How to Fish Rhodhiss Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Rhodhiss Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Rhodhiss Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are actively feeding on crawfish while staging near spawning areas, showing aggressive behavior towards jig presentations Fish are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, focusing on structure adjacent to future spawning flats	Laydowns adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in protected coves Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning areas Shallow creek channels with available wood structure	Structure Jigs worked slowly around laydowns and wood cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting specific pieces of cover Football Jigs worked along transitional areas between staging and spawning zones	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill in and around cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near main lake points and channel swings, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Following and aggressively feeding on large schools of baitfish, particularly during early morning and evening hours	Main lake points adjacent to deep water ledges Channel swings with steep depth transitions Protected coves with access to deeper water	Umbrella Rigs worked through baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along ledges Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly along depth transitions	Schooling shad congregating in pre-spawn areas Small sunfish near shoreline structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are staging in pre-spawn areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. They are making gradual movements from deeper wintering areas toward spawning grounds. Fish are becoming more aggressive and schooling heavily, concentrating around transitional structure between winter and spawning areas	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning coves Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Deep dock edges near spawning flats	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Small to medium sized minnows Young bluegill Small shad	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are actively moving into spawning areas, utilizing brush piles as staging and spawning locations Fish are transitioning between pre-spawn feeding and spawning behavior, with some still actively feeding on minnows	Brush piles in spawning pockets and coves Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning areas Shallow protected areas with irregular shoreline features	Carolina Rigs worked through brush piles and spawning flats Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover Swim Jigs for covering water between spawning areas	Minnows Crawfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, actively moving along ledges and depth transitions while following baitfish schools Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, showing increased feeding activity in shallower waters	Ledges and depth transitions where baitfish schools are congregating Main lake points and channel swings near spawning areas Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access	Live Bait Rigs with shiners or herring Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish	Shad and herring schools Various baitfish species congregating near spawning areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Actively moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near brush, laydowns, and protected coves Males building and guarding nests while females stage nearby, making multiple trips to spawn Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, particularly responsive to small bait presentations	Protected shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns Dock areas in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small Minnows Young Bluegill Small Insects and Larvae	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	72-78	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning to summer patterns, actively feeding around docks and similar structures to replenish energy Fish are establishing stable feeding patterns in the 3-8 foot depth range, especially during morning and evening periods	Docks, particularly those near deeper water access Secondary points with wood cover Shallow brush piles adjacent to spawning flats	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and corners Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock shade and brush Shakey Heads for deeper dock edges	Bluegill concentrated around docks Crawfish active in shallow areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of baitfish along ledges and depth transitions Fish are making daily movements between deeper holding areas and shallower feeding zones, particularly active during lower light conditions	Main lake ledges and depth transitions where baitfish schools are present Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water Secondary points in major coves where baitfish congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along depth transitions to imitate shad Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish following baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure	Large schools of shad Various baitfish species concentrated along structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-76	Actively feeding but transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer holding areas, congregating around structure in 8-15 foot depth range Feeding patterns becoming more consistent throughout the day, with peak activity during early morning and late evening	Brush piles and laydowns near creek channel edges in 8-15 foot range Dock edges with good depth transitions, especially those near spawning bays Secondary points with submerged timber leading to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small bluegill fry emerging in shallow areas Minnows suspended around brush and dock structures Young shad beginning to school in creek channels	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Actively feeding around shallow cover during early/late day, with increased surface activity Moving to deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods	Laydowns and fallen trees in 2-6 feet of water Main lake points with woody cover Shaded dock areas adjacent to deeper water	Buzzbaits worked around shallow cover during low light periods Football Jigs worked along deeper edges of cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dense cover	Bluegill in shallow cover Crawfish around woody structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	Actively schooling with baitfish along ledges and depth transitions, most active during lower light periods Exhibiting opportunistic feeding behavior, targeting large concentrations of baitfish in deeper water during summer heat	Main lake ledges with schools of baitfish, especially where depth transitions are significant Deep water adjacent to major points and channel swings Offshore structure near baitfish schools identified on electronics	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly down ledges with 1/2oz jighead Live Bait Rigs with shiners positioned just below baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics	Shad and other schooling baitfish Shiners	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-85	In summer, crappie are transitioning to deeper water and suspending near structure, particularly around brush piles and dock edges in 12-20 feet of water During early morning and evening, crappie move shallower to feed more actively around docks and laydowns Schools are becoming more concentrated and relating strongly to creek channels and ledges due to warming water temperatures	Deep brush piles near creek channel edges in 15-20 feet of water Shaded areas under and between docks, especially those near deeper water Main lake points with significant depth changes	Crappie Spider Rigging - Effective for covering water and maintaining precise depth control Crappie Dock Shooting - Perfect for targeting shaded areas under docks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - Ideal for working brush piles and suspended fish	Bluegill fry gathering around docks and brush Small minnows schooling in mid-depth zones	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Rhodhiss Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively feeding on bluegill in shallow water areas, particularly during low light conditions Fish relating heavily to woody cover like laydowns, using them as ambush points Surface feeding activity common, especially during overcast conditions or early/late in day	Laydowns and fallen trees in 2-6 feet of water Main lake points with wood cover Shallow coves with bluegill concentrations	Buzzbaits worked around laydowns and shoreline cover Spinnerbaits parallel to wood cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) into dense cover	Bluegill Shad	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and following large baitfish pods along ledges and depth transitions, with increased feeding activity due to fall baitfish migrations Moving between shallow and deep water throughout the day, with most aggressive feeding during low-light periods	Main lake ledges and depth transitions where baitfish schools are present Points and creek mouths intersecting with deeper water Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where baitfish may be corralled	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movements Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when stripers are holding deep with bait schools Umbrella Rigs to mimic schooling baitfish in the turbid water	Large schools of shad moving along depth transitions Medium-sized baitfish concentrated near structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Crappie are actively schooling and following baitfish, particularly focusing on bluegill and minnow populations in the stained water conditions Fish are staging near creek channels and deeper structure, making transitional movements between summer and winter locations	Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to creek channels in 12-18 feet of water Dock structures, particularly those near depth changes Main lake points with access to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Schooling baitfish (shad and minnows) Young-of-year bluegill Small crawfish	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Largemouth bass are concentrating in deeper areas near main lake structure, moving slower and feeding less frequently but opportunistically Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often relating to the first significant depth change near shallow flats	Deep laydowns adjacent to creek channels or main lake points Brush piles in 15-25 foot range near primary points Steep rocky banks with quick access to deeper water	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom near structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Shakey Heads fished with subtle movements near brush piles	Sluggish winter crawfish Suspended bluegill near structure Smaller baitfish schools in deeper water	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-52	Schooling with baitfish in deeper water along ledges and depth transitions, typically staying in tighter groups during winter Most active feeding during warmer parts of day when baitfish are more active, especially around depth changes	Deep ledges and channel breaks where baitfish schools congregate Main lake points adjacent to deep water access Deep water areas near primary creek channels	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) directly through suspended schools located with electronics Trolling Deep (20'+) along contour breaks and ledges Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended schools	Schooling Shad concentrating in deeper water Large Shiners following similar winter patterns as shad	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspended near structure or along channel edges Feeding activity is concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish moving slightly shallower during peak afternoon temperatures	Deep brush piles and laydowns near channel edges in 15-25 feet of water Deep dock areas adjacent to creek channels Main lake points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Suspended schools of small winter-pattern shad Deeper water bluegills near structure Small minnows relating to brush and dock structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Rhodhiss Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in protected coves	Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water ledges	Channel swings with steep depth transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning coves	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in spawning pockets and coves	Secondary points with woody cover leading into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Ledges and depth transitions where baitfish schools are congregating	Main lake points and channel swings near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush piles and laydowns	Dock areas in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks, particularly those near deeper water access	Secondary points with wood cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges and depth transitions where baitfish schools are present	Points and irregular shoreline features adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns near creek channel edges in 8-15 foot range	Dock edges with good depth transitions, especially those near spawning bays
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen trees in 2-6 feet of water	Main lake points with woody cover
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges with schools of baitfish, especially where depth transitions are significant	Deep water adjacent to major points and channel swings
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles near creek channel edges in 15-20 feet of water	Shaded areas under and between docks, especially those near deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen trees in 2-6 feet of water	Main lake points with wood cover
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake ledges and depth transitions where baitfish schools are present	Points and creek mouths intersecting with deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to creek channels in 12-18 feet of water	Dock structures, particularly those near depth changes
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep laydowns adjacent to creek channels or main lake points	Brush piles in 15-25 foot range near primary points
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep ledges and channel breaks where baitfish schools congregate	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles and laydowns near channel edges in 15-25 feet of water	Deep dock areas adjacent to creek channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill in and around cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Schooling shad congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small sunfish near shoreline structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small to medium sized minnows	Young bluegill
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows	Crawfish
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad and herring schools	Various baitfish species congregating near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around docks	Crawfish active in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad	Various baitfish species concentrated along structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill fry emerging in shallow areas	Minnows suspended around brush and dock structures
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover	Crawfish around woody structure
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad and other schooling baitfish	Shiners
Summer	Crappie	Bluegill fry gathering around docks and brush	Small minnows schooling in mid-depth zones
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Shad
Fall	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad moving along depth transitions	Medium-sized baitfish concentrated near structure
Fall	Crappie	Schooling baitfish (shad and minnows)	Young-of-year bluegill
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Sluggish winter crawfish	Suspended bluegill near structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad concentrating in deeper water	Large Shiners following similar winter patterns as shad
Winter	Crappie	Suspended schools of small winter-pattern shad	Deeper water bluegills near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Rhodhiss Lake

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

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