How to Fish Pool 9 Lake Winneshiek: Best Patterns & Techniques

Pool 9 Lake Winneshiek

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Pool 9 Lake Winneshiek

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-65	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are moving from winter locations to shallow staging areas, actively seeking warmer water in preparation for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, feeding heavily to build energy reserves for spawning	Protected backwater areas with vegetation edges that warm up first Secondary points leading into spawning coves Grass edges and vegetation/depth transitions in 4-8 foot range	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs along grass edges and transition zones Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around matted vegetation	Bluegill moving shallow and becoming more active Shad schools transitioning to warmer backwater areas	Natural Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding and beginning to stage near spawning areas, particularly around current-influenced hard structure Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the upper water column, as evidenced by success with swimming presentations	Rip rap banks with current influence Rocky points and channel edges near potential spawning flats Current seams and eddies near hard structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with varied retrieve speeds Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Ned Rigs worked slowly along structure	Minnows Small Baitfish Crawfish becoming more active	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	40-48	Pre-spawn walleyes staging in protected areas with slower current, moving between wintering holes and spawning grounds Feeding activity is moderate but methodical, with fish preferring slower presentations in current seams Fish actively responding to current breaks and showing preference for areas with reduced flow due to high water conditions	Current seams and eddies behind points or wing dams offering protection from strong flow Protected backwater areas with 3-6 foot depths Channel edges where slower current meets main flow	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow lifts and long holds Live Bait Rigs with controlled drifts in current seams Blade Baits worked slowly through protected areas	Small baitfish seeking current breaks Juvenile shad in backwater areas	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and moving into shallow spawning areas near lily pads and matted grass, following warming water trends Fish are staging near channel bends and backwater areas with access to spawning habitat, ambushing prey in current breaks	Shallow mud and sand flats adjacent to river channel bends with emerging vegetation Backwater channels with current breaks in outside bends Areas with developing lily pads and matted grass near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation and along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily near structure breaks Inline Spinners presented in current breaks and around vegetation edges	Shad concentrating in backwater areas and channel bends Various panfish species moving into spawning areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming shallows	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	38-48	Yellow perch are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower flats and backwaters, particularly near vegetation and structure Schooling behavior is common, with fish becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns as water temperatures rise	Protected backwater areas with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet of water Channel bends and current breaks near shallow flats Rock piles and laydowns adjacent to spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows concentrated in warming backwaters Aquatic insects becoming more active in vegetation Young-of-year shad in current breaks	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-68	Male bass actively creating and guarding nests in shallow protected areas, especially in backwater coves Females staging on adjacent deeper structure, moving shallow during optimal spawning conditions Post-spawn fish beginning to transition to vegetation edges for recovery	Protected backwater coves with firm bottom and sparse vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Grass edges and vegetation/depth transitions in 2-6 foot range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible beds Wacky Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits for cruising pre-spawn fish	Bluegill starting to move shallow near spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Actively seeking spawning areas in protected coves and along rocky shorelines, with males preparing and guarding nests Moving between pre-spawn staging areas and shallow spawning zones, particularly around hard bottom areas Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased response to sight-based feeding	Rocky shorelines and points with pea gravel to baseball-sized rocks in 2-6 feet of water Protected coves with hard bottom, especially near deeper water access Current-protected areas behind wing dams and riprap with suitable spawning substrate	Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas and potential nest sites Ned Rigs for finesse presentation in clear water around spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits for aggressive pre-spawn fish moving between staging and spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in warming shallow waters Juvenile shad schools in protected bays	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Walleye are moving into shallow backwater channels (3-6 feet) for spawning, seeking areas with moderate current and protection Fish are actively feeding but prefer slower presentations due to cooler water temperatures around 43°F Males stage in spawning areas first, with females moving in and out for egg deposition	Protected backwater channels with moderate current and 3-6 foot depths Rock piles and wing dams with current breaks Channel swing banks with small rock and sand composition	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad concentrations in current breaks Small baitfish in backwater areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike moving into shallow, weedy bays and backwater areas with warmer water for spawning Post-spawn fish staging near spawning areas, actively feeding to recover energy Aggressive feeding behavior targeting shad and other baitfish in shallow flats	Shallow backwater channels with emerging vegetation Protected bays with lily pad stems and matted grass River channel bends adjacent to spawning areas	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near spawning areas Inline Spinners cast parallel to weed edges	Shad congregating in warming backwaters Young of year panfish in vegetated areas Smaller pike in spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Yellow perch are gathering in shallow, weedy backwater areas (2-8 feet) for spawning, with males arriving first to establish territories Fish are highly active during daylight hours, moving between spawning areas and nearby feeding zones around current breaks and structure	Protected backwater areas with vegetation in 2-8 feet of water Channel bends with current breaks near spawning areas Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom near vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small presentations Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through spawning areas	Small minnows concentrated in backwater areas Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Young-of-year baitfish in protected areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding in shallow vegetation zones, particularly around lily pads and matted grass edges as they recover energy Fish are showing aggressive surface-feeding behavior, especially around bluegill spawning areas and vegetation edges	Lily pad fields and matted grass edges in shallow water Vegetation/depth transitions in backwater areas Protected coves with emerging vegetation	Frogs/Toads worked aggressively along vegetation edges Swim Jigs parallel to grass lines Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick vegetation mats	Bluegill (primary forage based on recent reports) Shad (beginning to move into vegetation edges)	Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding and recovering from spawn, utilizing current breaks and rocky structures for feeding stations Fish are moving between shallow and mid-depth areas, following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish in rocky areas	Current seams near wing dams and rip rap in 5-15 foot depths Rocky points and ledges adjacent to spawning flats Channel edge transitions where rock meets softer bottom	Tubes worked slowly along rock transitions and current breaks Ned Rigs fished with subtle hops near rocky structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to current breaks	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and highly active in rocky areas Small baitfish schools gathering in current seams Young of year shad beginning to appear in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	43-58	Post-spawn walleye transitioning to feeding patterns, actively pursuing shad behind drop-offs and along channel edges Fish relating to current breaks and structure, showing preference for areas with mixed rock and sand bottom composition	Main channel drop-offs with small rock and sand bottom composition Protected backwater areas with moderate current and wood cover Channel swing banks and wing dams with current breaks	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along drop-offs and current breaks Finesse Jigs with slower presentations in protected areas Live Bait Rigs near bottom structure during slower periods	Shad - primary forage base shown in reports Crawfish - evidenced by successful crawdad-colored baits	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad in shallow to mid-depth areas near vegetation and channel edges Fish are utilizing complex shoreline features and river channel bends as ambush points, particularly during morning and evening feeding periods	Lily pad edges and matted grass adjacent to deeper water River channel bends with current breaks Shallow mud and sand flats near vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges and through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily along channel edges Inline Spinners near current breaks and vegetation edges	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and flats Young-of-year panfish emerging in vegetated areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-58	Post-spawn yellow perch are actively feeding and recovering, moving from shallow spawning areas to slightly deeper structure Fish are schooling in loose groups around emerging vegetation and structural elements Feeding activity increases during warming trends, particularly in morning and evening hours	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 feet of water Channel bends with current breaks in 4-8 feet Rock piles and laydowns adjacent to spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and juvenile shad Aquatic insects emerging with warming water Young of year bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Actively feeding on shad in shallow areas adjacent to deeper water, particularly during low light periods Relating heavily to vegetation edges and matted grass, especially during midday heat Moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper adjacent areas as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day	Matted grass and lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water Points and wing dams where shad are actively breaking the surface Weed edges along channel swing banks, especially those with laydowns present	Frogs/Toads worked slowly over matted vegetation Hard Jerkbaits and Soft Jerkbaits when shad are present near surface Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with craws worked slowly along bottom structure	Shad - primary forage, especially visible breaking surface Bluegill - particularly around vegetation Crawfish - along bottom structure and laydowns	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-76	Actively feeding in current areas, particularly around rock structure and channel edges, with strong schooling behavior when located Moving between shallow feeding zones and deeper holding areas based on time of day and current strength Opportunistically feeding on both bottom-oriented prey (crawfish) and suspended baitfish (shad), utilizing the full water column	Rock piles and rip rap adjacent to river channel edges Ledges and drop-offs near shallow feeding flats Wing dams and current breaks with hard bottom composition	Carolina Rigs with short 8-10 inch leaders dragged along rock structure Ned Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along channel edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') cranked parallel to rocky structure	Crawfish around rocky structure Shad schooling near current breaks and flats Small baitfish in backwater areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Actively feeding in current-influenced areas, particularly in outside bends and channel swing banks with wood structure present Relating to deeper water adjacent to shallow feeding zones, moving between 3-6 feet during active feeding periods	River channel bends with wood structure in 3-6 feet of water Channel swing banks with current breaks Drop-offs near shallow feeding flats with rock and sand bottom composition	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along bottom with 1/8 oz jig Live Bait Rigs near current breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in deeper channel bends	Shad - primary forage base reported in system Perch - noted as present in recent fishing reports	Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike moving to deeper, cooler water during peak summer temperatures while relating to current breaks and channel edges for ambush feeding Making feeding runs into shallower areas during early morning and evening, particularly targeting shad schools along channel bends and vegetation edges	Deep river channel bends with current breaks, especially where adjacent to vegetation Deeper weed edges near mud and sand flats where shad schools congregate Backwater channels with current in outside bends	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges and through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits parallel to deeper weed lines and current breaks	Shad schools moving along channel edges and flats Various panfish species relating to weed cover Young-of-year baitfish in backwater areas	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Summer perch form loose schools, actively feeding near weed edges and bottom structure in 8-15 feet of water Most active during early morning and evening hours, moving between vegetation and adjacent deeper water	Weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 8-15 feet of water Current-swept channel bends with matted grass nearby Backwater areas with lily pads and laydowns in 4-8 feet	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects and larvae Small crayfish near rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Pool 9 Lake Winneshiek

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Actively feeding on shad around grass edges and points, following baitfish schools Transitioning between shallow vegetation and deeper structure as temperatures fluctuate	Grass edges and vegetation transitions near points Sloughs with submerged vegetation Rock and sand points with clean water and bait presence	Lipless Crankbaits ripped through grass Bladed Jigs (Thunder Cricket) with swim bait trailer Swim Jigs worked around vegetation edges	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage option in vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on shallow to mid-depth structure, particularly around current-influenced areas like wing dams and rip rap Schooling behavior likely, with fish relating to hard structure and following baitfish movements in preparation for winter	Wing dams and current breaks with hard structure Rip rap banks, especially those near deeper water Main channel edges with rock or boulder structure	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Spinnerbaits Tubes	Crawfish Shad	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye in fall become more aggressive, following shad schools and utilizing current breaks near channel edges for ambush points Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water daily, moving shallow to feed during low light and deeper during bright conditions	Main channel edges adjacent to wing dams and rock piles Current breaks near deep water access Channel swing banks with rock and sand transitions	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools concentrating in current seams Small baitfish relating to rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Northern pike are actively chasing shad schools in river channel bends, showing aggressive feeding behavior typical of fall patterns Fish are utilizing current breaks and channel edges as ambush points, pushing baitfish up onto adjacent shallow flats	River channel bends with adjacent mud and sand flats, especially those featuring lily pad edges Current breaks and velocity changes in backwater channels Transitional areas between deep channel edges and shallow feeding flats	Swim Jigs with paddle tail trailers worked along channel edges and through lily pad zones Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to current breaks Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges where shad are present	Shad schools concentrated in river channel bends Various smaller baitfish utilizing current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Schools of perch begin concentrating in deeper water adjacent to shallow flats, actively feeding to build up energy reserves for winter Fish become more aggressive during falling water temperatures, forming larger schools and pursuing baitfish in predictable locations	Deep edges of weed flats in 8-15 feet of water River channel bends with current breaks in 6-12 feet Rock piles and laydowns adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows and shad schooling near structure Juvenile bluegills relating to remaining vegetation Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near rock and wood structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Winter walleye actively feeding on shad around current breaks and channel edges, with activity peaks during low-light periods Fish positioning near rock piles and wing dams where current creates ambush opportunities Concentration in deeper holes and channel swings during cold fronts	Deep channel swing banks with rock and sand bottom composition Wing dams and rock piles near current breaks Deep holes adjacent to shallow feeding flats	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shad concentrated in deeper winter holes Small baitfish relating to current breaks Bottom-dwelling forage near rock/sand transitions	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Pike actively hunting shad schools in deeper river channel bends, using current breaks as ambush points Maintaining position near deeper structure during daylight hours, moving to shallow feeding areas during low-light periods	Deep river channel bends with current breaks Transitions between channel edges and mud/sand flats Backwater areas with reduced current near deep water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') in current breaks Spinnerbaits worked through transitional areas	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Smaller panfish in backwater areas Remaining baitfish schools in current breaks	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	38-45	Actively feeding in small schools near bottom structure, particularly in areas with current breaks and channel edges Moving between deeper channel areas and shallow flats (3-6 feet) following forage movements Concentrated in backwater areas with current, utilizing structure for ambush points	Backwater channels with current in 3-6 feet of water River channel bends with adjacent structure Rock piles and laydowns near deeper water access	Blade Baits worked slowly along channel edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with methodical lift-drop presentation Live Bait Rigs with small minnows near bottom structure	Small minnows Juvenile shad Small bluegills	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye concentrate near channel edges and wing dams where current meets slack water, providing prime ambush points Fish are actively feeding during low-light periods, especially dawn and dusk, with a focus on shad and other baitfish	Deep channel swing banks adjacent to shallow flats where current breaks create holding areas Rock piles and wing dams in 15-25 foot depths where current meets structure Backwater areas with moderate current and wood cover providing shelter from main channel flow	Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively then followed by subtle movements to trigger strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows, worked slowly near bottom structure Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along channel edges with live bait	Shad schooling in deeper wintering holes Small baitfish relating to current breaks Dormant crawfish near rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike position near channel bends and backwater areas where current breaks concentrate baitfish schools under ice Aggressive feeding during prime periods (dawn/dusk) with more selective behavior during mid-day Utilizing established travel routes along river channel edges to move between feeding zones	Outside bends of river channels where current concentrates baitfish Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near channel edges Backwater areas with reduced current and remaining vegetation	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons jigged aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows worked slowly near structure	Shad concentrated in winter schools Small panfish in backwater areas Remaining baitfish seeking warmer water near channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	33-38	Yellow perch are schooling in shallow flats and backwater areas during ice season, actively feeding on small baitfish near bottom structure Most active feeding period occurs during early morning hours, particularly from sunrise until 10 AM	Shallow flats in 4-6 feet of water with stumps or woody structure Backwater areas with current breaks Areas with matted grass near bottom structure	Live Bait Rigs with minnows suspended 1 foot off bottom Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with small crappie minnows Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with red rosies	Small crappie minnows Red rosie minnows Small bluegills	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Pool 9 Lake Winneshiek

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected backwater areas with vegetation edges that warm up first	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rip rap banks with current influence	Rocky points and channel edges near potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Current seams and eddies behind points or wing dams offering protection from strong flow	Protected backwater areas with 3-6 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow mud and sand flats adjacent to river channel bends with emerging vegetation	Backwater channels with current breaks in outside bends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected backwater areas with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet of water	Channel bends and current breaks near shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected backwater coves with firm bottom and sparse vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky shorelines and points with pea gravel to baseball-sized rocks in 2-6 feet of water	Protected coves with hard bottom, especially near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Protected backwater channels with moderate current and 3-6 foot depths	Rock piles and wing dams with current breaks
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow backwater channels with emerging vegetation	Protected bays with lily pad stems and matted grass
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected backwater areas with vegetation in 2-8 feet of water	Channel bends with current breaks near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pad fields and matted grass edges in shallow water	Vegetation/depth transitions in backwater areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Current seams near wing dams and rip rap in 5-15 foot depths	Rocky points and ledges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Main channel drop-offs with small rock and sand bottom composition	Protected backwater areas with moderate current and wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Lily pad edges and matted grass adjacent to deeper water	River channel bends with current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 feet of water	Channel bends with current breaks in 4-8 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water	Points and wing dams where shad are actively breaking the surface
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and rip rap adjacent to river channel edges	Ledges and drop-offs near shallow feeding flats
Summer	Walleye	River channel bends with wood structure in 3-6 feet of water	Channel swing banks with current breaks
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep river channel bends with current breaks, especially where adjacent to vegetation	Deeper weed edges near mud and sand flats where shad schools congregate
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges adjacent to rock piles in 8-15 feet of water	Current-swept channel bends with matted grass nearby
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Grass edges and vegetation transitions near points	Sloughs with submerged vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Wing dams and current breaks with hard structure	Rip rap banks, especially those near deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Main channel edges adjacent to wing dams and rock piles	Current breaks near deep water access
Fall	Northern Pike	River channel bends with adjacent mud and sand flats, especially those featuring lily pad edges	Current breaks and velocity changes in backwater channels
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep edges of weed flats in 8-15 feet of water	River channel bends with current breaks in 6-12 feet
Winter	Walleye	Deep channel swing banks with rock and sand bottom composition	Wing dams and rock piles near current breaks
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep river channel bends with current breaks	Transitions between channel edges and mud/sand flats
Winter	Yellow Perch	Backwater channels with current in 3-6 feet of water	River channel bends with adjacent structure
Ice	Walleye	Deep channel swing banks adjacent to shallow flats where current breaks create holding areas	Rock piles and wing dams in 15-25 foot depths where current meets structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Outside bends of river channels where current concentrates baitfish	Transitions between shallow flats and deeper water near channel edges
Ice	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats in 4-6 feet of water with stumps or woody structure	Backwater areas with current breaks

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow and becoming more active	Shad schools transitioning to warmer backwater areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Small Baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small baitfish seeking current breaks	Juvenile shad in backwater areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shad concentrating in backwater areas and channel bends	Various panfish species moving into spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows concentrated in warming backwaters	Aquatic insects becoming more active in vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill starting to move shallow near spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in warming shallow waters
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in current breaks	Small baitfish in backwater areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shad congregating in warming backwaters	Young of year panfish in vegetated areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows concentrated in backwater areas	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage based on recent reports)	Shad (beginning to move into vegetation edges)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy and highly active in rocky areas	Small baitfish schools gathering in current seams
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad - primary forage base shown in reports	Crawfish - evidenced by successful crawdad-colored baits
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shad schools congregating near channel edges and flats	Young-of-year panfish emerging in vegetated areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile shad	Aquatic insects emerging with warming water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage, especially visible breaking surface	Bluegill - particularly around vegetation
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish around rocky structure	Shad schooling near current breaks and flats
Summer	Walleye	Shad - primary forage base reported in system	Perch - noted as present in recent fishing reports
Summer	Northern Pike	Shad schools moving along channel edges and flats	Various panfish species relating to weed cover
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Aquatic insects and larvae
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage option in vegetation
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish	Shad
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating in current seams	Small baitfish relating to rock structure
Fall	Northern Pike	Shad schools concentrated in river channel bends	Various smaller baitfish utilizing current breaks
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and shad schooling near structure	Juvenile bluegills relating to remaining vegetation
Winter	Walleye	Shad concentrated in deeper winter holes	Small baitfish relating to current breaks
Winter	Northern Pike	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Smaller panfish in backwater areas
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows	Juvenile shad
Ice	Walleye	Shad schooling in deeper wintering holes	Small baitfish relating to current breaks
Ice	Northern Pike	Shad concentrated in winter schools	Small panfish in backwater areas
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small crappie minnows	Red rosie minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Pool 9 Lake Winneshiek

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