How to Fish Pool 5 Mississippi: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pool 5 Mississippi

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 5 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active but still temperature dependent. Fish are responding well to slower presentations in cooler water (low 40s) but showing increased aggression as temperatures climb into the upper 40s Fish are heavily focused on feeding opportunities near staging areas, particularly around brush piles and vegetation edges in 2-4 feet of water, with increased activity during warmer periods	Brush piles in protected backwater areas, particularly in 2-4 foot depths Weed lines and emerging vegetation edges in protected coves Laydowns and woody cover near pre-spawn staging areas	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around brush and wood cover Bladed Jigs along weed edges and through sparse vegetation Hard Jerkbaits worked extremely slowly in open water near staging areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for actively feeding fish during warmer periods	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports and successful bait patterns Baitfish schools in backwater areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming water	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following warming trends Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as they prepare for spawning, especially around current-influenced areas that warm first	Rocky points and channel edges near spawning flats where current meets structure Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel in 8-15 foot depth range Current breaks and wing dams that create warming pockets	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges and through current seams Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around staging points Tubes dragged slowly across rocky transition areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas Small baitfish concentrated in current breaks Juvenile shad in warming backwater areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	38-45	Pre-spawn walleyes are staging in deeper water near spawning areas, making deliberate movements along current seams and channel edges Feeding activity is increasing but remains methodical, with fish preferring slow-moving presentations in the cold water	River channels and current seams in 15-22 foot depth range Deep wintering holes transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas Channel edges near spawning tributaries and backwater areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with 3/8-1/2 oz jigs, worked slowly in current Live Bait Rigs with minnows when bite gets tough Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges	Shad concentrated in deeper water Small baitfish and minnows along channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie staging near spawning areas, transitioning from winter depths to shallower zones with cover Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Suspending near structure and showing increased interest in smaller prey items as metabolism increases	Deeper secondary points adjacent to spawning coves (8-12 feet) Brush piles and laydowns near spawning flats (6-10 feet) Protected coves with emerging vegetation (4-8 feet)	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around cover Live Bait Rigs suspended at key depths Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) near staging areas	Small Minnows Young of Year Baitfish Small Aquatic Insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	48-62	Fish transitioning from winter depths to warmer shallow bays (2-8 feet) in preparation for spawning Actively feeding during warming trends, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Congregating near emerging vegetation and woody cover in protected areas	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Wing dam areas in 4-8 foot depths Submerged trees and stumps in pre-spawn staging areas	Live Bait Rigs with small presentations Bobbers suspended 2-4 feet deep near cover Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near structure	Small insects and larvae Emerging aquatic invertebrates Tiny crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-55	Pre-spawn perch actively feeding in shallow waters, forming loose schools around sandy flats and transitional areas Fish showing consistent patterns at 8-foot depths, likely relating to warming water and increased feeding activity	Sandy flats in 8-10 foot depth range Transition areas between sand and weed edges Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Minnows Small invertebrates on sandy bottom	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Northern Pike moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around matted grass and lily pad zones Aggressive feeding behavior to build energy reserves before spawning Utilizing current breaks and complex shoreline areas as staging points	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water Current breaks near rip rap structures Protected coves with brush piles in 4-8 feet	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near current breaks Inline Spinners around brush piles and rip rap	Bluegill congregating in pre-spawn areas Shad schools in current breaks Minnows in shallow vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are actively moving shallow to spawn, focusing on protected areas with hard bottom and slack water for bed construction Fish are making multiple passes through spawning areas, requiring repeated casts to the same spot for success	Rock and hard bottom shorelines in protected areas with slack water Backwater protected areas and marinas Docks and laydowns near spawning flats	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and suspected spawning areas Texas Rigs (Worming) for precise presentations to bedding areas Buzzbaits in backwater areas, especially during active periods	Shad in backwater areas Bluegill around dock areas and vegetation	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are moving into shallow rocky areas (2-8 feet) to establish spawning sites, with males preparing and guarding nests Fish are highly territorial and aggressive during this period, defending nesting sites against threats and responding well to reaction baits	Protected rocky flats and shorelines with scattered boulders in 2-8 foot depth range Current-protected coves and bays with gravel or rock bottom Areas near wing dams that offer current breaks and rocky spawning habitat	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically near spawning areas Tubes dragged and hopped through spawning flats Ned Rigs worked slowly around rock piles and potential nest sites	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish moving into spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	38-48	Pre-spawn walleyes staging in current breaks near spawning areas, actively feeding before the spawn Fish moving from deep wintering areas (15-22 feet) to shallower spawning locations, particularly influenced by current	Current breaks near river channel intersections with hard bottom Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats Backwater areas with slower current and warmer water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows in current breaks Blade Baits worked through deeper staging areas	Shad concentrations in current breaks Various minnow species staging in pre-spawn areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow zones (2-8 feet) around cover for spawning, with males guarding nests and females staging slightly deeper Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with increased shallow activity on overcast days Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, particularly near laydowns and brush piles	Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 2-8 foot depths Protected coves with stable temperatures Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light line around visible cover Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Live Bait Rigs for finicky fish during cold fronts	Small minnows in shallow zones Young of the year baitfish Small invertebrates around cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow protected coves and bays for spawning, creating visible beds in 2-6 foot depths Males aggressively guarding nests during peak spawn, making them more territorial and likely to strike Females staging slightly deeper, moving between spawning areas and nearby deeper water	Protected coves with firm bottom near wing dams Shallow areas with stumps and fallen trees in 2-6 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly over beds Live Bait Rigs with small worms or insects Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to spawning areas	Insects and larvae near spawning areas Small invertebrates around woody cover Zooplankton in shallow water columns	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Perch are moving into shallow sandy flats (8-10 feet) for spawning, forming large schools near transition areas between sand and vegetation Fish are actively feeding pre and post-spawn, utilizing channel edges and sloughs as movement corridors	Sandy flats in 8-10 feet adjacent to weed edges Channel edges and sloughs connecting to spawning flats Areas with arrowhead weed growth on hard bottom	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along bottom Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with soft plastics Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to weed edges	Shad and small minnows Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-55	Northern Pike are in spawning mode, moving into shallow, vegetated areas with temperatures warming into the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. They become aggressive during pre and post-spawn periods, actively feeding in these shallow zones. Fish utilize current breaks and vegetated coves as staging areas, making short movements into even shallower spawning areas during peak spawn.	Shallow vegetated bays and coves with emerging vegetation, particularly areas with lily pad stems Current breaks near spawning areas where pike stage before and after spawning Rip rap areas that warm quickly and hold baitfish	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to spawning areas Spinnerbaits worked around current breaks and vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow areas Minnows gathering in spawning bays Shad moving into warmer shallow zones	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	71-77	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas and actively feeding but still relating heavily to shallow cover, especially during periods of high water Fish are showing preference for edges of vegetation and flooded cover, using these areas as ambush points and recovery zones	Flooded pockets with heavy vegetation cover Lily pad fields in shallow water Grass lines with cleaner water and current breaks	Frogs/Toads worked slowly with pauses in open pockets Swim Jigs around heavy cover Wacky Rigs worked slowly in transition areas	Shad Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	68-74	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing current breaks and structure as feeding stations Fish are showing grouped behavior, bunching up in specific locations as noted in reports, likely relating to forage concentration and optimal feeding positions	Sand drop-offs with good current flow Deeper rip rap areas in 6-8 feet, especially near slack water zones Rock piles adjacent to deeper water	Hard Topwater (Popping) Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Drop Shot	Minnows Shad	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-58	Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding in current breaks and backwater areas, recovering energy after spawning Fish are relating to current seams and showing preference for non-main channel areas, suggesting a pattern of targeting baitfish in moderate flow areas	Current breaks in backwater areas off main river channel Secondary channels with moderate current flow Transition areas between backwaters and main channel	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')	Minnows Shad	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding around cover Fish are showing preference for suspended positions near woody cover, requiring light line presentations	Laydowns and brush piles in 10-15 foot depth ranges Complex shoreline areas with abundant woody cover Transition zones between spawning flats and deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly around cover Finesse Hair Jigs with light line presentations Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) targeting visible cover	Minnows Small baitfish	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, becoming more active as they recover Fish moving between wing dams and woody cover, following insect hatches and seeking current breaks	Wing dams and current breaks in 6-10 foot depth range Submerged trees and stumps near deeper water Protected coves with abundant cover	Live Bait Rigs with small presentations Bobbers suspended near cover Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around structure	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Tiny baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-58	Post-spawn perch actively feeding in small to medium schools, frequently relocating between sandy flats and weed edges Fish transitioning between shallow spawning areas and early summer patterns, utilizing channel edges as movement corridors	Sandy flats in 8-10 feet of water Edges where sand transitions to emerging weed growth Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily parallel to structure	Small minnows gathering on sandy flats Emerging aquatic insects near weed growth Young-of-year shad in channel areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, predominantly in shallow vegetation zones and around current breaks Fish are utilizing ambush points near vegetation edges and structural elements, making aggressive strikes at passing prey	Shallow vegetation edges and lily pad fields in 0-9 foot range Current breaks near rip rap areas Brush piles adjacent to spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near structure Inline Spinners in current breaks and around rip rap	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation Shad schools moving along current breaks Minnows utilizing brush pile areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Green Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass are holding in and around dense vegetation with nearby deep water access, actively feeding on bluegills and shad in protected areas Fish are showing strong preference for areas with current breaks and mixed vegetation, particularly during feeding periods Demonstrates both shallow and deep pattern flexibility, moving between matted vegetation and deeper hard-bottom areas depending on time of day	Matted grass and lily pad areas with nearby deeper water Hard-bottom areas with arrowhead weeds near current breaks Sand drops with mixed vegetation and hard bottom	Frogs/Toads worked slowly over matted vegetation Swim Jigs around vegetation edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along hard-bottom drops Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in heavy cover	Bluegill actively feeding in vegetation Shad relating to current breaks Minnows around hard-bottom areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-77	Fish are actively feeding around current breaks and rock structure, using these areas as ambush points for both crawfish and shad Showing a mix of shallow and deep patterns, with fish moving between depths based on time of day and current strength Actively schooling in some areas, particularly along rock spines and current seams	Rock piles and boulder fields in moderate current Wing dams and current breaks Points with mixed rock and wood structure Ledges transitioning from sand to rock	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along current seams Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods Tubes worked through rocky areas Ned Rigs for pressured fish on rock structure	Crawfish around rocky structure Shad in open water and around current breaks Minnows along structure edges	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	72-78	Walleyes are actively holding near current breaks and woody cover, particularly in areas with flowing water Fish are feeding opportunistically during low-light periods, using laydowns and brush piles as ambush points	Laydowns and timber in main river current areas Current breaks near woody structure Main channel edges with brush piles	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Live Bait Rigs	Minnows Shad	Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappie are holding on deep structure (10-15 feet) near ledges and laydowns, actively feeding on minnows during summer Fish are utilizing deep wooden cover as ambush points and cooling areas during warm summer conditions	Deep ledges with adjacent laydowns in 15 foot depth range Laydowns in low current areas at 10-15 foot depths Brush piles near deep water structure	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through deep cover Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure Crappie Spider Rigging for precise depth control	Minnows Small Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Actively feeding on insects around wing dams and rocky structures in 6-10 foot depth range, particularly during periods of current Seeking shade and cover during bright conditions, utilizing current breaks and structure for protection while feeding	Wing dams with current breaks in 6-10 foot depth range Rocky structures and reefs, especially on the down-current side Woody cover near current areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with small jigs Live Bait Rigs with baby crawlers floated across structure tops Bobbers with suspended bait near current breaks	Insects, particularly around current areas and structure Small aquatic invertebrates in rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Yellow perch form loose schools in and around weed edges during summer, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Schools move between sandy flats and weed edges following baitfish movements, with increased activity in areas where channels intersect with vegetation	Weed edges adjacent to sandy flats in 8-12 feet of water Channel edges where they intersect with vegetation Clean bottom areas near arrowhead weed beds	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs near weed edges Live Bait Rigs with minnows along channel edges Inline Spinners worked parallel to weed edges	Shad schools moving along weed edges Small minnows in sandy flat areas Aquatic invertebrates in weed beds	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-79	Northern Pike are seeking cooler water during peak summer temperatures, primarily holding near structure with access to deeper water Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, utilizing rip rap and vegetation edges as ambush points for bluegill and other forage	Rip rap areas with access to deeper water, especially where current breaks occur Weed edges and vegetation transitions near deeper water Points and coves with submerged vegetation offering shade and ambush opportunities	Bladed Jigs worked along rip rap edges and through vegetation transitions Spinnerbaits parallel to structure during lower light conditions Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) in deeper areas during peak heat	Bluegill - primary forage based on recent reports Shad and various baitfish	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 5 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-79	Bass actively chasing shad in shallow areas, particularly around grass edges and points with wood cover Fish are schooling and feeding aggressively on bait balls, especially during calm periods after wind events	Grass edges and flats where shad are schooling Shallow points with wood cover in 2-3 feet of water Boulder and rip rap areas in 6-8 feet of water near channel edges	Hard Topwater (Popping) worked around schooling fish and grass edges Spinnerbaits on windy points and around wood cover Swim Jigs worked slowly through boulder and rip rap areas	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage option in vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on schooling shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, with increased surface activity Transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging points, following baitfish movements	Rocky shorelines and rip rap areas near deep water access Current breaks and seams near reed edges Laydowns and woody cover in areas where baitfish are present	Hard Topwater (Walking) for actively feeding fish on schooling bait Ned Rigs worked along rocky shores for numbers of fish Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near reed edges and current breaks	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Crawfish - secondary forage around rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleyes are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and relating to current breaks Fish are moving between deeper wintering areas and shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods	Current breaks near river channel bends with adjacent deep holes Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Deeper woody cover areas near current seams	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') Blade Baits	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Various minnow species following baitfish patterns	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding on baitfish, transitioning from summer deep water patterns to more intermediate depths Fish are following baitfish schools and relating to channel edges and deeper brush piles, becoming more aggressive in their feeding as water temperatures cool	Deep brush piles and laydowns in 12-18 foot range near channel edges Creek channel intersections with main lake points Deeper dock structures adjacent to drop-offs	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Schooling shad and small baitfish Young of the year sunfish Small minnows	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper woody cover during fall, showing strong activity during mid-day sun periods Fish are feeding actively on small insects and zooplankton around submerged trees and stumps	Trees and stumps in current breaks Protected coves with woody structure Wing dam areas with current breaks	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Bobbers Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-62	Large schools of perch are actively roaming and feeding, but showing daily location changes as reported Fish are relating to channel edges and sloughs, likely following baitfish movements in preparation for winter	Sloughs connected to main river channels in relatively shallow water Sandy flats adjacent to channel edges Weed edges near channel bends where baitfish concentrate	Ned Rigs bounced and dragged along bottom in sloughs Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when schools are located Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match shad forage	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Small minnows congregating in sloughs and channel areas	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern Pike becoming more active with cooling water temperatures, aggressively feeding to build up reserves for winter Following baitfish schools more actively, utilizing ambush points near structural elements	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near points and coves Rip rap areas with current breaks Submerged vegetation near brush piles in 5-9 foot depth range	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges Inline Spinners with erratic retrieves near baitfish schools	Shad schools moving into shallower water Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation Various minnow species schooling near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-44	Walleye are suspending near deep river channel edges and current breaks, actively feeding during low-light periods Fish are congregating in deeper wintering holes (15-22 feet) but will move to adjacent structure to feed	Deep river channel bends with current breaks in 15-22 feet Deep structural transitions near woody cover and laydowns Current seams adjacent to wintering holes	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish near current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie schooling tightly in deep water, typically suspended near structure or in deeper basins Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, often most active during midday when water temperatures peak	Deep ledges and drops in 15-25 foot range with nearby brush piles Deep basin areas adjacent to primary structural elements Creek channel bends with wood cover	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Damiki Rig	Small minnows in tight schools Young-of-year perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Winter open water bluegills tend to suspend near vertical cover like trees and wing dams, holding tight to structure for both feeding and protection Fish become less active in colder water but still maintain feeding periods during warmer parts of the day, especially in protected areas	Wing dams that provide current breaks and concentrate food Trees and stumps in 6-10 foot depth range Protected coves that offer wind protection and stable conditions	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton Tiny baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	45-55	Yellow perch form tight schools in open water areas, actively feeding on baitfish and moving frequently between productive areas Fish tend to suspend off bottom structure, particularly near channel edges and sandy flats, moving up in the water column during peak feeding periods	River channel edges adjacent to sandy flats in 8-10 foot depth range Clean bottom areas near remaining vegetation in 6-12 foot depths Deep water staging areas near structural transitions in 12-15 foot range	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools suspending near structure Small minnows relating to remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones (0-9 feet) around current breaks and structure, taking advantage of concentrated forage Utilizing ambush points near rip rap and brush piles, especially during prime feeding periods	Current breaks near brush piles and rip rap in 0-9 foot depth range Points and coves with submerged vegetation where baitfish concentrate Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad and minnows school	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near structure Spinnerbaits parallel to rip rap and vegetation edges Bladed Jigs around brush piles and current breaks	Shad and various baitfish schooling in current breaks Bluegill holding near brush piles and vegetation Minnows concentrated around structure and shallow flats	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye will be concentrated in deep wintering holes, particularly near river channel edges and deeper basin areas in 15-22 feet Fish become more active during low-light periods, moving slightly shallower to feed on concentrated schools of baitfish	Deep basin areas adjacent to river channel bends in 15-22 feet Transition areas where current meets deeper holes Deep structural elements near major points that connect to wintering holes	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths with live bait	Shad concentrations in deep basins Small minnows near current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappie concentrate in deeper basins and suspended over structure during ice season, typically in 10-15 foot ranges as indicated by fishing reports School tightly in large winter groups, often suspending near bottom structure or just off the bottom	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like brush piles and laydowns Defined ledges and drops in 10-15 foot depth range Protected coves with consistent depth patterns	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small minnows, which are consistently mentioned in fishing reports Young-of-year panfish Micro invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills form tight schools and suspend near bottom structure in deeper water during ice season Most active feeding periods occur during early morning and late afternoon, with a focus on small insects and zooplankton	Wing dams in 8-12 foot depth range where current breaks concentrate food Submerged trees and stumps in 6-10 foot range providing winter shelter Protected coves with consistent depth transitions	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons jigged to attract fish and trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs and waxworms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch form tight winter schools in deeper basins and channel edges, moving between feeding areas throughout the day Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during mid-day	Deep basin areas adjacent to channel systems in 15-25 feet Transition areas where sand flats meet deeper water Edges of weed lines that remain green under the ice	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Small minnows and young-of-year shad Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges Small crustaceans on sandy bottom areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity near structure and weed edges where prey concentrates Fish tend to school more tightly during ice season, following concentrated baitfish pods	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 6-9 foot range Areas near brush piles and rip rap where baitfish concentrate Current breaks and channel edges where oxygen levels remain high	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging action Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows	Bluegill concentrating in winter schools Shad schooling in deeper water Various minnow species holding near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 5 Mississippi

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in protected backwater areas, particularly in 2-4 foot depths	Weed lines and emerging vegetation edges in protected coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and channel edges near spawning flats where current meets structure	Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	River channels and current seams in 15-22 foot depth range	Deep wintering holes transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper secondary points adjacent to spawning coves (8-12 feet)	Brush piles and laydowns near spawning flats (6-10 feet)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Wing dam areas in 4-8 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Sandy flats in 8-10 foot depth range	Transition areas between sand and weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Current breaks near rip rap structures
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock and hard bottom shorelines in protected areas with slack water	Backwater protected areas and marinas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected rocky flats and shorelines with scattered boulders in 2-8 foot depth range	Current-protected coves and bays with gravel or rock bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Current breaks near river channel intersections with hard bottom	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 2-8 foot depths	Protected coves with stable temperatures
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected coves with firm bottom near wing dams	Shallow areas with stumps and fallen trees in 2-6 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Sandy flats in 8-10 feet adjacent to weed edges	Channel edges and sloughs connecting to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow vegetated bays and coves with emerging vegetation, particularly areas with lily pad stems	Current breaks near spawning areas where pike stage before and after spawning
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded pockets with heavy vegetation cover	Lily pad fields in shallow water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Sand drop-offs with good current flow	Deeper rip rap areas in 6-8 feet, especially near slack water zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Current breaks in backwater areas off main river channel	Secondary channels with moderate current flow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Laydowns and brush piles in 10-15 foot depth ranges	Complex shoreline areas with abundant woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Wing dams and current breaks in 6-10 foot depth range	Submerged trees and stumps near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Sandy flats in 8-10 feet of water	Edges where sand transitions to emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow vegetation edges and lily pad fields in 0-9 foot range	Current breaks near rip rap areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and lily pad areas with nearby deeper water	Hard-bottom areas with arrowhead weeds near current breaks
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in moderate current	Wing dams and current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Laydowns and timber in main river current areas	Current breaks near woody structure
Summer	Crappie	Deep ledges with adjacent laydowns in 15 foot depth range	Laydowns in low current areas at 10-15 foot depths
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Wing dams with current breaks in 6-10 foot depth range	Rocky structures and reefs, especially on the down-current side
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges adjacent to sandy flats in 8-12 feet of water	Channel edges where they intersect with vegetation
Summer	Northern Pike	Rip rap areas with access to deeper water, especially where current breaks occur	Weed edges and vegetation transitions near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Grass edges and flats where shad are schooling	Shallow points with wood cover in 2-3 feet of water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky shorelines and rip rap areas near deep water access	Current breaks and seams near reed edges
Fall	Walleye	Current breaks near river channel bends with adjacent deep holes	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles and laydowns in 12-18 foot range near channel edges	Creek channel intersections with main lake points
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Trees and stumps in current breaks	Protected coves with woody structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Sloughs connected to main river channels in relatively shallow water	Sandy flats adjacent to channel edges
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near points and coves	Rip rap areas with current breaks
Winter	Walleye	Deep river channel bends with current breaks in 15-22 feet	Deep structural transitions near woody cover and laydowns
Winter	Crappie	Deep ledges and drops in 15-25 foot range with nearby brush piles	Deep basin areas adjacent to primary structural elements
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Wing dams that provide current breaks and concentrate food	Trees and stumps in 6-10 foot depth range
Winter	Yellow Perch	River channel edges adjacent to sandy flats in 8-10 foot depth range	Clean bottom areas near remaining vegetation in 6-12 foot depths
Winter	Northern Pike	Current breaks near brush piles and rip rap in 0-9 foot depth range	Points and coves with submerged vegetation where baitfish concentrate
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to river channel bends in 15-22 feet	Transition areas where current meets deeper holes
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like brush piles and laydowns	Defined ledges and drops in 10-15 foot depth range
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Wing dams in 8-12 foot depth range where current breaks concentrate food	Submerged trees and stumps in 6-10 foot range providing winter shelter
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas adjacent to channel systems in 15-25 feet	Transition areas where sand flats meet deeper water
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water in 6-9 foot range	Areas near brush piles and rip rap where baitfish concentrate

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports and successful bait patterns	Baitfish schools in backwater areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas	Small baitfish concentrated in current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrated in deeper water	Small baitfish and minnows along channel edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young of Year Baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Emerging aquatic invertebrates
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Minnows	Small invertebrates on sandy bottom
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in pre-spawn areas	Shad schools in current breaks
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad in backwater areas	Bluegill around dock areas and vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish moving into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in current breaks	Various minnow species staging in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows in shallow zones	Young of the year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and larvae near spawning areas	Small invertebrates around woody cover
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shad and small minnows	Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow areas	Minnows gathering in spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad	Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows	Shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Small baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows gathering on sandy flats	Emerging aquatic insects near weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in shallow vegetation	Shad schools moving along current breaks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill actively feeding in vegetation	Shad relating to current breaks
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish around rocky structure	Shad in open water and around current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Minnows	Shad
Summer	Crappie	Minnows	Small Baitfish
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly around current areas and structure	Small aquatic invertebrates in rocky areas
Summer	Yellow Perch	Shad schools moving along weed edges	Small minnows in sandy flat areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill - primary forage based on recent reports	Shad and various baitfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage option in vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Crawfish - secondary forage around rocky structure
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Various minnow species following baitfish patterns
Fall	Crappie	Schooling shad and small baitfish	Young of the year sunfish
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Fall	Yellow Perch	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Small minnows congregating in sloughs and channel areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Shad schools moving into shallower water	Bluegill concentrating near remaining vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish near current breaks
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows in tight schools	Young-of-year perch
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton
Winter	Yellow Perch	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small minnows relating to remaining vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Shad and various baitfish schooling in current breaks	Bluegill holding near brush piles and vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Shad concentrations in deep basins	Small minnows near current breaks
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows, which are consistently mentioned in fishing reports	Young-of-year panfish
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year shad	Aquatic invertebrates near weed edges
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in winter schools	Shad schooling in deeper water

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 5 Mississippi

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