How to Fish Pool 4 - Redwing Dam: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pool 4 - Redwing Dam

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 4 - Redwing Dam

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	36-45	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	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	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	Shad congregating in deeper current breaks River Minnows relating to rock structure and current edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	40-45	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	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	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	Shad schools in transitional areas Crayfish emerging from winter patterns in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	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	Rock piles and hard bottom areas near spawning tributaries Main lake points with rocky structure Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Hard Jerkbaits worked with aggressive snaps and longer pauses Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through transitional areas	Shad schools congregating near pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish utilizing rock structure for cover	Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	38-52	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	Dam areas with current seams and breaks Deep water channel edges near wing dams Current breaks in 15-30 foot depths	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along current seams Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure Blade Baits worked vertically in current breaks	Minnows concentrating in current breaks Shad schools in deeper holding areas	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	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	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	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows relating to channel edges Juvenile baitfish in current seams	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	43-50	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	Wing dams and current breaks near the main dam River channel edges and breaks with current seams Deep holes adjacent to current flow	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	Minnows Early season crawfish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	40-65	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	Rip rap banks with adjacent deeper water Rock-to-sand transition areas, especially near spawning flats Points and coves with rocky structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to rip rap Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting rocky areas	Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Crayfish becoming more active in warming water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	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	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	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	Young-of-year shad congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish in tributary areas Emerging insects and larvae near rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	42-52	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	Current breaks near wing dams in 15-25 foot depths Channel edges with rocky or gravel substrate Deep holes adjacent to spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad schools in current breaks Small minnows near rocky structures Young-of-year baitfish in backwater areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	52-68	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	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	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	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small minnows in shallow spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	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	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	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	Shad congregating in current breaks Small minnows in warming shallow areas Juvenile baitfish moving into main channel areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	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	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	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	Shad schools moving along riprap and channel edges Crayfish emerging from winter patterns becoming more active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	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	Main lake points and rocky structures adjacent to spawning tributaries Secondary points with access to deeper water Hard bottom areas near dam structure	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	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge Small baitfish congregating near points Various minnow species in tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	45-58	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad concentrating in current breaks Small minnows gathering around structure Young-of-year baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	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	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	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	Young-of-year shad beginning to school in open water Small minnows gathering around current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-82	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	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	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	Shad schools concentrated in current seams Minnows relating to structure edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-75	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	Rip rap banks near creek mouths with sand transitions River channel edges adjacent to current breaks Rock-to-sand transition areas with bait presence	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	Shad schools actively moving along structure Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	White Bass	68-82	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	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	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	Shad schools - primary forage base during summer months Small baitfish - secondary forage when shad are less accessible	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Sauger	65-78	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	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	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Trolling Deep (20') Live Bait Rigs	Shad congregating in deeper water Small minnows utilizing current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	68-78	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	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	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools suspended in the water column Small baitfish relating to current seams Aquatic insects in rocky flat areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 4 - Redwing Dam

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	43-51	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	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	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	Shad congregating in deeper current seams Minnows relating to rock structure and channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	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	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	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	Shad schools migrating to creek arms and coves Crayfish still active on rocky structure before winter	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	52-68	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	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	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	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	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Sauger	38-52	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	Deep wing dams and dam structures in 15-30 foot depths Current seams along main river channel edges Deep holes near structural transitions	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water River minnows around current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	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	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	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	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Small baitfish following current seams	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	40-54	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	Current breaks below dam in 15-18 feet of water Main river channel drops in 20-25 feet Current seams with reduced flow areas	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	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Fathead minnows in current breaks Small baitfish in river channels	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Sauger	36-42	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	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	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	Shad schools in deeper water Small minnows near current breaks	Pink Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-42	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	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	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Shad schools concentrated in deep water Small minnows in current seams Juvenile panfish in deeper basin areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Walleye	36-42	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	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	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	Fathead Minnows, as evidenced by recent fishing success Shad, based on lake profile and common winter forage patterns	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	35-39	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	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	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	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small minnows in and around channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 4 - Redwing Dam

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	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
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks where rock meets sand, especially in areas receiving afternoon sun	Protected coves and points with rock structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Rock piles and hard bottom areas near spawning tributaries	Main lake points with rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	Dam areas with current seams and breaks	Deep water channel edges near wing dams
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats in 12-18 foot depths	Current seams near rocky flats with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks near the main dam	River channel edges and breaks with current seams
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks with adjacent deeper water	Rock-to-sand transition areas, especially near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Rocky points and riprap areas near tributary mouths	Hard bottom flats in 3-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Current breaks near wing dams in 15-25 foot depths	Channel edges with rocky or gravel substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Rocky flats adjacent to channel breaks where pre-spawn staging occurs	Current seams near river channel structure where feeding opportunities are concentrated
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in 15-25 foot depths	Main river channel edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	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
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and rocky structures adjacent to spawning tributaries	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Wing dams and current breaks in 15-20 foot depths	Channel edge transitions where deeper water meets shallower flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Channel edges and current breaks in 12-18 foot depths where shad are congregating	Rocky flats adjacent to sharp breaks into the main channel
Summer	Walleye	Main river channel drops and breaks in 15-30 foot depths	Wing dam structures and current seams
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks near creek mouths with sand transitions	River channel edges adjacent to current breaks
Summer	White Bass	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
Summer	Sauger	Deep channel edges adjacent to wing dams and dam structures in 15-30 foot depths	Current seams where main channel meets deeper holes
Summer	Crappie	Main lake channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities	Rocky flats adjacent to sharp breaks, especially during morning/evening periods
Fall	Walleye	Current seams and wing dam areas in 18-24 feet of water	Main channel edges with adjacent deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	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
Fall	White Bass	Dam area with boulder structure, as confirmed by recent successful fishing reports	Main lake points with rock structure that intercept baitfish migrations
Fall	Sauger	Deep wing dams and dam structures in 15-30 foot depths	Current seams along main river channel edges
Fall	Crappie	Channel edges and sharp breaks near rocky flats with current seams	Main lake transition areas in 18-24 foot depths
Winter	Walleye	Current breaks below dam in 15-18 feet of water	Main river channel drops in 20-25 feet
Winter	Sauger	Current seams below wing dams and dam structures in 20-40 FOW	Deep river channels with moderate current flow
Winter	Crappie	Main channel edges where current creates feeding opportunities at 18-24 feet	Deep basin areas adjacent to rocky flats
Ice	Walleye	Dam tailrace area, particularly in deeper holes with reduced current	Main river channel breaks between 14-23 feet
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to river channel edges in 18-24 foot range	Transitions where rocky flats meet the main channel breaks

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad congregating in deeper current breaks	River Minnows relating to rock structure and current edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in transitional areas	Crayfish emerging from winter patterns in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish utilizing rock structure for cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Sauger	Minnows concentrating in current breaks	Shad schools in deeper holding areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows relating to channel edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows	Early season crawfish
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Crayfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Young-of-year shad congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Sauger	Shad schools in current breaks	Small minnows near rocky structures
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small minnows in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad congregating in current breaks	Small minnows in warming shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving along riprap and channel edges	Crayfish emerging from winter patterns becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge	Small baitfish congregating near points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Sauger	Shad concentrating in current breaks	Small minnows gathering around structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad beginning to school in open water	Small minnows gathering around current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in current seams	Minnows relating to structure edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools actively moving along structure	Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools - primary forage base during summer months	Small baitfish - secondary forage when shad are less accessible
Summer	Sauger	Shad congregating in deeper water	Small minnows utilizing current breaks
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Small baitfish relating to current seams
Fall	Walleye	Shad congregating in deeper current seams	Minnows relating to rock structure and channel edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms and coves	Crayfish still active on rocky structure before winter
Fall	White Bass	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Shad schools, which are prevalent in the lake according to profile inferences
Fall	Sauger	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	River minnows around current breaks
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Small baitfish following current seams
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Fathead minnows in current breaks
Winter	Sauger	Shad schools in deeper water	Small minnows near current breaks
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deep water	Small minnows in current seams
Ice	Walleye	Fathead Minnows, as evidenced by recent fishing success	Shad, based on lake profile and common winter forage patterns
Ice	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small minnows in and around channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 4 - Redwing Dam

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