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Omnia Fishing
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Omnia Fishing

Smithville Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Smithville Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass45-54
  • Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning grounds, actively feeding to build energy reserves. They're relating heavily to rock structure where surfaces warm quickly in spring sun.
  • Fish are showing increased aggression and feeding activity when water temps reach upper 40s to mid-50s, particularly around main lake points and riprap areas.
  • Main lake riprap with laydowns, particularly where rock meets deeper water
  • Grass flats with gravel bars, especially on the eastern side where morning sun warms water faster
  • Pocket entrances with emerging vegetation
  • Finesse Jigs worked slowly along riprap and rocky areas
  • Lipless Crankbaits burned through emerging grass
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around rock piles
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along main lake structure
  • Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation, actively moving on hard bottom areas
  • Shad schools staging near primary points and riprap
  • Bluegill beginning to move shallow near emerging vegetation
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie48-62
  • Crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming increasingly active as water temperatures rise
  • Fish are suspending near vertical structure and gathering in large schools near staging areas
  • Bridge pilings and adjacent deeper water transition areas
  • Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth ranges
  • Brush piles near spawning coves and creek channels
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Shad schools gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Small minnows near brush and timber
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish55-65
  • Catfish beginning to move from winter deep-water locations to warmer, shallower flats and channels as water temperatures rise, staging for spawn
  • Actively feeding during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak
  • Showing increased activity around structure that maintains heat, such as rocky areas and shallow wood cover
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering holes, especially those with submerged vegetation or woody cover
  • Rocky shorelines and points that warm quickly in afternoon sun
  • Channel edges and creek mouths where depth transitions occur
  • Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges and transition areas
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly through staging areas
  • Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation
  • Shad schools congregating in warming shallows
  • Bluegill moving to pre-spawn staging areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Striped Bass52-65
  • Pre-spawn striped bass are actively staging near spawning tributaries and moving into shallower water as temperatures warm
  • Fish are aggressively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, often chasing shad schools in open water and along channel edges
  • Main lake points and channel swings near tributary entrances
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deep water in 8-15 foot range
  • Standing timber and brush piles along migration routes
  • Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended fish schools
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along channel edges
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near structure
  • Shad schools congregating near spawning areas
  • Small sunfish moving shallow with warming water
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-68
  • Actively transitioning from pre-spawn to spawning phase, moving from staging areas to nesting sites in shallow protected areas
  • Males aggressively defending nesting territories while females move between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones
  • Brush piles in protected coves and pockets near spawning flats
  • Hard bottom areas with rock or gravel in 2-6 foot depth range
  • Secondary points with submerged vegetation leading into spawning bays
  • Bladed Jigs worked around brush piles and through spawning areas
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover and spawning beds
  • Swim Jigs around transition areas between staging and spawning zones
  • Bluegill moving shallow and beginning to spawn
  • Crawfish active in rocky areas and around brush
  • Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Crappie58-68
  • Pre-spawn to spawning activity with fish moving from deeper staging areas to shallow spawning zones near cover
  • Males establishing and guarding nests in protected shallow areas while females stage nearby
  • Feeding actively but opportunistically between spawning activities
  • Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation and brush piles
  • Bridge pilings and adjacent shallow flats
  • Standing timber in 5-12 foot depths
  • Crappie Dock Shooting
  • Bobbers
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
  • Small minnows concentrated in spawning areas
  • Young shad beginning to school in warming waters
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish65-75
  • Catfish are transitioning to spawning behavior, seeking warmer waters in shallow bays and coves, particularly near woody structure and rocky areas
  • Males beginning to establish and guard nest sites in cavities near submerged logs, brush piles, and undercut banks
  • Protected shallow bays and coves with submerged timber and brush piles (3-8 feet deep)
  • Rocky areas and riprap banks that warm quickly in spring sun
  • Areas near creek channels that provide access to spawning flats
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near spawning areas
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentation around woody cover
  • Bobbers for suspended presentations in shallow spawning areas
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
  • Bluegill beginning to move shallow
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Striped Bass58-68
  • Striped bass are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving into tributary areas and shallow flats with good current. Fish are aggressive and actively feeding to build energy for spawning.
  • Schools are breaking up into smaller groups, with larger females staging in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas
  • Main tributary arms with current and rock/gravel bottom
  • Secondary points leading into spawning bays
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water staging areas
  • Umbrella Rigs worked through staging areas and along points
  • Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly along bottom transitions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast to actively feeding fish
  • Pre-spawn shad schools
  • Yellow perch in shallow areas
  • Bluegill near shoreline structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass72-78
  • Post-spawn bass are actively feeding in shallow water areas, particularly around flooded brush and bushes as evidenced by recent reports
  • Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior with willingness to strike topwater and reaction baits, indicating recovered energy levels after spawn
  • Flooded brush and bushes in shallow water, particularly evident from multiple recent success reports
  • Shallow cover areas near spawning flats where post-spawn fish are recovering
  • Brush piles adjacent to deeper water, providing transition areas
  • Frogs/Toads worked over flooded brush, supported by recent successful catches
  • Bladed Jigs (Jackhammer) worked in front of brush
  • Wacky Rigs for a slower presentation when fish are less aggressive
  • Shad, actively being targeted by bass as reported
  • Bluegill, mentioned in recent catches
  • Crawfish, typical forage in brush areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie58-72
  • Crappie schools are suspending in open water areas, particularly around vertical structure like bridge pilings, as they transition from spawning areas
  • Fish are actively feeding but maintaining specific depth zones, suspended at mid-depths (around 10ft) over deeper water
  • Bridge pilings and vertical structure in 30-40ft depths with fish suspended at 8-12ft
  • Secondary points and deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning areas
  • Shaded areas under docks and man-made structures in 15-25ft of water
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked horizontally through suspended schools
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations around vertical structure
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) to locate active schools in open water
  • Shad schools suspending at similar depths as crappie
  • Small minnows around vertical structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish58-72
  • Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning areas to feeding zones near abundant forage
  • Fish are becoming more active with warming water, transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding grounds
  • Submerged vegetation edges near brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
  • Rocky shorelines and points adjacent to deeper water
  • Standing timber and laydowns in coves and along irregular shoreline
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure edges
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through vegetation and timber
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near brush piles and timber
  • Crawfish emerging in warming waters
  • Shad schools moving into shallower water
  • Bluegill beginning to concentrate near vegetation
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Striped Bass58-72
  • Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following shad schools in the upper water column
  • Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding zones, utilizing points and current breaks
  • Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries
  • Submerged brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range
  • Current breaks near bridge structures
  • Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended fish schools
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for imitating shad schools
  • Hard Topwater (Walking) for early morning surface feeding
  • Shad schools moving to main lake areas
  • Smaller baitfish congregating around brush piles
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass72-85
  • Bass are utilizing both shallow and deep water patterns, with active fish in grass/bushes and more lethargic fish in deeper brush piles
  • Feeding activity occurs primarily during early morning and evening, with fish moving to deeper water during midday heat
  • Shallow grass and bush areas, particularly during low light periods
  • Deep brush piles, especially during midday
  • Laydowns near deeper water access
  • Bladed Jigs worked through grass
  • Frogs/Toads over matted vegetation
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and brush
  • Spinnerbaits along grass edges
  • Shad (primary forage based on recent reports)
  • Bluegill (particularly around shallow cover)
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerCrappie72-85
  • Suspended crappie schooling around deep vertical structure during midday heat
  • Early morning and evening feeding activity in shallower zones near submerged vegetation
  • Relating heavily to shade and cover during bright conditions due to stained water limiting light penetration
  • Standing timber and pilings in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Brush piles near creek channel edges
  • Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range
  • Bridge pilings providing shade and vertical structure
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Hover/Mid-Strolling
  • Shad schools suspending in mid-water column
  • Small minnows relating to submerged vegetation
  • Young-of-year baitfish around brush and timber
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerCatfish75-85
  • Actively feeding in warm, shallow water (0-9 feet) during summer, particularly along rocky edges and near submerged vegetation
  • Most active during early morning, late evening, and nighttime hours when water temperatures are high (78°F)
  • Rocky edges adjacent to submerged vegetation in shallow water
  • Brush piles and laydowns in coves and points
  • Shallow flats with mixed vegetation and woody cover
  • Trolling Shallow (0-9')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)
  • Minnows
  • Crawfish
  • Bluegill
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerStriped Bass72-84
  • Striped bass are seeking thermal refuge in deeper water during summer, making feeding movements primarily during dawn/dusk periods into shallower areas. They're likely to suspend near thermocline depth near structure during the day.
  • Fish are schooling around bait pods, particularly shad, and making periodic feeding runs. The moderately stained water (1.9m Secchi) allows them to remain active in shallower water during low light periods.
  • Main lake bridges and adjacent deep water sanctuaries, particularly where current flow is present
  • Deep points and channel swings near major creek arms
  • Submerged brush piles and standing timber near deep water access
  • Trolling Deep (20'+)
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Umbrella Rigs
  • Hard Body Swimbaits
  • Shad schools suspending near thermocline
  • Suspended baitfish relating to submerged structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Smithville Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass58-72
  • Actively feeding and following baitfish schools in preparation for winter, showing increased activity around submerged vegetation edges
  • Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas, with feeding windows extending during cooler fall temperatures
  • Edges of submerged vegetation, particularly where it meets deeper water
  • Dam areas with access to both shallow and deep water
  • Points and irregular shoreline features near deep water access
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through and around vegetation edges
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with light jigheads for a natural presentation
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along deeper structure edges
  • Shad schools moving into creeks and coves
  • Crawfish in and around vegetation and rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallCrappie55-72
  • Actively feeding on shad and minnow schools in preparation for winter, showing aggressive chase behaviors
  • Moving between deeper standing timber and shallower feeding zones throughout the day
  • Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish grouping tightly around prime structure
  • Standing timber areas, especially those near depth changes
  • Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Creek channel edges adjacent to coves
  • Spinnerbaits worked at varying depths around timber
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near standing timber
  • Shad schools congregating in creek arms
  • Small minnows around timber and brush
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallCatfish58-68
  • Catfish are actively feeding on shad schools while transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool
  • Fish are utilizing vegetation edges and ambush points to intercept prey
  • Showing increased daytime activity in the moderately turbid conditions
  • Submerged vegetation edges, especially near deeper water transitions
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Rocky edges and points with access to deeper water
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked along vegetation edges
  • Live Bait Rigs near structure and depth transitions
  • Trolling Shallow (0-9') along productive edges
  • Shad schools
  • Crawfish
  • Bluegill
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallStriped Bass55-70
  • Actively chasing baitfish in moderately stained water, showing aggressive feeding behavior as evidenced by success with moving baits
  • Utilizing brush piles as ambush points, particularly during late morning hours as shown in recent catches
  • Likely transitioning between deep and shallow water following shad movements in the fall pattern
  • Brush piles in moderate depth zones, particularly those near deep water access
  • Main lake points and irregular shoreline features that create current breaks
  • Bridge areas with access to deep water sanctuaries
  • Spinnerbaits worked around brush piles and points
  • Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish in open water
  • Hard Body Swimbaits to match larger shad profile
  • Shad schools in transitional areas
  • Smaller baitfish relating to brush piles
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass38-45
  • Largemouth bass become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper, stable water near structure, making slow-moving presentations essential
  • Fish typically school more tightly in winter and feed less frequently but more aggressively during prime feeding windows
  • Deep brush piles adjacent to channel swings or creek bends (15-25 feet)
  • Steep rocky points leading into deeper water
  • Deep dock areas with vertical posts near channel swings
  • Blade Baits worked slowly with long pauses near structure
  • Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near deep structure
  • Drop Shot with minimal movement to tempt inactive fish
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water
  • Bluegill holding tight to brush piles
  • Crawfish becoming less active but still present near rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
WinterCrappie38-45
  • Crappie are suspending near deep structure, typically in large schools, conserving energy while maintaining proximity to forage
  • Feeding windows are shorter and more pronounced, with most active periods during late morning and early afternoon when water temperatures peak
  • Standing timber and pilings in 15-25 foot depth ranges, especially near channel breaks
  • Bridge pilings and deep brush piles that provide vertical structure and wind protection
  • Deep coves with submerged vegetation that offer protection from cold winter winds
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with subtle movements to trigger neutral fish
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly through suspended schools
  • Damiki Rig presented directly to suspended fish marked on electronics
  • Suspended shad schools in deeper water
  • Small minnows relating to deep structure
  • Winter-stressed baitfish concentrated near vertical structure
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
WinterCatfish38-48
  • Catfish becoming more lethargic and congregating in deeper, more stable water temperatures
  • Feeding periods are shorter but more predictable, typically during warmest parts of day
  • Groups of catfish holding tight to structure and moving minimally to conserve energy
  • Deep brush piles and standing timber in 20-40 foot ranges
  • Channel edges near submerged vegetation
  • Deep holes near rocky structure
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Blade Baits
  • Concentrated schools of shad
  • Winter-slowed bluegill
  • Dormant crawfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterStriped Bass42-52
  • Schooling in deep water near main lake points and channel edges, following shad schools
  • Most active during warmer parts of the day, especially during stable weather periods
  • Feeding less frequently but more aggressively when they do feed
  • Deep main lake points adjacent to channel breaks (20-35 feet)
  • Bridge pilings near deep water access
  • Steep bluff walls with access to deep water sanctuaries
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Blade Baits
  • Umbrella Rigs
  • Trolling Deep (20'+)
  • Schooling shad concentrated in deeper water
  • Suspended baitfish near structure
  • Winter-stressed baitfish near thermal refuges
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Smithville Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassMain lake riprap with laydowns, particularly where rock meets deeper waterGrass flats with gravel bars, especially on the eastern side where morning sun warms water faster
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieBridge pilings and adjacent deeper water transition areasStanding timber in 10-15 foot depth ranges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishShallow flats adjacent to deeper wintering holes, especially those with submerged vegetation or woody coverRocky shorelines and points that warm quickly in afternoon sun
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Striped BassMain lake points and channel swings near tributary entrancesShallow flats adjacent to deep water in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBrush piles in protected coves and pockets near spawning flatsHard bottom areas with rock or gravel in 2-6 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)CrappieProtected shallow coves with submerged vegetation and brush pilesBridge pilings and adjacent shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)CatfishProtected shallow bays and coves with submerged timber and brush piles (3-8 feet deep)Rocky areas and riprap banks that warm quickly in spring sun
Spring (Spawn)Striped BassMain tributary arms with current and rock/gravel bottomSecondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassFlooded brush and bushes in shallow water, particularly evident from multiple recent success reportsShallow cover areas near spawning flats where post-spawn fish are recovering
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieBridge pilings and vertical structure in 30-40ft depths with fish suspended at 8-12ftSecondary points and deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishSubmerged vegetation edges near brush piles in 8-15 feet of waterRocky shorelines and points adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Striped BassMain lake points adjacent to spawning tributariesSubmerged brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range
SummerLargemouth BassShallow grass and bush areas, particularly during low light periodsDeep brush piles, especially during midday
SummerCrappieStanding timber and pilings in 15-25 foot depth rangeBrush piles near creek channel edges
SummerCatfishRocky edges adjacent to submerged vegetation in shallow waterBrush piles and laydowns in coves and points
SummerStriped BassMain lake bridges and adjacent deep water sanctuaries, particularly where current flow is presentDeep points and channel swings near major creek arms
FallLargemouth BassEdges of submerged vegetation, particularly where it meets deeper waterDam areas with access to both shallow and deep water
FallCrappieStanding timber areas, especially those near depth changesBrush piles in 8-15 foot depth range
FallCatfishSubmerged vegetation edges, especially near deeper water transitionsBrush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
FallStriped BassBrush piles in moderate depth zones, particularly those near deep water accessMain lake points and irregular shoreline features that create current breaks
WinterLargemouth BassDeep brush piles adjacent to channel swings or creek bends (15-25 feet)Steep rocky points leading into deeper water
WinterCrappieStanding timber and pilings in 15-25 foot depth ranges, especially near channel breaksBridge pilings and deep brush piles that provide vertical structure and wind protection
WinterCatfishDeep brush piles and standing timber in 20-40 foot rangesChannel edges near submerged vegetation
WinterStriped BassDeep main lake points adjacent to channel breaks (20-35 feet)Bridge pilings near deep water access

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter hibernation, actively moving on hard bottom areasShad schools staging near primary points and riprap
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieShad schools gathering in pre-spawn areasSmall minnows near brush and timber
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishCrawfish emerging from winter hibernationShad schools congregating in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Striped BassShad schools congregating near spawning areasSmall sunfish moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill moving shallow and beginning to spawnCrawfish active in rocky areas and around brush
Spring (Spawn)CrappieSmall minnows concentrated in spawning areasYoung shad beginning to school in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)CatfishCrawfish emerging from winter dormancyShad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Spawn)Striped BassPre-spawn shad schoolsYellow perch in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassShad, actively being targeted by bass as reportedBluegill, mentioned in recent catches
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieShad schools suspending at similar depths as crappieSmall minnows around vertical structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishCrawfish emerging in warming watersShad schools moving into shallower water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Striped BassShad schools moving to main lake areasSmaller baitfish congregating around brush piles
SummerLargemouth BassShad (primary forage based on recent reports)Bluegill (particularly around shallow cover)
SummerCrappieShad schools suspending in mid-water columnSmall minnows relating to submerged vegetation
SummerCatfishMinnowsCrawfish
SummerStriped BassShad schools suspending near thermoclineSuspended baitfish relating to submerged structure
FallLargemouth BassShad schools moving into creeks and covesCrawfish in and around vegetation and rocky areas
FallCrappieShad schools congregating in creek armsSmall minnows around timber and brush
FallCatfishShad schoolsCrawfish
FallStriped BassShad schools in transitional areasSmaller baitfish relating to brush piles
WinterLargemouth BassShad schools concentrated in deeper waterBluegill holding tight to brush piles
WinterCrappieSuspended shad schools in deeper waterSmall minnows relating to deep structure
WinterCatfishConcentrated schools of shadWinter-slowed bluegill
WinterStriped BassSchooling shad concentrated in deeper waterSuspended baitfish near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Smithville Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Striped Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)Striped Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)Striped Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
SummerCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerStriped Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallStriped Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
WinterCrappie
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Pink Colors
WinterCatfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Bold Striped Patterns
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterStriped Bass
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Vibrant Assorted Colors