How to Fish Pomme de Terre Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Pomme de Terre Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pomme de Terre Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are actively moving from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive and moving into shallower water as temperatures warm, particularly around brush and dock areas	Shallow brush and flooded timber in 3-8 feet of water near spawning flats Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with brush nearby Secondary points and creek arms leading to spawning bays	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around brush and docks Spinnerbaits along transition areas and through brush Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting specific pieces of cover	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in shallow brush areas Shad schools around docks and brush	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-58	Pre-spawn crappie are staging in deep water (20'+) near structure, transitioning between wintering and spawning areas Fish are actively feeding on shad in preparation for spawning, but remaining in tight schools in deep water due to cold temperatures	Deep docks in 20'+ water, especially those with brush piles Deep basin areas adjacent to spawning coves Channel swings near shoreline points	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad Small Minnows	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White bass begin staging for pre-spawn near tributary mouths and main lake points, moving from winter deep water areas to transitional depths Fish become increasingly active as water warms, schooling more aggressively and following baitfish movements into shallower staging areas	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries and creek arms Secondary points in major creek arms with deep water access Transitional areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats	Blade Baits worked vertically along depth transitions Lipless Crankbaits retrieved steadily through staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to locate active fish	Shad schools congregating near points and creek mouths Small baitfish moving into warming shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are actively moving shallow for spawning, with buck bass leading the movement and females staging nearby. Multiple reports show fish relating to shallow cover in spawning areas. Fish are showing increased feeding activity with water temperatures in the low to mid 60s, particularly around shallow cover and spawning flats	Flooded brush and laydowns in spawning pockets, particularly in 1-8 foot depth range Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats serving as staging areas Protected shallow reefs and hard bottom areas where recent tournament success was reported	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around shallow cover, matching the prevalent pattern in recent reports Neko Rigs in spawning areas, which produced over 30 fish in recent tournament Soft Jerkbaits when bluegill are active near the surface Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and other shallow cover	Bluegill - multiple recent reports confirm bluegill as primary forage Crawfish - evidenced by successful crawdad-colored baits in recent catches	Green Pumpkin Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies moving into shallow protected areas (2-8 feet) for spawning, with males guarding nests and females staging nearby Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased daytime activity during spawn	Protected shallow coves with brush piles in 2-8 feet of water Shoreline areas with complex structure like fallen trees and docks Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small minnows in shallow areas Young-of-year shad Small aquatic insects	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-65	White bass are making spawning runs up into creek arms and tributaries, congregating in large numbers Fish are actively feeding during pre and post-spawn periods, with aggressive behavior during daylight hours Males arrive first and stay longer in spawning areas, while females move in and out quickly	Creek arms and tributary mouths with gravel or rocky substrate Staging areas near deep water access points adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Inline Spinners retrieved at medium speed parallel to shorelines Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through staging areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in congregation areas	Young shad starting to emerge Small minnows in tributary areas Juvenile sunfish near shoreline areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	70-79	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active but still relating heavily to cover Fish are showing distinct activity periods, very active early in the day and becoming cover-oriented as sun gets higher Bass are utilizing multiple depth zones, from shallow brush to deeper ledges, adapting to daily temperature and light changes	Flooded brush and bushes, especially in transitional areas Rocky points connecting to deeper water Ledges near spawning flats with good vertical structure	Texas Rigs (Worming) with weightless Senkos around shallow cover Grass Jigs with rattles in and around brush Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') on rocky points Buzzbaits during early morning hours	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - beginning to become more active in the shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	61-69	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, scattered and feeding actively to recover Fish are suspending in mid-depth zones (12-18 feet) near creek channels and utilizing brush piles	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range Middle sections of creeks and coves Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around brush piles Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') through creek channels Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) for scattered fish	Minnows Shad	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones Fish are schooling and chasing shad in intermediate depths, utilizing points and current breaks as ambush locations	Secondary points and creek channel intersections near spawning tributaries Wind-blown main lake points with access to deeper water Current breaks and eddies where baitfish concentrate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths along points Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through schooling fish Lipless Crankbaits burned through active schools when fish are aggressive	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period Small baitfish congregating near points and current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	77-83	Bass are following a typical summer pattern with multiple daily movements - shallow feeding early/late and moving to deeper structure during bright conditions Fish are relating heavily to shade and cover during midday, particularly around brush piles in 8-12 feet and bluff walls Showing clear feeding windows during low light conditions, actively pursuing shad and bluegill in shallow water	Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range, especially those near docks Bluff walls and points at creek mouths in 13-25 foot range Shallow areas (1-3 feet) with shad presence during early/late hours Channel swings and ledges with vertical structure	Texas Rigs around brush piles and heavy cover Bladed Jigs early morning in 1-8 feet of water Drop Shot for suspended fish on bluff walls Shallow diving crankbaits for active fish in low light conditions	Shad - primary forage especially during low light periods Bluegill - particularly around dock areas and shallow cover Crawfish - active on bottom structure and ledges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	78-84	Crappie are holding tight to brush piles and stumps in summer heat, with most active feeding during early morning and late evening Fish are showing preference for structure-oriented patterns over open water suspension, likely due to high water temperatures	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range Stump fields, especially those near deeper water access Shaded dock areas offering cooling refuge during peak heat	Finesse Jigs worked slowly through brush piles Crappie Dock Shooting for shaded areas Spinnerbaits (particularly beetle spins) for more active fish	Minnows Small shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad on extended flats adjacent to deep water, particularly during low light periods like sundown Fish are engaging in surface feeding activity (boils) when baitfish schools are pushed up, with increased activity when birds (gulls) are present Using deep water as refuge between feeding periods, moving shallow to feed aggressively	Extended flats adjacent to deep water access points Areas where gulls are actively feeding or circling Main lake points and creek arms where bait schools congregate	Hard Topwater (Walking) with walk-the-dog retrieve during surface feeding activity Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) when fish are actively feeding but not on surface Spoons for vertical jigging when fish are holding deeper between feeding periods	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in large schools) Small baitfish in general	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pomme de Terre Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass actively feeding on bluegill around standing timber, transitioning between summer and winter patterns Fish relating strongly to vertical cover, using timber as primary ambush points in moderate temperatures	Standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range Creek channel bends with woody cover Main lake points with vertical structure	Structure Jigs worked methodically through timber Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vertical cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Bluegill concentrating around woody cover Crawfish active on timber and hard bottom areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, actively schooling and following baitfish movements into creek arms and coves Fish are suspending near brush piles and structure during the day, moving to open water areas during prime feeding periods	Deep brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near creek channel bends Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish schools congregate Suspended over deeper basin areas during active feeding periods	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water and finding active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - precise presentation for brush pile fish Crappie Spider Rigging - excellent for working multiple depths when fish are suspended	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves Small minnows concentrated around structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-68	White bass are following shad schools at intermediate depths (10-14ft), moving between deep water refuge areas and feeding zones along structure Fish are actively feeding during late afternoon hours, with peak activity noted around 4-5PM near rocky structure	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water, especially near points and coves Current breaks and baitfish congregation points near extended flats Deep water access points adjacent to shoreline structure	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with slow retrieve after counting down to depth Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to rip rap	Shad schools at intermediate depths Small baitfish relating to rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	40-48	Holding in medium depth haunts near deep water access, particularly on steep banks and channel swings. Primary activity along hard bottom areas and near shad schools. Most active during warmer parts of the day, especially near rock and chunk banks that absorb heat.	Main lake channel banks with chunk rock and ledges, particularly near points Secondary creek channels with rock transitions, 8-15 feet deep Protected pockets near points with vertical structure	Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly with long pauses Finesse Jigs worked methodically along rocky banks Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish near shad schools	Shad concentrated in creek channels and near steep banks Crawfish emerging from rock piles during warmer periods	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	42-54	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspended near or above brush piles and basin areas Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish being most active during warmer parts of the day	Deep brush piles in 20'+ of water, especially those near channel breaks or basin edges Open water basin areas where schools suspend over deeper water Deep creek channel bends with structure nearby	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig Ice Fishing Jigs	Suspended schools of shad Small minnows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	White Bass	38-48	White bass school tightly in deeper water near primary lake points and creek channel intersections, following shad schools Fish become more lethargic but will actively feed during warming trends and stable weather periods Schools tend to suspend at varying depths based on bait location, typically remaining in the same general area for extended periods	Deep main lake points near creek channel intersections (15-25 feet) Deep water areas adjacent to extended flats where shad schools concentrate Steep shoreline breaks near major creek arms	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small baitfish suspended at varying depths	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pomme de Terre Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow brush and flooded timber in 3-8 feet of water near spawning flats	Docks adjacent to deeper water, especially those with brush nearby
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deep docks in 20'+ water, especially those with brush piles	Deep basin areas adjacent to spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries and creek arms	Secondary points in major creek arms with deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and laydowns in spawning pockets, particularly in 1-8 foot depth range	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush piles in 2-8 feet of water	Shoreline areas with complex structure like fallen trees and docks
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Creek arms and tributary mouths with gravel or rocky substrate	Staging areas near deep water access points adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded brush and bushes, especially in transitional areas	Rocky points connecting to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range	Middle sections of creeks and coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Secondary points and creek channel intersections near spawning tributaries	Wind-blown main lake points with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range, especially those near docks	Bluff walls and points at creek mouths in 13-25 foot range
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range	Stump fields, especially those near deeper water access
Summer	White Bass	Extended flats adjacent to deep water access points	Areas where gulls are actively feeding or circling
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range	Creek channel bends with woody cover
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25 feet of water near creek channel bends	Main lake points and creek mouths where baitfish schools congregate
Fall	White Bass	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water, especially near points and coves	Current breaks and baitfish congregation points near extended flats
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake channel banks with chunk rock and ledges, particularly near points	Secondary creek channels with rock transitions, 8-15 feet deep
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20'+ of water, especially those near channel breaks or basin edges	Open water basin areas where schools suspend over deeper water
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points near creek channel intersections (15-25 feet)	Deep water areas adjacent to extended flats where shad schools concentrate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in shallow brush areas	Shad schools around docks and brush
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small Minnows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near points and creek mouths	Small baitfish moving into warming shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - multiple recent reports confirm bluegill as primary forage	Crawfish - evidenced by successful crawdad-colored baits in recent catches
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows in shallow areas	Young-of-year shad
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Young shad starting to emerge	Small minnows in tributary areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - beginning to become more active in the shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn period	Small baitfish congregating near points and current breaks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage especially during low light periods	Bluegill - particularly around dock areas and shallow cover
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Small shad
Summer	White Bass	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in large schools)	Small baitfish in general
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around woody cover	Crawfish active on timber and hard bottom areas
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving into creeks and coves	Small minnows concentrated around structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools at intermediate depths	Small baitfish relating to rocky structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrated in creek channels and near steep banks	Crawfish emerging from rock piles during warmer periods
Winter	Crappie	Suspended schools of shad	Small minnows
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small baitfish suspended at varying depths

Bait Colors by Season for Pomme de Terre Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Pumpkin Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

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