parallel to weed edges	Yellow Perch schooling near deep weed edges Minnow species suspending in the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch school tightly during ice season, often relating to structure and transitional areas between rocks and weeds Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets rocky structure Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water Transition areas between hard and soft bottom in 15-25 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Aquatic insect larvae Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies will be schooled tightly in deeper basins and near deep weed edges, typically suspended 1-3 feet off bottom Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon, with a strong preference for low-light conditions Fish become more lethargic during mid-winter but will still actively feed on smaller presentations	Deep basins adjacent to weed edges in 15-20 foot range Suspended over rock piles in 12-18 foot range Deep weed edges where vegetation meets basin areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements 1-2 feet above the school Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern suspended fish	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Various species of winter-hardy minnows Micro invertebrates near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	32-38	Pike are actively patrolling rock piles and adjacent areas, using these structures as ambush points for hunting prey Fish are likely to be most active during early morning and late afternoon periods, with feeding windows coinciding with low light conditions	Rock piles with adjacent deep water access Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range near rock structure Transition areas between rock piles and vegetated flats	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large minnows positioned near structure Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively near rock piles Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	Yellow Perch Large Minnows Small Panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Pewaukee Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Hard rocky areas that warm up first, especially those adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Transitional areas between deep water and potential spawning flats in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected bays with firm bottom and emerging weed growth, particularly areas adjacent to deeper water access	Deep breaks and drop-offs near potential spawning areas serving as staging points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and boulder areas in 8-15 foot depths near spawning flats	Deep weed edges transitioning to harder bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where they transition to shallower flats	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 foot depth range	Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Hard rocky areas in shallow water that warm up first, particularly near spawning sites	Transition areas where weed edges meet rocky structure
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation for spawning	Secondary points leading into spawning bays where pre-spawn fish stage
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Sandy or gravel flats in 3-8 foot depths, especially near weed edges	Rock piles and boulder areas in shallow water that warm quickly
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 2-6 foot depth	Transition areas between deep weed edges and spawning flats in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Tributary inflows and connecting channels where warmer water first enters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and shelves adjacent to spawning bays	Transition areas between rocks and weed edges in 10-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges and breaks between 8-18 feet, particularly where submerged vegetation meets depth changes	Secondary points and inside turns near spawning bays where bass stage during post-spawn
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and boulder areas in 10-15 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats	Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays in 6-10 foot depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed edges in 5-10 foot range with access to deeper water	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning bays
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, particularly on inside turns	Boulder and rock piles adjacent to vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges and pockets in submerged vegetation, especially where it meets depth changes	Protected coves and bays with mature weed growth
Summer	Yellow Perch	Rock piles and bridge structures in 10-20 foot depth range	Deep weed edges adjacent to hard structure
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, especially near rock pile intersections	Suspended locations over main lake basins near structure
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range, especially where they intersect with rock piles	Points and irregular shoreline features with access to deeper water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields with adjacent deep water access	Deep weed edges with rocky transition areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges adjacent to breaks (12-18 feet)	Points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets rock structure	Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near depth changes
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets harder bottom	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets open water	Rocky points adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep rock piles in 10-20 foot range with nearby transitions	Deep weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets basin	Rock piles and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets open water	Rock piles adjacent to deep water access
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range where vegetation meets rocky structure	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins adjacent to weed edges in 15-20 foot range	Suspended over rock piles in 12-18 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Rock piles with adjacent deep water access	Deep weed edges in 10-20 foot range near rock structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows congregating near warming shallow areas	Early season crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in pre-spawn areas	Emerging crawfish becoming active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and baitfish	Aquatic insects emerging with spring warming
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills concentrating near weed edges	Schools of young-of-year minnows in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Shallow-running baitfish schools
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning their own spawning activities	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and baitfish schools	Aquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating in shallow spawning areas	Various Minnow species moving into warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter haunts and becoming more active	Small baitfish schools gathering near warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on fishing reports	Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in post-spawn areas	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegills concentrating around weed edges	Minnow schools gathering in post-spawn recovery areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch gathering in post-spawn areas	Various Minnow Species in shallow water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish relating to rocky structure	Minnows suspending near weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in and around weed beds	Young of the year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows in and around structure	Young-of-year perch
Summer	Crappie	Small Bluegills near weed edges	Minnows in open water zones
Summer	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch congregating near deep weed edges	Various minnow species suspending near vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure	Minnows schooling around deep edges and flats
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving to deeper water	Baitfish schools congregating near structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and baitfish schools	Young-of-year perch
Fall	Crappie	Schooling baitfish/minnows congregating in deeper water	Smaller bluegills still active around deep weed edges
Fall	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch schooling near structure	Large Minnow species congregating in deeper weed edges
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools, particularly smelt	Aquatic insects near structure
Winter	Crappie	Schooling minnows in open water	Smaller bluegills near deep weed edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch schooling near deep weed edges	Minnow species suspending in the water column
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Aquatic insect larvae
Ice	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Various species of winter-hardy minnows
Ice	Northern Pike	Yellow Perch	Large Minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Pewaukee Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals