How to Fish Pool 2 Mississippi: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pool 2 Mississippi

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 2 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-60	Pre-spawn smallmouth bass staging near spawning flats, actively feeding in preparation for spawn Fish relating heavily to current breaks and rocky structure in 3-10 foot depth range Showing both bottom-feeding and reaction strike behaviors, particularly active during warming trends	Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks and eddies near hard structure Natural and man-made rocky shorelines mixed with gravel	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to riprap Tubes pitched to current breaks and rocky points Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) in areas with active baitfish	Shad schooling in shallow areas Minnows around rocky structure Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Actively transitioning from winter areas to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, especially in warming bays and near spawning flats Feeding heavily on crawfish around hard cover, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Laydowns and woody cover on north-facing banks near deeper water Riprap banks in 1-4 feet of water, especially where it meets deeper water Protected shallow bays with wood cover	Structure Jigs worked slowly around wood cover and riprap Swim Jigs retrieved steadily through shallow cover Bladed Jigs burned through the water column with occasional pauses	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small Crappie in and around submerged vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	37-48	Pre-spawn walleyes are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, particularly around current breaks and channel edges Fish are showing both aggressive and neutral feeding behaviors, responding to both active presentations (rippin rap) and dead-sticking techniques	River channels and current breaks near spawning areas Dam areas and lock structures Shallow flats adjacent to deeper staging areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow to dead-stick presentations Lipless Crankbaits worked aggressively near bottom Blade Baits worked along channel edges	Shad concentrations in current areas Yellow Perch in slightly shallower areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deeper winter areas to shallower transition zones, especially during warming trends	Backwater areas with brush and laydowns adjacent to spawning flats Shallow coves with woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Small minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas Juvenile baitfish in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn white bass are staging near tributary areas and current breaks, making aggressive feeding pushes in preparation for spawning Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower pre-spawn staging zones, particularly active during warming trends	Current breaks and dam structure areas where fish stage before spawning runs Rip rap banks that warm quickly and hold baitfish Secondary points leading to spawning areas	Blade Baits worked vertically along current breaks Lipless Crankbaits parallel to rip rap Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve near structure	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small minnows near shoreline structures	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-60	Fish are transitioning from pre-spawn to spawning phase, utilizing backwater areas and protected zones with reduced current and turbidity Aggressive feeding periods occur in early morning, with fish actively striking moving baits near cover Fish are relating tightly to hard cover (boulders and laydowns) while staging near potential spawning areas	Protected backwater areas with reduced current and turbidity Boulder fields and rock piles near potential spawning flats Laydown logs and woody cover in sheltered areas	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly around cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with tubes around hard cover Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure	Shad concentrating in backwater areas Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Largemouth bass are actively spawning in protected areas, particularly on rip rap banks with minimal current Fish are holding tight to bottom structure in shallow water, with spawning activity concentrated in areas adjacent to deeper water access	Rip rap banks in protected pockets near main channel Shallow areas with submerged vegetation near quick-dropping banks Natural woody cover in 1-4 foot depths with minimal current	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with 1/8oz weights, worked slowly through likely spawning areas Drop Shot with very short leaders, maintaining bottom contact Swim Jigs worked slowly parallel to spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn and spawning walleyes actively moving into shallow areas with current breaks and rocky substrate for spawning Feeding activity peaks during low light conditions, but turbid water (0.7m clarity) allows for consistent activity throughout the day Fish staging in deeper pools near spawning areas, making frequent movements between staging and spawning locations	Rocky areas with current breaks near river channels Wing dams and riprap shorelines Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper staging pools	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with deliberate lifts and holds Blade Baits worked through current breaks	Shad congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Active spring crayfish Small minnows in current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Moving into shallow spawning areas (1-6 feet) near brush, laydowns, and flooded vegetation Males aggressively guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper Feeding actively but sporadically between spawning activities	Protected backwater areas with abundant woody cover Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows Young of the year baitfish Small invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near tributaries and current-swept areas, moving in waves toward shallow spawning grounds Aggressive feeding behavior during warming trends, particularly in areas with current or baitfish concentration Schools congregating in transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning flats	Current areas and dam structure where pre-spawn white bass stage Riprap banks with access to deeper water Protected coves with gravel or sandy substrate for spawning	Blade Baits worked vertically in current areas Lipless Crankbaits parallel to riprap banks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in current seams Young-of-year baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily relating to rocky structure in 5-15 foot depths Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, often staging near points and drop-offs	Rock piles and rip rap in 5-15 foot depths Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Main lake points with boulder or rock structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to structure Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from spring patterns Small shad and minnows in warming shallows Young of year baitfish starting to appear	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning between their shallow spawning areas and early summer holding areas Fish are utilizing shallow to mid-depth areas with quick access to deeper water, often relating to submerged vegetation and laydowns	Secondary points with laydowns adjacent to spawning flats Rip rap banks with nearby deeper water access Submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water near drop-offs	Bladed Jigs worked parallel to banks and through vegetation Swim Jigs around laydowns and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and laydowns	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas Small shad schools beginning to form	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing current breaks and shallow structure during low-light conditions Fish are transitioning between spawning areas and early summer locations, making daily movements between rest and feeding zones	Current breaks near river channels in 8-15 feet of water Shallow riprap banks and wing dams during low light periods Transition areas between spawning grounds and deeper summer haunts	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves through active feeding areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to riprap and wing dams	Shad schools beginning to concentrate near current breaks Small minnows in shallow feeding zones Crayfish becoming more active on riprap and rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to cover (brush piles, laydowns) in the 5-12 foot range, moving between shallow and deeper water throughout the day	Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to spawning bays in 5-12 foot depths Backwater areas with woody cover, especially near deeper water access Secondary points with submerged brush near spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small minnows and pinhead-sized baitfish Young-of-year panfish fry Small aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily focusing on shad and minnows in the upper water column Fish are likely to school aggressively, pushing baitfish against shoreline structure and rip rap areas Due to turbid conditions (0.7m Secchi), fish are relying more on vibration and sound to locate prey	Current areas near dam structure where baitfish concentrate Rip rap banks with access to deeper water Points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish can be trapped	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to rip rap Lipless Crankbaits with erratic retrieves to trigger reaction strikes Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through baitfish schools	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns Small minnows congregating near shoreline structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Smallmouth bass will be primarily focused on shallow to mid-depth rock structures during summer, with early morning and late evening feeding periods in water less than 10 feet due to the turbid conditions Fish will move between rock piles and adjacent deeper areas throughout the day, using the complex shoreline features as travel corridors	Rock piles and rip rap in 5-12 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water Complex points with mixed rock and boulder structure Shaded areas along the complex shoreline during bright conditions	Tubes worked slowly along rock structure, maintaining bottom contact Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to structure edges Ned Rigs worked with subtle hops in the rock-to-sand transition areas	Crawfish actively moving among rocks during early morning and evening periods Shad schools suspending near structure edges Small baitfish utilizing shallow rock areas for cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Fish seeking shade and cooler water during hot summer days, moving to deeper areas near structure during peak daylight hours Active feeding periods during early morning and late evening, utilizing shallow areas near deeper water access Relating heavily to cover due to the stained water conditions, using laydowns and submerged vegetation as ambush points	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water access Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water Rip rap banks during morning and evening hours	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around heavy cover and laydowns Buzzbaits and Frogs/Toads during low light periods Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation edges	Crawfish actively feeding in and around wood cover and rip rap Shad schools relating to vegetation edges and deeper water transitions	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	75-83	Actively feeding in shallow water (under 10 feet) due to turbid conditions, particularly along current breaks and structure Most aggressive during lower light periods but remaining active throughout day due to low visibility conditions	Riprap shorelines in 7-10 feet of water with current breaks Wing dam tips and current breaks Channel edges adjacent to shallow structure	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with 1/4 oz jigs and live minnows Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to structural elements	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports Shad - indicated by lake profile as key forage base Bluegill - suggested by successful bait patterns	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	68-83	Crappies are establishing summer patterns in the stained water (0.7m Secchi), staying relatively shallow and relating heavily to structure, particularly woody cover and brush piles Fish are actively feeding throughout the day but concentrate their feeding during dawn and dusk periods, utilizing abundant minnow populations	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths adjacent to backwater areas Shaded dock areas providing cover from direct sunlight Flooded brush in coves and points where shoreline development creates natural feeding zones	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small minnows/baitfish schools Young-of-year panfish Small aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-82	Actively feeding on the surface and upper water column, particularly around rip rap areas and current zones Schooling behavior with aggressive chase-and-corral tactics on baitfish, especially during early morning and evening hours	Rip rap banks and shoreline structure where baitfish concentrate Current areas and dam structures where water movement concentrates prey Main lake points and irregular shoreline features where white bass can trap baitfish	Hard Topwater (Prop) - especially early morning and evening with active surface feeding Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - effective along rip rap and structure Spinnerbaits - excellent for covering water in turbid conditions	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports Shad - mentioned in lake profile as key forage	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 2 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	62-70	Actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish in shallow to mid-depth rocky areas, with peak activity during morning hours around 66-70°F Fish are responding well to slow, methodical presentations with frequent pauses, indicating a deliberate feeding pattern	Rock piles and boulder fields in shallow to mid-depth zones Brush piles adjacent to hard structure Flats with scattered rock and gravel	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with a slow-and-pause retrieve Drop Shot rigs worked methodically around rock structure Finesse Jigs with subtle movements near bottom structure	Shad and small minnows in open water Crawfish around rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding near shallow cover, particularly around laydowns and stumps, as they bulk up for winter Utilizing both shallow flats and nearby deeper water, with increased activity in back pockets around sharp sand ledges	Shallow laydowns and stumps in 1-4 feet of water Back pockets with sharp sand ledges Areas where deeper water meets shallow cover	Spinnerbaits worked around shallow cover Drop Shot for finesse presentations in back pockets Ned Rigs worked slowly along sand ledges	Shad moving into shallower areas Crawfish active near woody cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleyes are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and utilizing current breaks as ambush points Fish are making transitional movements from shallow feeding areas to deeper winter holding areas, particularly along channel edges and deep structure	River channel edges where current meets structure Wing dams and riprap areas with current breaks Deep pools adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Lipless Crankbaits	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Small minnows along channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning to deeper water and suspending near structure, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements, particularly in backwater areas and near woody cover	Deep brush piles and laydowns adjacent to backwater areas Suspended positions near creek channel bends with woody cover Deeper sections of backwater areas with good cover	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small minnows and shad schooling in backwater areas Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	55-68	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad schools in the turbid water, especially during low-light periods Fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but make frequent moves to shallow areas to feed	Rip rap areas near moving water or dam structures where baitfish concentrate Main lake points and irregular shoreline features where shad schools congregate Secondary points in major coves where baitfish seek shelter	Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with an erratic retrieve through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match baitfish movement	Shad schools congregating in large numbers Small minnows seeking warmer water near structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	34-42	Walleye are following a classic winter pattern, holding in deeper river channel pools during rest periods and making predictable movements to shallow feeding flats during prime feeding windows (morning/evening) Fish are actively responding to aggressive snap-jigging presentations, particularly when pinning bait to the bottom in current areas	Deep pools along main river channel edges (primary holding areas) Shallow flats adjacent to deep water in less than 10 feet (feeding zones) Current breaks and channel edge transitions where depth changes occur	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with snap-jigging retrieves during morning and evening feeding periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') working jigging raps along channel edges Blade Baits worked vertically in deeper holding areas	Shad concentrated in deeper channel areas Various minnow species moving between deep and shallow zones	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	37-45	Crappies are suspending near deeper woody cover and brush piles in winter, often schooling tightly Fish are generally less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during low-light conditions	Deep brush piles and laydowns adjacent to channel edges Protected backwater areas with stable water temperatures Deeper wooden structure near shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs	Small minnows (pinhead size) Micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	37-42	Walleyes are following classic winter patterns, utilizing deeper pools for resting and moving to shallower areas during prime feeding periods Due to the turbid water conditions (0.7m clarity), walleyes remain actively feeding even during daylight hours Fish are relating strongly to current breaks and channel edges, using these as travel routes between deep resting areas and feeding zones	Deep river channel pools adjacent to shallow feeding flats Current breaks near wing dams and riprap Secondary channel edges in 8-15 foot depth range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle jigging motions near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive ripping followed by long pauses Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along channel edges with live bait	Shad concentrations in deeper pools Various minnow species relating to structure Young-of-year baitfish schooling near current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are congregating in shallow areas near flooded brush, actively feeding on small minnows Fish are seeking protected backwater areas with consistent depths and woody cover for winter shelter	Flooded brush in shallow backwater areas Protected coves with woody cover Shallow river areas with consistent depth	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with subtle movements near brush Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with small live minnows Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths around structure	Small pinhead minnows Juvenile baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 2 Mississippi

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and rip rap areas adjacent to spawning flats	Current breaks and eddies near hard structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover on north-facing banks near deeper water	Riprap banks in 1-4 feet of water, especially where it meets deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channels and current breaks near spawning areas	Dam areas and lock structures
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Backwater areas with brush and laydowns adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow coves with woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Current breaks and dam structure areas where fish stage before spawning runs	Rip rap banks that warm quickly and hold baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected backwater areas with reduced current and turbidity	Boulder fields and rock piles near potential spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rip rap banks in protected pockets near main channel	Shallow areas with submerged vegetation near quick-dropping banks
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky areas with current breaks near river channels	Wing dams and riprap shorelines
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected backwater areas with abundant woody cover	Shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Current areas and dam structure where pre-spawn white bass stage	Riprap banks with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rip rap in 5-15 foot depths	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with laydowns adjacent to spawning flats	Rip rap banks with nearby deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Current breaks near river channels in 8-15 feet of water	Shallow riprap banks and wing dams during low light periods
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to spawning bays in 5-12 foot depths	Backwater areas with woody cover, especially near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Current areas near dam structure where baitfish concentrate	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rip rap in 5-12 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Complex points with mixed rock and boulder structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water access	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water
Summer	Walleye	Riprap shorelines in 7-10 feet of water with current breaks	Wing dam tips and current breaks
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths adjacent to backwater areas	Shaded dock areas providing cover from direct sunlight
Summer	White Bass	Rip rap banks and shoreline structure where baitfish concentrate	Current areas and dam structures where water movement concentrates prey
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in shallow to mid-depth zones	Brush piles adjacent to hard structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shallow laydowns and stumps in 1-4 feet of water	Back pockets with sharp sand ledges
Fall	Walleye	River channel edges where current meets structure	Wing dams and riprap areas with current breaks
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles and laydowns adjacent to backwater areas	Suspended positions near creek channel bends with woody cover
Fall	White Bass	Rip rap areas near moving water or dam structures where baitfish concentrate	Main lake points and irregular shoreline features where shad schools congregate
Winter	Walleye	Deep pools along main river channel edges (primary holding areas)	Shallow flats adjacent to deep water in less than 10 feet (feeding zones)
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and laydowns adjacent to channel edges	Protected backwater areas with stable water temperatures
Ice	Walleye	Deep river channel pools adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Current breaks near wing dams and riprap
Ice	Crappie	Flooded brush in shallow backwater areas	Protected coves with woody cover

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in shallow areas	Minnows around rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small Crappie in and around submerged vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in current areas	Yellow Perch in slightly shallower areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows congregating in pre-spawn areas	Juvenile baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small minnows near shoreline structures
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad concentrating in backwater areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Active spring crayfish
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows	Young of the year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad concentrations in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in current seams
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from spring patterns	Small shad and minnows in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas	Small shad schools beginning to form
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools beginning to concentrate near current breaks	Small minnows in shallow feeding zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and pinhead-sized baitfish	Young-of-year panfish fry
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns	Small minnows congregating near shoreline structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving among rocks during early morning and evening periods	Shad schools suspending near structure edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively feeding in and around wood cover and rip rap	Shad schools relating to vegetation edges and deeper water transitions
Summer	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports	Shad - indicated by lake profile as key forage base
Summer	Crappie	Small minnows/baitfish schools	Young-of-year panfish
Summer	White Bass	Minnows - primary forage based on recent reports	Shad - mentioned in lake profile as key forage
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad and small minnows in open water	Crawfish around rocky structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad moving into shallower areas	Crawfish active near woody cover
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Small minnows along channel edges
Fall	Crappie	Small minnows and shad schooling in backwater areas	Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools congregating in large numbers	Small minnows seeking warmer water near structure
Winter	Walleye	Shad concentrated in deeper channel areas	Various minnow species moving between deep and shallow zones
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows (pinhead size)	Micro invertebrates
Ice	Walleye	Shad concentrations in deeper pools	Various minnow species relating to structure
Ice	Crappie	Small pinhead minnows	Juvenile baitfish

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 2 Mississippi

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Summer	White Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns