How to Fish Pool 6 Mississippi: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pool 6 Mississippi

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 6 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish near hard structure Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, making deliberate movements toward spawning areas while maintaining proximity to deeper water	Rip rap banks adjacent to deeper water Rocky points and boulder fields near spawning flats Wing dam structures with current breaks	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to riprap Tubes dragged through boulder fields Ned Rigs worked slowly along hard bottom transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish relating to rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Transitioning from winter depths to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy for spawn Relating strongly to current breaks and timber, using these as staging points while monitoring water temperature	Protected timber areas with reduced current, especially near spawning flats Current breaks and eddies adjacent to shallow spawning bays Submerged vegetation edges in 5-8 foot depth range	Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse timber and along vegetation edges Bladed Jigs slow-rolled near current breaks Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked methodically through timber	Shad schools congregating near current breaks Bluegill beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in timber areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye staging near current areas and wing dams, making feeding movements into shallower water during low light periods Fish actively feeding but remaining close to deeper water access for temperature stability	Wing dams with access to deeper water channels Current breaks near submerged timber Main lake structure points with varying depth options	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Live Bait Rigs along current breaks Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along structure edges	Small baitfish concentrating near current breaks Shiners moving into warming shallows Young shad from previous year	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding and beginning to school up in preparation for spawning, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas Fish are most active during morning and evening periods, with groups following baitfish movements near vegetation edges	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 6-12 feet of water Protected backwater areas with slightly warmer water Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning grounds	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle movements Live Bait Rigs near vegetation edges Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through the water column	Small, young-of-year shad Aquatic insects near vegetation Small crustaceans in vegetated areas	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	57-65	Northern Snakehead are beginning to move from winter holding areas to warmer, shallow waters in preparation for spawning. They are actively feeding to build energy reserves for the upcoming spawn. Fish are particularly aggressive during warming trends and will ambush prey from submerged vegetation and timber edges.	Shallow backwater areas with flooded timber and vegetation, especially where water warms first Edge areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water Current seams and eddies near standing timber	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through timber and vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation edges Lipless Crankbaits around sparse vegetation and timber edges	Shad concentrations in warming backwaters Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow areas Various minnow species gathering in warmer pockets	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	57-67	Smallmouth bass are in various stages of the spawn, with fish moving up to bedding areas and some actively spawning. Fish are showing preference for slack water areas near current and protected spawning locations. Fish are utilizing both staging areas on points and spawning areas, transitioning between the two based on water temperature and time of day.	Flooded timber and standing trees near deeper water, especially in slack water areas Rip rap banks with deeper cuts nearby Points adjacent to spawning flats for staging fish	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and timber Ned Rigs for pressured fish and clear water conditions Hard Jerkbaits for actively feeding fish on points Texas Rigs for fishing flooded brush and timber	Crawfish - primary forage during spawn period Small baitfish around spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-64	Fish are in various spawning phases, with some actively bedding and others staging near spawning areas. Reports indicate movement into shallow spawning flats and areas near flooded timber. Fish are utilizing current seams and outside edges of spawning areas as staging points, particularly in pre-spawn phase.	Flooded timber and trees, especially those adjacent to potential spawning flats Current seams near spawning areas Sparse grass spawning flats Wood laydowns in shallow water	Bladed Jigs worked around flooded timber and current seams Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in flooded trees and cut banks Buzzbaits over wood laydowns and sparse grass Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around spawning area edges	Bluegill moving into shallow spawning areas Shad relating to current seams and timber edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	During spring spawn, walleye will be moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow spawning grounds, particularly focusing on current-swept areas near wing dams and river channels Fish will be most active during low-light periods, moving into spawning areas during evening and night hours	Current-swept rocky areas near wing dams River channel edges with hard bottom substrate Transition areas between deep wintering holes and shallow spawning grounds	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom in current breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow lifts and drops Blade Baits worked through current seams	Small baitfish seeking current breaks Juvenile shad in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are moving into shallow spawning areas with vegetation and firm bottom composition, typically active during dawn and early morning periods Fish are congregating in large schools in pre-spawn staging areas near submerged vegetation, particularly in protected backwater zones	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Protected backwater areas with firm bottom composition Transition areas between shallow spawning flats and slightly deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with slow, methodical presentations near bottom Small Soft Body Swimbaits worked slowly through vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow with light jigs tipped with plastics	Small shad and juvenile baitfish Aquatic insects and larvae near vegetation	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	57-68	Northern Snakehead become highly active in shallow, vegetated areas during spring spawn, with males guarding nests in backwater areas Fish are aggressive and territorial during this period, actively feeding to support spawning activity	Shallow backwater areas with dense vegetation and lily pads (1-3 feet deep) Flooded timber areas adjacent to spawning flats Stagnant water areas with abundant cover	Frogs/Toads worked slowly over vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through openings in cover Buzzbaits along edges of vegetation	Shad congregating in spawning areas Bluegill in shallow vegetation Various minnow species	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing current breaks and wing dams as primary feeding stations, especially during shad movements	Wing dams and current breaks adjacent to spawning areas Riprap banks with access to deeper water Sand drops near hard structure	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish Drop Shot when fish are holding tight to structure	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Small shad schools beginning to form Various small baitfish utilizing current breaks	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, relating heavily to wood cover in backwater areas Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, using standing timber as primary ambush points	Standing timber in backwater areas 2-3 feet deep Shallow wood cover near transitional areas with good current breaks Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible wood cover Swim Jigs around timber edges and through scattered vegetation Spinnerbaits worked parallel to timber lines in stained water	Minnows congregating around wood cover Bluegill beginning to establish summer patterns	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleye are recovering and returning to main lake feeding patterns, actively seeking current breaks near wing dams and channel edges Fish are making daily movements between shallow and deeper water, with peak feeding during low light periods around structure	Wing dam current breaks in 8-15 foot depths Main river channel edges adjacent to submerged vegetation Hard bottom transitions near deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along current breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnow-tipped jigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along structure edges	Small Minnows Young-of-year Shad Small Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to slightly deeper water adjacent to vegetation Fish are showing increased activity during early morning periods, following shad movements and utilizing weed edges as ambush points	Weed edges in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Protected backwater areas with emerging vegetation Main lake structure near submerged vegetation beds	Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with subtle movements near vegetation Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure	Small shad schools congregating near vegetation Emerging aquatic insects in vegetation Small crustaceans in weed beds	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	57-74	Post-spawn Northern Snakehead are aggressively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad and bluegill in shallow vegetated areas and around flooded timber Fish are most active during warmer parts of the day, utilizing the stained water conditions for ambush hunting near current seams and timber edges	Shallow vegetated areas with lily pads in 2-3 feet of water Flooded timber edges adjacent to deeper water Backwater areas with stagnant water and abundant cover	Frogs/Toads worked slowly across lily pads and vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) along timber edges and through gaps in vegetation Buzzbaits early morning and evening in open pockets between cover	Shad schools moving into shallow areas Bluegill beginning to nest in protected areas Various minnow species gathering in backwater areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-78	Actively feeding on both surface prey and bottom-oriented forage, with increased activity during early morning and evening hours Utilizing hard structure as ambush points, particularly around current-influenced areas and rock/wood combinations	Rock ledges with laydown wood combinations Rip rap banks with current influence Current breaks near baitfish concentrations	Hard Topwater (Prop) - work aggressive surface baits around structure early and late Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - focus on deflecting off hard structure Shakey Heads - work slowly along bottom structure during midday	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure Minnows/small baitfish schooling near current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Moving between shallow cover areas (flooded timber, lilypads) during low-light periods for active feeding Holding tight to thick cover during midday, especially on overcast/humid days Establishing feeding zones around submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Flooded timber areas in 2-3 feet of water Thick lily pad fields adjacent to slightly deeper water Current breaks near submerged vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick cover Frogs/Toads worked over lily pads Swim Jigs along edges of vegetation	Bluegill in shallow cover Shad relating to current breaks	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-74	Actively feeding during early morning and evening near current breaks and wing dams Transitioning between shallow and deep water daily, using submerged vegetation and timber as shade during bright conditions Relating strongly to current seams and eddies for efficient feeding opportunities	Wing dams and current breaks during prime feeding periods Deep water adjacent to submerged vegetation River channel edges with timber or structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Shad schools relating to current breaks Young of year panfish near vegetation Crawfish around wing dam rocks	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Yellow perch are actively feeding in and around submerged vegetation, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are likely schooling and following shad movements, with increased activity when water temperatures are moderate	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water Protected backwater areas with moderate vegetation Main lake structure near deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Live Bait Rigs	Small Shad Aquatic Insects Small Invertebrates	Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Snakehead	68-74	Aggressive feeding behavior in shallow, vegetated areas (2-3 feet) during early morning and evening hours Moving to slightly deeper water near flooded timber during midday heat, maintaining proximity to shad schools Actively ambushing prey from cover in stained water conditions, particularly around current seams and eddies	Dense vegetation and lily pad fields in 2-3 feet of water Flooded timber areas adjacent to deeper water Backwater areas with stagnant water and heavy cover	Frogs/Toads worked through vegetation and lily pads Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) near timber edges Buzzbaits during low light conditions	Shad schools Bluegill Various minnow species	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 6 Mississippi

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Actively feeding on shad in current breaks and around wing dams, with increased surface activity when bait is present Moving between shallow flats (2-3 feet) and deeper current breaks throughout the day, following baitfish movements	Wing dams and current breaks with irregularities in depth Sand flats with submerged logs and current breaks in 2-3 foot depth Areas where shad are grouped up, particularly in backwaters and eddies	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked around wing dams and areas with visible shad activity Drop Shot rigs worked slowly along wing dams and structure during daytime Lipless Crankbaits for covering water to locate active fish	Shad (primary fall forage based on multiple reports) Baitfish congregating in backwater areas and around structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Actively feeding on shad along weed edges and around wood cover, showing aggressive pursuit of bait fish Moving between shallow wood cover and weed edges, utilizing both for ambush points Exhibiting increased activity with somewhat fast retrieval speeds, suggesting active feeding patterns	Wood cover (stumps and laydowns) in 5-10 feet of water Edges of weed lines in stagnant back waters around 10 foot depth Current breaks near woody structure	Bladed Jigs worked at moderate to fast speeds along weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') bumped off wood structure Soft Jerkbaits worked around cover transitions	Shad schools congregating near structure Bluegill relating to wood and weed cover	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	56-65	Actively schooling and feeding aggressively on shad near current breaks and wing dams in shallow water Multiple fish hitting the same presentation indicating concentrated feeding activity in specific zones	Wing dams and current breaks in shallow water River channel edges adjacent to current breaks Main lake structures near flowing water	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively with short pauses between rips Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to current breaks Blade Baits worked through current seams	Shad schooling near current breaks Small baitfish concentrated around wing dam structures	Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Yellow perch are actively schooling and feeding more aggressively as water temperatures cool, often following baitfish movements Fish are transitioning from summer vegetation to deeper edges and structure, forming larger schools	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats where vegetation is beginning to die off Protected backwater areas with remaining green vegetation Main lake structure near shad congregations	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Live Bait Rigs	Small shad schools congregating in deeper areas Young-of-year fish near remaining vegetation Aquatic invertebrates in weedy areas	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Snakehead	57-68	Northern Snakehead begin transitioning to deeper, more stable water as temperatures cool, but remain active near vegetation edges and timber Feeding becomes more concentrated during warming periods, with aggressive strikes on prey fish in shallow areas	Edges of flooded timber adjacent to vegetation mats Current seams and eddies near submerged vegetation Backwater areas with remaining lily pads and standing timber	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through timber edges Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation lines Frogs/Toads across remaining vegetation mats	Shad schools congregating in deeper pockets Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation Various minnow species in current seams	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	56-74	Walleye are actively feeding in current areas, particularly around wing dams and river channel edges, taking advantage of baitfish concentrations Fish are utilizing both shallow and deep water access points, making feeding movements based on light conditions and current strength	Wing dams and current breaks in main river channel Deep water holding areas adjacent to current seams Submerged timber and vegetation edges near current	Blade Baits worked along current edges and wing dam faces Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in deeper holding areas Hard Jerkbaits worked parallel to structure in active feeding periods	Shad schools concentrated near current breaks Various baitfish species utilizing wing dam areas	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-45	Perch form tight schools during winter, often staging near the edges of submerged vegetation in 6-15 feet of water Most active feeding periods occur during early morning hours, with fish becoming more selective during midday Schools relocate frequently, following shad movements and responding to pressure changes	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-8 feet of water Protected backwater areas with stable temperatures Main lake flats adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Small shad (primary winter forage) Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation Small minnows	Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Snakehead	45-57	Northern Snakehead become more lethargic but remain actively feeding in warmer backwater areas and near submerged timber, especially during stable weather patterns Fish concentrate in deeper sections of vegetated areas and around timber, moving slower but still ambushing prey opportunistically	Deeper backwater areas with standing timber and reduced current, especially where depths remain consistent Edge of submerged vegetation near deeper water access Current seams and eddies near timber that provide warmer water refuge	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate presentations near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through warm water pockets Live Bait Rigs near timber and vegetation edges for less active fish	Concentrated schools of shad in warmer backwater areas Slower-moving bluegill in and around timber Various minnow species seeking warmer water pockets	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye will primarily relate to the edges of wing dams and river channel breaks during ice season, especially where current meets structure Fish tend to be most active during low-light periods, moving between deeper winter holes and adjacent structure to feed	Deep holes adjacent to wing dams where current is moderate Channel edges near submerged timber that provide current breaks Transitions between shallow flats and deeper winter holes	Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live bait	Shad concentrations in deeper wintering areas Small panfish near submerged vegetation Juvenile baitfish seeking current breaks	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	32-34	Yellow perch are exhibiting strong early morning activity patterns, with peak feeding occurring at sunrise in shallow water zones Fish are holding in schools near submerged vegetation in shallow water (6 feet), becoming less active during midday periods	Shallow flats (4-8 feet) with submerged vegetation in protected backwater areas Main lake transition areas between vegetation and open water in 6-10 feet Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Ice Fishing Spoons jigged actively near vegetation Ice Fishing Jigs with deadsticking presentation Live Bait Rigs with minnows or waxworms for tough bites	Small shad and shad fry Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 6 Mississippi

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks adjacent to deeper water	Rocky points and boulder fields near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected timber areas with reduced current, especially near spawning flats	Current breaks and eddies adjacent to shallow spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dams with access to deeper water channels	Current breaks near submerged timber
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 6-12 feet of water	Protected backwater areas with slightly warmer water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shallow backwater areas with flooded timber and vegetation, especially where water warms first	Edge areas where submerged vegetation meets deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Flooded timber and standing trees near deeper water, especially in slack water areas	Rip rap banks with deeper cuts nearby
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Flooded timber and trees, especially those adjacent to potential spawning flats	Current seams near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Current-swept rocky areas near wing dams	River channel edges with hard bottom substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats with submerged vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Protected backwater areas with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shallow backwater areas with dense vegetation and lily pads (1-3 feet deep)	Flooded timber areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Wing dams and current breaks adjacent to spawning areas	Riprap banks with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber in backwater areas 2-3 feet deep	Shallow wood cover near transitional areas with good current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Wing dam current breaks in 8-15 foot depths	Main river channel edges adjacent to submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Protected backwater areas with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shallow vegetated areas with lily pads in 2-3 feet of water	Flooded timber edges adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock ledges with laydown wood combinations	Rip rap banks with current influence
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Flooded timber areas in 2-3 feet of water	Thick lily pad fields adjacent to slightly deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks during prime feeding periods	Deep water adjacent to submerged vegetation
Summer	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water	Protected backwater areas with moderate vegetation
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Dense vegetation and lily pad fields in 2-3 feet of water	Flooded timber areas adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Wing dams and current breaks with irregularities in depth	Sand flats with submerged logs and current breaks in 2-3 foot depth
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Wood cover (stumps and laydowns) in 5-10 feet of water	Edges of weed lines in stagnant back waters around 10 foot depth
Fall	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in shallow water	River channel edges adjacent to current breaks
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges adjacent to flats where vegetation is beginning to die off	Protected backwater areas with remaining green vegetation
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Edges of flooded timber adjacent to vegetation mats	Current seams and eddies near submerged vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Wing dams and current breaks in main river channel	Deep water holding areas adjacent to current seams
Winter	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-8 feet of water	Protected backwater areas with stable temperatures
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Deeper backwater areas with standing timber and reduced current, especially where depths remain consistent	Edge of submerged vegetation near deeper water access
Ice	Walleye	Deep holes adjacent to wing dams where current is moderate	Channel edges near submerged timber that provide current breaks
Ice	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats (4-8 feet) with submerged vegetation in protected backwater areas	Main lake transition areas between vegetation and open water in 6-10 feet

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish relating to rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near current breaks	Bluegill beginning to move shallow
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small baitfish concentrating near current breaks	Shiners moving into warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small, young-of-year shad	Aquatic insects near vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shad concentrations in warming backwaters	Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during spawn period	Small baitfish around spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving into shallow spawning areas	Shad relating to current seams and timber edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small baitfish seeking current breaks	Juvenile shad in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small shad and juvenile baitfish	Aquatic insects and larvae near vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shad congregating in spawning areas	Bluegill in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Small shad schools beginning to form
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows congregating around wood cover	Bluegill beginning to establish summer patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Small Minnows	Young-of-year Shad
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small shad schools congregating near vegetation	Emerging aquatic insects in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Shad schools moving into shallow areas	Bluegill beginning to nest in protected areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structure	Minnows/small baitfish schooling near current breaks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover	Shad relating to current breaks
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools relating to current breaks	Young of year panfish near vegetation
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small Shad	Aquatic Insects
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Shad schools	Bluegill
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad (primary fall forage based on multiple reports)	Baitfish congregating in backwater areas and around structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating near structure	Bluegill relating to wood and weed cover
Fall	Walleye	Shad schooling near current breaks	Small baitfish concentrated around wing dam structures
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small shad schools congregating in deeper areas	Young-of-year fish near remaining vegetation
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Shad schools congregating in deeper pockets	Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated near current breaks	Various baitfish species utilizing wing dam areas
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small shad (primary winter forage)	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Concentrated schools of shad in warmer backwater areas	Slower-moving bluegill in and around timber
Ice	Walleye	Shad concentrations in deeper wintering areas	Small panfish near submerged vegetation
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small shad and shad fry	Aquatic invertebrates near vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 6 Mississippi

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Snakehead	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Northern Snakehead	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Shad Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Snakehead	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Walleye	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Yellow Perch	Purple Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Northern Snakehead	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Walleye	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors