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Summersville Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Summersville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging points, actively feeding on crawfish in rocky areas Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, using points as migration routes to spawning areas	Main lake points with rock transitions in 8-20 feet Secondary points with boulder fields adjacent to spawning bays Rocky transitions near deep water access	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom with subtle hops Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky points Ned Rigs deadsticked on point transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter haunts Small baitfish relating to points	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish are staging near spawning flats and coves, making periodic movements to shallow areas during warming trends	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in protected coves Dam areas, especially where they transition to spawning flats Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Spinnerbaits worked along transition areas and through brush Frogs/Toads worked around shallow cover and emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits fished with a stop-and-go retrieve	Bluegill congregating near shallow cover and spawning areas Blueback Herring schooling near dam areas and points	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Moving from deeper winter holding areas to transitional structures, following warming trends Congregating around brush piles and points in 10-20 foot depth range	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 10-20 foot depth Main lake points with access to deeper water Protected coves with gradual slopes leading to spawning areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small bluegill around brush pile structure Young of year perch near points	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning to spawning areas, with pre-spawn fish staging on adjacent points and gradually moving into protected spawning bays Males are actively patrolling and preparing nest sites in rocky areas, while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Feeding activity is aggressive but intermittent, with fish focusing on crawfish and small baitfish near spawning areas	Main lake points with rock transitions that serve as staging areas Protected rocky coves and bays with suitable spawning substrate Boulder fields and rip rap areas in 4-8 foot depth range	Tubes worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements around spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for staging fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish (particularly perch) around rocky areas Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats, making short movements into spawning areas during warming trends Males actively defending nesting sites in protected coves and creek arms, while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Aggressive territorial behavior around nests, with increased reaction strikes to protect spawning areas	Protected shallow coves and creek arms with stable spawning substrate Areas adjacent to deeper water near spawning flats Shallow brush piles and vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover and visible beds Spinnerbaits worked parallel to spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and slow presentations	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Shad moving into spawning pockets Frogs/toads in vegetated areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Crappie are in spawning mode, staging near shallow brush piles and moving into spawning areas with water temperatures reaching 62°F Fish are actively feeding during pre and post-spawn periods, relating heavily to brush pile structure and following baitfish movements	Shallow brush piles in 3-8 feet of water, especially those near spawning flats Protected coves and pockets with complex shoreline structure Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly around brush Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for actively feeding fish	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Post-spawn smallmouth bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on main lake points and transitional areas Fish are following baitfish schools and showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around points and rock transitions	Main lake points with rock transitions Secondary points with access to deeper water Boulder fields and rock transitions near spawning bays	Hard Jerkbaits with aggressive stop-and-go retrieves Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along point transitions Drop Shot with small profile baits for pressured fish	Minnows Crawfish Small Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are moving between shallow and intermediate depths (5-15 feet) throughout the day, using points and creek channels as migration routes	Secondary points and creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning bays Shallow vegetation edges and emerging weed growth in 3-8 feet	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure and through vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush piles and along channel edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around points and vegetation edges	Bluegill in shallow areas around vegetation and brush Young shad beginning to school in creek arms Crawfish active in rocky areas and around brush piles	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding to recover energy but still relating to shoreline areas and brush piles Fish are beginning to school more tightly and following baitfish movements, particularly around points and drop-offs	Main lake points with access to deeper water Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range Creek channel edges adjacent to spawning bays	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Shad Small Bluegill	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	74-77	Actively pursuing baitfish schools in 12-40ft range, with increased activity during early morning periods Moving between shallow and deep water throughout the day, using boulder fields and rip rap as transition zones Showing pressure-sensitive behavior, with peak activity during low-light periods before boat traffic increases	Main lake boulder fields and rock transitions in 12-40ft range Brush piles adjacent to deep water Rip rap areas with access to deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked around suspended baitfish schools Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas Spinnerbaits worked along rip rap, especially during low light	Shad - actively being pursued in open water Bluegill - relating to brush pile areas Crawfish - active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Fish are establishing summer patterns, moving between deep main lake structure and shallower feeding zones, particularly during early morning and evening During midday heat, bass seek cooler, oxygen-rich water near deep structure and brush piles Feeding activity intensifies during low-light periods when bass move shallow to ambush prey near vegetation and points	Deep brush piles adjacent to main lake points (15-25 feet) Shaded docks with deep water access Weed edges near creek channel transitions	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along points and deeper structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and brush Drop Shot for suspended fish near deep structure Buzzbaits and Frogs/Toads during early morning in shallow zones	Bluegill in shallow cover and around docks Shad schooling in deeper water Herring relating to main lake structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-82	During summer, crappie will move to deeper, cooler water during the day, especially around brush piles and vertical structure in 15-25ft depths Early morning and evening feeding patterns occur in shallower water (8-15ft) near points and along the edges of brush piles, following baitfish movements	Deep brush piles in 15-25ft of water, especially those near points or channel swings Main lake points with access to deeper water Deeper dock areas providing shade and structure	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth changes and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and structure Crappie Dock Shooting during sunny conditions	Shad schools in open water and around structure Bluegill in and around brush piles and dock areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Summersville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish schools, following forage to deeper main lake areas as water cools Transitioning from summer deep water patterns to more aggressive feeding in preparation for winter Most active during low-light periods and overcast days, with feeding windows extending during cold fronts	Main lake points with rock transitions and boulders in 15-25 foot range Deep water channels and vertical drops adjacent to feeding flats Offshore boulder fields and brush piles near deep water access	Drop Shot with subtle presentations around deeper structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended bait schools Tubes worked along rocky transitions Spybaits for suspended fish following bait	Shad schools moving into creek arms and deeper basins Perch relating to deep structure and brush Bluegill transitioning to deeper water near structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-72	Actively following and feeding on baitfish schools in deeper water, with increased activity during low-light periods Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, utilizing both shallow feeding zones and deeper staging areas	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends where baitfish schools congregate Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water Dam area with deep water access and structure	Structure Jigs worked slowly through brush piles and around deep structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along points and dam areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for actively feeding fish chasing baitfish	Shad and herring schools in open water Bluegill in areas with cover Various baitfish species congregating near structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappie are actively following baitfish schools as they migrate to deeper water, concentrating near structure in 15-25 foot depth ranges Fish are schooling more tightly in preparation for winter, creating opportunities for catching multiple fish once located	Deep brush piles near points and channel breaks in 15-25 foot range Deep vertical drops and ditches with nearby baitfish schools Secondary points with access to deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Juvenile bluegill around brush piles Small perch around deeper structure	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are concentrating around deep vertical structure, following schools of perch and bluegill in winter Fish are typically less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during mid-day warming trends	Deep water ditches and vertical drops with concentrations of baitfish Main lake points adjacent to deep water wintering areas Boulder fields and rock transitions in 20-35 foot depth range	Blade Baits - vertical jigged through bait schools as mentioned in recent reports Drop Shot - worked slowly around vertical structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) - effective for targeting suspended fish near bait schools	Perch - primary winter forage based on recent reports Bluegill - secondary winter forage mentioned in reports Shad - concentrated schools in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Suspending near deep brush piles and dam structure, making occasional feeding movements to nearby areas with congregated baitfish Slowing metabolism but still feeding opportunistically during warming trends or stable weather periods Preferring slower-moving presentations and often holding tight to vertical structure	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends (15-25 feet) Dam structure and riprap with access to deep water Deep points adjacent to major creek arms where baitfish school	Blade Baits worked slowly along vertical structure Football Jigs dragged near brush piles Shakey Heads worked methodically around deep structure	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Bluegill holding near brush piles Herring suspending near deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near vertical structure and following baitfish schools Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish most active during warmer parts of the day	Deep water ditches and vertical drops near points (20-40ft) Brush piles adjacent to deep water structure Main lake points with access to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Ice Fishing Jigs	Perch in deeper water around structure Suspended schools of shad Winter-concentrated bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Summersville Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock transitions in 8-20 feet	Secondary points with boulder fields adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in protected coves	Dam areas, especially where they transition to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles adjacent to spawning flats in 10-20 foot depth	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock transitions that serve as staging areas	Protected rocky coves and bays with suitable spawning substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves and creek arms with stable spawning substrate	Areas adjacent to deeper water near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow brush piles in 3-8 feet of water, especially those near spawning flats	Protected coves and pockets with complex shoreline structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock transitions	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake boulder fields and rock transitions in 12-40ft range	Brush piles adjacent to deep water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles adjacent to main lake points (15-25 feet)	Shaded docks with deep water access
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25ft of water, especially those near points or channel swings	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock transitions and boulders in 15-25 foot range	Deep water channels and vertical drops adjacent to feeding flats
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends where baitfish schools congregate	Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles near points and channel breaks in 15-25 foot range	Deep vertical drops and ditches with nearby baitfish schools
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep water ditches and vertical drops with concentrations of baitfish	Main lake points adjacent to deep water wintering areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles near creek channel bends (15-25 feet)	Dam structure and riprap with access to deep water
Winter	Crappie	Deep water ditches and vertical drops near points (20-40ft)	Brush piles adjacent to deep water structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter haunts	Small baitfish relating to points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating near shallow cover and spawning areas	Blueback Herring schooling near dam areas and points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Small bluegill around brush pile structure
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish (particularly perch) around rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Shad moving into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows	Crawfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow areas around vegetation and brush	Young shad beginning to school in creek arms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small Bluegill
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad - actively being pursued in open water	Bluegill - relating to brush pile areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow cover and around docks	Shad schooling in deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Bluegill in and around brush piles and dock areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving into creek arms and deeper basins	Perch relating to deep structure and brush
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad and herring schools in open water	Bluegill in areas with cover
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Juvenile bluegill around brush piles
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Perch - primary winter forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - secondary winter forage mentioned in reports
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Bluegill holding near brush piles
Winter	Crappie	Perch in deeper water around structure	Suspended schools of shad

Bait Colors by Season for Summersville Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

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