How to Fish Pickwick Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pickwick Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 17, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pickwick Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	45-60	Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. Reports show them relating to shallow structure and actively chasing shad. Movement patterns show fish transitioning between winter and spawning areas, with increased activity during warming trends as indicated by multiple shallow water catches.	Rip rap banks and rocky areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water, as evidenced by multiple successful fishing reports Submerged vegetation in 5-7 foot depth range, particularly in channels as noted in recent catch reports Main lake points near creek openings, which provide staging areas for pre-spawn fish	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly along bottom structure, particularly effective based on multiple recent success reports Bladed Jigs around grass and shallow cover, with reports showing success in flooded brush and vegetation Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly, especially effective during cooler periods as noted in fishing reports	Shad - multiple reports confirm active shad presence with visible surface activity Crawfish - indicated by successful crawdad-colored bait patterns in shallow rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding on shad near current-influenced areas and rock structure Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior when encountered, particularly around the dam and boulder areas, as evidenced by success with reaction baits	Dam area with current breaks and flood gates, especially in slack water zones Boulder fields and rock piles in transition areas Deep structure adjacent to potential spawning flats	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in current areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near the dam and current breaks Drop Shot when fish are holding deeper or less active	Shad concentrating near current breaks and dam area Smaller baitfish transitioning to shallow water	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass actively pursuing shad schools in transition areas between deeper winter haunts and spawning tributaries Fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, staging in areas with current breaks near spawning routes Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late evening, with fish moving shallower during overcast conditions	Main river channel bends and current breaks near tributary mouths Secondary points and rocky areas leading to spawning areas Submerged structure (brush piles and laydowns) in 10-20 foot depths	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended schools of bait Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure and current breaks	Schooling Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Various Baitfish species gathering in warming shallow waters	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding near structure while staging for the spawn, with recent catches confirming activity in mid-50s water temperatures Fish are targeting bottom-oriented prey and responding well to both jigs and ned rigs, suggesting an aggressive but selective feeding pattern	Brush piles in pre-spawn staging areas, particularly those near spawning pockets Current breaks and eddies where the stained water (1.5m clarity) creates feeding advantages Points and pockets along the complex shoreline, especially those with vertical structure	Football Jigs worked slowly through brush piles and along bottom structure Ned Rigs as a follow-up presentation for finicky fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vertical structure and brush	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Shad schools in transition areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegill are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper winter areas to shallower flats and coves, following the warming trend Becoming more aggressive in feeding as water temperatures rise, especially during afternoon hours	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Brush piles and laydowns near transitional areas between winter and spawning grounds Marina docks and structures that provide cover and warmth	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around emerging vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects near structure	Zooplankton concentrations in areas with current Small insects emerging with warming water Tiny minnows and shad fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Fish are in various spawning phases, with some actively spawning in shallow areas while others stage on nearby drop-offs Showing aggressive behavior around docks and bluff walls, actively feeding on crawfish and responding to shad spawn activity	Back corners of docks in 4-8ft with access to deeper water Bluff walls and rocky areas Creek mouths during shad spawn activity	Carolina Rigs worked slowly along dock edges and drops Finesse Jigs pitched to bluff walls and rocky structure Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) for active shad spawn periods Spinnerbaits during morning shad spawn	Crawfish around rocky structure and docks Spawning shad in creek mouths Small bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, with males guarding nests in shallow rocky areas while females move between spawning flats and nearby deeper water Fish are actively feeding on shad, particularly in current seams near the dam, showing aggressive feeding behavior during pre and post-spawn periods	Dam area with current seams and rocky structure Rocky points and boulder-strewn flats in 3-8 feet of water Bluff walls adjacent to spawning flats for staging areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through current seams Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around rocky points Tubes worked methodically through spawning flats	Shad congregating in current areas near the dam Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas as water warms	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are moving into pre-spawn staging areas, typically in river channels and creek arms. Fish are actively feeding to build energy for spawning. Schools are breaking up into smaller groups, with larger females separating from males as they prepare for spawning activities.	Current-swept main river channel areas near tributary mouths Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water Secondary points in major creek arms with good current flow	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along channel edges Umbrella Rigs targeting suspended fish in current breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around bait schools	Large schools of pre-spawn shad Various smaller baitfish gathering in tributary mouths Suspended bait schools in current seams	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are in spawning mode, with males guarding nests in protected areas while females stage nearby. Fish are aggressive in defending nests and will strike reaction baits Fish are moving between deeper pre-spawn staging areas and shallow spawning flats, particularly active during early morning and evening hours	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or hard bottom, especially near brush piles Riprap banks and points adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks and eddies near spawning areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and spawning areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure Shakey Heads for finesse presentation to bedding fish	Shad schools in transition areas Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish Small bluegill and perch near spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and pockets where they create visible nests in colonies Males aggressively guarding nests and readily striking at small baits that come near their beds Pre-spawn females staging slightly deeper, near spawning areas, feeding heavily before moving shallow	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition, especially near grass lines and reeds Shoreline pockets with brush piles in 2-6 feet of water Marina docks and structure adjacent to spawning flats	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near visible beds Crappie Dock Shooting for fish staging under docks near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shot for finicky fish	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas Zooplankton concentrated in current areas Small minnows around grass edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-73	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while some are still guarding fry Fish are showing mixed behavior - some remaining shallow near spawning areas while others beginning to move towards deeper ledges and main lake structure	Gravel/shell bars with grass near spawning areas Reed edges and shallow vegetation Deeper ledges with access to current	Bladed Jigs worked through shallow grass and shell bars Wacky Rigs worked slowly along reed edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on ledges near shad schools	Shad schools beginning their post-spawn movements Bluegill and smaller sunfish in shallow areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, positioning in current breaks near the dam and along points for ambush opportunities Fish are utilizing dock areas and points as transition zones, moving between shallow and deeper water depending on time of day	Dam and tailrace areas with current breaks Docks with deep water access Rocky points with current exposure	Spinnerbaits worked through current breaks near the dam Large Soft Body Swimbaits retrieved through current seams Structure Jigs skipped under docks Football Jigs worked along rocky points	Shad concentrating in current areas Crawfish active on rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-75	Post-spawn stripers are actively recovering and feeding heavily, following large schools of shad in the upper water column and around current breaks Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, often staging at points and channel swings	Main lake points and channel swings near spawning tributaries Current breaks and eddies around irregular shoreline features Submerged structure in 15-25 foot depths adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with umbrella rigs Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics	Large schools of shad Various sunfish species in shallow areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively recovering and beginning to establish summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper resting spots Fish are opportunistically feeding on shad and other prey near current breaks and structure, especially during morning and evening periods	Current breaks and eddies near riprap and points Brush piles in 10-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with access to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to riprap and points, especially in current Shakey Heads worked slowly around brush piles Carolina Rigs dragged along secondary points and transitional areas	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns Crawfish active in rocky areas and riprap Various sunfish species in shallow brush areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small crustaceans in and around vegetation Fish are moving from spawning areas to nearby feeding zones, typically staying in 4-8 foot depths due to the turbid water conditions	Grass lines and reed edges in 4-8 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats Brush piles and laydowns near shoreline structure in protected coves Dock edges with shade, especially those near vegetation or current areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep around vegetation Inline Spinners worked slowly through gaps in vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and split shots for precise presentations	Aquatic insects and larvae concentrated around vegetation Small crustaceans in woody cover areas Zooplankton in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	82-88	Bass are primarily holding on deep structure (ledges, brush) in 15-25 foot depths, with limited current making them less aggressive Fish are schooling around bait concentrations, especially shad, with feeding periods influenced by current generation	Main lake ledges with access to deep water Flooded cypress fields and brush in 15-25 foot depths Points with proximity to deep water	Drop Shot with finesse presentations due to lack of current Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) when current is present Texas Rigs (Worming) worked through deeper brush and structure	Shad schools in deeper water Minnows around structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	76-87	Actively feeding on shad near current areas and rock structures, with peak activity during lower light periods as evidenced by fishing reports showing tough conditions once sun is up Transitioning between shallow and deeper water throughout the day, with fish holding tight to rocky structure during bright conditions	Main river bluff walls with boulders, particularly in areas with current Rock bluffs in creek arms Gravel banks during active shad spawns	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky structure Football Jigs dragged on rocky areas during slack water periods Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near vertical structure	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports and active spawning activity) Crawfish (indicated by success of bottom-contact presentations on rocky structure)	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	68-84	Striped bass are seeking thermal refuges in deeper water (20+ feet) due to summer stratification, making occasional feeding runs into shallower areas during low light periods Fish are primarily relating to current breaks and structure near deep water, actively feeding on shad schools when conditions allow	Deep river channel edges with current breaks in 20-30 foot depths Main lake points adjacent to deep water that create current breaks Deeper brush piles and structure near primary river channels	Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and points with consistent bait presence Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended fish during low light periods	Schooling shad in main lake areas Suspended baitfish around structure and current breaks	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-85	Spotted bass actively feeding in current breaks and around brush piles, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish suspending near vertical structure and relating to shad schools throughout the day Seeking thermal refuge in deeper water during peak daytime temperatures	Brush piles and riprap areas in 15-25 foot depths near current breaks Main lake points with vertical structure adjacent to deep water Shaded areas under docks and overhanging cover during midday	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along riprap and brush piles Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover during low light periods	Shad schools in open water and around structure Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap Small bluegill around brush piles and docks	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Actively feeding in and around shallow vegetation and structure during early morning and evening hours Moving to deeper dock edges and brush piles during bright midday periods Concentrated near current areas where plankton and insects are abundant	Shaded areas under docks and marina structures in 4-8 foot depths Grass lines and reed edges, especially where they meet deeper water Brush piles and laydowns near shoreline structure	Bobbers with light line and small jigs around vegetation and dock edges Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight under structures Inline Spinners worked slowly through current areas	Small insects and zooplankton concentrated in current areas Young-of-year shad and minnows Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Pickwick Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Fish are actively pursuing shad in shallow to mid-depth areas, especially around current breaks and structure Moving into creek arms and shallow areas following baitfish migrations Showing aggressive feeding behavior around grass edges and laydowns	Laydowns and wood structure in current breaks Grass edges and matted grass in 8-10 feet of water Riprap banks near current Back of creeks with wood and grass cover	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around grass mats and laydowns Hard Topwater (Walking) along grass edges early and late Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') around riprap and current breaks Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish around bait schools	Shad - primary forage with clear migration patterns Crawfish - especially around riprap and rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, particularly around current breaks and hard structure Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, making frequent movements between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas Aggressive feeding behavior during shad migration periods, especially near current-influenced areas	Dam areas and current breaks where shad congregate Bluff walls near main channel drop-offs Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to deeper water Hard spots on shallow flats where bass ambush shad	Hard Jerkbaits worked with erratic retrieves in current areas Hard Topwater (Walking) over shallow flats early and late in day Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) along bluff walls and current seams Drop Shot rigged with subtle presentations for pressured fish	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Blueback Herring - mentioned in dam area reports	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively pursuing large schools of shad in open water and around current breaks as baitfish migrate to creek arms and coves Feeding more aggressively and for longer periods during cooling water temperatures, often creating surface feeding frenzies Moving between different depth zones throughout the day, following bait and comfortable temperatures	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections where current breaks concentrate baitfish Deep river channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where shad schools congregate Back of major creek arms where baitfish schools are migrating	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to surface feeding activity Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding deeper near structure	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves Various baitfish species concentrated around structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Actively feeding and chasing shad schools in shallow water areas, particularly around current breaks and eddies Aggressively pursuing baitfish with burst feeding periods during low-light conditions and overcast days	Current breaks and eddies near riprap and shoreline structure Shallow brush piles adjacent to deeper water Main lake points and pocket entrances where shad schools congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying speeds to match shad movement Spinnerbaits worked parallel to riprap and through current breaks Lipless Crankbaits burned through schools of shad	Shad schools migrating to shallow water Secondary forage of crawfish near riprap and rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter. They are schooling more tightly and relating closely to structure. Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, concentrating around brush piles and deeper vegetation edges in 8-15 foot depths	Deep vegetation edges where grass lines transition to deeper water Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water Marina docks with deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs	Small minnows and shad concentrating in schools Zooplankton in deeper water columns Remaining aquatic insects near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	46-57	Fish are transitioning to deeper water and suspending near structure, actively feeding on shad schools during warming trends Post-frontal conditions trigger a more lethargic response, requiring slower presentations and targeting brush piles	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Current breaks near deeper structure Grass line edges transitioning to deeper water	Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled through suspended fish Shallow diving crankbaits worked around laydowns Drop Shot for finesse approach in tough conditions	Shad schools suspending near structure Minnows relating to shallow cover	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	45-52	Smallmouth bass are schooling tightly in deeper water near current-influenced areas, especially near the dam and deep bluff walls Fish are following shad schools in deeper water, with feeding activities concentrated during warmer parts of the day Movement is minimal, with fish holding close to bottom structure and actively feeding on concentrated bait balls	Deep rocky areas near dam with current influence (18-25 feet) Steep bluff walls with boulder transitions (15-30 feet) Deep points with rock piles that intersect with current breaks	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools Drop Shot with subtle movements near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along bluff walls and current seams	Schooled winter shad in deeper water Smaller baitfish concentrated near current breaks Crawfish tucked into rocky structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass actively schooling and pursuing large bait balls of shad in open water and along channel edges Fish are more likely to feed during warmer parts of the day when bait is most active Stripers using current breaks and structure to ambush prey, especially during low-light periods	Main river channel edges where current meets structure Deep water areas adjacent to points where shad schools congregate Current breaks near dams and major structural elements	Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to active fish	Schooling Shad Winter-stressed Baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	42-52	Spotted bass suspending near deep brush piles in 40-50°F water, relating strongly to vertical structure and current breaks Fish typically school tightly in winter, following shad schools and becoming more active during warmer periods of the day	Deep brush piles near channel swings or current breaks in 15-25 feet of water Riprap banks with deep water access, especially in areas with current Main lake points with vertical structure that provide current breaks	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish near brush piles Drop Shot with small profile baits for finicky winter fish Underspins paired with soft swimbaits when fish are actively chasing shad	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Bottom-oriented prey near brush piles and riprap	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-52	Schooling tightly in deeper water near structure, with less active feeding periods during midday Most active during early morning and late afternoon, moving slightly shallower to feed	Brush piles and laydowns in 12-15 foot depths Deep dock areas with nearby drop-offs Areas where current concentrates plankton near structure	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Zooplankton Small minnows Aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Pickwick Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rip rap banks and rocky areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water, as evidenced by multiple successful fishing reports	Submerged vegetation in 5-7 foot depth range, particularly in channels as noted in recent catch reports
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dam area with current breaks and flood gates, especially in slack water zones	Boulder fields and rock piles in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel bends and current breaks near tributary mouths	Secondary points and rocky areas leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Brush piles in pre-spawn staging areas, particularly those near spawning pockets	Current breaks and eddies where the stained water (1.5m clarity) creates feeding advantages
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Brush piles and laydowns near transitional areas between winter and spawning grounds
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Back corners of docks in 4-8ft with access to deeper water	Bluff walls and rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dam area with current seams and rocky structure	Rocky points and boulder-strewn flats in 3-8 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Current-swept main river channel areas near tributary mouths	Rocky points and riprap areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets and coves with gravel or hard bottom, especially near brush piles	Riprap banks and points adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition, especially near grass lines and reeds	Shoreline pockets with brush piles in 2-6 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Gravel/shell bars with grass near spawning areas	Reed edges and shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dam and tailrace areas with current breaks	Docks with deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and channel swings near spawning tributaries	Current breaks and eddies around irregular shoreline features
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Current breaks and eddies near riprap and points	Brush piles in 10-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Grass lines and reed edges in 4-8 foot depths adjacent to spawning flats	Brush piles and laydowns near shoreline structure in protected coves
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake ledges with access to deep water	Flooded cypress fields and brush in 15-25 foot depths
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main river bluff walls with boulders, particularly in areas with current	Rock bluffs in creek arms
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep river channel edges with current breaks in 20-30 foot depths	Main lake points adjacent to deep water that create current breaks
Summer	Spotted Bass	Brush piles and riprap areas in 15-25 foot depths near current breaks	Main lake points with vertical structure adjacent to deep water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Shaded areas under docks and marina structures in 4-8 foot depths	Grass lines and reed edges, especially where they meet deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and wood structure in current breaks	Grass edges and matted grass in 8-10 feet of water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Dam areas and current breaks where shad congregate	Bluff walls near main channel drop-offs
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections where current breaks concentrate baitfish	Deep river channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where shad schools congregate
Fall	Spotted Bass	Current breaks and eddies near riprap and shoreline structure	Shallow brush piles adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep vegetation edges where grass lines transition to deeper water	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range	Current breaks near deeper structure
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rocky areas near dam with current influence (18-25 feet)	Steep bluff walls with boulder transitions (15-30 feet)
Winter	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges where current meets structure	Deep water areas adjacent to points where shad schools congregate
Winter	Spotted Bass	Deep brush piles near channel swings or current breaks in 15-25 feet of water	Riprap banks with deep water access, especially in areas with current
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles and laydowns in 12-15 foot depths	Deep dock areas with nearby drop-offs

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - multiple reports confirm active shad presence with visible surface activity	Crawfish - indicated by successful crawdad-colored bait patterns in shallow rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad concentrating near current breaks and dam area	Smaller baitfish transitioning to shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Various Baitfish species gathering in warming shallow waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Zooplankton concentrations in areas with current	Small insects emerging with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish around rocky structure and docks	Spawning shad in creek mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad congregating in current areas near the dam	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of pre-spawn shad	Various smaller baitfish gathering in tributary mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in transition areas	Bottom-oriented prey like crawfish
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near spawning areas	Zooplankton concentrated in current areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning their post-spawn movements	Bluegill and smaller sunfish in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad concentrating in current areas	Crawfish active on rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad	Various sunfish species in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to group up in post-spawn patterns	Crawfish active in rocky areas and riprap
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae concentrated around vegetation	Small crustaceans in woody cover areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Minnows around structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports and active spawning activity)	Crawfish (indicated by success of bottom-contact presentations on rocky structure)
Summer	Striped Bass	Schooling shad in main lake areas	Suspended baitfish around structure and current breaks
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and riprap
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and zooplankton concentrated in current areas	Young-of-year shad and minnows
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage with clear migration patterns	Crawfish - especially around riprap and rocky areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Blueback Herring - mentioned in dam area reports
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves	Various baitfish species concentrated around structure
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating to shallow water	Secondary forage of crawfish near riprap and rocky areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows and shad concentrating in schools	Zooplankton in deeper water columns
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Minnows relating to shallow cover
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Schooled winter shad in deeper water	Smaller baitfish concentrated near current breaks
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad	Winter-stressed Baitfish
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Bottom-oriented prey near brush piles and riprap
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Zooplankton	Small minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Pickwick Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals