How to Fish Taylorsville Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Taylorsville Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Taylorsville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	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	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	Bladed Jigs worked slowly around cover Shakey Heads on points and rock transitions Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill in and around brush piles Small baitfish relating to warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	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	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	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small shad and minnows Young of year baitfish Small aquatic insects	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	52-65	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	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	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or large minnows Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Bobbers in shallower areas during warm afternoons	Bluegill concentrating near brush piles Shad schools in transitional areas Bottom-dwelling creatures becoming more active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	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	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	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	Small to medium-sized minnows congregating near spawning areas Young-of-year crappie in brush pile areas Small bluegills near shallow structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	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	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	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	Blueback Herring schooling in pre-spawn patterns Small Minnows congregating near points and tributary mouths	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	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	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and available cover Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays Shallow brush piles near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow cover Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and slow presentations Soft Jerkbaits for pre-spawn females on points	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	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	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	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Young-of-year crappie and small baitfish Small invertebrates near shallow cover	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	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	Protected coves and inlets with stable bottom structure Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water Areas with woody cover in 10-20 foot range	Live Bait Rigs with bottom bouncing presentation Bobbers in shallow spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Bluegill Minnows Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	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	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	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow, subtle presentations Lipless Crankbaits along spawning flats	Minnows in shallow water Small Crappie schooling near spawning areas Bluegill moving shallow	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	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	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	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	Blueback Herring gathering in pre-spawn areas Small Minnows in shallow spawning areas Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	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	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats Shallow brush piles near deeper water access	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	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas near cover Crawfish active on rocky structure Small baitfish moving into post-spawn areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	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	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Dock structures with deep water access Creek channel edges near spawning coves	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Small shad and minnows Aquatic insects Small bluegill fry	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-72	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	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	Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers for bottom presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during peak feeding periods Bobbers for suspended presentations around structure	Bluegill concentrating around shallow structure Shad and herring schools in transitional areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	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	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	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	Crappie fry and small crappies Minnows congregating around structure Bluegill in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	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	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	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	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column Various Minnow species relating to structure Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	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	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	Shakey Heads worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot rigs targeting suspended fish near points Swim Jigs worked through bluegill-holding areas	Bluegill Minnows	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	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	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	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Young-of-year shad Small bluegill Juvenile yellow perch	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-82	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	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	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	Blueback Herring Bluegill Various Small Baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	65-76	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	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	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	Crappie and small baitfish in mid-depth ranges Bluegill near structure edges Minnows schooling around points and ledges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	White Bass	68-76	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	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	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	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points Various Minnow species concentrated near structure and shorelines	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Taylorsville Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	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	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	Wacky Rigs worked painfully slow around structure Shakey Heads worked along rock transitions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns	Crawfish are the primary forage, especially around rocky structure Bluegill becoming secondary forage as they move deeper	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-68	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	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	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Young-of-year shad schools Small sunfish Juvenile yellow perch	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-68	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	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	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure	Bluegill concentrating in deeper brush Shad schools moving into creek arms Bottom-dwelling forage like crawfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-65	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	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	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	Crappie schools congregating in mid-depth areas Minnows following seasonal movement patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	58-68	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	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	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	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around structure Various Minnow species congregating near points and brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-45	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	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	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	Bluegill holding tight to brush piles Crawfish in deeper rock areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-52	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	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	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	Small shad and minnows holding in and around brush piles Young-of-year panfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Catfish	45-52	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	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	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	Concentrated schools of bluegill in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish near channel edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	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	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	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Concentrated schools of crappie in deeper water Winter-stressed minnows near structure Smaller bluegill relating to brush piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	White Bass	48-55	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	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	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Spoons worked through baitfish schools	Blueback Herring concentrated in deeper water Suspended schools of smaller minnows	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Taylorsville Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with rock structure	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Transition areas near docks in 8-15 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats where water warms quickly	Brush piles and laydowns in 10-20 foot range near spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and adjacent drop-offs in 8-15 foot range	Channel edges near spawning flats in 6-12 foot depth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries	Rock piles and ledges in 8-15 foot range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and available cover	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Docks with access to deeper water, particularly in protected coves	Stump fields in 0-9 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected coves and inlets with stable bottom structure	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Shallow gravel bays and protected coves with 2-6 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points near tributary entrances serving as primary staging areas	Rocky shorelines and gravel areas in 3-8 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Dock structures with deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	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
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	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
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	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
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles with deep water access, particularly those adjacent to points	Main lake points with both shallow and deep-water options
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-20 feet of water near creek channel intersections	Deeper dock edges with vertical posts extending into cooler water
Summer	Catfish	Deep ledges and channel edges, especially those adjacent to flats	Areas with woody cover like brush piles in 10-20 foot range
Summer	Walleye	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
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water, especially those with rock piles	Suspended brush piles in 10-20 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and chunk rock in transitional areas	Points with access to both shallow and deep water
Fall	Crappie	Main lake points near creek channel intersections with brush piles	Shallow coves with remaining stumps in 6-12 feet of water
Fall	Catfish	Deep channel edges and ledges near primary points	Brush piles and laydowns in 10-20 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points and ledges in 15-25 foot range	Brush piles and rock piles in 10-20 foot depth range
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points that intersect with baitfish migration routes	Rock piles and ledges in 10-20 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	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
Winter	Crappie	Brush piles in 10-20 foot depth range, particularly those near creek channel edges	Deep cove areas with maintained brush pile habitat
Winter	Catfish	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
Winter	Walleye	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
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points near channel breaks (15-25 feet)	Brush piles in 10-20 foot range adjacent to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill in and around brush piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad and minnows	Young of year baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating near brush piles	Shad schools in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small to medium-sized minnows congregating near spawning areas	Young-of-year crappie in brush pile areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in pre-spawn patterns	Small Minnows congregating near points and tributary mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year crappie and small baitfish	Small invertebrates near shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill	Minnows
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows in shallow water	Small Crappie schooling near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Blueback Herring gathering in pre-spawn areas	Small Minnows in shallow spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas near cover	Crawfish active on rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad and minnows	Aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating around shallow structure	Shad and herring schools in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Crappie fry and small crappies	Minnows congregating around structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in the upper water column	Various Minnow species relating to structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Minnows
Summer	Crappie	Young-of-year shad	Small bluegill
Summer	Catfish	Blueback Herring	Bluegill
Summer	Walleye	Crappie and small baitfish in mid-depth ranges	Bluegill near structure edges
Summer	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around points	Various Minnow species concentrated near structure and shorelines
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish are the primary forage, especially around rocky structure	Bluegill becoming secondary forage as they move deeper
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year shad schools	Small sunfish
Fall	Catfish	Bluegill concentrating in deeper brush	Shad schools moving into creek arms
Fall	Walleye	Crappie schools congregating in mid-depth areas	Minnows following seasonal movement patterns
Fall	White Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in open water and around structure	Various Minnow species congregating near points and brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill holding tight to brush piles	Crawfish in deeper rock areas
Winter	Crappie	Small shad and minnows holding in and around brush piles	Young-of-year panfish
Winter	Catfish	Concentrated schools of bluegill in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish near channel edges
Winter	Walleye	Concentrated schools of crappie in deeper water	Winter-stressed minnows near structure
Winter	White Bass	Blueback Herring concentrated in deeper water	Suspended schools of smaller minnows

Bait Colors by Season for Taylorsville Lake

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