How to Fish Pool 10 Mississippi River: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pool 10 Mississippi River

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 10 Mississippi River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding but remaining close to deep water access Fish are holding in current breaks and slack water areas adjacent to spawning flats, especially in 3-5 foot depth range	Brush piles in 3-5 feet of water near current breaks Submerged vegetation in spawning bays Laydowns adjacent to pre-spawn staging areas	Spinnerbaits slow rolled around brush piles and laydowns Bladed Jigs ripped through vegetation in spawning bays Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along current seams	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Most active during warming trends, particularly in afternoons when water temperatures peak Showing aggressive response to baitfish schools in pre-spawn feeding periods	Rocky points and breaks adjacent to spawning flats Current-swept wing dams and riprap areas Deep water transitions near rock piles	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near structure Tubes dragged slowly across rock piles Football Jigs worked methodically through deeper staging areas	Shad schools congregating near structural elements Bottom-oriented crawfish becoming more active with warming water	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleyes are transitioning from winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, following the warming water and becoming more active Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively but still relatively selective, especially near current breaks and rock structure	Wing dams and current breaks in river channels where walleyes stage before spawning Rocky points and transition areas between shallow and mid-depth zones Secondary channel edges where pre-spawn walleyes gather	Blade Baits worked slowly along current breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with controlled lifts Live Bait Rigs with subtle presentations	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish utilizing current breaks Juvenile panfish in warming shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	48-62	Fish transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower warming bays and flats, especially during warmer afternoons	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Docks and laydowns in 4-8 foot depth range Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around cover Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically near structure	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water Small minnows in shallow areas Dormant crustaceans becoming active	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn perch are actively feeding and beginning to school up near spawning areas, making frequent transitions between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn locations Fish are becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns as they prepare for spawning, particularly during warmer periods of the day	Protected coves and bays with submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-12 feet Transition areas between main lake points and shallow spawning bays	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming waters Young-of-year shad from previous season	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass are moving into spawning areas in 2-4 feet of water, focusing on protected areas with firm bottom near vegetation Males are actively patrolling and defending nesting sites, while females stage in slightly deeper water nearby Feeding activity is increased during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Protected coves with matted grass and lily pads in 2-4 foot depth Areas adjacent to laydowns and stumps providing spawning cover Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and beds Wacky Rigs worked slowly near spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for pre-spawn females	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas Shad moving into warmer shallow waters	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Staging and moving into spawning areas near rocky structures and sheltered areas, particularly focusing on water depths of 3-8 feet Males actively guarding nests while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Aggressive territorial behavior, especially from males protecting nests	Rocky points and flats adjacent to deeper water Protected areas with hard bottom near wing dams Rip rap banks with gradual slopes	Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near potential nest sites Drop Shot with finesse presentations for wary fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns Young of year shad beginning to appear	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Fish congregating in pre-spawn staging areas near spawning flats, particularly around wing dam current breaks Males will arrive first and be more aggressive, while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Feeding activity increases as water warms, with most active periods during dawn and dusk	Wing dams and current breaks in 8-15 foot depths Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to spawning flats River channel edges where they meet spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts near current breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate movements	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows Juvenile crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Panfish actively moving into shallow spawning areas, with males building and guarding nests in 2-6 feet of water Feeding aggression increases as they prepare for spawn, with fish becoming more territorial around nesting sites Most active during morning and evening hours when water temperatures are stable	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation Areas adjacent to docks and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water Shallow flats with scattered vegetation near deeper water access	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep Crappie Dock Shooting around spawning areas Inline Spinners worked slowly through spawning flats	Small insects and larvae Tiny minnows Plankton and micro-invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are moving into shallow spawning areas near vegetation and protected coves, typically staging in pre-spawn locations near deeper water access Fish are exhibiting active feeding patterns during daylight hours, especially during warming trends	Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Areas where vegetation meets deeper water access points	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near bottom in spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through spawning areas	Small minnows congregating in spawning areas Aquatic insects emerging with spring temperatures	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding around woody cover and current breaks, showing aggressive behavior towards crawfish and bluegill-imitating baits Fish are relating strongly to vertical structure and large stumps in 3+ feet of water, particularly in areas with some current	Hard-edge banks with vertical cover (stumps, trees) in 3+ feet of water Back sloughs with deeper water and clean areas free of moss Current breaks near woody cover Thick trees in areas with clean water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting vertical cover and stumps Bladed Jigs worked around current breaks Swim Jigs near woody cover	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - becoming more active in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing current seams and rock structure as feeding stations Fish are showing aggressive chase behavior, willing to pursue moving baits in shallow to moderate depths	Rock piles and river channel edges where current meets structure Rocky points and rip-rap areas with access to deeper water Current seams and eddies near structural breaks	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to rocky structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve near bottom Tubes worked around rock piles	Shad moving in shallow to moderate depths Minnows relating to rocky structure Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes are recovering and beginning to actively feed, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations Fish are following shad schools and utilizing current breaks near river channels and wing dams Movement patterns show fish utilizing various depth ranges (0-19'), particularly during dawn and dusk feeding periods	Wing dams and current breaks in river channels Rocky points and transitions near spawning areas Secondary points with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure breaks Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to current breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near wing dams	Shad schools beginning post-spawn movements Young of year baitfish emerging in warming waters Crayfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily in shallow to mid-depth zones near vegetation and structure Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting spots throughout the day	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water Docks with good depth transitions nearby Laydowns and woody cover in protected coves	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at varying depths Crappie Dock Shooting around shaded dock areas Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to weed edges	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Young-of-year shad and minnows Micro crustaceans in and around vegetation	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding and transitioning from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure, often moving in schools Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly during morning and evening hours, targeting small baitfish and invertebrates near weed edges	Weed edges and submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Protected areas off main channel edges where current is reduced Points and coves with mixed bottom composition near deeper water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges Live Bait Rigs with minnows or small worms near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs tipped with soft plastics	Small baitfish (shad and minnows) Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	76-82	Fish are actively feeding during early morning and late afternoon, particularly around vegetation edges and matted grass, with a noticeable slowdown during peak heat Showing aggressive surface feeding behavior near baitfish schools and around heavy cover like lily pads and matted grass Moving between shallow cover and deeper areas throughout the day based on temperature and light conditions	Matted grass and lily pad fields with clean water pockets Grass edges adjacent to deeper water Docks with nearby vegetation or duckweed accumulation Current breaks and seams with vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked across matted vegetation and lily pads Wacky Rigs worked slowly along grass edges and clean pockets Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) along grass lines Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover and dock areas	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and docks Shad schooling near current areas and grass edges Crawfish in rocky areas and around dock posts	Dark Neutrals Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-85	Actively feeding on baitfish near the surface during early morning and evening, with frequent topwater strikes and visible chase behavior Moving between shallow and deeper zones throughout the day, utilizing rock structure as transition points and ambush locations	Rock piles and wing dams, especially those near current seams Main channel rock points and rip rap with active baitfish presence Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where baitfish schools are present	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively around visible baitfish activity Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rock structure during midday Ned Rigs worked along deeper rock walls when fish move deeper	Shad schools actively being chased in open water and around structure Minnows concentrated around rocky areas and current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-75	Actively feeding in river channels and current breaks, showing aggressive behavior towards crankbaits Following shad schools in the system, with most activity during lower light periods	River channels with current breaks and wing dams Back water channels with baitfish concentrations Rock piles adjacent to current areas	Trolling Shallow (0-9') Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Shad Perch	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones, especially around cover and vegetation during morning and evening periods Seeking shaded areas under docks and near vegetation during bright midday hours Utilizing current seams near dam areas for opportunistic feeding	Dam areas with current seams and structure Submerged vegetation and matted grass beds Docks providing shade and cover Laydowns and woody cover in shallow to mid-depth zones	Bobbers with live bait or small jigs around cover Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to shade Inline Spinners worked slowly near vegetation edges	Small Crappie Shad Small Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Actively schooling in and around submerged vegetation, making feeding movements between weed edges and adjacent deeper water Most active during early morning and evening hours, moving shallower to feed on abundant baitfish populations	Weed edges adjacent to channel drop-offs in 8-15 feet of water Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Points where main lake channels meet shallow flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs worked through the water column Inline Spinners cast parallel to weed edges Live Bait Rigs with small minnows near bottom structure	Small shad and minnows Aquatic insects in and around vegetation Small crayfish near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 10 Mississippi River

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	60-68	Fish are actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish, transitioning between summer and winter patterns with increased activity around structure Bass are following shad schools and relating to vegetation edges, showing aggressive chase behavior when bait is present	Edges of submerged vegetation, particularly eel grass Rock and rip rap areas with crawfish presence Sand and mud drop-offs	Structure Jigs worked around rock and hard cover Wacky Rigs for less active fish on vegetation edges Hard Jerkbaits when fish are actively chasing bait	Shad schools Crawfish Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-69	Actively feeding on shad in current-influenced areas, particularly around hard structure like wing dams and rip rap Making frequent depth adjustments based on baitfish movement, showing increased activity around sand drops and rock transitions	Wing dams and rip rap banks with current breaks Rock piles adjacent to deeper water Points with sand-to-rock transitions	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to hard structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around sand drops Tubes worked along rock transitions and current seams	Shad schools congregating near current breaks Yellow Perch relating to rock structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	55-67	Walleyes are actively feeding on rocky structures, taking advantage of baitfish concentrations in cooling fall waters Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior at moderate depths, particularly around current-influenced areas and rock piles	Rock piles in 10-19 foot depth range Current breaks near wing dams River channel edges with rocky structure	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rock structure Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits Structure Jigs worked near bottom in rocky areas	Shad schools concentrating near structure Crawfish on rocky bottom areas	Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-68	Bluegill transitioning to deeper structures, gathering in schools around key depth breaks and submerged vegetation edges Actively feeding during warming periods to build energy reserves for winter, with most aggressive feeding during mid-morning and afternoon hours	Deep weed edges adjacent to deeper water (8-15 feet) Deeper docks with nearby brush or laydowns Current seams near wing dams with deeper holding areas	Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around weed edges and docks Live Bait Rigs with small jigs tipped with waxworms or tiny plastic trailers	Small minnows and juvenile shad congregating in schools Aquatic insects still active in vegetation Small crustaceans in woody cover and vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	52-65	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding in preparation for winter, with increased activity during dawn and dusk periods Fish are following baitfish schools while staying close to structure and vegetation edges for protection	Weed edges adjacent to channel drop-offs in 8-15 feet of water Protected coves with submerged vegetation near deeper water access Points and channel edges where baitfish schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive lift-drop cadence Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weed edges Drop Shot near channel edges and points	Shad schools moving through the system Small minnows relating to vegetation Young-of-year panfish in weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-44	Walleyes congregating near current breaks and wing dams, exhibiting light biting behavior requiring finesse presentations Fish holding tight to structure and responding best to slow, methodical retrieves in the cold water conditions	Wing dams and current breaks in river channels Deep rock piles adjacent to current areas River channel edges with structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Blade Baits	Shad Small baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	42-52	Small schools concentrated near deep structures with access to warmer water seams and current breaks Active feeding periods during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures peak Holding tight to woody cover and laydowns that provide both shelter and access to warmer water pockets	Deep current seams and wing dams offering warmer water pockets and concentrated forage Submerged wood structure in 15-25 foot depths near channel edges Protected coves with reduced current and stable temperatures	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow, subtle presentations Live Bait Rigs with small minnows suspended near structure Hover/Mid-Strolling along current seams with micro presentations	Small minnows concentrated in current breaks Dormant aquatic insects near woody cover Juvenile shad in deeper water columns	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch are schooling in protected channels near the main lake, showing aggressive feeding behavior when properly targeted with vertical presentations Fish are relating closely to bottom structure and submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths, moving between feeding zones along channel edges	Protected channels 4-8 feet deep with nearby access to deeper water Areas with submerged vegetation adjacent to channel edges Secondary channels off the main river channel with reduced current	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits Ice Fishing Spoons	Small minnows Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Walleye	38-44	Walleye become more lethargic in cold water (42°F reported), requiring slower, more subtle presentations Fish tend to congregate near river channel edges and wing dams where current provides oxygen and concentrates baitfish	Deep river channel edges near wing dams where current breaks create holding areas Rock piles adjacent to deeper water, especially those near channel bends Transitional areas between shallow flats and main river channel	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and long pauses Ice Fishing Spoons jigged to attract fish, then slowed for strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths to cover water column	Shad schools concentrated in deeper wintering areas Small baitfish seeking current breaks and deeper holes	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-42	Panfish concentrate in deeper basins and around structure during ice season, often suspending at specific depths based on oxygen levels and forage location Feeding activity tends to be most aggressive during early morning and late afternoon periods, with a focus on small prey items	Deep basins near submerged vegetation edges where winter oxygen levels remain stable Areas around laydowns and woody cover in 15-25 foot depths Transition areas between vegetation and deeper water where winter forage concentrates	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish's position Ice Fishing Spoons using a flash-and-pause retrieve to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths to determine optimal feeding zones	Small aquatic insects and larvae Suspended winter plankton Small minnows and juvenile shad	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Perch form tight schools in deeper channels and protected areas adjacent to main lake channels, actively feeding during prime daylight hours Fish show aggressive response to flash and vibration, with schools moving between channel edges and protected areas based on forage movement	Protected areas off main channel in 4-8 feet of water Deep channel edges where baitfish concentrate Areas with submerged vegetation near channel drops	Ice Fishing Jigs worked aggressively with tipped live bait Ice Fishing Spoons using flash and vibration to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along channel edges for larger perch	Shad concentrated in winter schools Small minnows in protected areas	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 10 Mississippi River

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 3-5 feet of water near current breaks	Submerged vegetation in spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and breaks adjacent to spawning flats	Current-swept wing dams and riprap areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in river channels where walleyes stage before spawning	Rocky points and transition areas between shallow and mid-depth zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Docks and laydowns in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected coves and bays with submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves with matted grass and lily pads in 2-4 foot depth	Areas adjacent to laydowns and stumps providing spawning cover
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and flats adjacent to deeper water	Protected areas with hard bottom near wing dams
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in 8-15 foot depths	Rocky points and shorelines adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation	Areas adjacent to docks and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Hard-edge banks with vertical cover (stumps, trees) in 3+ feet of water	Back sloughs with deeper water and clean areas free of moss
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and river channel edges where current meets structure	Rocky points and rip-rap areas with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in river channels	Rocky points and transitions near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water	Docks with good depth transitions nearby
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and submerged vegetation in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas	Protected areas off main channel edges where current is reduced
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and lily pad fields with clean water pockets	Grass edges adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and wing dams, especially those near current seams	Main channel rock points and rip rap with active baitfish presence
Summer	Walleye	River channels with current breaks and wing dams	Back water channels with baitfish concentrations
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Dam areas with current seams and structure	Submerged vegetation and matted grass beds
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges adjacent to channel drop-offs in 8-15 feet of water	Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Edges of submerged vegetation, particularly eel grass	Rock and rip rap areas with crawfish presence
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Wing dams and rip rap banks with current breaks	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Rock piles in 10-19 foot depth range	Current breaks near wing dams
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges adjacent to deeper water (8-15 feet)	Deeper docks with nearby brush or laydowns
Fall	Yellow Perch	Weed edges adjacent to channel drop-offs in 8-15 feet of water	Protected coves with submerged vegetation near deeper water access
Winter	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in river channels	Deep rock piles adjacent to current areas
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep current seams and wing dams offering warmer water pockets and concentrated forage	Submerged wood structure in 15-25 foot depths near channel edges
Winter	Yellow Perch	Protected channels 4-8 feet deep with nearby access to deeper water	Areas with submerged vegetation adjacent to channel edges
Ice	Walleye	Deep river channel edges near wing dams where current breaks create holding areas	Rock piles adjacent to deeper water, especially those near channel bends
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins near submerged vegetation edges where winter oxygen levels remain stable	Areas around laydowns and woody cover in 15-25 foot depths
Ice	Yellow Perch	Protected areas off main channel in 4-8 feet of water	Deep channel edges where baitfish concentrate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near structural elements	Bottom-oriented crawfish becoming more active with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish utilizing current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Small minnows in shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Aquatic insects becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in spawning areas	Shad moving into warmer shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish gathering in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows congregating in spawning areas	Aquatic insects emerging with spring temperatures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - becoming more active in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad moving in shallow to moderate depths	Minnows relating to rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools beginning post-spawn movements	Young of year baitfish emerging in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Young-of-year shad and minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish (shad and minnows)	Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around vegetation and docks	Shad schooling near current areas and grass edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools actively being chased in open water and around structure	Minnows concentrated around rocky areas and current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Shad	Perch
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small Crappie	Shad
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small shad and minnows	Aquatic insects in and around vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools	Crawfish
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near current breaks	Yellow Perch relating to rock structure
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating near structure	Crawfish on rocky bottom areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows and juvenile shad congregating in schools	Aquatic insects still active in vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Shad schools moving through the system	Small minnows relating to vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Shad	Small baitfish
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows concentrated in current breaks	Dormant aquatic insects near woody cover
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in deeper wintering areas	Small baitfish seeking current breaks and deeper holes
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Suspended winter plankton
Ice	Yellow Perch	Shad concentrated in winter schools	Small minnows in protected areas

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 10 Mississippi River

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors