How to Fish Taylorsville Lake

Taylorsville Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-62°F. Staging in pre-spawn areas, moving from winter depths to shallower transition zones Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Key locations: Points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with rock structure; Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning areas; Protected coves with gradual slopes. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked slowly around cover, Shakey Heads on points and rock transitions, Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Bluegill in and around brush piles, Small baitfish relating to warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Staging near spawning areas but not yet on beds, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn Moving from winter brush piles to shallower transition areas, following warming trends Key locations: Transition areas near docks in 8-15 feet of water; Secondary points leading into spawning coves; Brush piles positioned on creek channel swings near spawning flats. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Crappie Dock Shooting, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Small shad and minnows, Young of year baitfish, Small aquatic insects. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-65°F. Catfish are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower flats and channel edges, particularly during warming trends Increasing feeding activity as metabolism increases with water temperature Key locations: Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where water warms quickly; Brush piles and laydowns in 10-20 foot range near spawning areas; Rocky points and ledges with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or large minnows, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure, Bobbers in shallower areas during warm afternoons. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating near brush piles, Shad schools in transitional areas, Bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active in warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Walleye are transitioning from winter deep-water haunts to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy for spawning Fish are moving along migration routes following points and channel edges, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise Key locations: Rocky points and adjacent drop-offs in 8-15 foot range; Channel edges near spawning flats in 6-12 foot depth; Transition areas with mixed rock and brush in 10-20 foot range. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Blade Baits worked with controlled lifts near bottom, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnow-tipped jigs. Primary forage: Small to medium-sized minnows congregating near spawning areas, Young-of-year crappie in brush pile areas, Small bluegills near shallow structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. White Bass staging near tributary areas and main lake points in pre-spawn, actively feeding in preparation for spawning Fish moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower staging areas, typically in 8-15 foot depths Aggressive feeding behavior during warming trends, especially during dawn and dusk periods Key locations: Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries; Rock piles and ledges in 8-15 foot range; Brush piles near primary points serving as staging areas. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical hops near staging points, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through suspended schools, Lipless Crankbaits burned across points and near brush piles. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in pre-spawn patterns, Small Minnows congregating near points and tributary mouths. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Largemouth bass moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and bays with firm bottom composition Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby points and deeper structure between spawning movements Key locations: Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and available cover; Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays; Shallow brush piles near spawning flats. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover, Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and slow presentations, Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn females on points. Primary forage: Bluegill beginning to move shallow, Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Crappie are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, transitioning from pre-spawn staging to spawning behavior around docks and stumps Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding as they prepare for spawning, with activity increasing in 0-19 foot depth range Key locations: Docks with access to deeper water, particularly in protected coves; Stump fields in 0-9 feet of water; Brush piles in 10-20 feet of water serving as pre-spawn staging areas. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'), Crappie Dock Shooting, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Young-of-year crappie and small baitfish, Small invertebrates near shallow cover. Best bait colors: Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-70°F. Moving from winter deep areas to shallower spawning flats, focusing on areas 5-15 feet deep with access to warmer water Increasing activity levels as water warms, with peak feeding periods during dusk and dawn Males preparing and guarding spawning nests in protected areas near structure Key locations: Protected coves and inlets with stable bottom structure; Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water; Areas with woody cover in 10-20 foot range. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with bottom bouncing presentation, Bobbers in shallow spawning areas, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9'). Primary forage: Bluegill, Minnows, Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy. Best bait colors: Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 42-52°F. Moving from wintering areas to shallow spawning locations, particularly utilizing points and shoreline areas with gravel or rock substrate Pre-spawn feeding activity increases, with fish staging near spawning areas and actively pursuing prey Key locations: Rocky points and transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range; Shallow gravel bays and protected coves with 2-6 foot depths; Areas where creek channels meet spawning flats. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations, Lipless Crankbaits along spawning flats. Primary forage: Minnows in shallow water, Small Crappie schooling near spawning areas, Bluegill moving shallow. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. White Bass are actively moving into shallower tributaries and staging areas for spawning, with males arriving first followed by females Fish are typically traveling in large schools, moving from deeper wintering areas to spawning grounds Aggressive feeding behavior occurs pre-spawn, as fish bulk up before the spawning period Key locations: Main lake points near tributary entrances serving as primary staging areas; Rocky shorelines and gravel areas in 3-8 foot depth range; Secondary points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical hops along staging points, Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through schools, Inline Spinners cast parallel to shorelines where fish are spawning. Primary forage: Blueback Herring gathering in pre-spawn areas, Small Minnows in shallow spawning areas, Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-72°F. Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are moving between shallow and mid-depth zones, utilizing points and rock piles as transition areas Feeding activity increases during stable weather, with fish targeting bluegill and crawfish near structure Key locations: Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water; Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats; Shallow brush piles near deeper water access. Best techniques: Shakey Heads worked slowly around rock piles and points, Swim Jigs targeting areas between shallow and mid-depth zones, Wacky Rigs fished near brush piles and spawning flat edges. Primary forage: Bluegill gathering in shallow areas near cover, Crawfish active on rocky structure, Small baitfish moving into post-spawn areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 65-75°F. Post-spawn crappie transitioning to early summer patterns, moving from shallow spawning areas to nearby deeper structure Actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting small baitfish and insects around brush piles and dock structures Key locations: Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats; Dock structures with deep water access; Creek channel edges near spawning coves. Best techniques: Crappie Dock Shooting, Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Small shad and minnows, Aquatic insects, Small bluegill fry. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding and recovering energy, making frequent movements between deeper channel edges and shallow feeding areas Fish are becoming more active with warming water temperatures, particularly during dawn and dusk periods Catfish are utilizing the numerous coves and points as transition areas between spawning grounds and summer haunts Key locations: Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where depths transition from 5-15 feet; Brush piles and laydowns in 10-20 foot range, especially near channel swings; Protected coves with abundant baitfish activity. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers for bottom presentations, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during peak feeding periods, Bobbers for suspended presentations around structure. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating around shallow structure, Shad and herring schools in transitional areas, Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-62°F. Post-spawn walleye recovering in transitional areas, actively feeding to regain energy Moving between shallow and mid-depth structure, following baitfish movements Most active during dawn and dusk, utilizing points and ledges as primary feeding zones Key locations: Main lake points in 8-15 foot depth range with access to deeper water; Rock piles and brush piles in 10-20 foot range serving as transition areas; Wind-swept shorelines with complex structure. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and rock piles, Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods. Primary forage: Crappie fry and small crappies, Minnows congregating around structure, Bluegill in shallow areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-72°F. Post-spawn White Bass are actively feeding and schooling, following baitfish movements in the upper water column Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake points and showing aggressive feeding behavior Schools are becoming more organized and predictable, often herding baitfish against structure Key locations: Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially those with rock or hard bottom; Brush piles in 10-20 foot range near points or channel swings; Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish are concentrated. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to points, Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds around brush piles, Inline Spinners cast to surfacing fish, Lipless Crankbaits worked through baitfish schools. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column, Various Minnow species relating to structure, Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Bass actively feeding on bluegill and minnows around rock piles and points, with a preference for bottom-oriented presentations Fish showing finesse-oriented feeding patterns, likely due to pressure or clear water conditions, with most active periods near structure Key locations: Rock piles with deep water access, particularly those adjacent to points; Main lake points with both shallow and deep-water options; Deeper structure near shoreline areas where bluegill are present. Best techniques: Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure, Drop Shot rigs targeting suspended fish near points, Swim Jigs worked through bluegill-holding areas. Primary forage: Bluegill, Minnows. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Taylorsville Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-85°F. Moving to deeper structure during midday heat, suspending near brush piles and dock edges in 12-20 feet Early morning and evening feeding periods in shallower water (6-12 feet), especially around submerged cover Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced, with fish gathering around thermoclines and structural elements Key locations: Deep brush piles in 15-20 feet of water near creek channel intersections; Deeper dock edges with vertical posts extending into cooler water; Main lake points with submerged timber transitioning from shallow to deep water. Best techniques: Crappie Spider Rigging, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling). Primary forage: Young-of-year shad, Small bluegill, Juvenile yellow perch. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Taylorsville Lake in Summer?

Water temp 72-82°F. Actively feeding during low light conditions and night time, with increased activity around baitfish schools of blueback herring and bluegill Utilizing both deep ledges and shallow flats depending on time of day, moving between feeding and resting areas Key locations: Deep ledges and channel edges, especially those adjacent to flats; Areas with woody cover like brush piles in 10-20 foot range; Shallow flats where baitfish schools congregate. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live minnows near ledges, Bobbers for shallow water presentations, especially during dawn and dusk, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and structure. Primary forage: Blueback Herring, Bluegill, Various Small Baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Walleye on Taylorsville Lake in Summer?

Water temp 65-76°F. Moving to deeper, cooler water during peak summer temperatures (76°F), likely holding near thermocline depth Feeding actively during dawn and dusk periods, utilizing points and ledges as primary feeding stations Suspending near deep structure during midday, becoming more active when light conditions are lower Key locations: Main lake points and ledges in 15-20 foot range, especially those with access to deeper water; Brush piles and rock piles in 10-20 foot depth range during lower light periods; Deep structure adjacent to complex shoreline areas, particularly near coves and bays. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnow-tipped jigs during peak feeding times, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks and points, Live Bait Rigs worked slowly through deep structure areas. Primary forage: Crappie and small baitfish in mid-depth ranges, Bluegill near structure edges, Minnows schooling around points and ledges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch White Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-76°F. Actively feeding on baitfish schools, especially Blueback Herring, in open water and around structure during early morning and evening hours Moving between points and suspended brush piles following baitfish movements, particularly influenced by wind-driven patterns Schooling aggressively near surface during baitfish activity, then dropping to deeper structure during bright midday periods Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with rock piles; Suspended brush piles in 10-20 foot range; Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish are concentrated. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movement, Drop Shot with small baitfish imitations for suspended fish around brush piles, Spoons worked vertically through suspended schools. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points, Various Minnow species concentrated near structure and shorelines. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-68°F. Bass are transitioning with falling water temperatures, following the lake turnover at 64°F. They are actively feeding but requiring slower presentations due to metabolic changes Fish are relating heavily to structure like laydowns and chunk rock, utilizing these areas as ambush points while feeding on crawfish Key locations: Laydowns and chunk rock in transitional areas; Points with access to both shallow and deep water; Brush piles in deeper water as temperatures continue to drop. Best techniques: Wacky Rigs worked painfully slow around structure, Shakey Heads worked along rock transitions, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns. Primary forage: Crawfish are the primary forage, especially around rocky structure, Bluegill becoming secondary forage as they move deeper. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Crappie on Taylorsville Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-68°F. Moving from summer deep water patterns to shallow feeding zones, following baitfish schools Actively schooling and feeding more aggressively as water temperatures cool Transitioning between deep brush piles and shallower areas depending on time of day Key locations: Main lake points near creek channel intersections with brush piles; Shallow coves with remaining stumps in 6-12 feet of water; Deep dock areas adjacent to creek channels. Best techniques: Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling), Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Crappie Spider Rigging. Primary forage: Young-of-year shad schools, Small sunfish, Juvenile yellow perch. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Chartreuse Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

How do you catch Catfish on Taylorsville Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-68°F. Catfish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and responding to falling water temperatures Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to deeper haunts, particularly around channel edges and deep structure Key locations: Deep channel edges and ledges near primary points; Brush piles and laydowns in 10-20 foot range; Areas where creek channels meet main lake structure. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure. Primary forage: Bluegill concentrating in deeper brush, Shad schools moving into creek arms, Bottom-dwelling forage like crawfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Taylorsville Lake in Fall?

Water temp 48-65°F. Walleye actively feeding on baitfish during fall turnover, moving between mid-depth structures and deeper water as temperatures cool Following seasonal forage movements, particularly targeting crappie and minnow schools around points and ledges Key locations: Main lake points and ledges in 15-25 foot range; Brush piles and rock piles in 10-20 foot depth range; Deep water adjacent to complex shoreline structure. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with minnows or soft plastics, Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour breaks and points, Blade Baits worked vertically through baitfish schools. Primary forage: Crappie schools congregating in mid-depth areas, Minnows following seasonal movement patterns. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Fall?

Water temp 58-68°F. Following baitfish schools (Blueback Herring and Minnows) more aggressively during fall feeding patterns, often creating surface feeding frenzies Moving between shallow and mid-depth ranges as lake turnover occurs, adjusting to changing baitfish locations Utilizing points and rock piles as ambush locations to trap schooling baitfish Key locations: Main lake points that intersect with baitfish migration routes; Rock piles and ledges in 10-20 foot range; Brush piles near drop-offs where baitfish school. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended baitfish schools, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement, Spoons jigged vertically when fish are holding deeper. Primary forage: Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around structure, Various Minnow species congregating near points and brush piles. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Largemouth bass are concentrated in deeper winter holding areas, primarily around brush piles and deep points, with reduced but deliberate feeding activity Fish tend to school more tightly in winter and make vertical movements based on daily temperature changes and light conditions Key locations: Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range, especially those near deep points or channel swings; Deep rock piles and points adjacent to deeper water; Protected coves with significant depth, particularly those featuring woody cover. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly around brush piles, Shakey Heads worked methodically along deep structure, Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near bottom structure. Primary forage: Bluegill holding tight to brush piles, Crawfish in deeper rock areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Crappie on Taylorsville Lake in Winter?

Water temp 45-52°F. Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper winter holding areas, with mixed size classes congregating over brush piles in 10-20 foot depths Feeding activity is moderate but consistent, with fish responding well to subtle presentations in the brush pile zones Key locations: Brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range, particularly those near creek channel edges; Deep cove areas with maintained brush pile habitat; Secondary points with brush pile clusters. Best techniques: Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light 1/16 oz jigs, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') directly over brush piles, Hover/Mid-Strolling along brush pile edges. Primary forage: Small shad and minnows holding in and around brush piles, Young-of-year panfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Catfish on Taylorsville Lake in Winter?

Water temp 45-52°F. Catfish are moving slower and congregating in deeper, more stable water temperatures, typically near channel edges and deep structure Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, with increased activity during warmer afternoon periods Key locations: Deep channel edges and ledges near transition areas, especially in 15-25 foot range; Brush piles and wood structure in deeper water, particularly those near depth changes; Deep holes in main lake areas where baitfish schools concentrate. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs with heavy weights to maintain bottom contact in deeper water, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure and along channel edges, Blade Baits worked slowly through deeper baitfish concentrations. Primary forage: Concentrated schools of bluegill in deeper water, Winter-stressed baitfish near channel edges. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Taylorsville Lake in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Walleye are typically aggregated in predictable locations during open water winter, often relating to deeper structure near food sources Feeding windows are shorter but more intense, typically during low-light periods or on overcast days Fish tend to be less aggressive but will actively feed on concentrated baitfish schools Key locations: Deep main lake points and ledges in 15-25 foot range, especially those near deeper water; Brush piles and rock piles in 10-20 foot range that provide structure and ambush points; Deep water areas adjacent to primary points where baitfish schools concentrate. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Blade Baits, Live Bait Rigs. Primary forage: Concentrated schools of crappie in deeper water, Winter-stressed minnows near structure, Smaller bluegill relating to brush piles. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch White Bass on Taylorsville Lake in Winter?

Water temp 48-55°F. White Bass school tightly in winter, following large baitfish schools (Blueback Herring) in deeper water Fish become less active during cold fronts, suspending near structure, but feed aggressively during stable weather periods Key locations: Deep main lake points near channel breaks (15-25 feet); Brush piles in 10-20 foot range adjacent to deeper water; Rock piles and ledges where baitfish congregate. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure, Spoons worked through baitfish schools. Primary forage: Blueback Herring concentrated in deeper water, Suspended schools of smaller minnows. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.