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Omnia Fishing
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Omnia Fishing

Pool 5A Mississippi

Published:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 5A Mississippi

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-65
  • Pre-spawn bass actively moving shallow and staging near spawning areas, targeting laydowns and rock walls as reported
  • Fish becoming more aggressive as water warms, showing increased feeding activity in 5 feet or less
  • Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow water (0-5 feet)
  • Rock walls and riprap areas warming quickly in spring
  • Vegetation edges near potential spawning flats
  • Bladed Jigs worked around cover and vegetation edges
  • Swim Jigs paralleling shoreline structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting specific pieces of cover
  • Bluegill concentrating in shallow areas
  • Shad schools moving into warming shallows
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass52-65
  • Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Fish are moving along migration routes near river channels and moving into staging areas near potential spawning locations
  • With water temperatures rising, smallmouth becoming more active and aggressive, especially during warming trends
  • Current breaks near wingdams with moderate flow
  • Points with scattered eelgrass adjacent to deeper water
  • River channel edges where pre-spawn fish stage
  • Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges and current breaks
  • Tubes dragged and hopped near wingdam structure
  • Ned Rigs worked methodically around vegetation edges
  • Shad schools concentrating in current breaks
  • Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
  • Small baitfish utilizing vegetation edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike42-52
  • Pre-spawn pike are staging in or near shallow spawning bays, actively feeding to build energy reserves before spawning
  • Fish are making frequent movements between slightly deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly active during warming trends
  • Shallow weedy bays with emerging vegetation, especially near tributary influences
  • Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning areas
  • Edges of reed beds where they meet slightly deeper water
  • Spinnerbaits worked slowly along weed edges and through woody cover
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves parallel to structure
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation
  • Bluegills congregating in shallow spawning bays
  • Shad moving into warming shallow areas
  • Small pike and juvenile fish
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye42-56
  • Pre-spawn walleye staging near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for the spawn
  • Fish are highly active in shallow water due to turbid conditions (1.1m secchi), particularly during low light periods
  • Walleye utilizing current breaks and dam areas as staging points, with noted activity at 54°F
  • Current breaks and areas near the dam where pre-spawn fish stage
  • River channel edges in 5-10 feet of water
  • Shallow flats with flooded timber and brush adjacent to deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations
  • Blade Baits worked along current breaks
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure
  • Shad concentrated in pre-spawn areas
  • Bluegill relating to shallow cover
  • Small baitfish using current breaks as shelter
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-65
  • Fish are in various spawning stages (pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn), with most active fish relating to vegetation edges and current areas
  • Bass are holding in extremely shallow water (5 feet or less), particularly around vegetation and flooded cover
  • Standing weeds/vegetation in 5 feet or less, especially areas with moderate current
  • Flooded brush and timber in shallow water
  • Protected spawning pockets near vegetation
  • Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation
  • Swim Jigs around vegetation edges
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) in areas with current
  • Bluegill in shallow vegetation
  • Shad around current areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass52-65
  • Smallmouth bass are transitioning through pre-spawn to spawn periods, with males actively preparing and guarding nests in protected areas
  • Fish are moving from deeper winter areas to spawning flats, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise
  • Males will remain shallow and stationary on beds, while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water
  • Protected areas near points with eelgrass in 2-6 feet of water
  • Current-protected pockets near wingdams with gravel or rocky substrate
  • Shallow flats adjacent to river channel edges with scattered vegetation
  • Tubes worked slowly around potential spawning areas
  • Ned Rigs for finesse presentation in clear pockets between vegetation
  • Soft Jerkbaits for targeting pre-spawn fish staging in slightly deeper water
  • Shad concentrating in areas with current breaks
  • Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
  • Small bluegill around vegetated areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike52-65
  • Northern Pike are actively spawning in shallow weedy bays and around laydowns, exhibiting aggressive territorial behavior
  • Fish are utilizing edge areas and ambush points near spawning zones, responding well to reaction strikes
  • Shallow weedy bays with laydowns and woody cover
  • Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas
  • Protected backwater areas with emerging vegetation
  • Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and around laydowns
  • Inline Spinners in open pockets between vegetation
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through spawning areas
  • Bluegill congregating near shallow cover
  • Shad moving through spawning areas
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye48-56
  • Walleye actively moving in and around spawning areas, utilizing current breaks near the dam as staging points
  • Feeding patterns concentrated in shallow to mid-depth zones due to turbid conditions (1.1m clarity) allowing for extended daylight activity
  • Current breaks and eddies near dam structures
  • Flooded timber and brush areas providing spawning habitat
  • River channel edges with moving water
  • Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly in current breaks
  • Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around timber
  • Shad concentrations near current areas
  • Bluegill in flooded timber zones
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-68
  • Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, relating heavily to vegetation and current breaks
  • Fish are showing preference for shallow water zones (under 5 feet) with a mix of hard cover and vegetation
  • Green grass beds with slight current
  • Reed beds in shallow water
  • Flooded timber areas adjacent to vegetation
  • Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation
  • Frogs/Toads over matted grass
  • Swim Jigs around grass edges
  • Bluegill in vegetation
  • Minnows around current breaks
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass58-72
  • Smallmouth bass are actively recovering from spawn, establishing feeding patterns around current breaks and vegetation edges
  • Fish are transitioning to more aggressive feeding behavior, often staging near deeper water access but feeding in moderate depths
  • Current breaks near wingdams with adjacent vegetation
  • Points with eelgrass that intersect with river channel edges
  • Moderate flow areas with scattered vegetation and depth transitions
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked with a stop-and-go retrieve parallel to current breaks
  • Tubes dragged along vegetation edges and current seams
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly through scattered vegetation
  • Shad concentrating around current breaks and vegetation
  • Smaller fish utilizing eelgrass beds for cover
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike55-68
  • Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting abundant prey in shallow to mid-depth areas with cover
  • Fish are utilizing weed edges and laydowns as ambush points, particularly during lower light conditions
  • Given the stained water (1.1m secchi), pike are staying relatively shallow and edge-oriented, focusing on reaction strikes
  • Weed edges adjacent to spawning bays where pike are transitioning post-spawn
  • Laydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range
  • Current-influenced areas where tributary effects create feeding opportunities
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through scattered wood cover
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near structure
  • Inline Spinners for aggressive reaction strikes in shallow water
  • Bluegill congregating near shallow cover
  • Shad schools in current-influenced areas
  • Young-of-year panfish emerging in warming shallows
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye52-65
  • Post-spawn walleye transitioning to active feeding patterns, primarily during low light periods due to the turbid conditions (1.1m secchi)
  • Fish relating heavily to current breaks and structure, particularly in shallower water (5 feet or less) due to low light penetration
  • Aggressive feeding behavior near flooded timber and weed edges, taking advantage of ambush points
  • River channel edges and current breaks near the dam
  • Shallow weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water
  • Flooded timber areas in 5 feet or less of water
  • Current-swept points with structure
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along channel edges
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') near timber and weed edges
  • Jig and Minnow combinations on structure
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) through current breaks
  • Shad concentrating in slack water areas near current
  • Bluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation
  • Young of the year baitfish beginning to emerge
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass68-82
  • Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns, primarily relating to vegetation and woody cover in 4-12 feet of water. They're actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, with reduced activity during bright midday periods.
  • Fish are positioning near current breaks and edges of vegetation, ambushing bluegill and shad. They become more structure-oriented as water temperatures peak.
  • Vegetation edges and pockets, especially where it meets deeper water or current breaks
  • Laydowns and flooded timber adjacent to weed edges
  • Current-swept points with mixed vegetation and wood cover
  • Frogs/Toads worked over vegetation mats during morning and evening
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and thick cover
  • Bladed Jigs through scattered vegetation and along weed edges
  • Bluegill concentrated around vegetation and woody cover
  • Shad schools relating to current areas and vegetation edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerSmallmouth Bass72-85
  • Actively feeding on shad in current-influenced areas, showing surface activity through boils and visible bait movements
  • Utilizing vegetation edges and points as ambush locations, particularly during prime feeding periods
  • Points with scattered eelgrass, especially those influenced by current
  • Wingdams and current breaks
  • Vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Hard Topwater (Popping) around visible bait activity
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad
  • Spinnerbaits along vegetation edges
  • Shad schools actively visible at surface
  • Various baitfish utilizing vegetation edges
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
SummerNorthern Pike68-82
  • Pike are positioning along weed edges and laydowns, using these structures as ambush points in the stained water conditions
  • Active during early morning and evening, moving shallower to feed, with deeper holding patterns during bright midday periods
  • Opportunistic feeding behavior heightened by the reduced visibility, favoring reaction strikes on high-flash/vibration baits
  • Outer weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly areas with eelgrass
  • Laydowns and woody cover near areas with current influence
  • Reed bed edges where they intersect with deeper channels
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with quick bursts and pauses
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled through ambush zones
  • Inline Spinners retrieved steadily near surface during low light periods
  • Bluegill concentrating around weed edges and woody cover
  • Shad schools relating to current areas
  • Young-of-year panfish in shallow vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye68-82
  • Walleye are actively feeding during low light periods (dawn/dusk) in shallow water (5-15 feet) due to the turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi)
  • Fish are relating to weed edges and submerged timber as ambush points, especially where these features intersect with river channel edges
  • Feeding patterns are strongly influenced by shad and bluegill movements, with walleye following forage into shallower water even during daylight hours due to low light penetration
  • Weed edges adjacent to river channel breaks in 5-15 feet of water
  • Flooded timber areas near current breaks
  • Shallow flats with scattered vegetation near deeper water access
  • Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and channel breaks with crawler harnesses
  • Live Bait Rigs with leeches or nightcrawlers near timber and current breaks
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods
  • Shad schools actively moving in shallow to mid-depth ranges
  • Bluegills relating to weed edges and timber
  • Young of year baitfish beginning to school in summer patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 5A Mississippi

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass55-68
  • Fish are actively feeding in the backs of pockets and around weed lines, taking advantage of baitfish movements in preparation for winter
  • Bass are showing aggressive behavior, willing to strike moving baits like chatterbaits and responding to topwater presentations
  • Backs of pockets with remaining vegetation
  • Established weed lines, especially near channel edges
  • River channel cut banks with current breaks
  • Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges and through pockets
  • Frogs/Toads worked over vegetation
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to weed lines
  • Bluegill congregating near remaining vegetation
  • Shad schools moving into pockets and along channel edges
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass52-68
  • Aggressively feeding on shad and other baitfish to build energy reserves for winter, often schooling and chasing bait in current areas
  • Moving between deeper river channel edges and shallower feeding zones near current breaks and vegetation
  • Current breaks near wingdams with access to deeper water
  • Points with remaining eelgrass adjacent to river channels
  • Moderate flow areas with rock or wood structure
  • Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and current breaks
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to remaining vegetation and current seams
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish
  • Shad schools in current areas
  • Small fish relating to remaining vegetation
  • Crawfish near rocky structure
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallNorthern Pike48-62
  • Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, targeting larger prey items in shallow to mid-depth areas
  • Fish are following baitfish schools, particularly around remaining weed edges and woody cover
  • More aggressive feeding during low-light periods and overcast days due to stained water conditions
  • Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially remaining green vegetation
  • Laydowns and woody cover near channel swings
  • Points and inside turns with mixed vegetation and current influence
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near cover
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through remaining vegetation
  • Bluegill congregating near remaining weed edges
  • Shad schools in slightly deeper water
  • Young-of-year panfish in remaining vegetation
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye48-62
  • Moving into shallower feeding zones during low light periods, particularly relating to flooded timber and weed edges
  • Following shad schools and ambushing prey near current breaks and river channel edges
  • Becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior due to pre-winter instincts
  • River channel edges where current meets timber or vegetation
  • Shallow weed edges in 5 feet or less, especially during dawn/dusk
  • Current breaks near the dam where baitfish congregate
  • Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits parallel to weed edges
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with blade baits near timber
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation
  • Shad schools moving into shallower water
  • Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
  • Young-of-year baitfish schooling near current areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterNorthern Pike38-45
  • Pike are concentrating near remaining vegetation edges and woody cover in 8-15 foot depths, ambushing prey during peak feeding windows
  • Fish are less active but will strike opportunistically, particularly during warmer periods or stable weather
  • Deep weed edges adjacent to shallow flats
  • Laydowns and woody cover near channel edges
  • Protected bays with remaining vegetation
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)
  • Spoons
  • Panfish (particularly bluegill concentrated in winter locations)
  • Shad schools in deeper water
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterWalleye38-45
  • Walleye actively feeding in shallow water (5-15 feet) during low light periods due to turbid conditions (1.1m secchi)
  • Fish relating heavily to current breaks and river channel edges for winter feeding
  • Congregating near deep structure but making frequent shallow water feeding movements
  • River channel edges where current meets timber or brush
  • Shallow flats (5-15 feet) adjacent to deeper water
  • Current breaks near the dam area
  • Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive lift-drop near timber
  • Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations in current breaks
  • Shad concentrated in deeper water near current breaks
  • Bluegill relating to brush and timber structure
  • Small baitfish schooling near channel edges
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
IceNorthern Pike33-38
  • Pike will be most active during early and late ice, congregating near weed edges and woody structure that provide ambush points for feeding
  • During mid-ice period, pike become more lethargic but still maintain feeding windows, especially during prime light periods
  • Remaining green weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near laydowns
  • Shallow bays with healthy vegetation, especially near tributary influences
  • Transition areas between weeds and woody cover in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths
  • Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes
  • Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for more subtle presentation
  • Bluegill and small panfish concentrated near remaining weed growth
  • Shad schools suspended near transition areas
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceWalleye33-38
  • Walleye concentrated in deeper current breaks near river channels, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods
  • Fish relating strongly to bottom structure, especially in areas with flooded timber and brush that provide ambush points
  • River channel edges with current breaks in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Flooded timber areas adjacent to deeper water
  • Shallow flats (5-10 feet) during low light periods
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked vertically with subtle movements
  • Ice Fishing Spoons for aggressive reaction strikes
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths with live bait
  • Shad schools suspended near structure
  • Bottom-oriented bluegills near timber and brush
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 5A Mississippi

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassLaydowns and fallen timber in shallow water (0-5 feet)Rock walls and riprap areas warming quickly in spring
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCurrent breaks near wingdams with moderate flowPoints with scattered eelgrass adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeShallow weedy bays with emerging vegetation, especially near tributary influencesLaydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeCurrent breaks and areas near the dam where pre-spawn fish stageRiver channel edges in 5-10 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassStanding weeds/vegetation in 5 feet or less, especially areas with moderate currentFlooded brush and timber in shallow water
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassProtected areas near points with eelgrass in 2-6 feet of waterCurrent-protected pockets near wingdams with gravel or rocky substrate
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeShallow weedy bays with laydowns and woody coverWeed edges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeCurrent breaks and eddies near dam structuresFlooded timber and brush areas providing spawning habitat
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassGreen grass beds with slight currentReed beds in shallow water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassCurrent breaks near wingdams with adjacent vegetationPoints with eelgrass that intersect with river channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeWeed edges adjacent to spawning bays where pike are transitioning post-spawnLaydowns and woody cover in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeRiver channel edges and current breaks near the damShallow weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water
SummerLargemouth BassVegetation edges and pockets, especially where it meets deeper water or current breaksLaydowns and flooded timber adjacent to weed edges
SummerSmallmouth BassPoints with scattered eelgrass, especially those influenced by currentWingdams and current breaks
SummerNorthern PikeOuter weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly areas with eelgrassLaydowns and woody cover near areas with current influence
SummerWalleyeWeed edges adjacent to river channel breaks in 5-15 feet of waterFlooded timber areas near current breaks
FallLargemouth BassBacks of pockets with remaining vegetationEstablished weed lines, especially near channel edges
FallSmallmouth BassCurrent breaks near wingdams with access to deeper waterPoints with remaining eelgrass adjacent to river channels
FallNorthern PikeWeed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially remaining green vegetationLaydowns and woody cover near channel swings
FallWalleyeRiver channel edges where current meets timber or vegetationShallow weed edges in 5 feet or less, especially during dawn/dusk
WinterNorthern PikeDeep weed edges adjacent to shallow flatsLaydowns and woody cover near channel edges
WinterWalleyeRiver channel edges where current meets timber or brushShallow flats (5-15 feet) adjacent to deeper water
IceNorthern PikeRemaining green weed edges adjacent to deeper water, particularly near laydownsShallow bays with healthy vegetation, especially near tributary influences
IceWalleyeRiver channel edges with current breaks in 15-25 foot depth rangeFlooded timber areas adjacent to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill concentrating in shallow areasShad schools moving into warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassShad schools concentrating in current breaksCrawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern PikeBluegills congregating in shallow spawning baysShad moving into warming shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)WalleyeShad concentrated in pre-spawn areasBluegill relating to shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill in shallow vegetationShad around current areas
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassShad concentrating in areas with current breaksCrawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)Northern PikeBluegill congregating near shallow coverShad moving through spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)WalleyeShad concentrations near current areasBluegill in flooded timber zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill in vegetationMinnows around current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassShad concentrating around current breaks and vegetationSmaller fish utilizing eelgrass beds for cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern PikeBluegill congregating near shallow coverShad schools in current-influenced areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)WalleyeShad concentrating in slack water areas near currentBluegill relating to shallow cover and vegetation
SummerLargemouth BassBluegill concentrated around vegetation and woody coverShad schools relating to current areas and vegetation edges
SummerSmallmouth BassShad schools actively visible at surfaceVarious baitfish utilizing vegetation edges
SummerNorthern PikeBluegill concentrating around weed edges and woody coverShad schools relating to current areas
SummerWalleyeShad schools actively moving in shallow to mid-depth rangesBluegills relating to weed edges and timber
FallLargemouth BassBluegill congregating near remaining vegetationShad schools moving into pockets and along channel edges
FallSmallmouth BassShad schools in current areasSmall fish relating to remaining vegetation
FallNorthern PikeBluegill congregating near remaining weed edgesShad schools in slightly deeper water
FallWalleyeShad schools moving into shallower waterBluegill relating to remaining vegetation
WinterNorthern PikePanfish (particularly bluegill concentrated in winter locations)Shad schools in deeper water
WinterWalleyeShad concentrated in deeper water near current breaksBluegill relating to brush and timber structure
IceNorthern PikeBluegill and small panfish concentrated near remaining weed growthShad schools suspended near transition areas
IceWalleyeShad schools suspended near structureBottom-oriented bluegills near timber and brush

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 5A Mississippi

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Walleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)Walleye
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Northern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Walleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
SummerNorthern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerWalleye
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallNorthern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
FallWalleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterNorthern Pike
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterWalleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
IceNorthern Pike
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
IceWalleye
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals