How to Fish R L Harris Reservoir: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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R L Harris Reservoir

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on R L Harris Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-63	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding while moving into shallower water (2-9 feet) around staging areas Fish are showing increased aggression and feeding activity with rising water temperatures, particularly around mid-day when temperatures peak	Standing timber in 2-4 feet of water, especially in protected pockets Chunk rock points leading into spawning pockets Wind-blown banks with hard bottom composition	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around timber Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along rocky points Bladed Jigs around timber and points to cover water	Crawfish emerging and active in shallow areas Shad schools moving into pockets and along points	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn spotted bass are actively transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, using points and timber as migration routes Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding as they prepare for spawning, moving up in the water column during warming trends	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with wind exposure Standing timber areas adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depths Secondary points in major creek arms with scattered rock or wood cover	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along point transitions Shakey Heads worked through standing timber Spinnerbaits on windy points Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish near timber	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools suspending near points and timber Small bluegill in shallow warming pockets	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from deep winter holding areas to shallow staging areas, typically moving along creek channels and gradually advancing toward spawning areas Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as water temperatures rise, beginning to school up near staging areas Feeding activity increases during this pre-spawn period as fish prepare for spawning	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Creek channel bends and intersections near shallow coves Steep banks and points leading into spawning pockets	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small minnows in and around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass actively moving into shallow spawning areas near timber and protected pockets, with some fish staging on pre-spawn transition areas like rock and current breaks Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior around hard bottom areas and structure, particularly during warmer parts of the day	Protected shallow pockets with timber and hard bottom in 2-4 feet of water Current breaks near boulders and rock transitions Laydowns in spawning pockets	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around timber and laydowns Spinnerbaits around current breaks and rock transitions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible cover	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas Shad concentrating around current breaks and rock transitions	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass actively moving to spawning areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly around hard bottom areas near points and timber Males aggressively defending nests while females stage slightly deeper on nearby structure Feeding activity increases during pre-spawn, becomes sporadic during spawn, with fish returning to feeding areas between spawning activities	Protected pockets with hard bottom near standing timber Secondary points leading into spawning coves Wind-blown main lake points with nearby deep water access	Shakey Heads worked slowly around spawning areas and timber Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bed areas Spinnerbaits on windy points and in slightly stained water	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Small shad schools in pockets and around points Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and coves, gradually moving into spawning areas as water temperatures stabilize Males moving shallower first to prepare nests, with females following as temperatures reach optimal spawning range Highly active feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Protected shallow coves with abundant brush and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water Staging areas near deeper creek channels leading to spawning flats Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with scattered wood cover	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad Small Minnows Juvenile Sunfish	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding while recovering from the spawn, transitioning between shallow spawning areas and early summer patterns Fish are utilizing shallow water (<4 ft) around cover, particularly during morning and evening hours, with some movement to adjacent deeper water during bright conditions	Docks in 2-4 feet of water, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets Standing timber in shallow water (<4 ft), particularly in protected areas Secondary points with timber leading to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and docks Hard Topwater (Walking) early and late in the day around timber Neko Rigs worked slowly around docks and timber edges	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas around cover Crawfish active in shallow water around timber and dock posts	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad around points and timber Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, using points as migration routes	Main lake points with access to deeper water Standing timber areas near transitional zones Wind-blown points creating current and positioning baitfish	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along point transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to mimic shad Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') around timber and points	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Crappie are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near cover in 8-15 foot depths Actively feeding during morning and evening hours, with schools breaking up into smaller groups Moving between shallow brush and deeper staging areas as they recover from spawn	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths near spawning flats Secondary points with woody cover adjacent to spawning coves Deep dock edges with brush or shade in 10-15 foot depths	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small Shad (1-2 inches) Young-of-year Baitfish Small Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Actively feeding in low light periods around standing timber and points, moving deeper during hot midday periods Establishing feeding patterns around shad schools, particularly in wind-blown areas and timber edges	Standing timber edges in 8-15 feet of water Wind-blown main lake points with timber Shaded dock areas in coves	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around timber and docks Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along timber edges Spinnerbaits on wind-blown points	Shad schools concentrated around timber edges and points Crawfish active in timber and rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	72-76	Spotted bass are moving between points and standing timber, actively feeding during early morning and late evening Fish suspending near vertical cover during midday heat, becoming less active Actively pursuing shad schools in slightly deeper water, especially around wind-blown points	Standing timber in 15-20 foot depth range with access to deeper water Wind-blown main lake points, especially those with vertical structure Shaded areas near deeper water, particularly around timber or dock structures	Drop Shot worked along timber edges and points Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods around points Shakey Heads worked slowly through timber and along point transitions	Shad schools suspending near timber and points Crawfish in and around timber and rocky areas Small sunfish near shallow timber edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near brush piles and deeper structure during the heat of summer days, moving shallower to feed during early morning and evening Fish are relating heavily to shade during daylight hours, utilizing dock areas and woody cover as primary holding zones	Deeper brush piles in 15-25 foot range near creek channel bends Shaded dock areas, especially those with brush or structure nearby Deeper laydowns extending into main lake areas	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and multiple bait presentations in stained water Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching fish holding tight under docks during hot days Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - perfect for targeting suspended fish around brush piles	Shad schools suspending near structure Small minnows relating to brush and dock areas	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for R L Harris Reservoir

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-76	Bass are actively chasing shad in shallower water, especially during early morning hours, with fish suspending near timber during midday Fish are following baitfish movements into pockets and around points, showing increased feeding activity on wind-blown areas	Wind-blown points with standing timber Back of pockets where bait is congregating Standing timber areas near depth transitions	Hard Jerkbaits worked around suspended fish, especially the Vision 110 and Vision 110+2 for deeper fish Buzzbaits during early morning hours Texas Rigs around timber and pockets Soft Body Swimbaits when following baitfish schools	Shad schools moving into pockets and around points Crawfish still active in the timber areas	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass actively chasing shad schools in the mid-depth range, especially around standing timber and points, with increased feeding activity during overcast conditions Fish transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish migrations into creek arms and coves	Wind-blown main lake points with standing timber in 8-15 feet of water Creek channel swings near tributary mouths with adjacent timber Secondary points in major creek arms with scattered brush	Lipless Crankbaits worked through suspended timber and along points Spinnerbaits parallel to timber lines and point transitions Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure in deeper areas	Shad schools migrating into creeks Crawfish still active on rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie are actively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and staging near deeper structure Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to winter holding areas, making frequent moves between depths as water temperatures change Feeding activity increases during low-light periods, with fish moving shallower during dawn and dusk	Brush piles and laydowns in 12-18 feet of water near creek channels Deep dock corners with brush or structure Main lake points adjacent to deep water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for covering water and finding active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - precise presentation for brush pile fishing Crappie Spider Rigging - excellent for maintaining constant depth control	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and coves Small minnows around brush and structure	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Largemouth bass are actively feeding on shad schools around wind-blown points and deeper structure, showing aggressive response to moving baits despite winter conditions Fish are schooling in winter staging areas, with multiple fish being caught in the same locations when found	Wind-blown points with access to deeper water Brush piles near deep structure Areas with concentrated shad schools in 15-25 foot range	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Spybaits around suspended fish	Shad schools in deeper water Suspended baitfish around points	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	42-52	Spotted bass are schooling on timber-lined points and suspending in the mid-water column, especially during cloudy conditions Fish are keying on crawfish in stained water conditions, with most active feeding during warmer parts of winter days	Standing timber adjacent to main lake points Wind-blown points with deeper water access Timber-lined creek channels leading to main lake	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked slowly around timber Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Football Jigs dragged slowly on points	Crawfish seeking shelter in timber and rocky areas Smaller baitfish suspended around timber	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Crappie holding deep (20-28 feet) and tightly schooled around woody cover and brush piles Fish showing typical winter lethargy with reduced feeding windows, particularly during cold fronts Still actively feeding enough to produce limits when located, suggesting stable winter pattern	Deep brush piles and artificial structure in 20-28 foot range Deep laydowns and fallen timber Areas where schools of baitfish are congregating in deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Drop Shot Ice Fishing Jigs	Minnows Shad	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Key Seasonal Structures in R L Harris Reservoir

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber in 2-4 feet of water, especially in protected pockets	Chunk rock points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with wind exposure	Standing timber areas adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Creek channel bends and intersections near shallow coves
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow pockets with timber and hard bottom in 2-4 feet of water	Current breaks near boulders and rock transitions
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected pockets with hard bottom near standing timber	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with abundant brush and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water	Staging areas near deeper creek channels leading to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks in 2-4 feet of water, especially those adjacent to spawning pockets	Standing timber in shallow water (<4 ft), particularly in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Standing timber areas near transitional zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depths near spawning flats	Secondary points with woody cover adjacent to spawning coves
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber edges in 8-15 feet of water	Wind-blown main lake points with timber
Summer	Spotted Bass	Standing timber in 15-20 foot depth range with access to deeper water	Wind-blown main lake points, especially those with vertical structure
Summer	Crappie	Deeper brush piles in 15-25 foot range near creek channel bends	Shaded dock areas, especially those with brush or structure nearby
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Wind-blown points with standing timber	Back of pockets where bait is congregating
Fall	Spotted Bass	Wind-blown main lake points with standing timber in 8-15 feet of water	Creek channel swings near tributary mouths with adjacent timber
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns in 12-18 feet of water near creek channels	Deep dock corners with brush or structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Wind-blown points with access to deeper water	Brush piles near deep structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Standing timber adjacent to main lake points	Wind-blown points with deeper water access
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and artificial structure in 20-28 foot range	Deep laydowns and fallen timber

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging and active in shallow areas	Shad schools moving into pockets and along points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools suspending near points and timber
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small minnows in and around brush piles
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in shallow areas	Shad concentrating around current breaks and rock transitions
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Small shad schools in pockets and around points
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas around cover	Crawfish active in shallow water around timber and dock posts
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools recovering from winter patterns	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Shad (1-2 inches)	Young-of-year Baitfish
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated around timber edges and points	Crawfish active in timber and rocky areas
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near timber and points	Crawfish in and around timber and rocky areas
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small minnows relating to brush and dock areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving into pockets and around points	Crawfish still active in the timber areas
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Crawfish still active on rocky structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek arms and coves	Small minnows around brush and structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Suspended baitfish around points
Winter	Spotted Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in timber and rocky areas	Smaller baitfish suspended around timber
Winter	Crappie	Minnows	Shad

Bait Colors by Season for R L Harris Reservoir

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

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