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

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Split Hand Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Split Hand Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Fish are staging near spawning areas, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower pre-spawn locations during low light periods Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with peak activity during evening hours (5-8:30pm) due to light sensitivity in stained water	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, especially near spawning areas Mid-depth ledges and distinct depth transitions in 8-12 foot range Wind-swept points and structural elements that concentrate baitfish	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas Emerging crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, becoming more active with warming water Fish are beginning to group up in preparation for spawning, with males starting to establish territories in shallower areas	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot range Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats Deeper ledges near spawning areas serving as staging locations	Live Bait Rigs with precise depth control in staging areas Bobbers worked slowly over emerging vegetation Finesse Hair Jigs worked vertically along ledges	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water Tiny minnows in shallow areas Zooplankton in the water column	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye are in spawning mode, moving from deeper wintering areas to shallow rocky areas and tributaries Fish are most active during low-light periods (evening 5-8:30pm) due to light sensitivity and stained water conditions Post-spawn fish beginning transition to early summer locations, following depth transitions	Shallow rocky areas and gravel banks in 2-6 feet of water Transition areas near spawning sites leading to deeper water Wind-swept points and shorelines that concentrate baitfish	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Blade Baits worked with short hops near spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods	Small minnows concentrated in spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Young of the year baitfish starting to emerge	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Bluegills moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected bays and near-shore zones with firm bottom composition Males actively guarding nests in colonies, becoming aggressive and territorial during spawning	Protected shallow flats in 2-4 foot depth range with firm bottom Areas adjacent to emerging weed growth in 4-8 foot range Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 1-3 feet deep Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Small aquatic insects and larvae Emerging weed-based microorganisms Small crustaceans in shallow zones	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer locations, with peak activity during evening hours (5-8:30pm) Fish showing preference for slow presentations in relatively shallow to mid-depth zones, particularly around structural transitions	Ledges and transition areas in shallow to mid-range depths Main lake points, especially those adjacent to spawning bays Wind-swept areas that concentrate baitfish	Bobbers with live bait (particularly leeches) worked very slowly Texas Rigs (Worming) in shallow to mid-range depths Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along ledges	Minnows in transitional areas Crawfish along rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, relating to weed edges and ledges in 4-8 foot range	Weed edges in 4-8 foot range near spawning flats Ledges adjacent to spawning areas Main lake points with nearby deep water access	Live Bait Rigs with precise depth control Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges Bobbers suspended at specific depths near structure	Small insects and larvae in weed beds Young-of-year minnows Aquatic invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	Walleyes are holding on mid-lake humps and transitional areas, actively feeding during lower light conditions due to stained water (1.5m Secchi) Fish are relating to distinct depth changes and offshore structure, with feeding activity concentrated around baitfish schools	Main lake humps with access to deeper water Defined ledges with sharp depth transitions Wind-swept points that concentrate baitfish	Live Bait Rigs with slip bobbers for precise depth control Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along structure edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') across productive humps	Minnows (confirmed in fishing reports) Crawfish (likely present given lake structure)	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-78	Bluegills establishing deeper summer patterns, with early morning/late evening feeding in shallower weed zones (4-8 feet) and midday holding in deeper water near structure Fish actively feeding on insects and small invertebrates around weed edges and suspended in water column	Weed edges and pockets in 4-8 foot depth range Offshore humps with vegetation Deeper ledges adjacent to weeds for midday holding	Bobbers with precise depth control near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around structure Hover/Mid-Strolling with small plastics for suspended fish	Aquatic insects and larvae Small minnows Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Split Hand Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-62	Moving deeper to offshore structure (humps, ledges) following baitfish schools in cooling water Increased feeding activity during low-light periods, especially during wind-driven conditions that concentrate baitfish	Deep ledges and distinct depth transitions in 15-25 foot range Main lake humps and points, especially those near deep water access Wind-swept areas where baitfish are concentrated	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Schooling baitfish Crawfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-62	Panfish transitioning from summer to fall patterns, actively feeding on minnows near ledges and depth transitions Fish suspending at specific depth breaks, requiring precise vertical presentations	Ledges with access to deeper water, especially in 10-19 foot range Weed edges along depth transitions in 4-8 foot range Main lake points with defined depth changes	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Finesse Hair Jigs	Minnows Small invertebrates in remaining weed growth	Vibrant Assorted Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye concentrating in deeper main lake areas near structural elements, especially around distinct ledges and humps Fish actively feeding during low-light periods, particularly around wind-swept areas that concentrate baitfish	Deep ledges and drop-offs, especially those adjacent to main lake points Offshore humps in 15-25 foot range Wind-swept points where baitfish concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Small, schooling baitfish like shiners and perch Suspended juvenile whitefish or tullibees Bottom-oriented minnow species	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	34-45	Panfish/Bluegill will be concentrated in areas with good cover and forage, typically suspending at specific depth breaks Due to stained water (1.5m secchi), fish will stay in shallower to mid-depth zones where light penetration is sufficient	Ledges and transition zones in 8-14 foot range where fish concentrate during late fall/winter Main lake points with access to deeper water Offshore humps that provide structure and feeding opportunities	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs Live Bait Rigs	Small minnows Aquatic insects Zooplankton	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleye concentrate on offshore humps and ledges in predictable locations, often schooling together in winter Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a strong mid-day bite during overcast conditions given the stained water	Main lake ledges and breaklines in 12-16 foot range Offshore humps adjacent to deeper water Transition areas where hard bottom meets soft bottom	Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by pause Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with large minnows for targeting bigger fish	Small perch and juvenile yellow perch Various minnow species Juvenile white suckers	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills concentrate in deeper basins and transitional areas between 12-14 feet during ice season, often schooling tightly in these zones Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon periods, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep basin areas adjacent to steep breaks, particularly near weed edge transitions Offshore humps and points in 12-14 foot range Edges of remaining green weeds in 6-8 foot range for early ice	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and longer pauses Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action for attracting fish from greater distances Live Bait Rigs with smaller presentations for finicky winter fish	Small aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton Dormant aquatic insects Small minnows and baitfish in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Split Hand Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Transition areas between shallow flats and deeper water, especially near spawning areas	Mid-depth ledges and distinct depth transitions in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot range	Secondary points adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rocky areas and gravel banks in 2-6 feet of water	Transition areas near spawning sites leading to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow flats in 2-4 foot depth range with firm bottom	Areas adjacent to emerging weed growth in 4-8 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Ledges and transition areas in shallow to mid-range depths	Main lake points, especially those adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges in 4-8 foot range near spawning flats	Ledges adjacent to spawning areas
Summer	Walleye	Main lake humps with access to deeper water	Defined ledges with sharp depth transitions
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Weed edges and pockets in 4-8 foot depth range	Offshore humps with vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Deep ledges and distinct depth transitions in 15-25 foot range	Main lake humps and points, especially those near deep water access
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Ledges with access to deeper water, especially in 10-19 foot range	Weed edges along depth transitions in 4-8 foot range
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges and drop-offs, especially those adjacent to main lake points	Offshore humps in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Ledges and transition zones in 8-14 foot range where fish concentrate during late fall/winter	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Ice	Walleye	Main lake ledges and breaklines in 12-16 foot range	Offshore humps adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep basin areas adjacent to steep breaks, particularly near weed edge transitions	Offshore humps and points in 12-14 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small baitfish congregating near spawning areas	Emerging crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging with warming water	Tiny minnows in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows concentrated in spawning areas	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Emerging weed-based microorganisms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows in transitional areas	Crawfish along rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae in weed beds	Young-of-year minnows
Summer	Walleye	Minnows (confirmed in fishing reports)	Crawfish (likely present given lake structure)
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae	Small minnows
Fall	Walleye	Schooling baitfish	Crawfish
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Minnows	Small invertebrates in remaining weed growth
Winter	Walleye	Small, schooling baitfish like shiners and perch	Suspended juvenile whitefish or tullibees
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small minnows	Aquatic insects
Ice	Walleye	Small perch and juvenile yellow perch	Various minnow species
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates and zooplankton	Dormant aquatic insects

Bait Colors by Season for Split Hand Lake

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

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