How to Fish Seneca Lake (NY): Best Patterns & Techniques

Seneca Lake (NY)

Published: Nov 1, 2018

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Seneca Lake (NY)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	38-48	Yellow perch are schooled in deep water (40+ feet), showing sluggish pre-spawn behavior with focused feeding on crayfish, insects, and small forage Fish are actively moving between deep structure elements, with feeding activity concentrated near bottom in areas with crayfish populations	Deep water humps and points in 40+ feet of water Rocky bottom areas with crayfish populations Deep water transitions near structural elements	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with 3/4 to 1 oz jigs worked slowly on bottom Finesse Jigs worked methodically along structure Drop Shot with light braid and fluorocarbon leader for deep presentations	Crawfish Insects Small bottom-dwelling baitfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are moving from deeper winter holding areas (10-20ft) towards shallower staging areas, particularly along transition zones with hard bottom	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats River channel edges where they meet structural elements Hard-bottom transition areas between winter and spawning zones	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses Structure Jigs hopped along rocky transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools in transition areas Perch relating to similar structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Transitioning from winter depths to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving along points and channel edges as they follow warming water temperatures, becoming more aggressive as water warms	Secondary points and channel swings near spawning flats Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 4-8 feet of water Protected coves with emerging weed growth	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around wood cover and points Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly in staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Yellow Perch in deeper staging areas Small bluegill in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	45-58	Pre-spawn trout actively feeding near transitional areas between wintering and spawning grounds Fish following baitfish schools (alewives) while staying in comfort temperature zones More aggressive feeding patterns as water temperatures rise, with fish moving into shallower areas during low-light periods	Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 15-25 foot depth range Deep water structure transitioning to shallow flats Weedline edges where emerging vegetation meets deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Inline Spinners Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Alewives gathering in pre-spawn schools Small baitfish utilizing emerging weed growth Various minnow species in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, making aggressive movements to shallow bays and tributaries as water temperatures rise Fish are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallow spawning areas, following primary forage (perch) movements	Shallow rocky bays and tributaries with emerging vegetation (2-8 feet) Transition areas between winter flats and spawning bays (8-15 feet) Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved with occasional pauses near emerging vegetation Live Bait Rigs positioned near staging areas	Perch moving from winter depths to spawning areas Emerging crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	44-52	Yellow perch congregating in shallow bays and along gradual slopes (2-12 feet) for spawning activities Males arrive first at spawning areas, with females moving in during peak spawn periods Post-spawn fish gradually transition to deeper structure, following forage	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation Gradual sloping areas near points with mixed rock and gravel Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom in spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs Tubes worked methodically through spawning areas	Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Small minnows in shallow areas Juvenile crayfish in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	60-67	Smallmouth bass are actively spawning, with males aggressively defending beds in shallow water. Males are showing high aggression, chasing away other fish species like carp from their nesting areas. Some fish are exhibiting mixed behavior patterns - while many are aggressive, others are showing more skittish and sluggish responses to baits, typical of spawning transition period.	Shallow boulder fields in clear water areas, especially those with good spawning substrate Protected shallow bays and coves along the complex shoreline Hard-bottom areas in 4-8 feet of water near shoreline points	Ned Rigs worked slowly around visible beds, maintaining distance in clear water Drop Shot with small profile baits for skittish fish Tubes dragged slowly near spawning areas	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn staging and spawning behavior in protected shallow areas, particularly focused around cover like laydowns and docks Males guarding nests while females move between shallow and slightly deeper water during spawning phases	Protected coves and bays with firm bottom composition, especially near emerging vegetation Shallow areas adjacent to docks and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and bedding areas Wacky Rigs worked slowly near visible beds and staging areas Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn fish moving up to spawning areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small bluegill and perch in shallow areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	42-58	Trout are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to spawning areas, staging in pre-spawn locations near tributary inflows and gravel areas Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with fish becoming more aggressive in pursuit of baitfish schools Fish are making vertical movements throughout the day, following optimal temperature zones and baitfish	Gravel points and shallow flats near deep water access (8-15 feet) Creek channels and tributary inflows with moving water Steep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning areas	Trolling Shallow (0-9') Inline Spinners Live Bait Rigs Spoons	Alewife schools moving shallow Small minnows in tributary areas Emerging insects near shoreline areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pike actively moving into shallow spawning areas near rocky structures and clear spots, typically immediately post-ice out Females stage in slightly deeper water near spawning areas, moving in to spawn during optimal conditions Post-spawn fish remain shallow but transition to active feeding, targeting abundant baitfish in warming waters	Rocky shallow bays and coves with boulder structure (2-6 feet deep) Protected spawning flats adjacent to deeper water Emerging weed edges near spawning areas (transition zones)	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along transition zones Soft Jerkbaits twitched erratically in shallow bays	Perch congregating in spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch moving from shallow spawning areas to transitional depths (15-25 feet), forming loose schools around structure Actively feeding to recover from spawn, showing increased interest in both crayfish and small baitfish Most active during morning and evening periods, relating closely to bottom structure	Rocky points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats Deep weed edges forming near points and bays	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Tubes	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish schools Aquatic insects	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, relating to moderate depths of 4-6 feet near deeper water access Fish are showing preference for current areas and deep bank transitions, typical of post-spawn recovery behavior	River channels with adjacent deep banks in 4-6 foot depth range Points and structural elements near deep water access Hard bottom areas with current breaks and boulders	Drop Shot - recent reports confirm effectiveness for actively feeding fish Ned Rigs - effective for bottom contact in current areas Tubes - excellent for dragging through rocky areas and current breaks	Minnows - primary forage confirmed in recent reports Crawfish - secondary forage based on lake profile analysis	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn largemouth are recovering and beginning to feed actively, primarily in the morning and evening hours Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, holding near available cover	Secondary points with access to both spawning bays and deeper water Weed edges in 5-10 feet of water, especially near dock areas Brush piles and laydowns in 8-12 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and docks Swim Jigs along weed edges and through sparse cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along points and transitions	Crawfish emerging in the warming waters Young of the year bluegill in shallow areas Small perch along weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	48-58	Actively feeding in post-spawn recovery phase, following baitfish schools in cooler, oxygen-rich water layers Moving between deep structure and shallow feeding zones, particularly during dawn and dusk periods	Points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water where thermal refuge is available Weedline edges in 15-25 foot depths where baitfish concentrate Main lake structure near baitfish schools, particularly around depth changes	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with downriggers to target specific depth zones Inline Spinners cast near structure during active feeding periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along depth transitions	Alewife schools in transition zones Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are transitioning from spawning areas to early-season feeding patterns, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are opportunistically feeding near vegetation edges and rocky areas, often in groups during prime feeding windows	Rocky points and shallow bays adjacent to deeper water Emerging weed edges in 5-15 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure Inline Spinners in shallow areas during warm afternoons	Young-of-year perch gathering in shallow areas Crawfish becoming active on rocky areas Smaller baitfish moving into warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-78	Perch schools actively feeding in early morning and evening, moving between deep and shallow zones based on light and temperature Schools splitting into smaller groups during midday, relating tightly to structure and seeking cooler water Feeding patterns heavily influenced by crayfish and insect activity in the complex shoreline areas	Deep water edges (20-30 feet) adjacent to points and humps, especially during midday heat Rocky shoreline areas and shallow bays (8-15 feet) during morning and evening periods Transition zones between shallow flats and deeper water, particularly near structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Crayfish, particularly active during warmer periods Small baitfish in schools near structure Aquatic insects, especially in shallow zones	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-78	Actively feeding in early morning and evening, seeking thermal refuge during midday heat Relating strongly to hard structure (boulders, river channels) and transitioning between deep and shallow zones based on light and temperature Schooling behavior around baitfish concentrations, particularly in areas with current or structural elements	River channel edges with boulder structure in 8-15 feet Main lake points with mixed rock and laydown cover Deep flats adjacent to shallow feeding areas	Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water during midday Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during active feeding periods	Minnows/small baitfish schooling in the upper water column Crawfish active on rocky structure and channel edges Perch relating to deeper structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Actively feeding around brush piles and deep structure during summer, with increased activity in early morning and evening hours Utilizing both shallow weed edges and deeper structure as ambush points, moving between depths based on light and temperature	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water, particularly those near creek channels or drops Weed edges adjacent to deeper water Dock areas with nearby deep water access	Drop Shot with finesse worms, working methodically through brush piles Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and dock posts Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along deeper weed edges and structure transitions	Crawfish in and around brush piles and rocky areas Perch relating to weed edges Small bluegills in shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Trout	58-72	Trout are actively feeding on alewife schools in cooler water zones, making frequent vertical movements to follow baitfish Fish are seeking thermal refuge during peak summer temperatures, concentrating in areas where cool water and optimal light conditions intersect	Deep weedline edges adjacent to drop-offs where cool water meets structure Main lake points and ledges where baitfish schools concentrate Thermocline depth zones with active baitfish schools	Trolling Shallow (0-9') during early morning and evening Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') during midday Spoons worked through baitfish schools Inline Spinners near structure edges	Alewife - primary forage based on recent reports Other pelagic baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-74	Pike are actively hunting along weed edges and transition zones in response to 72°F surface temperatures, with most aggressive feeding during lower light periods Fish are utilizing submerged vegetation as ambush points, striking reaction baits with flash and vibration in the stained water conditions	Weed edges and points where submerged vegetation meets deeper water Secondary points with mixed vegetation and rock Shallow to moderate depth flats with scattered weed growth	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges with swimming retrieves Spinnerbaits parallel to weed lines with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) burned through scattered vegetation	Perch concentrated along weed edges Baitfish schools relating to vegetation	Light Neutral Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Seneca Lake (NY)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-60	Yellow perch begin schooling more tightly in fall, moving to deeper water (30-40 feet) near structure as water temperatures cool Feeding activity increases during fall as perch bulk up for winter, with most active periods during early morning and late afternoon	Deep water humps and ledges in 30-40 foot range, especially those adjacent to points Rocky points with quick access to deep water Deep water basins where schools suspend over baitfish	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Drop Shot	Small baitfish schools in deep water Crayfish on rocky structure Aquatic insects near bottom structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Actively feeding and schooling, following baitfish movements to build energy reserves for winter Moving between deeper structural elements and shallower feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods	Deep rocky points and channel edges in 10-20 foot range Boulder fields adjacent to river channel edges Transition areas between flats and deep water	Drop Shot with slow, deliberate movements along bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Tubes dragged along rocky bottom areas Spybaits for suspended fish following baitfish schools	Schooling baitfish in open water Crawfish on rocky structure Small perch along transitional areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on baitfish and crawfish around shallow cover, showing increased aggression due to fall feeding patterns Moving between docks and laydowns, using these structures as ambush points for feeding	Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow to mid-depth water Boat docks, especially those near deeper water access Weed edges adjacent to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting wood cover and dock posts Wacky Rigs worked slowly around cover Swim Jigs along weed edges and between docks	Crawfish in and around wood cover Minnows schooling near docks and wood cover Perch relating to weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Trout	52-62	Trout actively following alewife schools as they move deeper with cooling water temperatures Increased feeding activity in low-light conditions near structure and thermocline edges More aggressive pursuit of baitfish due to pre-winter feeding patterns	Deep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to main lake points (15-25 feet) Deeper weedline edges where vegetation is starting to die off Main lake structure near baitfish schools (20-30 feet)	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with consistent speed near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics Spoons worked through baitfish schools	Alewife schools in deeper water Small minnows near dying weedlines Young-of-year baitfish congregating near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike transitioning to aggressive feeding patterns to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools as they migrate to deeper water Most active during low-light periods and overcast days, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper holding zones	Deep weedline edges adjacent to flats in 10-20 FOW Points and inside turns where shallow flats meet deeper water Rocky areas near deep-water access where baitfish schools congregate	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges with occasional pauses Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks with large profile baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transitional areas	Perch schooling near deep structure Baitfish schools concentrating in remaining vegetation Crawfish active on rocky structure before winter	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Large schools actively feeding on deep structure, concentrating on drop-off edges in 30-80 feet of water with intermittent feeding periods Fish are schooling tightly and responding well to vertical presentations, typical winter behavior for yellow perch	Deep drop-off edges in 30-80 feet of water, particularly where ledges meet basin areas Deep humps and points adjacent to primary lake basin Deep rocky structure areas where winter forage concentrates	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with drop shot rigs and small plastics Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) using 1/2 oz jig heads with small plastics Ice Fishing Spoons worked vertically in deep water	Minnows concentrated in deep water Small invertebrates near bottom structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Trout	38-45	Actively feeding on schools of alewife in deep water zones near sharp drop-offs and ledges Moving between deep winter holding areas and shallower feeding zones during dawn/dusk periods Suspending in water column near thermocline where optimal temperature and light conditions meet	Deep ledges and drop-offs in 20-30 foot range where baitfish schools concentrate Transitional areas between deep basins and underwater points Deep water adjacent to submerged vegetation where baitfish seek shelter	Trolling Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Spoons Live Bait Rigs	Alewife schools in deep water Small baitfish near weedline edges Juvenile panfish in transitional areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	34-40	Pike during winter congregate around predictable structure adjacent to deep flats, making use of the 10-20 FOW range as primary holding areas Feeding activity tends to be most aggressive during prime light periods, with fish moving between deeper winter holding areas and adjacent shallow structure to ambush prey	Mid-depth flats in 10-20 FOW where schools of prey fish concentrate Edges of weedlines that remain green through winter, particularly those adjacent to deeper water Points and inside turns that provide quick access to both shallow and deep water	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths to locate active fish Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging cadence to trigger reaction strikes Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along edges of flats where prey schools concentrate	Perch schools concentrated on mid-depth flats Stressed or dying baitfish susceptible to ambush in transitional areas	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch form tight schools in deep water (30-80 feet), typically holding near bottom structure during ice season Feeding activity is most intense during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during midday Schools actively move between different depth zones following forage, particularly responding to insect hatches and baitfish movements	Deep water humps and ledges in 30-80 foot range, especially those adjacent to feeding flats Rocky points and transitions where bottom composition changes Deep basin areas near structural elements where schools suspend	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements to trigger bites in the stained water Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive action to create flash and vibration Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with steady cadence to maintain contact with schools	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish suspended in deeper water Aquatic insects, particularly larvae and nymphs near bottom Smaller crayfish seeking shelter among rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Trout	34-39	Trout concentrating near suspended baitfish schools in deep water basins (20-35 feet) where oxygen levels remain high Most active during early morning and late afternoon, following daily movements of alewife schools Seeking areas where current or structure creates oxygen-rich water conditions	Deep water basins adjacent to steep breaks where baitfish schools suspend Main lake points with access to deep water Areas where deep ledges intersect with primary lake basin	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with live bait for finesse presentation Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to intercept cruising fish	Alewife schools suspended in deep water basins Small perch near bottom structure Juvenile baitfish concentrated near deep structure	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike actively feeding on schooled perch and other baitfish on mid-depth flats, with increased activity during low-light periods Fish typically holding near bottom structure in 10-20 FOW, moving between feeding zones based on forage concentrations	Mid-depth flats in 10-20 FOW where baitfish school Transition areas between flats and deeper water Weedline edges that remain green through winter	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with flashy presentations	Perch schooling in 10-20 FOW Various small baitfish species concentrated on flats Bottom-dwelling prey near structure	Vibrant Assorted Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Seneca Lake (NY)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Deep water humps and points in 40+ feet of water	Rocky bottom areas with crayfish populations
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields adjacent to spawning flats	River channel edges where they meet structural elements
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings near spawning flats	Shallow brush piles and laydowns in 4-8 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Points and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats in 15-25 foot depth range	Deep water structure transitioning to shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow rocky bays and tributaries with emerging vegetation (2-8 feet)	Transition areas between winter flats and spawning bays (8-15 feet)
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and sparse vegetation	Gradual sloping areas near points with mixed rock and gravel
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow boulder fields in clear water areas, especially those with good spawning substrate	Protected shallow bays and coves along the complex shoreline
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves and bays with firm bottom composition, especially near emerging vegetation	Shallow areas adjacent to docks and laydowns in 2-6 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Gravel points and shallow flats near deep water access (8-15 feet)	Creek channels and tributary inflows with moving water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Rocky shallow bays and coves with boulder structure (2-6 feet deep)	Protected spawning flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Rocky points and humps in 15-25 foot depth range	Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	River channels with adjacent deep banks in 4-6 foot depth range	Points and structural elements near deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with access to both spawning bays and deeper water	Weed edges in 5-10 feet of water, especially near dock areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water where thermal refuge is available	Weedline edges in 15-25 foot depths where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Rocky points and shallow bays adjacent to deeper water	Emerging weed edges in 5-15 feet of water
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deep water edges (20-30 feet) adjacent to points and humps, especially during midday heat	Rocky shoreline areas and shallow bays (8-15 feet) during morning and evening periods
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	River channel edges with boulder structure in 8-15 feet	Main lake points with mixed rock and laydown cover
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water, particularly those near creek channels or drops	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Trout	Deep weedline edges adjacent to drop-offs where cool water meets structure	Main lake points and ledges where baitfish schools concentrate
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and points where submerged vegetation meets deeper water	Secondary points with mixed vegetation and rock
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep water humps and ledges in 30-40 foot range, especially those adjacent to points	Rocky points with quick access to deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rocky points and channel edges in 10-20 foot range	Boulder fields adjacent to river channel edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber in shallow to mid-depth water	Boat docks, especially those near deeper water access
Fall	Trout	Deep ledges and drop-offs adjacent to main lake points (15-25 feet)	Deeper weedline edges where vegetation is starting to die off
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weedline edges adjacent to flats in 10-20 FOW	Points and inside turns where shallow flats meet deeper water
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep drop-off edges in 30-80 feet of water, particularly where ledges meet basin areas	Deep humps and points adjacent to primary lake basin
Winter	Trout	Deep ledges and drop-offs in 20-30 foot range where baitfish schools concentrate	Transitional areas between deep basins and underwater points
Winter	Northern Pike	Mid-depth flats in 10-20 FOW where schools of prey fish concentrate	Edges of weedlines that remain green through winter, particularly those adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep water humps and ledges in 30-80 foot range, especially those adjacent to feeding flats	Rocky points and transitions where bottom composition changes
Ice	Trout	Deep water basins adjacent to steep breaks where baitfish schools suspend	Main lake points with access to deep water
Ice	Northern Pike	Mid-depth flats in 10-20 FOW where baitfish school	Transition areas between flats and deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Crawfish	Insects
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Yellow Perch in deeper staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Alewives gathering in pre-spawn schools	Small baitfish utilizing emerging weed growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch moving from winter depths to spawning areas	Emerging crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Small minnows in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small bluegill and perch in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Alewife schools moving shallow	Small minnows in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish schools
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage confirmed in recent reports	Crawfish - secondary forage based on lake profile analysis
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in the warming waters	Young of the year bluegill in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Alewife schools in transition zones	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year perch gathering in shallow areas	Crawfish becoming active on rocky areas
Summer	Yellow Perch	Crayfish, particularly active during warmer periods	Small baitfish in schools near structure
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows/small baitfish schooling in the upper water column	Crawfish active on rocky structure and channel edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish in and around brush piles and rocky areas	Perch relating to weed edges
Summer	Trout	Alewife - primary forage based on recent reports	Other pelagic baitfish schools
Summer	Northern Pike	Perch concentrated along weed edges	Baitfish schools relating to vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools in deep water	Crayfish on rocky structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Schooling baitfish in open water	Crawfish on rocky structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish in and around wood cover	Minnows schooling near docks and wood cover
Fall	Trout	Alewife schools in deeper water	Small minnows near dying weedlines
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch schooling near deep structure	Baitfish schools concentrating in remaining vegetation
Winter	Yellow Perch	Minnows concentrated in deep water	Small invertebrates near bottom structure
Winter	Trout	Alewife schools in deep water	Small baitfish near weedline edges
Winter	Northern Pike	Perch schools concentrated on mid-depth flats	Stressed or dying baitfish susceptible to ambush in transitional areas
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile baitfish suspended in deeper water	Aquatic insects, particularly larvae and nymphs near bottom
Ice	Trout	Alewife schools suspended in deep water basins	Small perch near bottom structure
Ice	Northern Pike	Perch schooling in 10-20 FOW	Various small baitfish species concentrated on flats

Bait Colors by Season for Seneca Lake (NY)

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