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

Fathers Day Promo: Buy Any Reel, Get Omnia PRO Free. Learn More

20% Off Xzone Lures, Through 06/17. Save Now

20% Off All St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods, Through 06/28. Save Now

PRO Members: Get 2X Credit Back On All Fishing Line. Learn More

Built to Serve Tee + PRO = $20 Donated Per Order → Shop Now

Save Up To $500 on Select Minn Kota, Through 06/18. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Shakopee Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Shakopee Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Bluegills transitioning from deeper winter areas to warming shallows, staging near emerging vegetation and preparing for spawn Feeding activity increasing with warming water, particularly during afternoon hours when temperatures peak	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper winter holdover areas Edges of developing cabbage weed beds in 4-7 foot depths Dark bottom areas that warm faster, particularly near shoreline transitions	Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line, fished slowly near bottom Bobbers with suspended baits at varying depths to find active fish Finesse Hair Jigs worked methodically through emerging vegetation	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water Tiny minnows concentrated in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-55	Aggressively feeding pike staging near shallow flats and deep cabbage edges in pre-spawn period, showing high activity levels especially during wind events Fish are actively chasing fast-moving baits, indicating increased metabolism and feeding competition as water warms	Deep cabbage beds adjacent to shallow flats - primary staging areas Wind-protected areas with vegetation - secondary locations during high winds Weed edges near points and bays where vegetation meets deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively with sharp jerks and longer pauses Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges, especially during windy conditions Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked steadily through vegetation lanes	Minnows - primary forage during pre-spawn period Perch - secondary forage relating to same vegetation areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Pre-spawn bass staging near cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning flats, making short feeding movements during warming periods Fish transitioning between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning locations, with activity levels increasing as water warms	Deep cabbage bed edges adjacent to shallow flats Protected coves with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly along vegetation edges Bladed Jigs with steady retrieves through emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near transition areas	Perch concentrating near vegetation edges Bluegill starting to move shallow Various minnow species relating to warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow, protected areas with firm bottom to establish spawning beds, typically in 2-4 feet of water Males becoming increasingly aggressive while guarding nests, making them more likely to strike at small intruders	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation Shallow flats adjacent to cabbage weed edges Coves and protected areas created by the complex shoreline	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 2-3 feet deep Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas Small minnows near weed edges Emerging aquatic insects in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-55	Actively spawning in shallow, weedy areas and adjacent flats, with post-spawn fish remaining shallow to feed heavily Showing aggressive territorial behavior and opportunistic feeding, especially during cooler parts of the day	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Edges of weed flats adjacent to slightly deeper water Wind-blown shorelines concentrating baitfish	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily along vegetation transitions	Perch congregating in shallow vegetation Minnows schooling on wind-blown shorelines Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Pre-spawn bass moving from deep cabbage wintering areas to shallow spawning flats, staging at transition areas Males actively preparing and guarding nests in protected shallow areas, while females move between staging and spawning areas Increased feeding activity during warming trends, particularly focused on shallow areas near spawning flats	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom for spawning Deep cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits worked with longer pauses along transition areas Spinnerbaits along cabbage edges during cloudy conditions	Bluegill moving shallow ahead of spawn Perch relating to vegetation edges Minnows schooling in pre-spawn areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-72	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small invertebrates in and around vegetation Fish are moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby feeding zones, establishing patterns along weed edges and in cabbage beds	Thick cabbage weed beds adjacent to spawning flats in 4-7 feet of water Vegetation edges where shallow flats transition to slightly deeper water Protected coves with established weed growth	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly through vegetation Live Bait Rigs with subtle presentations near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') focusing on gaps in vegetation	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation Small invertebrates and zooplankton Tiny minnows and fry	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting baitfish and panfish along vegetation edges and shallow flats Fish are making daily movements between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper vegetation edges for resting	Weed edges adjacent to shallow flats where pike can ambush prey Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish concentrate Points and bays with emerging vegetation	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively with frequent pauses near weed edges Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges and across points Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps	Perch concentrating near developing weed growth Bluegills moving into warming shallow areas Minnow schools relating to wind-blown areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively recuperating and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing cabbage bed edges and shallow cover as ambush points, particularly during low-light periods	Deep cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with emerging vegetation Shallow cover areas with access to slightly deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water	Perch moving along weed edges Bluegill beginning to establish in shallow vegetation Minnows schooling in transitional areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	69-74	Panfish are relating heavily to thick weed growth in shallow to mid-depth zones, with active feeding periods in early morning and evening Fish are showing preference for smaller forage and concentrating in areas where vegetation provides both cover and feeding opportunities	Thick weed beds in 4-8 foot depth range Weed edges and transitions where vegetation meets open water Protected coves with established vegetation	Drop Shot with small finesse presentations Bobbers with live bait suspended at specific depths within weed openings Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through weed pockets	Small perch Minnows Aquatic insects in weed beds	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Northern Pike	65-75	Pike are holding along thick weed edges as ambush predators, moving deeper during midday when temperatures peak Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, targeting abundant panfish and baitfish in vegetation	Thick weed edges in 6-7 feet of water, especially where they meet open water Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish concentrate Deeper cabbage beds adjacent to shallow flats	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps Inline Spinners retrieved steadily along weed tops	Bluegill concentrated in weed beds Perch along weed edges Minnows schooling near vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	67-74	Bass actively feeding in and around thick submerged vegetation, pushing baitfish schools and utilizing vegetation edges as ambush points Fish showing both shallow shoreline and offshore vegetation pattern movements during feeding periods, particularly during cloudy conditions	Thick submerged vegetation beds, especially edges where bass are pushing baitfish Shallow shoreline areas during cloudy conditions or early/late day periods Deep cabbage bed edges near shallow flats serving as transition zones	Bladed Jigs worked through and over vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working through thick vegetation Frogs/Toads for working over matted vegetation	Perch (pinky-sized) Bluegill Small Minnows	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Shakopee Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water (6-8 feet) as vegetation begins to die off, congregating around remaining green weeds and depth transitions Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during midday hours when water temperatures are optimal	Deep cabbage weed edges where vegetation is still green Transitions between weed flats and deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Drop Shot with small soft plastics worked slowly through vegetation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with finesse presentations Live Bait Rigs suspended at key depths	Small insects and larvae in remaining vegetation Tiny minnows seeking shelter in weed edges Zooplankton in water column	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools along weed edges and points Fish become more aggressive in cooling water, making longer moves to chase prey in the turbid conditions	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water (7ft breaks mentioned in reports) Wind-blown points and shorelines where baitfish concentrate Shallow bays with remaining vegetation near deeper water access	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near vegetation breaks Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive cadence in open water near structure	Perch relating to weed edges Bluegill in remaining vegetation Minnow schools along wind-blown structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on baitfish and panfish, moving between deep vegetation edges and shallower flats as they follow forage Transitioning to deeper, more concentrated areas as water cools, utilizing remaining vegetation and structure as ambush points	Deep cabbage bed edges where vegetation is still green and healthy Secondary points with access to both shallow flats and deeper water Thick vegetation patches near depth changes	Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges and through remaining cover Lipless Crankbaits ripped through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for mimicking primary forage	Yellow Perch schooling near vegetation edges Bluegill concentrating in remaining green vegetation Minnows schooling in open water near structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Panfish transitioning deeper as winter approaches, gathering in schools near remaining vegetation and ledges Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during early morning and late afternoon periods	Deep cabbage weed edges near depth transitions Ledges in 7-8 foot range with remaining vegetation Protected coves with deeper water access	Drop Shot with light line and small profile baits Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with finesse presentations Live Bait Rigs suspended at key depths	Small invertebrates and insects Juvenile minnows Small perch	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	34-39	Pike are actively feeding on panfish near deep weed edges, using 7ft depths as primary hunting grounds Fish are likely to be most active during mid-morning and late afternoon, staging near structure that provides access to both cover and forage	Deep weed edges at 7ft depth contours where panfish concentrate Secondary break lines adjacent to winter-hardy vegetation Areas where remaining green vegetation provides oxygen and attracts baitfish	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with aggressive jigging cadence Blade Baits worked with sharp upward snaps followed by brief pauses	Panfish (particularly bluegill) concentrated in remaining vegetation Perch schools relating to deeper weed edges Suspended minnow schools near structure	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-38	Concentrating along weed-to-ledge transitions in 7ft depths, actively feeding on small insects and zooplankton during stable winter periods Forming tight schools in areas where vegetation meets depth changes, particularly during prime feeding windows	Ledges transitioning from weed lines to deeper water in 7-foot range Deep cabbage edges near depth transitions Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs with tungsten heads for quick dropping and superior sensitivity Ice Fishing Spoons worked slowly to trigger reaction strikes	Insects and larvae (particularly euro larvae as noted in reports) Small invertebrates and zooplankton in weedy areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	Pike are actively feeding on concentrated panfish near deep weed edges, especially during prime dawn and dusk periods Fish are holding in predictable winter locations near the 7ft weed line break, using vegetation as ambush points	Deep weed edges in 7ft of water where panfish congregate Transition areas between weedy flats and deeper water Areas where thick cabbage beds meet clearer paths or openings	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned near weed edges Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Panfish (especially perch and bluegill) concentrated near weed edges Minnows schooled in deeper holes adjacent to vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Shakopee Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper winter holdover areas	Edges of developing cabbage weed beds in 4-7 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Deep cabbage beds adjacent to shallow flats - primary staging areas	Wind-protected areas with vegetation - secondary locations during high winds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deep cabbage bed edges adjacent to shallow flats	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and emerging vegetation	Shallow flats adjacent to cabbage weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Edges of weed flats adjacent to slightly deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays and coves with firm bottom for spawning	Deep cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Thick cabbage weed beds adjacent to spawning flats in 4-7 feet of water	Vegetation edges where shallow flats transition to slightly deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to shallow flats where pike can ambush prey	Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Deep cabbage bed edges adjacent to spawning flats	Secondary points with emerging vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Thick weed beds in 4-8 foot depth range	Weed edges and transitions where vegetation meets open water
Summer	Northern Pike	Thick weed edges in 6-7 feet of water, especially where they meet open water	Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish concentrate
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick submerged vegetation beds, especially edges where bass are pushing baitfish	Shallow shoreline areas during cloudy conditions or early/late day periods
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep cabbage weed edges where vegetation is still green	Transitions between weed flats and deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water (7ft breaks mentioned in reports)	Wind-blown points and shorelines where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep cabbage bed edges where vegetation is still green and healthy	Secondary points with access to both shallow flats and deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep cabbage weed edges near depth transitions	Ledges in 7-8 foot range with remaining vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges at 7ft depth contours where panfish concentrate	Secondary break lines adjacent to winter-hardy vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Ledges transitioning from weed lines to deeper water in 7-foot range	Deep cabbage edges near depth transitions
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 7ft of water where panfish congregate	Transition areas between weedy flats and deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Tiny minnows concentrated in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Minnows - primary forage during pre-spawn period	Perch - secondary forage relating to same vegetation areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch concentrating near vegetation edges	Bluegill starting to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around spawning areas	Small minnows near weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch congregating in shallow vegetation	Minnows schooling on wind-blown shorelines
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow ahead of spawn	Perch relating to vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation	Small invertebrates and zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Perch concentrating near developing weed growth	Bluegills moving into warming shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch moving along weed edges	Bluegill beginning to establish in shallow vegetation
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small perch	Minnows
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegill concentrated in weed beds	Perch along weed edges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch (pinky-sized)	Bluegill
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in remaining vegetation	Tiny minnows seeking shelter in weed edges
Fall	Northern Pike	Perch relating to weed edges	Bluegill in remaining vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling near vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating in remaining green vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects	Juvenile minnows
Winter	Northern Pike	Panfish (particularly bluegill) concentrated in remaining vegetation	Perch schools relating to deeper weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and larvae (particularly euro larvae as noted in reports)	Small invertebrates and zooplankton in weedy areas
Ice	Northern Pike	Panfish (especially perch and bluegill) concentrated near weed edges	Minnows schooled in deeper holes adjacent to vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Shakopee Lake

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

Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order

Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.
Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area.

© 2025 Omnia Fishing Inc. All Rights Reserved

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy