How to Fish Rush Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Rush Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Rush Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	56-65	Bass transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but depth-selective based on daily temperature changes Fish showing preference for deeper edges of vegetation, particularly reeds, moving shallower during warming trends	Deeper edges of reed beds in 6-8 foot range Secondary points with access to deeper water Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Grass Jigs worked along reed edges and vegetation transitions Hard Topwater (Walking) during warming periods, especially early and late day Lipless Crankbaits parallel to vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappies are actively transitioning from winter areas to warming shallows, staging near spawning areas while feeding heavily Fish are becoming more active with warming temperatures, moving up in the water column and relating to structure near spawning areas	Shallow coves and bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays in 8-12 feet Deeper staging areas near creek channels in 12-15 feet	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small minnows congregating in warming shallows Young-of-year baitfish schools Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, with increased activity during warming trends Fish transitioning from winter areas to spawning locations, staging in shallow bays and near spawning areas Most aggressive during early morning and overcast conditions due to the stained water (1.9m Secchi)	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-5 feet of water Weed edges transitioning from 6-8 feet to shallow spawning areas Points and rock humps adjacent to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along transition areas Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges and through sparse vegetation Inline Spinners in shallow bays during warmer periods	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow bays Perch moving along weed edges and transition areas Small pike and suckers preparing for spawn	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Schools of perch are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn locations, becoming more active with warming water Fish are feeding more aggressively as they prepare for spawning, with schools moving along depth transitions and ledges Presence of pike influences perch to maintain tight schooling behavior and utilize structure for protection	Transition areas between 8-12 feet where winter depths meet spawning flats Protected bays with gradual slopes, particularly near complex shoreline areas Subtle breaks and ledges adjacent to emerging weed growth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small invertebrates becoming active in warming waters Young-of-year baitfish in shallow zones Emerging aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Actively moving from winter deep water locations (12-14 feet) to warmer, shallower areas near emerging vegetation and spawning zones Feeding patterns intensifying as water warms, with fish targeting insects and small crustaceans near vegetation	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and shallow spawning flats Protected coves and bays that warm up first	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 2-4 feet below surface near emerging vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along transition areas Live Bait Rigs with small offerings like waxworms or euro larvae	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Small crustaceans in shallow areas Plankton in areas of algae concentration	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	59-66	Bass are in various spawning phases - pre-spawn, spawning, and post-spawn fish are present, with movement between staging areas and shallow spawning zones Fish are actively feeding in 6-10 ft staging areas along ledges and transitioning to shallower spawning areas in 1-3 ft near emergent vegetation	Emergent reed beds in 3-4 ft water, particularly on points and inside corners Ledges and drop-offs in 6-10 ft water adjacent to spawning areas Emerging lily pad fields with heavy root systems in 1-3 ft water	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around spawning areas and reed edges Swim Jigs with paddle tail trailers around emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along staging ledges	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas and around vegetation Shad along ledges and deeper staging areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near structure, particularly around protected coves and bays with abundant vegetation Males staging and creating beds while females stage slightly deeper, moving up periodically to spawn Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, becoming more selective during actual spawning	Protected shallow bays and coves with vegetation Shallow wood structure near spawning flats Weed edges in 8-12 feet adjacent to spawning areas	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small minnows Emerging aquatic insects Small juvenile fish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas, particularly in bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation Post-spawn fish remain shallow but become more active feeders, utilizing weed edges and points as ambush locations Given the stained water (1.9m Secchi), pike will be most active during dawn and dusk periods	Shallow bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Points and rock humps near shallow spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily along weed edges Inline Spinners cast parallel to emerging weed edges	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning bays Perch moving along weed edges Small baitfish in warming shallow waters	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Perch transitioning from deep winter areas (12-14 feet) to shallow spawning areas (5-7 feet), forming pre-spawn aggregations near transitional structure Active feeding periods during warming trends, with fish becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Transition areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning flats in 7-10 feet Protected bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation in 5-7 feet Ledges and bottom transitions adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms worked slowly along transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with soft plastics Bobbers suspended just off bottom in spawning areas	Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters Small minnows concentrated near spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow areas (2-3 feet) to establish spawning beds near vegetation and hardened bottom areas Males guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, moving between spawning flats and nearby deeper water	Protected shallow bays with vegetation and firm bottom Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water Areas near docks with sandy or firm bottom substrate	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-2 feet below surface Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near beds Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small insects and larvae Zooplankton Small aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	71-79	Post-spawn largemouth bass are actively feeding but scattered, with primary activity during early morning hours (6-10 AM) as evidenced by recent reports Fish are utilizing shallow vegetation zones and transitioning between spawning areas and early summer patterns, showing particular interest in bluegill beds	Matted grass and vegetation in 1-6 feet of water, particularly where it creates edges near slightly deeper water Areas adjacent to bluegill spawning beds, especially where they intersect with points or vegetation Main lake points with submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Swim Jigs with popping retrieve every 2-3 turns of the reel Bladed Jigs (Chatterbaits) worked through vegetation Wacky Rigs for slower presentations in areas with less vegetation	Bluegill (primary forage based on multiple recent reports and spawning activity) Minnows (secondary forage mentioned in reports)	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	58-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy near weed edges and points Fish are suspending in the 4-5 foot range near structure, particularly around emerging weed growth as indicated by slip bobber success	Weed edges in 10-12 foot depths, focusing on the upper 4-5 feet of the water column Points and humps with emerging vegetation Matted grass areas providing cover and feeding zones	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slip bobbers to target suspended fish Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around weed edges Bobbers with light jigs (1/32 to 1/16 oz) for precise depth control	Minnows as primary forage based on fishing reports Small invertebrates in emerging weed growth	Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting along weed edges and points in 6-8 foot depths Most aggressive during low light periods due to stained water conditions (1.9m secchi), with feeding patterns focused on ambush points Showing aggressive striking behavior, willing to chase and attack moving baits near structure transitions	Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water, especially where they intersect with points or other structure Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access Rock humps and points adjacent to spawning areas	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure Inline Spinners in shallow bays during early morning or overcast conditions	Bluegill concentrating near emerging weed growth Perch schools along weed edges and transitions Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear in shallows	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, becoming more active as water warms Schools beginning to form and feed more aggressively, particularly during morning and evening periods Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and adjacent deeper water based on light and temperature conditions	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water in 5-8 foot range Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot range Points and ledges near spawning bays where depth transitions occur	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or pieces of nightcrawler Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs	Small insects and larvae in emerging weed growth Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear Bloodworms and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning between spawning areas and summer habitat Fish are utilizing weed edges and dock areas as primary feeding zones, particularly during morning and evening hours	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water Shallow dock areas with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet Secondary points with submerged vegetation in 6-10 feet	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly through vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and dock posts Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Zooplankton in areas of algae bloom Small crustaceans near bottom structure	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	70-83	Fish are utilizing both shallow cover (lily pads, matted grass) during low light and moving to deeper dock edges and weed edges during bright conditions Strong feeding activity in 1-3 feet around vegetation early/late, transitioning to 6-12 feet during midday	Docks with clean fronts dropping into 6-12 feet of water Lily pad fields and matted grass in 1-3 feet of water Weed edges and points with depth changes from 6-12 feet	Frogs/Toads worked slowly over vegetation during morning/evening periods Wacky Rigs worked slowly around dock fronts and edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting thick cover and dock edges	Bluegill in and around vegetation and dock areas Shad relating to deeper weed edges Various minnows around vegetation edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-78	Actively feeding in 13-15 foot depths, showing preference for bottom-oriented presentations with periodic suspended activity Most aggressive during early hours, with bite tapering off after 3 PM, responding well to speed changes in presentations	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, particularly where they meet deeper water Bottom structure at 13-15 foot depths with nearby deeper water Ledges and transition areas between shallow and deep water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) at 2.5 mph with crawler harnesses Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with speed variations to trigger strikes Crappie Spider Rigging in 13-15 foot zones	Minnows - primary forage base noted in lake profile Aquatic insects and larvae around weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	72-78	Pike are actively ambushing prey from structure transitions, particularly during morning hours and around defined edges Fish showing aggressive strikes in 8-10 foot depth range, especially near points and weed edges	Rock humps adjacent to weed edges Points in 8-10 feet of water Defined weed edges in 6-8 foot range	Drop Shot with soft plastics worked along structure edges Bladed Jigs with moderate retrieve near points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked parallel to weed edges	Bluegill Perch	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Actively schooling in areas with bottom transitions, feeding on both insects and small baitfish, with increased activity during morning and evening hours Schools may suspend or scatter in response to pike presence, often utilizing deeper edges of structure as escape routes	Weed edges and transitions in 8-12 feet of water, particularly near points and bays Deep basin edges in 12-14 feet adjacent to shallow feeding areas Submerged structure and ledges in 5-10 feet of water during prime feeding periods	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small insects and larvae in shallow to mid-depth zones Young-of-year baitfish in weed edges and transitions Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in and around vegetation, with peak activity in early morning and evening hours Moving between shallow spawning areas and nearby deeper water staging areas Relating strongly to dock structures for shade during midday heat	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water Shaded areas under and between docks Transition zones where weeds meet deeper water	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly through vegetation Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under structures Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Rush Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass are actively feeding on remaining shallow cover while transitioning between summer and winter patterns Fish are utilizing docks and vegetation as primary ambush points, particularly in 8 feet or less of water Fish showing clear preference for hard cover and remaining vegetation, suggesting a focus on bluegill forage	Docks in 8 feet or less of water Remaining green milfoil patches Shallow hard cover areas near deeper water access	Structure Jigs worked around docks and hard cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in remaining vegetation Buzzbaits for active fish in shallow areas	Bluegill concentrated around remaining vegetation and dock areas Crawfish active on hard bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, forming loose schools around key structure Fish are transitioning from shallow weed edges to deeper winter holding areas, following baitfish movements	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet where vegetation is still healthy Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to summer feeding areas Deeper basin areas where schools of baitfish are suspending	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Schooling baitfish/minnows Small invertebrates around remaining vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	55-71	Aggressive feeding behavior near weed edges, with active surface strikes and jumping after lures, especially during lower light conditions Utilizing shallow water ambush points near structure transitions, showing increased activity with presence of abundant forage	Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water Points and irregular shoreline features with submerged vegetation Shallow to mid-depth transition areas with cover	Hard Topwater (Prop) - working prop baits like Whopper Ploppers around weed edges Spinnerbaits - casting along weed edges and points Hard Body Swimbaits - targeting active fish in shallow zones	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports and successful bait patterns Bluegill - consistent year-round forage noted in lake profile	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-62	Yellow perch form larger schools in fall, actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter. With the stained water conditions (1.9m secchi), they tend to stay in tighter groups for protection from pike predation. Fish are following a transitional pattern, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging zones throughout the day, especially near structure breaks.	Deep ledges and transitions in 12-14 foot range, especially where they meet the average lake depth of 12.3 feet Complex shoreline points and bays where depth changes occur in the 8-12 foot range Areas where deeper basins meet structural elements, providing quick access to both feeding and safety zones	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - allows precise presentation to suspended schools Blade Baits - effective for actively feeding fish and covering water to locate schools Live Bait Rigs - particularly effective when perch are feeding more selectively	Small minnows and juvenile fish, particularly abundant during fall feeding periods Aquatic insects, which remain an important food source as noted in fishing reports Small crustaceans and larvae present in the transitional areas	Vibrant Assorted Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper winter holding areas, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and relating strongly to depth changes and structure, particularly around weed edges that are beginning to die back	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets 12-14 foot depths Points and drop-offs near remaining green vegetation Deeper dock areas where structure provides cover	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Finesse Hair Jigs	Aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans Dying/falling vegetation-dwelling invertebrates	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are actively feeding in a suspended pattern during late evening and after dark, positioning higher in the water column Fish are showing strong preference for deep basin edges, suggesting a typical winter pattern of schooling near thermal refuge areas	Deep basin edges in 20-30 foot range, particularly where they meet structural elements Suspended zones above deep basins, especially during low-light periods Areas with good oxygen content that allow for suspended feeding patterns	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows for suspended fish Bobbers with adjustable depths for targeting suspended fish Damiki Rig for vertical presentation to suspended schools	Small minnows, particularly those suspended in the water column Juvenile panfish in the same size range as smaller minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike are positioning along shallow to deep transitions (5-6 feet near drops to 12-14 feet) for access to both feeding zones and sanctuary areas Fish are actively using ambush points near structure transitions to intercept prey, especially during prime feeding windows	Shallow flats (5-6 feet) adjacent to deeper water (12-14 feet) Weed edge transitions where vegetation meets depth changes Points and rock humps near deeper water access	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with live bait positioned along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive lift-drop presentations Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure edges	Bluegill congregating in winter concentrations near structure Perch schooling along bottom transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Schools actively feeding in deep basin areas between 12-14 feet, with periodic movements to mid-depth structure Showing preference for bottom-oriented feeding patterns but will suspend when chasing baitfish Movement patterns influenced by predator (pike) presence, causing tighter schooling behavior	Deep basin areas 12-14 feet with proximity to structure Ledges and transition areas between deep and shallow water Areas with bottom contour changes that provide escape routes from predators	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish Aquatic insects near bottom Zooplankton in water column	Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegill are actively schooling in deeper water (12-14 feet), typically near the edges of deeper basins and transition areas Feeding activity is more concentrated during late morning and early afternoon when water temperatures peak	Deep basin areas in 12-14 feet of water near weed edge transitions Points and breaks that drop into deeper water holding areas Protected coves with deeper water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny crustaceans	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are suspended in the water column, primarily holding 10-12 feet off bottom in 20-30 foot depths, showing active feeding patterns Fish are feeding more aggressively during afternoon hours, likely due to slight temperature increases and increased light penetration	Deep basins in 20-30 feet of water where fish are suspending Transitional ledges in 16-18 foot range Shallower flats in 12-foot range during evening hours	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle lift-drop motions 1 foot off bottom Ice Fishing Jigs under bobbers with live bait Ice Fishing Spoons for actively feeding fish	Small minnows, particularly pinhead minnows Small invertebrates (targeted with waxworms)	Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	32-34	Pike are actively hunting in shallow to mid-depth transition areas, particularly near ledges where they can ambush prey moving between shallow and deep water Due to the stained water conditions (1.9m clarity), pike are most active during prime light conditions and concentrate in shallower zones	Ledges in 5-6 feet of water that transition to 12-14 feet Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water near drop-offs Shallow bays with access to deeper water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups positioned along depth transitions Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively in the water column Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live bait near structure	Perch Sucker minnows Bluegill	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Assorted Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	32-34	Actively schooling and mobile, shifting between deeper winter holding areas (12-14ft) and shallower water (5-7ft) as temperatures fluctuate Feeding patterns vary throughout the day, with fish suspending higher in the water column, especially during late ice season Schools frequently relocate due to predator (pike) pressure, requiring anglers to stay mobile	Ledges and transitions between 12-14 feet, particularly in basin areas Shallow flats in 5-7 feet during late ice, especially areas with insect activity Deep basin areas adjacent to structural transitions	Ice Fishing Jigs worked actively with subtle movements, particularly effective with live bait enhancement Ice Fishing Spoons, especially when fish are actively feeding on minnows Hole hopping technique required to stay on mobile schools	Aquatic insects, particularly abundant during late ice period Small minnows and fry Zooplankton in upper water column	Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill are schooling in deeper basin areas, typically 12-14 feet, actively feeding on small aquatic insects and zooplankton Fish are concentrating near submerged vegetation edges where they can access both cover and feeding opportunities	Deep basins near weed edges in 12-14 feet of water Submerged vegetation patches in moderate depths Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with slow flutter presentations	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Rush Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deeper edges of reed beds in 6-8 foot range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow coves and bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays in 8-12 feet
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-5 feet of water	Weed edges transitioning from 6-8 feet to shallow spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Transition areas between 8-12 feet where winter depths meet spawning flats	Protected bays with gradual slopes, particularly near complex shoreline areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow weed edges and emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Transition areas between deep winter holding areas and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Emergent reed beds in 3-4 ft water, particularly on points and inside corners	Ledges and drop-offs in 6-10 ft water adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays and coves with vegetation	Shallow wood structure near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and backwaters with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Transition areas between deep winter holes and shallow spawning flats in 7-10 feet	Protected bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation in 5-7 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with vegetation and firm bottom	Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and vegetation in 1-6 feet of water, particularly where it creates edges near slightly deeper water	Areas adjacent to bluegill spawning beds, especially where they intersect with points or vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 10-12 foot depths, focusing on the upper 4-5 feet of the water column	Points and humps with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water, especially where they intersect with points or other structure	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation near deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water in 5-8 foot range	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges adjacent to spawning flats in 4-8 feet of water	Shallow dock areas with emerging vegetation in 3-6 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with clean fronts dropping into 6-12 feet of water	Lily pad fields and matted grass in 1-3 feet of water
Summer	Crappie	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depths, particularly where they meet deeper water	Bottom structure at 13-15 foot depths with nearby deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Rock humps adjacent to weed edges	Points in 8-10 feet of water
Summer	Yellow Perch	Weed edges and transitions in 8-12 feet of water, particularly near points and bays	Deep basin edges in 12-14 feet adjacent to shallow feeding areas
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water	Shaded areas under and between docks
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks in 8 feet or less of water	Remaining green milfoil patches
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet where vegetation is still healthy	Channel edges and drop-offs adjacent to summer feeding areas
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water	Points and irregular shoreline features with submerged vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep ledges and transitions in 12-14 foot range, especially where they meet the average lake depth of 12.3 feet	Complex shoreline points and bays where depth changes occur in the 8-12 foot range
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets 12-14 foot depths	Points and drop-offs near remaining green vegetation
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin edges in 20-30 foot range, particularly where they meet structural elements	Suspended zones above deep basins, especially during low-light periods
Winter	Northern Pike	Shallow flats (5-6 feet) adjacent to deeper water (12-14 feet)	Weed edge transitions where vegetation meets depth changes
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas 12-14 feet with proximity to structure	Ledges and transition areas between deep and shallow water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas in 12-14 feet of water near weed edge transitions	Points and breaks that drop into deeper water holding areas
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins in 20-30 feet of water where fish are suspending	Transitional ledges in 16-18 foot range
Ice	Northern Pike	Ledges in 5-6 feet of water that transition to 12-14 feet	Weed edges in 6-8 feet of water near drop-offs
Ice	Yellow Perch	Ledges and transitions between 12-14 feet, particularly in basin areas	Shallow flats in 5-7 feet during late ice, especially areas with insect activity
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basins near weed edges in 12-14 feet of water	Submerged vegetation patches in moderate depths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows congregating in warming shallows	Young-of-year baitfish schools
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating in warming shallow bays	Perch moving along weed edges and transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates becoming active in warming waters	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Small crustaceans in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas and around vegetation	Shad along ledges and deeper staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in shallow spawning bays	Perch moving along weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small insects and larvae becoming active in warming waters	Small minnows concentrated near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage based on multiple recent reports and spawning activity)	Minnows (secondary forage mentioned in reports)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows as primary forage based on fishing reports	Small invertebrates in emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrating near emerging weed growth	Perch schools along weed edges and transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small insects and larvae in emerging weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Zooplankton in areas of algae bloom
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation and dock areas	Shad relating to deeper weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Minnows - primary forage base noted in lake profile	Aquatic insects and larvae around weed edges
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill	Perch
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small insects and larvae in shallow to mid-depth zones	Young-of-year baitfish in weed edges and transitions
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around remaining vegetation and dock areas	Crawfish active on hard bottom areas
Fall	Crappie	Schooling baitfish/minnows	Small invertebrates around remaining vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch - primary forage based on recent reports and successful bait patterns	Bluegill - consistent year-round forage noted in lake profile
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish, particularly abundant during fall feeding periods	Aquatic insects, which remain an important food source as noted in fishing reports
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows, particularly those suspended in the water column	Juvenile panfish in the same size range as smaller minnows
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegill congregating in winter concentrations near structure	Perch schooling along bottom transitions
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish	Aquatic insects near bottom
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Ice	Crappie	Small minnows, particularly pinhead minnows	Small invertebrates (targeted with waxworms)
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch	Sucker minnows
Ice	Yellow Perch	Aquatic insects, particularly abundant during late ice period	Small minnows and fry
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton

Bait Colors by Season for Rush Lake

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