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Shields Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Shields Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass are transitioning into pre-spawn patterns, actively feeding in shallow areas but not yet on beds, showing increased aggression and movement Fish are relying heavily on lateral line sensing due to poor water clarity (2.3ft visibility), responding well to moving baits with vibration	Shallow submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot depth range, especially emerging grass Protected coves and pockets where water warms first Points and transitions leading to spawning flats	Swim Jigs worked steadily through vegetation Bladed Jigs for maximum vibration in stained water Spinnerbaits around vegetation edges	Bluegill in and around vegetation Small baitfish relating to warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	48-62	Actively staging in pre-spawn locations, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones in 8-12 feet of water Relating strongly to structure transitions, particularly around rock piles and wood cover in preparation for spawning Feeding more actively during warming trends, suspending near structure and edges of vegetation	Rock piles in 8-10 feet of water with nearby deeper water access Woody cover in shallow water areas, especially near developing weed lines Transition areas where hard bottom meets emerging vegetation in 10-12 feet	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around cover Tubes fished with 1/16oz jigheads around rock structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near wood cover and weed edges	Minnows gathering near warming shallow areas Early season insects starting to become active Small invertebrates around rock and wood structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn yellow perch actively schooling in preparation for spawning, with increased feeding activity due to warming water temperatures Fish concentrating in shallower zones (2-8 feet) due to limited light penetration in turbid conditions Schools utilizing weed edges as primary feeding zones, especially during peak daylight hours	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-6 foot depth range where perch can ambush prey Protected bays with emerging vegetation that warm quickly Transition areas between weedy flats and slightly deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small presentations near weed edges Live Bait Rigs with waxworms or small minnows Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow feeding areas	Aquatic insects and larvae Small invertebrates near weed edges Juvenile baitfish in emerging vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Bass are transitioning through spawning phases, with pre-spawn feeding activity around vegetation edges and movement into shallow spawning areas Fish are heavily utilizing lateral line sensing in the stained water conditions, responding well to moving baits with vibration	Shallow grass flats in 2-4 feet of water, especially areas with matted vegetation Protected coves and points with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bladed Jigs worked over and through grass with erratic retrieves Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting pockets in vegetation Spinnerbaits along weed edges for actively feeding fish	Bluegill concentrated in shallow vegetation Small baitfish relating to emerging grass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegill are actively spawning in shallow water, creating visible beds in protected areas with firm bottom composition Males are aggressive and territorial, guarding nests, while females move in and out of spawning areas Feeding activity increases during dawn and dusk, with fish particularly responsive to small prey items near spawning areas	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and scattered vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Areas near woody cover in shallow water, especially where spawning beds are present Weed edges and pockets in 4-8 feet of water adjacent to spawning areas	Bobbers with light finesse presentations suspended just above beds Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Tubes fished with subtle movements near cover	Small insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small aquatic worms	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-55	Yellow perch are actively schooling in the main lake basin, with fish moving in small groups while feeding on insects and other prey Due to the turbid water conditions (2.3ft visibility), perch are concentrating in shallower zones where light penetration is sufficient for feeding	Main lake basin areas where schools are actively roaming and feeding Weed edges in 5-6 foot depth range where perch can ambush prey Protected bays and points with moderate depth for spawning activity	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with jigging spoons for actively feeding schools Live Bait Rigs with waxies or larvae for finicky fish Hover/Mid-Strolling to stay with moving schools	Insects, particularly larva and aquatic invertebrates Small minnows and young-of-year fish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-68	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding while recovering, primarily relating to outer weed edges and grass mat edges Fish are showing preference for faster-falling baits and responding well to water displacement/vibration in the stained water conditions	Outside edges of grass mats with pockets of submerged vegetation Shallow flats with matted vegetation in 3-5 feet of water Points and coves with emerging weed growth	Swim Jigs worked along grass edges and through vegetation pockets Texas Rigs with heavy weights (3/8-1/2 oz) and craw-style baits Bladed Jigs worked parallel to weed edges	Perch actively moving along weed edges Bluegill beginning to establish in shallow vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting insects and small invertebrates around vegetation and woody cover Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones in 8-12 foot depths	Weed edges and pockets in 8-12 foot depths where vegetation meets deeper water Shallow wood cover and laydowns in protected areas Secondary points with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Bobbers with small finesse jigs worked slowly around vegetation edges Tubes fished with subtle movements near wood cover Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically in deeper weed pockets	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small invertebrates in vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-65	Post-spawn perch are actively feeding in small schools, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding zones along weed edges Fish are relying heavily on lateral line sensing due to turbid conditions, making vibration and movement key feeding triggers	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-6 foot depth range where perch can ambush prey Shallow flats adjacent to deeper basin areas where schools roam while feeding Points and bay intersections where current concentrates invertebrates	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs tipped with live bait for precise presentations in the turbid water Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along weed edges to target actively feeding fish Inline Spinners cast parallel to weed edges, utilizing flash and vibration in low visibility conditions	Aquatic insects and larvae concentrated along weed edges Small invertebrates in shallow feeding zones Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	78-81	Bass are actively feeding around vegetation edges and matted grass, showing both shallow and deep pattern options as evidenced by recent catches Fish are utilizing shade during peak daylight hours, moving between vegetation and dock areas as ambush points Despite poor visibility, bass are actively chasing moving baits, suggesting strong lateral line feeding behavior	Matted grass edges and holes in 3-4 feet of water Deep weed edges in 5-6 foot depth range Docks adjacent to vegetation Emergent vegetation and reed lines	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges Frogs/Toads over matted vegetation early morning Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick cover Drop Shot along deep weed edges	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation edges Small baitfish relating to vegetation and dock shade	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Bluegill are actively feeding in and around dense vegetation and algae mats, primarily during early morning and evening hours Fish are seeking cooler, oxygenated water during midday, often suspending near weed edges or moving slightly deeper	Weed edges and pockets within matted vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range Rock piles adjacent to vegetation in 10-15 foot range Shaded areas near woody cover in shallow water	Bobbers with small jigs suspended near weed edges Tubes worked slowly through vegetation pockets Finesse Hair Jigs dropped vertically in holes within vegetation	Insects and larvae around vegetation Small crustaceans in weed beds Plankton in algae-rich areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Yellow Perch	68-78	Yellow perch are forming loose schools along weed edges and utilizing vegetation as ambush points in 5-6 foot depths Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving between vegetation and slightly deeper adjacent areas	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-6 foot depth range Deeper basin areas adjacent to weed edges for midday holding Matted vegetation areas with clear edges for ambush feeding	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigs worked along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved parallel to vegetation Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms near weed edges	Small invertebrates and insects in and around vegetation Smaller baitfish utilizing weed cover Benthic organisms in areas adjacent to vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Shields Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively feeding on bluegill in shallow water, particularly around vegetation and dock areas due to the extremely poor water clarity (2.3 ft Secchi) Fish are relying heavily on their lateral line to detect prey in the stained water conditions, making them responsive to moving baits that create vibration and displacement	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those in protected areas Points with matted grass or vegetation Reed lines in protected pockets	Hard Topwater (Prop) worked around vegetation edges and dock areas Wacky Rigs pitched to docks and vegetation pockets Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation	Bluegill (primary forage based on lake profile and successful bait patterns) Young of the year baitfish schooling in the shallows	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, congregating around remaining vegetation and structure Actively feeding to build reserves for winter, with most aggressive feeding during warmer afternoon periods	Deep weed edges and dying vegetation in 8-12 feet Rock piles and points adjacent to deeper water Remaining wood cover near drop-offs	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Tubes	Small insects and larvae Young-of-year baitfish Remaining aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-65	Perch actively schooling and feeding more aggressively as water cools, typically following baitfish and invertebrates Schools congregating along weed edges and transitional areas between vegetation and open water Feeding periods becoming more pronounced during low-light conditions due to the turbid water	Weed edges in 5-6 foot depth range where vegetation meets open water Deep basin areas adjacent to weedy flats for transitional holding Submerged vegetation patches near points and bays	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small jigging spoons or ice jigs Live Bait Rigs with minnows or worms along weed edges Small Soft Body Swimbaits worked slowly through transitions	Small minnows and juvenile fish congregating near weed edges Aquatic insects and larvae in and around vegetation Benthic invertebrates in transitional areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Panfish are transitioning to deeper water, concentrating near deep structure and remaining active but more selective in their feeding Fish are schooling more tightly and showing preference for areas with good cover and access to deeper water	Deep rock piles and points in 15-20 feet of water Deeper weed edges where vegetation is still present Channel edges and drops near shallow flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small insects and larvae Young of the year baitfish Dormant aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Yellow Perch	34-39	Schools of perch will concentrate in deeper basins where water temperatures are more stable, typically moving between 15-27 feet based on ice fishing reports Due to the turbid water conditions (0.7m secchi), perch will rely heavily on their lateral line sense and tend to school more tightly for feeding efficiency	Deep basin areas in the 15-27 foot range where winter perch congregate Transitions between deep basins and remaining weed edges Areas with firm bottom composition where benthic invertebrates are present	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Ice Fishing Spoons Blade Baits	Benthic invertebrates like bloodworms and larvae Small baitfish concentrating in winter schools Zooplankton in suspended water column	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Panfish are actively feeding during low-light periods, particularly later at night, with reduced activity during daylight hours Fish are holding in deeper water ranges of 15-27 feet, concentrating near structure and following daily movement patterns based on light conditions	Points in 15-27 foot depth range, particularly where structure creates clear transitions Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements where insects concentrate Areas where rock piles intersect with deeper water, providing winter holding areas	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, particularly effective during evening hours Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive presentations when fish are actively feeding Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with small, precise movements to trigger bites in deeper water	Insects, particularly small aquatic larvae and zooplankton Small minnows and young-of-year fish in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Schooling in deeper basins between 15-27 feet during winter, with active feeding periods during dawn and dusk Relying heavily on lateral line sensing due to turbid conditions, making vibration and flash important attractors	Deep basin areas in 15-27 foot range where schools concentrate Transitions between deep basins and remaining vegetation edges Areas near submerged vegetation that remains viable under ice	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with sharp jigging motions to create flash and vibration Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with waxworms or larvae for a more subtle approach Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active schools	Small invertebrates and larvae near bottom Smaller baitfish concentrated in winter schools Zooplankton in water column	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Shields Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow submerged vegetation in 3-5 foot depth range, especially emerging grass	Protected coves and pockets where water warms first
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Rock piles in 8-10 feet of water with nearby deeper water access	Woody cover in shallow water areas, especially near developing weed lines
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-6 foot depth range where perch can ambush prey	Protected bays with emerging vegetation that warm quickly
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow grass flats in 2-4 feet of water, especially areas with matted vegetation	Protected coves and points with emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with firm bottom and scattered vegetation in 2-4 feet of water	Areas near woody cover in shallow water, especially where spawning beds are present
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Main lake basin areas where schools are actively roaming and feeding	Weed edges in 5-6 foot depth range where perch can ambush prey
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Outside edges of grass mats with pockets of submerged vegetation	Shallow flats with matted vegetation in 3-5 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and pockets in 8-12 foot depths where vegetation meets deeper water	Shallow wood cover and laydowns in protected areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-6 foot depth range where perch can ambush prey	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper basin areas where schools roam while feeding
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass edges and holes in 3-4 feet of water	Deep weed edges in 5-6 foot depth range
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and pockets within matted vegetation in 8-12 foot depth range	Rock piles adjacent to vegetation in 10-15 foot range
Summer	Yellow Perch	Submerged vegetation edges in 5-6 foot depth range	Deeper basin areas adjacent to weed edges for midday holding
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation, particularly those in protected areas	Points with matted grass or vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges and dying vegetation in 8-12 feet	Rock piles and points adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Weed edges in 5-6 foot depth range where vegetation meets open water	Deep basin areas adjacent to weedy flats for transitional holding
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep rock piles and points in 15-20 feet of water	Deeper weed edges where vegetation is still present
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas in the 15-27 foot range where winter perch congregate	Transitions between deep basins and remaining weed edges
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Points in 15-27 foot depth range, particularly where structure creates clear transitions	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements where insects concentrate
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep basin areas in 15-27 foot range where schools concentrate	Transitions between deep basins and remaining vegetation edges

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Small baitfish relating to warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows gathering near warming shallow areas	Early season insects starting to become active
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small invertebrates near weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in shallow vegetation	Small baitfish relating to emerging grass
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Insects, particularly larva and aquatic invertebrates	Small minnows and young-of-year fish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch actively moving along weed edges	Bluegill beginning to establish in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small invertebrates in vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Aquatic insects and larvae concentrated along weed edges	Small invertebrates in shallow feeding zones
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation edges	Small baitfish relating to vegetation and dock shade
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects and larvae around vegetation	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and insects in and around vegetation	Smaller baitfish utilizing weed cover
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage based on lake profile and successful bait patterns)	Young of the year baitfish schooling in the shallows
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Young-of-year baitfish
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and juvenile fish congregating near weed edges	Aquatic insects and larvae in and around vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae	Young of the year baitfish
Winter	Yellow Perch	Benthic invertebrates like bloodworms and larvae	Small baitfish concentrating in winter schools
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Insects, particularly small aquatic larvae and zooplankton	Small minnows and young-of-year fish in deeper water
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and larvae near bottom	Smaller baitfish concentrated in winter schools

Bait Colors by Season for Shields Lake

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

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