How to Fish Shawano Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Shawano Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Shawano Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas, making gradual movements from winter depths to spawning flats Multiple spawn phases occurring simultaneously due to varying bottom compositions creating different warming rates Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends	Protected pockets with gradual slopes near spawning flats Secondary points with access to deeper water Sharp breaks with emerging weed growth in 4-12 foot range	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along transition areas Bladed Jigs around developing weed edges	Bluegills in shallow warming pockets Small baitfish transitioning to spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from deeper winter areas to warmer shallows, staging near spawning areas but not yet on beds Fish are becoming more active as water warms, feeding opportunistically on emerging insects and small invertebrates Movement patterns focus on edges of emerging vegetation and transitions between shallow flats and slightly deeper water	Shallow bays with emerging lily pad growth (4-8 feet) Secondary points leading into spawning bays (6-10 feet) Edges of submerged vegetation in pre-spawn staging areas (8-12 feet)	Live Bait Rigs with small red worms or waxworms under slip bobbers Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near vegetation edges Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily through transitional areas	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small crustaceans and zooplankton Tiny baitfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappies are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Fish are beginning to school up near spawning areas but not yet committed to bedding, making frequent movements between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones	Deeper edges of emerging weed growth in 8-12 feet of water Protected coves and bays with gradual slopes to deeper water Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging Finesse Hair Jigs	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Early season aquatic insects Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleyes are transitioning from winter areas to spawning locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish become more active during low-light periods, especially around sunset and sunrise Movement patterns follow sharp breaks and transitions near potential spawning areas	Sharp breaks near potential spawning areas with gravel or rock substrate Transitions where coontail edges meet depth changes Protected shallow bays that warm first in spring	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along breaks Blade Baits worked vertically on sharp breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with finesse presentations	Small perch gathering in pre-spawn areas Baitfish schools in transition areas Bluegills in emerging weed areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Fish are in multiple spawn phases (pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn) with majority in pre-spawn or spawning phase Bass are actively transitioning between staging areas and spawning flats, with some early bedding activity	Shallow weed edges adjacent to potential spawning flats Secondary points with submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depth Protected pockets with stable bottom composition for bedding	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with creature baits around shallow cover Neko Rigs with straight tail worms for staging fish Bladed Jigs for covering water to locate active pre-spawn fish	Bluegill gathering in similar spawning areas Small baitfish in staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively spawning in shallow areas, particularly around lily pads, with males guarding nests and females moving in and out of spawning areas Feeding actively between spawning activities, primarily on small invertebrates and insects around vegetation	Lily pad beds in shallow bays, especially where spawning activity is observed Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Transitional areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water	Bobbers with small jigs suspended at proper depth Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) when targeting areas between lily pads Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	55-65	Crappies are actively moving into shallow spawning areas with submerged vegetation, becoming more aggressive as they prepare for spawning Fish are concentrating in protected areas with warmer water temperatures, particularly during morning and evening periods	Shallow submerged vegetation in 3-9 feet of water, particularly in protected bays and coves Emergent vegetation edges transitioning to spawning areas Protected coves with stable temperatures and vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Young-of-year bluegills Small minnows in shallow vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow rocky areas and tributaries Most active during dawn and dusk, with increased daytime activity due to spawning behavior Males arrive first at spawning areas and stay longer, while females move in quickly to spawn and return to deeper water	Rocky points and shallow gravel areas near sharp breaks Tributary mouths and current areas Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, deliberate movements	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas Young of year perch near weed edges Crayfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating heavily to shallow grass lines and beginning to establish predictable feeding patterns	Shallow grass lines, particularly where they meet clean bottom areas Secondary points with emerging vegetation Shallow to mid-depth weed edges in 4-12 foot range	Swim Jigs worked parallel to grass lines Soft Jerkbaits worked through sparse vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working through thicker grass patches	Bluegill Young of the year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively foraging to recover energy Fish are beginning to establish summer feeding patterns, moving between vegetation edges and open water depending on time of day	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to spawning bays Secondary points with submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot depth Deeper pockets within lily pad fields in 4-6 foot depth	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Bobbers	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to emerging weed growth and utilizing the edges of vegetation as ambush points Most active during early morning and evening hours, suspending near cover during mid-day	Weed edges in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas Deeper coontail edges providing shade and ambush points Secondary points with emerging vegetation near deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for suspended fish	Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation Small minnows utilizing weed edges Aquatic insects emerging in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye recovering from spawn, transitioning to active feeding patterns with increased activity during dawn/dusk periods Fish moving between shallow feeding areas and adjacent deeper water, especially around emerging weed edges	Weed edges and coontail breaks in 8-15 foot depths Sharp breaks and points adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during low light periods	Young-of-year perch Small baitfish schools Recovering post-winter bluegills	Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	74-81	Bass are establishing summer patterns, holding tight to deep weed edges and points where they can easily access both shallow and deep water Fish are showing most activity during early morning and evening, stacking up on prime structure during midday heat	Sharp breaks with established weed lines, especially where weeds form points Docks with deep water access, particularly those sitting low to the water Coontail edges adjacent to deeper water	Ned Rigs worked along weed edges Wacky Rigs skipped under docks Texas Rigs dragged along weed edges and ledges	Bluegill Crawfish	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Bluegills are actively feeding in and around vegetation beds, with larger fish typically holding in slightly deeper water adjacent to weed edges During midday heat, fish move deeper into weed beds or suspend under lily pads for shade, becoming more active during morning and evening periods	Weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, particularly where vegetation meets deeper water Shallow bays with lily pads and emergent vegetation in 4-6 feet Deep weed flats in 10-12 feet with mixed vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with light line and small hooks for finesse presentation Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through vegetation columns Bobbers with adjustable depths to target different levels in the water column	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton in and around vegetation Small crustaceans near weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappies are actively feeding along weed edges during early morning and evening, suspending near the outer edges of vegetation during midday Fish are schooling in small to medium groups, relating strongly to defined weed lines and moving between different depth zones based on light conditions	Well-defined weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range Deeper coontail edges adjacent to feeding flats Deeper suspended positions near vegetation during bright midday periods	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges during prime feeding periods Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs when fish suspend off structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish during midday	Young-of-year bluegills around weed edges Small minnows suspended in and around vegetation Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	74-81	Walleye are relating strongly to weed edges, using them as ambush points during feeding periods. They're likely moving deeper during bright conditions due to moderate water clarity (10ft Secchi) Fish are showing preference for finesse presentations along weed transitions, suggesting a more selective feeding pattern in warm summer conditions	Deep weed edges with sharp breaks, particularly where coontail meets deeper water Wind-blown weed lines where current concentrates baitfish Deeper structure adjacent to weeds where fish can retreat during peak daylight	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along weed edges Drop Shot with light baits for suspended fish near weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during midday periods	Bluegills concentrated around weed edges Perch schools relating to weed/bottom transitions Various small baitfish utilizing weed cover	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Shawano Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Relating heavily to remaining green vegetation and isolated dead mat areas, actively feeding in shallow warmer pockets (1-3ft) Fish are transitioning with lake turnover, seeking remaining green vegetation as primary cover and actively responding to topwater presentations	Shallow pockets (1-3ft) with remaining green vegetation Dead reed patches with adjacent matted vegetation Protected marina areas with warmer water	Frogs/Toads worked over and around remaining vegetation mats Hard Topwater (Walking) in open water near vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working through remaining vegetation	Bluegill congregating around remaining vegetation Baitfish schools moving shallow in warm pockets	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water (8-12 feet) as vegetation begins to die off, focusing on remaining green weeds and deeper structure Feeding activity increases as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during warmer afternoons	Deep weed edges where green vegetation meets deeper water (8-12 feet) Deeper flats with scattered vegetation Secondary drop-offs near shallow feeding areas	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Small crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning from summer weed patterns to deeper water as vegetation dies off and turnover occurs, following baitfish schools Fish become more grouped up and actively feeding to build reserves for winter, creating concentrated feeding zones	Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation meets basin areas Main lake points adjacent to deep water Basin areas with suspended schools of baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small bluegills suspended near dying weed edges Schooling baitfish in open water Young-of-year perch along remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Walleye become more active during daylight hours as water temperatures cool, with aggressive feeding periods during early morning and evening transitions Fish are following seasonal baitfish migrations to shallower areas, particularly around weed edges that are beginning to die off	Deep weed edges adjacent to sharp breaks (8-15 feet) Points and inside turns with remaining vegetation Mid-depth flats with scattered vegetation (6-12 feet)	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Yellow Perch Bluegills Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Actively holding in deeper water columns near submerged vegetation edges, primarily feeding during warmer periods of the day Exhibiting more selective feeding patterns, targeting smaller prey items with deliberate movements to conserve energy	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range with proximity to shallow feeding flats Deeper holes near submerged vegetation that provide winter sanctuary Secondary drop-offs adjacent to remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic invertebrates Zooplankton Tiny minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies suspending in deeper water columns over basin areas, typically moving up and down based on light conditions and barometric pressure Feeding activity peaks during low-light periods and stable weather, with fish becoming more aggressive during warming trends	Deep basins adjacent to dying weed edges, typically in 18-25 foot range Secondary break lines near remaining green vegetation in 12-15 foot range Deep holes near channel bends or creek channels	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with light jigs and small soft plastics Damiki Rig worked slowly through suspended fish Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics when fish are scattered	Small bluegills suspending in similar depths Young-of-year perch in slightly shallower zones Smaller minnows schooling near remaining vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye become less active but maintain feeding periods during dawn and dusk, particularly near remaining weed edges and sharp breaks Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often relating to the same structural elements as their forage base	Deep weed edges adjacent to sharp breaks (8-15 feet) Points and transitions where coontail meets clean bottom Protected bays with remaining vegetation in 6-12 foot range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch concentrating near remaining weed edges Bluegills in protected areas with vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills are actively feeding but spread across multiple depth ranges (4-12 feet), with larger fish requiring more selective targeting Fish are relating strongly to green, living vegetation, showing clear preference for areas with healthy submerged weeds	Submerged green vegetation in 4-5 feet of water Deeper weed edges in 12 feet of water Basin areas where larger schools congregate	Ice Fishing Jigs with 4mm tungsten jigs tipped with live bait Ice Fishing Spoons using 1/32 oz jigging spoons for more aggressive fish	Small aquatic invertebrates Zooplankton	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are suspending in deeper basin areas, typically schooling tightly in predictable winter locations Fish become more active during low-light periods (dawn/dusk) and often suspend slightly higher in the water column during these times	Deep basins adjacent to summer weedline areas, typically in 20-30 feet of water Transitions between hard bottom and soft bottom in basin areas Deeper holes near underwater points that served as fall transition areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, particularly effective with live bait Ice Fishing Spoons for aggressive reaction strikes during active feeding periods Damiki Rig when fish are tightly schooled and showing on electronics	Small bluegills and young-of-year panfish Zooplankton and tiny invertebrates Small minnows suspending in the same depth ranges	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	32-39	Walleye actively feeding during early morning and late afternoon periods in 4-12 foot zones near weed edges Fish holding tight to bottom structure during bright conditions, becoming more active during overcast periods	Weed edges in 4-12 foot depths, particularly near coontail breaks Sharp breaks with good weed lines that create ambush points Transitions between vegetation types where prey species concentrate	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with live bait near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging followed by pause Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish	Perch concentrating near weed edges Bluegills holding in vegetation Small baitfish schools near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Shawano Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected pockets with gradual slopes near spawning flats	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow bays with emerging lily pad growth (4-8 feet)	Secondary points leading into spawning bays (6-10 feet)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Deeper edges of emerging weed growth in 8-12 feet of water	Protected coves and bays with gradual slopes to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Sharp breaks near potential spawning areas with gravel or rock substrate	Transitions where coontail edges meet depth changes
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow weed edges adjacent to potential spawning flats	Secondary points with submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depth
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Lily pad beds in shallow bays, especially where spawning activity is observed	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow submerged vegetation in 3-9 feet of water, particularly in protected bays and coves	Emergent vegetation edges transitioning to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shallow gravel areas near sharp breaks	Tributary mouths and current areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow grass lines, particularly where they meet clean bottom areas	Secondary points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to spawning bays	Secondary points with submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas	Deeper coontail edges providing shade and ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Weed edges and coontail breaks in 8-15 foot depths	Sharp breaks and points adjacent to spawning areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Sharp breaks with established weed lines, especially where weeds form points	Docks with deep water access, particularly those sitting low to the water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, particularly where vegetation meets deeper water	Shallow bays with lily pads and emergent vegetation in 4-6 feet
Summer	Crappie	Well-defined weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range	Deeper coontail edges adjacent to feeding flats
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges with sharp breaks, particularly where coontail meets deeper water	Wind-blown weed lines where current concentrates baitfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shallow pockets (1-3ft) with remaining green vegetation	Dead reed patches with adjacent matted vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where green vegetation meets deeper water (8-12 feet)	Deeper flats with scattered vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges where remaining vegetation meets basin areas	Main lake points adjacent to deep water
Fall	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to sharp breaks (8-15 feet)	Points and inside turns with remaining vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range with proximity to shallow feeding flats	Deeper holes near submerged vegetation that provide winter sanctuary
Winter	Crappie	Deep basins adjacent to dying weed edges, typically in 18-25 foot range	Secondary break lines near remaining green vegetation in 12-15 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to sharp breaks (8-15 feet)	Points and transitions where coontail meets clean bottom
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Submerged green vegetation in 4-5 feet of water	Deeper weed edges in 12 feet of water
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins adjacent to summer weedline areas, typically in 20-30 feet of water	Transitions between hard bottom and soft bottom in basin areas
Ice	Walleye	Weed edges in 4-12 foot depths, particularly near coontail breaks	Sharp breaks with good weed lines that create ambush points

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills in shallow warming pockets	Small baitfish transitioning to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Early season aquatic insects
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small perch gathering in pre-spawn areas	Baitfish schools in transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in similar spawning areas	Small baitfish in staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills	Small minnows in shallow vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas	Young of year perch near weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Young of the year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation	Small minnows utilizing weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year perch	Small baitfish schools
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton in and around vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills around weed edges	Small minnows suspended in and around vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Bluegills concentrated around weed edges	Perch schools relating to weed/bottom transitions
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating around remaining vegetation	Baitfish schools moving shallow in warm pockets
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Fall	Crappie	Small bluegills suspended near dying weed edges	Schooling baitfish in open water
Fall	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Bluegills
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates	Zooplankton
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills suspending in similar depths	Young-of-year perch in slightly shallower zones
Winter	Walleye	Perch concentrating near remaining weed edges	Bluegills in protected areas with vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates	Zooplankton
Ice	Crappie	Small bluegills and young-of-year panfish	Zooplankton and tiny invertebrates
Ice	Walleye	Perch concentrating near weed edges	Bluegills holding in vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for Shawano Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Warm Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Walleye	Vibrant Assorted Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors