How to Fish Pool 4 - Redwing Dam

Pool 4 - Redwing Dam fishing FAQ

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 36-45°F. Pre-spawn walleyes are actively staging in current seams and near river channel structure, moving between 15-30 feet of water based on light conditions and current strength Fish are showing strong bottom-oriented feeding patterns, responding well to presentations maintaining consistent bottom contact Key locations: Current seams and breaks below dams, particularly in 20-30 foot depths; Main river channel edges and gradual drop-offs in 15-25 foot range; Wing dams and rock piles that create current breaks. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically with bottom contact in current seams, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with jigs and plastics in main channel areas, Live Bait Rigs with minnows drifted along current seams. Primary forage: Shad congregating in deeper current breaks, River Minnows relating to rock structure and current edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 40-45°F. Smallmouth bass are transitioning to pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding in schools of 2-3 pounders near warming shoreline areas Fish are relating strongly to rock-to-sand transitions, especially on rip rap banks, moving shallower during sunny periods Key locations: Rip rap banks where rock meets sand, especially in areas receiving afternoon sun; Protected coves and points with rock structure; Current-oriented rock structures in moderate depths. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock-to-sand transitions, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') slow-rolled parallel to rip rap, Finesse Hair Jigs worked methodically in rock transitions. Primary forage: Shad schools in transitional areas, Crayfish emerging from winter patterns in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. White bass are actively staging near pre-spawn locations, using rock piles and points as transition areas while preparing for the spawn Fish are becoming increasingly aggressive, moving up from winter depths to feed on baitfish in preparation for spawning Key locations: Rock piles and hard bottom areas near spawning tributaries; Main lake points with rocky structure; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive snaps and longer pauses, Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges, Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through transitional areas. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating near pre-spawn staging areas, Small baitfish utilizing rock structure for cover. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Sauger on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 38-52°F. Pre-spawn Sauger are actively feeding while staging near current breaks and deeper holding areas, particularly around dam structures Fish are making periodic movements between deeper holding areas and current seams, following baitfish schools Key locations: Dam areas with current seams and breaks; Deep water channel edges near wing dams; Current breaks in 15-30 foot depths. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along current seams, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure, Blade Baits worked vertically in current breaks. Primary forage: Minnows concentrating in current breaks, Shad schools in deeper holding areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deeper winter haunts to transitional depths, following primary channel edges and breaklines Becoming increasingly active during warming trends, especially in areas with current seams Key locations: Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 12-18 foot depths; Current seams near rocky flats with access to deeper water; Transition areas where the main channel meets structure. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Hover/Mid-Strolling. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas, Small minnows relating to channel edges, Juvenile baitfish in current seams. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 43-50°F. Pre-spawn walleyes actively staging near current breaks and dam areas, with females reported as firm indicating peak spawn hasn't started Fish positioning in deeper holes and slack water areas adjacent to strong current, using these as resting and feeding zones Key locations: Wing dams and current breaks near the main dam; River channel edges and breaks with current seams; Deep holes adjacent to current flow. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked through current seams and allowed to settle in holes, Drop Shot rigs pitched into eddies and dragged along bottom, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in current breaks. Primary forage: Minnows, Early season crawfish. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 40-65°F. Smallmouth bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, actively moving between staging areas and spawning locations on hard-bottom areas Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, especially around rock transitions and rip rap areas Schools of 2-3 pound fish are actively feeding, taking advantage of warming water temperatures Key locations: Rip rap banks with adjacent deeper water; Rock-to-sand transition areas, especially near spawning flats; Points and coves with rocky structure. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to rip rap, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting rocky areas. Primary forage: Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas, Crayfish becoming more active in warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Staging in pre-spawn areas near tributary mouths and along migration routes to spawning grounds Actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with schools moving in predictable patterns along points and flats Males arriving first in spawning areas, followed by larger females as water temperatures stabilize Key locations: Rocky points and riprap areas near tributary mouths; Hard bottom flats in 3-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas; Dam faces and connected rocky structures. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical hops along migration routes, Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through schooling fish, Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive jerks and longer pauses. Primary forage: Young-of-year shad congregating near spawning areas, Small baitfish in tributary areas, Emerging insects and larvae near rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Sauger on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Sauger are actively moving to spawning areas in current seams and wing dams, typically in 15-25 foot depths Fish are more aggressive during daylight hours, feeding opportunistically as they prepare for and complete spawning Males arrive first at spawning areas, with females moving in as water temperatures stabilize Key locations: Current breaks near wing dams in 15-25 foot depths; Channel edges with rocky or gravel substrate; Deep holes adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Blade Baits. Primary forage: Shad schools in current breaks, Small minnows near rocky structures, Young-of-year baitfish in backwater areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 52-68°F. Crappies moving from winter deep water areas (18-24ft) to shallower spawning areas (2-8ft), staging in pre-spawn locations near spawning flats Fish becoming increasingly active with warming water, feeding heavily on shad in preparation for spawn Key locations: Rocky flats adjacent to channel breaks where pre-spawn staging occurs; Current seams near river channel structure where feeding opportunities are concentrated; Protected shallow bays and flats for spawning as temperatures increase. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and finding transitioning fish, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') once fish are located in spawning areas, Live Bait Rigs with minnows for tentative pre-spawn fish. Primary forage: Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas, Small minnows in shallow spawning areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Pink Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-58°F. Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing current breaks and wing dams as primary feeding stations Fish are beginning to establish deeper daytime holding patterns (15-25ft) while moving shallower during low light periods Schools are gradually dispersing from spawning areas but remaining concentrated near primary river channel structures Key locations: Wing dams and current breaks in 15-25 foot depths; Main river channel edges adjacent to spawning areas; Deep holes and eddies below the dam. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows or soft plastics, Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows along channel edges, Blade Baits worked through current seams. Primary forage: Shad congregating in current breaks, Small minnows in warming shallow areas, Juvenile baitfish moving into main channel areas. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-68°F. Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth zones along rock-to-sand transitions Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior, particularly during early morning and evening hours, responding well to both reaction baits and bottom presentations Key locations: Rip rap banks adjacent to deeper water, especially where rock transitions to sand; Secondary points and channel swing banks with mixed rock and sand bottom; Current-swept areas near river channel edges where shad congregate. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked parallel to rip rap banks, maintaining contact with rocks, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') retrieved with occasional pauses along rock-to-sand transitions, Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure during slower feeding periods. Primary forage: Shad schools moving along riprap and channel edges, Crayfish emerging from winter patterns becoming more active in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding while recovering energy, moving to staging areas near river mouths and main lake points Fish are beginning to form loose schools, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns following shad Key locations: Main lake points and rocky structures adjacent to spawning tributaries; Secondary points with access to deeper water; Hard bottom areas near dam structure. Best techniques: Inline Spinners worked at medium speeds along points and structure edges, Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive stop-and-go retrieves, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish. Primary forage: Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge, Small baitfish congregating near points, Various minnow species in tributary areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Sauger on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 45-58°F. Post-spawn Sauger are actively feeding to recover energy, moving along channel edges and current seams near wing dams Fish are transitioning from deeper winter holding areas to moderate depths, particularly active during low-light periods Key locations: Wing dams and current breaks in 15-20 foot depths; Channel edge transitions where deeper water meets shallower flats; Dam tailwater areas with current seams. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Live Bait Rigs, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Shad concentrating in current breaks, Small minnows gathering around structure, Young-of-year baitfish schools. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Bold Striped Patterns.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while following shad schools Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, relating to current breaks and channel edges as they begin their movement toward deeper water Key locations: Channel edges and current breaks in 12-18 foot depths where shad are congregating; Rocky flats adjacent to sharp breaks into the main channel; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer haunts in 8-15 feet. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges to locate active schools, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located, Crappie Spider Rigging to thoroughly cover water column transitions. Primary forage: Young-of-year shad beginning to school in open water, Small minnows gathering around current breaks. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Walleye in this river system move to deeper, current-oriented structure during summer heat, concentrating along the main channel edges and wing dam areas in 15-30 foot depths Feeding activity peaks during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) with fish moving shallower to feed on baitfish near current breaks Key locations: Main river channel drops and breaks in 15-30 foot depths; Wing dam structures and current seams; Deep holding areas near the dam with current breaks. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges and through current breaks, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure during peak feeding times, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges with current. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in current seams, Minnows relating to structure edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Summer?

Water temp 68-75°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on shad around current-influenced areas and rock-to-sand transitions, with peak activity during lower light conditions Fish are holding tight to hard structure like rip rap and creek mouths, using these areas as ambush points for feeding on passing shad schools Key locations: Rip rap banks near creek mouths with sand transitions; River channel edges adjacent to current breaks; Rock-to-sand transition areas with bait presence. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked parallel to rip rap and through bait schools, Hard Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses near structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around bait schools. Primary forage: Shad schools actively moving along structure, Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Summer?

Water temp 68-82°F. Actively schooling and creating surface feeding 'boils' while pursuing shad in open water, particularly during morning and evening periods Using rock piles and points as ambush locations when not actively schooling, following shad movements throughout the water column Key locations: Open water areas where shad schools are present, particularly near surface during feeding activity; Rock piles and points adjacent to deeper water that provide ambush positions; Dam area structure where baitfish concentrate. Best techniques: Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively to imitate fleeing shad during feeding activity, Blade Baits worked vertically when fish are holding deeper or less active, Inline Spinners retrieved at medium to fast speeds through schooling fish. Primary forage: Shad schools - primary forage base during summer months, Small baitfish - secondary forage when shad are less accessible. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Purple Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Sauger on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. During summer, Sauger move deeper to find cooler water, typically holding near bottom in 15-30 foot depths around channel edges and dam areas Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during dawn and dusk periods, with fish utilizing current breaks near wing dams and river channels to ambush prey Key locations: Deep channel edges adjacent to wing dams and dam structures in 15-30 foot depths; Current seams where main channel meets deeper holes; Deep water holding areas near structural transitions where cooler water concentrates. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'), Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Shad congregating in deeper water, Small minnows utilizing current breaks. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Crappies are establishing summer patterns, suspending near channel edges and deeper structure in 18-24 foot depths during peak daylight hours Early morning and evening feeding movements bring fish shallower, following shad schools and utilizing current seams for feeding opportunities Key locations: Main lake channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities; Rocky flats adjacent to sharp breaks, especially during morning/evening periods; Suspended areas over deeper water near structure, particularly during midday. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling). Primary forage: Shad schools suspended in the water column, Small baitfish relating to current seams, Aquatic insects in rocky flat areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Fall?

Water temp 43-51°F. Actively feeding in current seams and around dam areas, with increased feeding activity in cooler water temperatures (43-51°F) Moving between deep holding areas (18-30ft) and feeding zones, particularly active during low-light periods Concentrating near bottom structure and current breaks, responding well to subtle presentations Key locations: Current seams and wing dam areas in 18-24 feet of water; Main channel edges with adjacent deep water; Dam tailwater areas with defined current breaks. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with subtle 6-inch lifts off bottom, Live Bait Rigs (Dubuque Rigs) pulled upstream at 0.1-0.3 mph, Drop Shot with live bait in areas with moderate current. Primary forage: Shad congregating in deeper current seams, Minnows relating to rock structure and channel edges. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, with increased activity around baitfish schools as shad begin their migration patterns Aggressively feeding during low-light periods and becoming more structure-oriented during bright conditions Key locations: Rock-to-sand transition areas near river channel edges where shad schools congregate; Rip rap banks with deep water access, especially in areas with current; Main lake points that intersect with deeper water migration routes. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to structure to match shad movement, Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits for pressured fish or when they're holding tight to structure, Spybaits worked through suspended fish following bait schools. Primary forage: Shad schools migrating to creek arms and coves, Crayfish still active on rocky structure before winter. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Actively schooling and chasing baitfish near hard structure, particularly around the dam area as evidenced by recent reports Following shad migrations into shallower creek arms and coves during cooling fall periods Utilizing ambush points near points and rock structures to corral baitfish Key locations: Dam area with boulder structure, as confirmed by recent successful fishing reports; Main lake points with rock structure that intercept baitfish migrations; Creek arm mouths where baitfish concentrate during fall patterns. Best techniques: Inline Spinners worked at varying depths, particularly effective near the dam as shown in recent reports, Lipless Crankbaits to cover water and target actively feeding schools, Blade Baits for vertical presentations when fish are holding deeper. Primary forage: Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports, Shad schools, which are prevalent in the lake according to profile inferences, Small baitfish concentrating in fall migration patterns. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Sauger on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Fall?

Water temp 38-52°F. Aggressively feeding in preparation for winter, concentrating near current breaks and deep structure Most active during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed on baitfish schools Key locations: Deep wing dams and dam structures in 15-30 foot depths; Current seams along main river channel edges; Deep holes near structural transitions. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrating in deeper water, River minnows around current breaks. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Actively feeding on shad in deeper channel edges and transition areas, with increased activity during low-light periods Beginning transition from summer patterns to winter locations, following baitfish schools and responding to cooling water temperatures Key locations: Channel edges and sharp breaks near rocky flats with current seams; Main lake transition areas in 18-24 foot depths; Secondary channel edges with access to deeper wintering areas. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges to locate active schools, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located, Hover/Mid-Strolling in areas with current seams. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrating in deeper water, Small baitfish following current seams. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Winter?

Water temp 40-54°F. Concentrating in current breaks and deeper holes near dam structures, with active feeding during low-light periods Moving between 15-25 foot depths depending on time of day and water temperature, following baitfish schools Key locations: Current breaks below dam in 15-18 feet of water; Main river channel drops in 20-25 feet; Current seams with reduced flow areas. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with three-way setups using minnows, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with heavy jigs in current, Blade Baits worked vertically in current breaks. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deeper water, Fathead minnows in current breaks, Small baitfish in river channels. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Sauger on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Winter?

Water temp 36-42°F. Sauger are holding in deeper water (20-40 feet) near bottom, particularly in current seams and below dams Fish are actively feeding on shad in areas with moderate current, using structure as ambush points Key locations: Current seams below wing dams and dam structures in 20-40 FOW; Deep river channels with moderate current flow; Deep structure near bottom with current breaks. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with Dubuque Rig (double jig setup), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with hair jigs in current seams, Blade Baits worked vertically in deep current breaks. Primary forage: Shad schools in deeper water, Small minnows near current breaks. Best bait colors: Pink Colors, Dark Neutrals, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Winter?

Water temp 38-42°F. Concentrating in deep basins and channel edges in 18-24 foot depths, forming tight winter schools Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, typically during prime light periods Responding to current seams along channel edges where shad concentrate Key locations: Main channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities at 18-24 feet; Deep basin areas adjacent to rocky flats; Current seams where shad concentrate near channel breaks. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Ice Fishing Jigs, Damiki Rig. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deep water, Small minnows in current seams, Juvenile panfish in deeper basin areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Ice?

Water temp 36-42°F. Walleyes concentrating in deeper holding areas below the dam, showing active feeding periods during early morning with peak activity before 9:00 AM Fish staging in progressive depth ranges, starting in 14-16 feet at sunrise and moving to 20-23 feet as the day progresses Key locations: Dam tailrace area, particularly in deeper holes with reduced current; Main river channel breaks between 14-23 feet; Current seams and wing dams with moderate flow. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with fatheads, worked vertically in current breaks, Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements in deeper holes, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with blade baits in current seams. Primary forage: Fathead Minnows, as evidenced by recent fishing success, Shad, based on lake profile and common winter forage patterns. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Bold Striped Patterns, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam in Ice?

Water temp 35-39°F. Suspended schools concentrating in deeper basin areas near channel edges, typically in 18-24 foot depths Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with shad-based feeding patterns Fish become less active during severe cold fronts, moving closer to bottom structure Key locations: Deep basin areas adjacent to river channel edges in 18-24 foot range; Transitions where rocky flats meet the main channel breaks; Areas with consistent current seams where suspended shad congregate. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger strikes, Ice Fishing Spoons for aggressive reaction strikes when fish are active, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows for less active periods. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deeper water, Small minnows in and around channel edges. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Purple Colors.