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

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Roberds Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Roberds Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are following creek channels and moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging locations Feeding activity increases during warming trends, particularly in afternoon hours	Creek channel bends adjacent to future spawning flats First emerging weed growth near deeper water access Secondary points with quick access to both shallow and deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs slow-rolled near channel edges Texas Rigs (Worming) worked methodically through transition areas	Bluegills moving shallow with warming trends Crawfish becoming more active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-68	Bluegills are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warmer, shallower waters, staging near spawning areas Fish are becoming more active with warming temperatures, feeding opportunistically on emerging insects and small crustaceans	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially in 3-6 foot depths Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 foot depths Edges of established weed beds where new growth is starting	Live Bait Rigs with small jigs suspended under bobbers, worked slowly through staging areas Finesse Hair Jigs cast and retrieved with subtle movements near vegetation Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton Small minnows and fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from winter deep-water patterns to shallower staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Fish are beginning to school up near spawning areas, with feeding activity increasing as water temperatures rise Given the stained water conditions (1.5m Secchi), fish will stay relatively shallow and relate strongly to available cover	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water near potential spawning areas Docks and laydowns in protected areas, especially on the northern shoreline Transition areas between the basin and shallow flats where pre-spawn staging occurs	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible cover Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around structure Crappie Spider Rigging in slightly deeper staging areas	Small minnows and fry gathering in warming shallows Zooplankton becoming more active in warming water Early-season aquatic insects beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Largemouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around vegetation and hard bottom areas in 2-4 feet of water Males actively guarding nests while females stage nearby in slightly deeper water Increased aggression and territorial behavior around nest sites	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation Shallow areas adjacent to creek channels for staging Areas near docks and laydowns in 2-4 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover Wacky Rigs worked slowly near potential spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for staging fish	Bluegill are the primary forage base Small crayfish becoming active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively seeking shallow, warmer water areas for spawning, typically in 2-4 feet of depth near vegetation or firm bottom Males building and guarding nests in colonies, becoming increasingly aggressive and territorial Females staging slightly deeper, moving in and out of spawning areas based on temperature	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse to moderate vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 1-3 feet deep Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through spawning areas Micro Crankbaits worked parallel to spawning colonies	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small aquatic worms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and moving into spawning areas around submerged vegetation and woody cover Becoming increasingly active with warming water temperatures, forming loose schools in spawning areas Feeding actively during dawn and dusk periods, with males guarding nests during peak spawn	Shallow vegetated flats in 2-6 feet of water with nearby deeper water access Laydowns and dock areas in protected shoreline sections Submerged vegetation edges near the basin transition areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Crappie Dock Shooting	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Zooplankton and aquatic insects Minnows gathering in spawning areas	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on shallow cover near spawning areas Fish are showing preference for clean water areas away from heavy vegetation, likely due to better feeding opportunities	Docks with clean water access, especially those near spawning flats Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depth range Protected pond leaf areas with panfish present	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations in heavy cover Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to match bluegill forage	Bluegill congregating in shallow areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small crustaceans around vegetation Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper rest areas throughout the day	Weedline edges in 6-8 feet of water Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 3-5 feet Protected coves with established vegetation	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-4 feet deep near weed edges Inline Spinners worked slowly through gaps in vegetation Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along weedlines	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Juvenile baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are gathering around emerging weed growth and structure in 6-12 foot depth range, with peak activity during morning and evening hours	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range where new weed growth is establishing Dock areas with 6-10 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting targeting shaded areas under docks Bobbers with small jigs suspended at specific depths near cover	Small minnows and juvenile bluegills around emerging vegetation Zooplankton concentrations in and around weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-75	Largemouth bass are actively feeding in shallow water zones, especially during morning and evening periods, utilizing thick cover as ambush points Fish become less active during bright midday periods, requiring slower presentations and tighter cover orientation	Shallow weedlines, especially near creek channels or moving water Laydowns and woody cover in 1-3 feet of water Matted grass areas, particularly during early morning	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation and wood cover Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation during low light periods Buzzbaits around shallow grass and creek channels early morning	Bluegill concentrated around shallow cover Minnows relating to creek channels and current areas	Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	71-75	Actively feeding in and around weed beds during early morning and evening hours, moving to slightly deeper adjacent areas during mid-day Establishing feeding zones near submerged vegetation edges where they can ambush small prey items while staying close to cover	Established weed bed edges in 6-8 feet of water Secondary break lines adjacent to vegetation in 8-10 feet of water Shaded areas near docks with nearby vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet below surface near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through the water column Live Bait Rigs with lightweight presentations	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	70-75	Crappies are suspending near cover in 8-12 foot depths, moving shallower during early morning and evening to feed. During midday, they retreat to deeper water or heavy cover due to light penetration and warmth Schools are relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges and man-made structure, particularly docks, where they can find shade and ambush prey	Dock areas with 8-12 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access Weed edges in 6-10 feet of water, particularly where vegetation creates distinct edges Laydown trees and woody cover providing shade in 5-8 feet of water	Crappie Dock Shooting - effective for reaching fish holding tight under docks during bright conditions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - precise presentation around cover and suspended fish Crappie Spider Rigging - effective for covering water and finding active schools	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates Small minnows and fry	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Roberds Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass transitioning between summer and fall patterns, following baitfish movements while actively feeding to build up winter reserves Fish showing both deep and shallow patterns - some relating to main lake humps while others are pushed shallow by wind and overcast conditions	Main lake humps adjacent to deeper water Shallow laydowns and wood cover, especially on wind-blown banks Weedline edges where they intersect with creek channels	Drop Shot worked slowly over humps and deeper structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover Spinnerbaits along wind-blown banks	Bluegill concentrated around shallow cover Baitfish schools moving along creek channels and main lake structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, schooling more tightly and focusing on remaining weed edges and deeper basins Feeding becomes more concentrated during mid-day hours when water temperatures are warmest, with fish actively foraging on small invertebrates and zooplankton	Deep weed edges at 8-10 feet where vegetation is still green Basin areas adjacent to weed edges in 10-12 feet of water Remaining patches of green vegetation in protected coves	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappies are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding, becoming more active as water temperatures cool. They're starting to school more tightly and following baitfish movements into slightly deeper water. Fish are feeding more aggressively during dawn and dusk periods, taking advantage of low light conditions in the stained water to ambush prey	Deep edges of weed lines where vegetation is starting to die back Brush and laydowns near deeper water access Dock areas with 8-12 feet of water nearby	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges and through open water areas where schools are suspending Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around laydowns and dock posts	Young-of-year bluegills gathering in schools Small minnows and shad suspended in open water Zooplankton concentrations in and around remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	39-45	Stable winter patterns with fish holding in warmer, more oxygenated water layers just above deeper basin areas Feeding periods are shorter but more predictable, typically most active during mid-morning and late afternoon	Deep basin areas in 8-10 foot range where winter-hardy vegetation persists Transitions between deep basins and remaining vegetation Protected coves with deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small zooplankton	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are likely schooling in deeper basin areas, suspending near the thermocline and making periodic movements to feed Fish typically feed more actively during early morning and late afternoon periods, with less activity during bright midday hours	Deep basin areas, particularly where schools are suspending near the thermocline Areas adjacent to submerged vegetation where it transitions to deeper water Deep water near laydowns and dock structures that provide cover	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Damiki Rig	Small bluegills Zooplankton Aquatic invertebrates	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	33-39	Bluegills are concentrating in deep basin areas, showing typical winter schooling behavior and selective feeding on small prey items Fish are actively feeding but being selective, responding best to small presentations (4-5mm jigs) throughout the water column	Main lake basin areas where schools are holding in winter patterns Various depths within the basin, requiring mobility to find active schools	Ice Fishing Jigs - Small 4-5mm presentations tipped with live bait Ice Fishing Spoons - Light jigging presentations for more aggressive fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae, indicated by success with small jigs and live bait Zooplankton, suggested by the lake's moderate clarity and successful small presentations	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Crappie	33-34	Crappies are schooling in basin areas, showing finicky feeding patterns typical of mid-winter behavior Fish are responding well to small, subtle presentations tipped with meat (minnow heads), indicating a preference for slower, more natural movements	Deep basin areas where schools are concentrated Transitional areas between basins and shallower flats Areas with remaining submerged vegetation near deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs - specifically small presentations like Pinhead Pros Ice Fishing Spoons - especially when fish need a more aggressive triggering presentation	Small minnows Zooplankton Small invertebrates	Pink Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Roberds Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Creek channel bends adjacent to future spawning flats	First emerging weed growth near deeper water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially in 3-6 foot depths	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water near potential spawning areas	Docks and laydowns in protected areas, especially on the northern shoreline
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and vegetation	Shallow areas adjacent to creek channels for staging
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse to moderate vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow vegetated flats in 2-6 feet of water with nearby deeper water access	Laydowns and dock areas in protected shoreline sections
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with clean water access, especially those near spawning flats	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weedline edges in 6-8 feet of water	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 3-5 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range where new weed growth is establishing	Dock areas with 6-10 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shallow weedlines, especially near creek channels or moving water	Laydowns and woody cover in 1-3 feet of water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Established weed bed edges in 6-8 feet of water	Secondary break lines adjacent to vegetation in 8-10 feet of water
Summer	Crappie	Dock areas with 8-12 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access	Weed edges in 6-10 feet of water, particularly where vegetation creates distinct edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake humps adjacent to deeper water	Shallow laydowns and wood cover, especially on wind-blown banks
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 8-10 feet where vegetation is still green	Basin areas adjacent to weed edges in 10-12 feet of water
Fall	Crappie	Deep edges of weed lines where vegetation is starting to die back	Brush and laydowns near deeper water access
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 8-10 foot range where winter-hardy vegetation persists	Transitions between deep basins and remaining vegetation
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin areas, particularly where schools are suspending near the thermocline	Areas adjacent to submerged vegetation where it transitions to deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Main lake basin areas where schools are holding in winter patterns	Various depths within the basin, requiring mobility to find active schools
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas where schools are concentrated	Transitional areas between basins and shallower flats

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills moving shallow with warming trends	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans and zooplankton
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and fry gathering in warming shallows	Zooplankton becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill are the primary forage base	Small crayfish becoming active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Zooplankton and aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating in shallow areas	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows and juvenile bluegills around emerging vegetation	Zooplankton concentrations in and around weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around shallow cover	Minnows relating to creek channels and current areas
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around shallow cover	Baitfish schools moving along creek channels and main lake structure
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills gathering in schools	Small minnows and shad suspended in open water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills	Zooplankton
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae, indicated by success with small jigs and live bait	Zooplankton, suggested by the lake's moderate clarity and successful small presentations
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows	Zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Roberds Lake

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

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