How to Fish Pokegama Lake (4)

Pokegama Lake (4) fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-60°F. Pre-spawn bass are actively feeding near shallow cover, particularly docks, as they stage for the upcoming spawn. Fish are relating heavily to cover in 1-4 foot depths due to the stained water conditions Bass are showing increased feeding activity with water temperatures in the low 50s, targeting both crawfish and minnows around dock structures Key locations: Docks in 1-4 foot depths, especially those with access to slightly deeper water; Protected shallow coves with dock structures; Areas with emerging vegetation near docks. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly along dock posts and under dock platforms, Finesse Jigs dragged slowly near dock structure, Shakey Heads worked methodically around dock areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging as primary forage in spring, Shallow water minnows around dock structures, Small bluegill beginning to move shallow. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-52°F. Crappies are staging in pre-spawn locations, showing moderately active but somewhat lethargic behavior in cold water (38°F). Schools are holding near break-lines and brush piles, requiring finesse presentations. Fish are moving between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones, with most activity concentrated in 4-9 feet of water near structure. Key locations: Bottom edge of break-lines where schools are staging; Shallow brush piles in 4-9 feet of water; Protected areas near drops with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Bobbers with light jigs (1/32 oz) and minnows, allowing for natural drift presentations, Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with subtle presentations for targeting visible schools, Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through suspended schools. Primary forage: Small minnows - primary forage based on multiple fishing reports, Juvenile baitfish beginning to become active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-55°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth are transitioning from winter depths to staging areas, actively seeking warmer water and beginning to feed more aggressively as temperatures rise Fish are primarily focused on rock structure and hard bottom areas that warm quickly, moving shallower on sunny days Key locations: Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to deeper wintering areas; Boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range; Windward shorelines receiving afternoon sun exposure. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations along depth transitions, Tubes dragged slowly across rocky areas, Ned Rigs worked with subtle movements on staging areas. Primary forage: Perch gathering on hard bottom areas, Small baitfish schools in transition areas, Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-48°F. Pre-spawn walleye staging in transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water, actively feeding to build energy reserves Most active during low-light periods, but turbid conditions (0.7m clarity) extend feeding windows throughout the day Fish moving from wintering areas to spawning locations, following traditional migration routes along main lake points and channel edges Key locations: Shallow rock and gravel areas near deeper water access (5-8 feet); Main lake points and inside turns leading to spawning bays; Submerged vegetation edges in 5-8 foot depths where reported. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with methodical lifts and holds, Blade Baits worked slowly along transition areas. Primary forage: Small minnows congregating near spawning areas, White bass schools on shallow flats, Crappies in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch White Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn white bass staging near tributary areas and moving into shallower flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are schooling aggressively in low-light conditions, particularly during overcast periods Fish utilizing current breaks and wind-generated currents for ambush feeding opportunities Key locations: Secondary points and flats near tributary areas or creek channels; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water; Wind-blown shorelines with current breaks. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked with erratic retrieves parallel to staging areas, Blade Baits worked vertically through schools, Spinnerbaits worked along wind-blown banks. Primary forage: Small shad and minnows in large schools, Young of year baitfish, Small juvenile panfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-60°F. Bass are moving into shallow spawning areas and staging near docks, actively feeding on crawfish in 1-4 foot depths Fish showing aggressive response to bottom-contact baits, particularly during warming trends with temperatures in the mid-50s to low 60s Key locations: Docks in 1-4 feet of water, especially those with access to spawning flats; Protected shallow coves with soft bottom composition; Areas with emerging vegetation in 2-3 foot depths. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - slow dragging and hopping presentations around docks, Shakey Heads - worked slowly along dock edges and through shallow spawning areas, Bladed Jigs - effective in the stained water when fish are actively feeding. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage as evidenced by multiple recent catches, Small Bluegill - beginning to become active in the shallows. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 38-52°F. Crappies transitioning into pre-spawn patterns, moving from deeper basin areas into staging areas near spawning grounds Actively feeding on minnows but requiring finesse presentations, suspending 1-3 feet off bottom in 12-14 foot depths Key locations: Basin areas in 12-14 feet of water near transition areas to spawning grounds; Brush piles and woody cover in 8-12 feet of water; Protected coves and bays with emerging vegetation in 4-9 feet. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs and live minnows, Crappie Spider Rigging with multiple rod spread for covering water, Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through suspended fish. Primary forage: Small minnows suspended off bottom, Young of year baitfish in brush piles. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from winter depths to shallower areas, particularly focusing on rock and gravel areas for nest building Males are aggressively defending nesting areas while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning activities Fish are more active during warmer parts of the day, especially in north-facing shorelines that receive more sun exposure Key locations: Rocky points and boulder-strewn shorelines in 2-6 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Protected coves with gravel or rock bottom composition; Secondary points with mixed rock and wood structure near spawning areas. Best techniques: Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas and potential nest sites, Ned Rigs with subtle presentations for pressured fish, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water to locate active fish. Primary forage: Small crayfish emerging from winter dormancy, Young of year perch in shallow areas, Small bluegills around spawning areas. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Post-spawn walleye actively feeding near weed edges and shallow structure in 5-8 ft of water Fish showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations, suggesting recovery and feeding period after spawn Key locations: Submerged vegetation edges in 5-8 foot depth range; Points and breaklines adjacent to spawning areas; Shallow flats with baitfish schools. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along bottom, Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'). Primary forage: Minnows, Young of year panfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. White bass are concentrating in shallow tributaries, creek arms, and staging areas for spawning runs, showing aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn Fish are moving in waves and schools, pushing shallow during warmer days and retreating to slightly deeper water during cold fronts Key locations: Shallow tributary mouths and creek arms with gravel or rocky substrate; Wind-blown points and flats adjacent to spawning areas; Staging areas in 4-8 foot depths near spawning locations. Best techniques: Inline Spinners worked at various depths around spawning areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through schools, Lipless Crankbaits worked aggressively in staging areas. Primary forage: Small shad and minnows in pre-spawn congregations, Young-of-year baitfish from previous season, Small crayfish emerging from winter dormancy. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Vibrant Assorted Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-60°F. Bass are actively feeding on crawfish in shallow water near docks and other cover during post-spawn Fish are utilizing shaded areas during sunny conditions, particularly between docks and pontoons Key locations: Docks with adjacent grass or weed growth in 3-4 feet of water; Shaded areas between pontoons and dock structures; Shallow weed edges near shoreline structures. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with soft plastic craws hopped along bottom, Shakey Heads worked slowly around dock posts, Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage during post-spawn period, Bluegill beginning to become active in vegetation. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn crappies are transitioning to early summer patterns, suspending near structure and actively feeding to recover energy Fish are beginning to school more tightly and moving toward deeper water, but still relating to cover in 8-15 foot depth range Key locations: Brush piles and woody cover along depth transitions in 8-15 feet; Deep weed edges beginning to form in 6-10 feet; Secondary points and creek channel bends with cover. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small jigs along depth transitions, Hover/Mid-Strolling near brush piles and structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are tightly schooled. Primary forage: Small minnows and shad, Emerging aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting baitfish and crawfish near transitional areas Fish are moving from spawning flats to early summer locations, often suspending near points and following bait schools Key locations: Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats; Wood structure in 8-12 foot depth range; Main lake points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked steadily through transition zones, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish, Tubes dragged through rocky areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging in rocky areas, Small perch in transitional areas, Baitfish schools in open water. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Post-spawn walleye are actively feeding near weed edges and break-lines in 5-8 foot depths, with increased activity during low light periods Fish are utilizing complex shoreline structure and points for ambush feeding, taking advantage of the turbid water conditions Key locations: Weed edges and break-lines in 5-8 foot depths; Points and structural elements along the complex shoreline; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools are present. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges and break-lines, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to shoreline structure, Blade Baits worked through baitfish schools. Primary forage: Minnows in shallow to mid-depth ranges, White bass schools indicating concentrated baitfish, Crappies as additional forage for larger walleyes. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools and chasing baitfish in the upper water column due to the stained water conditions Fish are utilizing wind-generated current areas and points for ambush feeding, especially during low-light periods Key locations: Main lake points and windward shorelines where current concentrates baitfish; Shallow flats adjacent to weedlines in 4-6 foot depth range; Secondary points in bays where fish stage during post-spawn recovery. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure in 3-6 feet of water, Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with yo-yo action near weed edges, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) burned through schooling fish. Primary forage: Small shad and minnows schooling in the upper water column, Young of year baitfish emerging in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. Bass are actively feeding on bluegills around shallow cover, particularly during morning and evening hours, as evidenced by recent catches with prey in throat Fish are scattered but relating heavily to shoreline cover (docks, wood, and vegetation) due to the stained water conditions Key locations: Docks in 3-4 foot range, especially those with adjacent wood cover; Lily pad fields in shallow water; Stumps and woody cover, particularly in areas with nearby deep water access. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - most effective when pitched to cover in shallow water, Neko Rigs - particularly effective around wood and docks as reported, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - effective for covering water between lily pads. Primary forage: Bluegill - primary forage as confirmed by recent catch reports, Small baitfish - seasonal prey around docks and cover. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Green Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Crappies are suspending near deeper brush piles and weed edges during midday, moving shallower to feed during early morning and evening Schools are actively feeding on baitfish, particularly around areas where cover intersects with deeper water Key locations: Deep weed edges and brush piles in 8-12 feet of water; Suspended schools near creek channel bends and drop-offs; Shaded areas under docks and overhanging vegetation. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and channel breaks, Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to shade, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended schools. Primary forage: Small minnows in and around weed edges, Young-of-year baitfish schools, Small aquatic insects near vegetation. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Active feeding during early morning and evening, seeking shelter in deeper structure during bright midday periods Relating strongly to hard structure (boulders and wood) in 8-15 foot depth range Aggressive reaction strikes in lowlight, more finesse-oriented feeding in bright conditions Key locations: Boulder fields and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range; Wood structure adjacent to deeper water; Points and irregular shoreline features with mixed rock/wood cover. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked along structure edges in low light, Drop Shot with finesse presentations during bright conditions, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and finding active fish. Primary forage: Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pelagic Baitfish. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Walleye are primarily feeding during low light periods (dawn/dusk) due to their light-sensitive eyes, with the turbid conditions (0.7m clarity) extending active feeding into daylight hours Fish are relating to deep weed edges and points during the day, moving shallower to feed during prime periods Actively pursuing both minnow schools and suspended crappie in open water basins as forage Key locations: Deep weed edges and break-lines in 12-15 feet of water; Points adjacent to deep basins where baitfish schools concentrate; Open water basins where suspended baitfish and crappie are present. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked along break-lines and weed edges, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits parallel to breaks, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are actively feeding on suspended bait. Primary forage: Schooling minnows in open water and along structure, Suspended crappie in basin areas, White bass schools that concentrate baitfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Actively schooling in shallow water zones, particularly near 4ft weed edges, with aggressive feeding behavior during overcast conditions Utilizing current and wind-generated movement to ambush prey, especially during low-light periods around the full moon Key locations: Shallow flats adjacent to weed lines in 4-foot depth range; Wind-swept points and current areas near shoreline irregularities; Shallow bays where baitfish schools are present. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and across flats, Hard Topwater (Popping) worked aggressively over schooling fish, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at moderate speeds through baitfish schools. Primary forage: Schooling Minnows, Young-of-year Baitfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Bass are actively following baitfish schools, with increased feeding activity to build energy reserves for winter Fish are relating heavily to deeper timber and dock areas, using these as ambush points for feeding on concentrated baitfish Key locations: Deep dock areas with nearby timber; Areas with concentrated baitfish schools (bluegill, perch); Snake River connection points. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around deeper timber and docks, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for following baitfish schools. Primary forage: Bluegills, Yellow Perch, Minnows. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Bold Striped Patterns, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, actively schooling and feeding on baitfish to build energy reserves for winter Fish are following baitfish schools and relating to deeper structure, especially during midday Most active feeding periods occur during dawn and dusk, with fish moving shallower during these low-light periods Key locations: Deep brush piles and woody cover in 12-14 feet of water; Basin edges near drop-offs; Deeper sections of main lake points with access to shallow feeding areas. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging. Primary forage: Small minnows in large schools, Young-of-year baitfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Fall?

Water temp 55-65°F. Actively feeding on baitfish schools in open water, following pelagic forage movements Relating to hard structure (boulders/wood) as ambush points during feeding periods Aggressive reaction strikes due to fall feeding intensity Key locations: Boulder fields and rock structure in open water areas; Wood structure near points and irregular shoreline features; Areas where baitfish schools are concentrated. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along boulder fields, Bladed Jigs around wood structure, Umbrella Rigs when targeting suspended fish following bait schools. Primary forage: Perch, Pelagic Minnows, Bluegill. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Fall?

Water temp 48-62°F. Walleye exhibiting increased shallow water feeding activity, especially during low light periods, as they follow baitfish schools moving from deeper water to shoreline areas Fish transitioning between deep and shallow water throughout the day, using break-lines and weed edges as primary travel routes Key locations: Points and weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially those with access to baitfish schools; Shallow flats near deep-water access where white bass and baitfish have been reported; Complex shoreline areas with multiple structural elements in 8-15 foot depth range. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along break-lines and points during daylight hours, Trolling Shallow (0-9') during low light periods near shoreline structure, Lipless Crankbaits worked through areas where baitfish are present. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish (shiners, young-of-year), White bass when available as larger prey, Crappies in open water basins. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pokegama Lake (4) in Fall?

Water temp 55-68°F. White bass are actively schooling and chasing baitfish schools in shallow to mid-depth areas, especially during low-light periods Fish are relating to wind-generated current areas and points, using these locations to ambush prey Key locations: Main lake points and wind-swept shorelines where current concentrates baitfish; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where schools can corral bait; Weed edge transitions in 4-6 feet of water. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical presentations in areas where fish are actively feeding, Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through shallow feeding zones, Lipless Crankbaits burned over shallow flats and along weed edges. Primary forage: Schooling shad and small minnows, Young-of-year panfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Vibrant Assorted Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Crappies are suspending near deep basin areas and main lake break lines, often schooling tightly in the 12-14 foot range Fish are less active during daylight hours, with feeding windows during early morning and late afternoon Key locations: Deep basin areas adjacent to break lines in 12-14 feet of water; Suspended schools near brush piles in main lake areas; Deep creek channel bends with woody cover. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs for precise presentation to suspended schools, Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics to cover water and locate active schools, Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and showing on electronics. Primary forage: Small minnows in loose schools, Young-of-year baitfish concentrating in deeper water. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Walleye are suspending in mid-water column following baitfish schools, with increased activity during low-light conditions Fish are utilizing the lake's complex structure to ambush prey, particularly around points and breaks where baitfish concentrate Key locations: Main lake points and break-lines in 12-15 feet of water where baitfish schools concentrate; Deep basin edges adjacent to structural elements where suspended baitfish gather; Deeper weed edges that maintain green vegetation, providing ambush points. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging followed by longer pauses, Blade Baits worked with short, sharp snaps to trigger reaction strikes, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along break-lines and points. Primary forage: Suspended schools of minnows in open water basins, Crappies in deeper water columns, White bass schools over flats and along breaks. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pokegama Lake (4) in Ice?

Water temp 32-34°F. Crappies are holding in deeper basin areas and along break lines in 12-14 feet of water, showing finicky behavior in open water but more aggressive feeding in weed edges Most active feeding periods are concentrated during evening hours, with reports showing peak activity from 7-8 PM Key locations: Submerged vegetation edges in 12-14 foot depths; Break lines and ledges in main basin areas; Deep basin areas adjacent to structure. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Spoons with light 1/32 oz presentations, Ice Fishing Jigs with minnow heads, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups for targeting suspended fish. Primary forage: Small Minnows, Micro invertebrates. Best bait colors: Pink Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pokegama Lake (4) in Ice?

Water temp 32-34°F. Fish are suspending with baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges, primarily 12 feet of water Most active during low light periods, with feeding windows likely concentrated at dawn and dusk Relating to points and following forage in open water basins Key locations: Points in 12 feet of water; Open water basins near baitfish schools; Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked near bottom and slowly lifted, Bobbers for suspended presentations, Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging action, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths. Primary forage: Minnows in suspended schools, Crappies in open water basins, White Bass schools over flats. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.