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Reeds Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Reeds Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	40-45	Bass are transitioning to shallow water (3-5 feet) with scattered vegetation, actively feeding but still temperature-dependent Fish are responding well to stop-and-go presentations, showing interest in suspended baits with pauses	North side shallow areas with scattered weeds in 3-5 foot range (warming faster) Submerged vegetation patches in protected areas Transition areas between shallow flats and slightly deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits with twitch-twitch-pause cadence Lipless Crankbaits with yo-yo retrieve Slow-rolled Spinnerbaits near vegetation	Bluegill in and around vegetation Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Moving from winter depths to warmer shallows, staging near spawning areas in 3-5 foot range Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak Congregating near emerging vegetation and hard bottom areas in preparation for spawning	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-5 foot depth Areas near docks and boat lifts providing early season cover Hard bottom areas adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended 1-2 feet off bottom Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly through staging areas Micro Crankbaits retrieved slowly near emerging vegetation	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water Tiny crustaceans active in warming shallows Small minnows in emerging weed growth	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	40-52	Pike staging in deeper, open water areas before spawning migration, actively feeding on bluegill Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior, willing to chase faster-moving lures like spinnerbaits	Deep water areas adjacent to emerging weed growth Main lake points and deeper flats near spawning bays Transition areas between deep basins and shallow spawning grounds	Spinnerbaits slow-rolled through deeper water Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked along depth transitions Lipless Crankbaits with yo-yo retrieves in pre-spawn staging areas	Bluegill congregating in deeper water Small Yellow Perch in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	60-70	Bass actively moving into shallow spawning areas around docks and vegetation, with fish both on beds and roaming Fish showing finicky behavior typical of spawning period, requiring precise presentations	Docks with adjacent shallow spawning flats Submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot depth range Protected coves with stable spawning substrate	Grass Jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Bladed Jigs targeting pre-spawn fish near vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to bedding fish	Bluegill Crawfish emerging in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill are actively moving into shallow spawning areas (3-5 feet) and beginning to create beds on hard bottom areas Males becoming aggressive and territorial around nesting sites, while females stage in slightly deeper water nearby	Hard bottom areas in 3-5 foot depth range near submerged vegetation Protected areas between docks and boat lifts Shallow bays with matted grass edges	Live Bait Rigs with light tackle for precise presentation Bobbers with suspended baits just above spawning beds Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through bedding areas	Small insects and larvae near vegetation Zooplankton in the water column Small crustaceans around hard bottom areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	40-52	Pike are transitioning from winter deep water staging areas to shallow spawning locations in 3-8 foot vegetation and protected bays Actively feeding before and after spawn, with aggressive strikes on moving baits in pre-spawn phase	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth Deep water access points near spawning areas Points and transitions leading to spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked slowly along vegetation edges and through spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) pulled through staging areas Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning areas Small pike and yellow perch in transition areas Various minnow species moving shallow	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are utilizing weed edges and dock areas as primary feeding zones, making short movements between shallow and slightly deeper water	Weed edges in 3-5 foot range adjacent to slightly deeper water Dock areas with submerged vegetation nearby Secondary points leading to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along weed edges Swim Jigs paralleling dock edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish	Bluegill beginning to congregate in spawning areas Small baitfish relating to newly emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills recovering from spawning, beginning to actively feed in transition areas between shallow and mid-depth zones Fish dispersing from spawning areas but still remaining relatively shallow, becoming more active during warming trends	Edges of submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot depths Shaded areas under docks and boat lifts Transition zones between spawning flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms suspended just above vegetation Crappie Dock Shooting with micro jigs around dock structures Bobbers with suspended baits at varying depths to find active fish	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation Small worms and larvae in substrate	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting bluegill and other forage fish along weed edges and points Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, using vegetation in 3-8 foot range as primary feeding zones	Weed edges in 3-8 foot depth range where vegetation meets open water Points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water Secondary breaks near spawning bays where pike stage during transition	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transition areas Inline Spinners retrieved steadily in shallow feeding zones	Bluegill concentrated in emerging weed growth Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in shallow flats	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	77-81	Bass are actively feeding in multiple depth zones, with aggressive strikes reported on moving baits and slower presentations near structure Fish are relating strongly to transitions between shallow and deeper water, particularly along weed edges and dock areas in 6-8 foot range	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they intersect with depth changes (4-8 feet) Docks with access to deeper water, particularly those with shade during midday Points with vegetation or structure, especially during active feeding periods	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around vegetation and docks Bladed Jigs in shallow vegetation during aggressive feeding periods Hard Topwater (Prop) during morning and evening periods Drop Shot when fish are holding deeper or less active	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports Young of year baitfish in weed edges	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-81	Actively feeding in and around vegetation and man-made structures during early morning and evening hours Seeking shade and cooler water during mid-day, often relating to docks and deeper weed edges Exhibiting aggressive surface feeding behavior in matted grass areas during low light conditions	Docks and boat lifts in 3-5 foot depth range Edges of submerged vegetation and matted grass Shallow bays with hard bottom areas	Bobbers with small jigs suspended near vegetation edges and dock posts Crappie Dock Shooting under boat lifts and docks during midday Inline Spinners worked slowly along weed edges in early morning	Small aquatic insects in and around vegetation Zooplankton in open water areas Small crustaceans near bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	68-81	Pike are seeking thermal refuge in deeper water or thick vegetation during warm periods, with most active feeding occurring during early morning and evening Suspending near deep weed edges during midday, making opportunistic strikes on passing forage fish	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where they intersect with points Scattered vegetation patches in 3-8 foot range during morning/evening periods Dock areas with adjacent vegetation providing shade and ambush points	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges during lower light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near deeper structure	Bluegill concentrated in weed beds Young-of-year baitfish schools Juvenile panfish around dock structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Reeds Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on bluegill in shallow water areas, particularly around metal seawalls and submerged vegetation Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, taking advantage of baitfish schools in shallow zones	Metal seawalls with adjacent submerged vegetation in 4-5 foot depth Shallow weed edges near deeper water access Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Spinnerbaits parallel to seawalls Soft Jerkbaits around weed edges	Bluegill Young of year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-72	Bluegill actively feeding on or near the surface around matted grass areas, taking advantage of remaining insect activity Beginning transition to deeper water patterns as temperatures cool, but still utilizing shallow vegetation during warmer parts of the day	Matted grass beds in 3-5 foot depths, especially where gaps and edges create feeding zones Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow flats, providing transitional holding areas Docks and boat lifts with nearby vegetation, offering shade and cover	Hard Topwater (Popping) worked slowly around matted grass openings Bobbers with small jigs suspended near weed edges Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to vegetation edges	Surface insects and emerging larvae Small bluegill and juvenile fish Aquatic invertebrates in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike actively feeding on bluegill and other forage fish, following cooling water temperatures and increased activity Moving from deeper summer locations to shallower feeding areas, particularly around weed edges and points	Deep weed edges (8-12 feet) adjacent to points Shallow vegetation in 3-5 foot range near deeper water access Areas where vegetation meets dock structures	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with longer pauses near structure	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Various small baitfish schooling in preparation for winter	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-42	Bluegills are actively feeding on insects in deeper water, maintaining sight-feeding behavior even in winter conditions Fish are schooling in concentrated areas, likely relating to both available forage and optimal temperature zones	Deep weed edges near drop-offs where vegetation meets deeper water Deeper basins with hard bottom areas, particularly in 15-25 foot range Areas near submerged timber or brush piles in deeper water	Drop Shot with small jigs, worked slowly and methodically Ice Fishing Jigs with subtle movements to trigger strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in deeper water columns	Pink Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	40-52	During winter open water, pike remain active but concentrate in or near remaining vegetation, particularly in the 3-5 foot depth range where reports indicate consistent activity Feeding activity is most intense during warmer parts of the day, with pike ambushing prey from edges of vegetation	Shallow weed beds in 3-5 foot depth range, particularly where green vegetation remains Points and edges where vegetation meets open water Protected coves that offer warmer water temperatures	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through vegetation Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges Live Bait Rigs positioned near vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation Small baitfish schools seeking warmer water in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-40	Bluegills are schooling in deeper water, actively feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton during daylight hours Fish are remaining relatively stationary in preferred depth zones, with brief feeding windows during prime light conditions	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where summer vegetation has died back Deeper basins near structure in 15-20 foot range Transitions between hard bottom and soft bottom areas in 8-12 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with waxworms or euro larvae for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Dormant aquatic vegetation	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike are actively feeding but conserving energy, typically holding near vegetation edges and ambush points Most active during early morning and late afternoon, following bluegill movements in shallow weedy areas	Shallow weed beds in 3-5 foot depth range where winter vegetation persists Edges of vegetation near deeper water access Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned near weed edges Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegill congregating in winter weed beds Small perch schooling near bottom structure Suspended baitfish in areas adjacent to vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Reeds Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	North side shallow areas with scattered weeds in 3-5 foot range (warming faster)	Submerged vegetation patches in protected areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-5 foot depth	Areas near docks and boat lifts providing early season cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Deep water areas adjacent to emerging weed growth	Main lake points and deeper flats near spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent shallow spawning flats	Submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Hard bottom areas in 3-5 foot depth range near submerged vegetation	Protected areas between docks and boat lifts
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth	Deep water access points near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 3-5 foot range adjacent to slightly deeper water	Dock areas with submerged vegetation nearby
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Edges of submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot depths	Shaded areas under docks and boat lifts
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 3-8 foot depth range where vegetation meets open water	Points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged vegetation edges, especially where they intersect with depth changes (4-8 feet)	Docks with access to deeper water, particularly those with shade during midday
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks and boat lifts in 3-5 foot depth range	Edges of submerged vegetation and matted grass
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, especially where they intersect with points	Scattered vegetation patches in 3-8 foot range during morning/evening periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Metal seawalls with adjacent submerged vegetation in 4-5 foot depth	Shallow weed edges near deeper water access
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Matted grass beds in 3-5 foot depths, especially where gaps and edges create feeding zones	Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow flats, providing transitional holding areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges (8-12 feet) adjacent to points	Shallow vegetation in 3-5 foot range near deeper water access
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges near drop-offs where vegetation meets deeper water	Deeper basins with hard bottom areas, particularly in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Northern Pike	Shallow weed beds in 3-5 foot depth range, particularly where green vegetation remains	Points and edges where vegetation meets open water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where summer vegetation has died back	Deeper basins near structure in 15-20 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Shallow weed beds in 3-5 foot depth range where winter vegetation persists	Edges of vegetation near deeper water access

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Tiny crustaceans active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in deeper water	Small Yellow Perch in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae near vegetation	Zooplankton in the water column
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning areas	Small pike and yellow perch in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to congregate in spawning areas	Small baitfish relating to newly emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Tiny crustaceans in and around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in emerging weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school in shallow flats
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports	Young of year baitfish in weed edges
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects in and around vegetation	Zooplankton in open water areas
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in weed beds	Young-of-year baitfish schools
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of year baitfish
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Surface insects and emerging larvae	Small bluegill and juvenile fish
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Various small baitfish schooling in preparation for winter
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in deeper water columns
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in remaining vegetation	Small baitfish schools seeking warmer water in protected areas
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in winter weed beds	Small perch schooling near bottom structure

Bait Colors by Season for Reeds Lake

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

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