How to Fish Tenmile Lake

Tenmile Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tenmile Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 53-55°F. Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are transitioning from deep winter areas to shallow spawning grounds, actively feeding but location-dependent on water temperature Fish are showing preference for rock structure, with most active fish found on offshore rocky humps rather than shallow rocks, indicating a staging pattern Feeding activity appears wind-dependent, with increased activity during wind events on rock structures Key locations: Offshore rocky humps with deeper water access; Rock reefs, especially those with inside turns; Shallow rock and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly over rock structure, Finesse Hair Jigs worked methodically on rock humps, Hard Jerkbaits with short jerks and long pauses. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports, Minnows - consistently mentioned in spring reports. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Green Colors, Chartreuse Colors.

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

Water temp 49-56°F. Pre-spawn walleye staging near spawning areas, actively feeding during dawn/dusk periods and overcast conditions Fish transitioning between winter and spawning locations, utilizing rock structures and inside turns as stopping points Key locations: Rock humps and inside turns in 10-20 foot depth range; Transitional areas between shallow bays and deeper water; Wind-swept rocky points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock structures, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with slow lifts and drops, Blade Baits worked along transition areas. Primary forage: Perch (primary forage based on multiple reports), Small baitfish relating to emerging weed growth. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Light Neutral Colors.

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

Water temp 49-57°F. Pre-spawn largemouth bass gradually moving from winter depths to warming shallow areas, staging on transition areas Feeding activity increasing as water warms, with fish becoming more aggressive during stable weather patterns Key locations: Rocky points and humps adjacent to spawning bays; Shallow green weed edges in protected bays with emerging vegetation; Secondary points with mixed rock and sparse vegetation. Best techniques: Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly over emerging vegetation, Bladed Jigs around sparse reeds and transition areas, Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near staging areas. Primary forage: Perch congregating near emerging weed growth, Small baitfish moving shallow with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tenmile Lake in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 49-57°F. Smallmouth bass are actively moving between deep and shallow water, with fish cruising shallow areas while maintaining access to deeper water. Recent reports show fish transitioning from winter deep water patterns to spawning locations. Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on rock structures, particularly during warmer periods, targeting perch and schooling minnows. Key locations: Rock piles and boulder fields in 5-10 foot depth range, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Offshore humps topping out around 10 feet of water; Rocky points connecting shallow spawning areas to deep water migration routes. Best techniques: Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly with bottom contact around rocks, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieves parallel to structure, Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses between twitches. Primary forage: Perch - multiple reports confirm this as primary forage, Schooling Minnows - mentioned in reports as secondary forage. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

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

Water temp 49-56°F. Walleye transitioning between spawning areas and post-spawn feeding locations, with peak activity during low-light periods due to 4.3m clarity Fish actively responding to wind-generated current on rock structures, especially during dawn and dusk periods Showing preference for rock humps and inside turns as staging areas between shallow spawning zones and deeper water Key locations: Rock humps and inside turns in 10-20 foot depth range; Shallow rocky points adjacent to spawning bays; Transitional areas between spawning bays and main lake points. Best techniques: Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions, Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during prime dawn/dusk periods, Blade Baits worked along wind-swept structure. Primary forage: Perch, particularly around rocky structures, Small baitfish transitioning with warming water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Light Neutral Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 52-65°F. Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow bays, moving between 4-8 feet of water as they prepare for spawning Males beginning to scout and prepare spawning beds in protected areas with firm bottom, while females stage slightly deeper Key locations: Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation and firm bottom composition; Secondary points leading into spawning bays; Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around emerging vegetation and shallow cover, Bladed Jigs worked slowly through sparse vegetation, Soft Jerkbaits for cruising fish in pre-spawn areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Perch in shallow feeding areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tenmile Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 55-65°F. Smallmouth bass are actively feeding and recovering post-spawn, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations Fish are utilizing wind-influenced rock structures and showing increased feeding activity during breezy conditions Multiple depth ranges are being utilized throughout the day, with fish moving between shallow and deep water based on light and temperature Key locations: Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 foot depth range; Offshore humps and deep points with access to both shallow and deep water; Wind-blown rocky shorelines and points where perch are actively feeding. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations for suspended fish near deep structure, Tubes worked slowly along rock transitions and boulder areas, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) to mimic abundant perch forage. Primary forage: Yellow Perch - primary forage base showing consistent presence in spring, Crayfish - becoming more active as water temperatures increase, Small baitfish utilizing shallow weed edges and rock structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 49-55°F. Post-spawn walleyes are actively feeding on perch around rock structures, with increased activity during lower light conditions due to moderate water clarity Fish are holding on transitional structures between shallow and deep water, particularly utilizing inside turns and humps as ambush points Key locations: Inside turns of rocky points in 10-20 feet of water; Deep sections of rock humps in 10-20 feet; Wind-blown structural elements with current. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along rock structure edges, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on rock humps during peak feeding periods, Live Bait Rigs when fish are less aggressive. Primary forage: Perch - primary forage based on multiple reports and catches, Baitfish relating to rock structures. Best bait colors: Light Neutral Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 49-65°F. Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding in shallow bays and around emergent vegetation to regain energy Fish are moving between spawning areas and early summer feeding areas, utilizing sparse reed beds and green vegetation as transition zones Key locations: Sparse reed beds with emerging green vegetation in shallow bays; Secondary points leading into spawning bays; Protected coves with mixed vegetation to 10-12 feet deep. Best techniques: Bladed Jigs worked through sparse vegetation, Swim Jigs with steady retrieves parallel to weed edges, Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around reed edges. Primary forage: Perch, Young of the year baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tenmile Lake in Summer?

Water temp 68-78°F. Actively feeding on rocky structures, with a focus on crawfish as primary forage Moving between deep and shallow structure based on light and temperature conditions, utilizing offshore humps and rock piles as primary feeding areas Key locations: Rock humps in 15-25 foot depth range; Offshore rock piles adjacent to deep water; Wind-blown main lake points with rock structure. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure, Tubes dragged and hopped on rock structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish. Primary forage: Crawfish, Perch. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Tenmile Lake in Summer?

Water temp 65-78°F. Walleye transitioning to deeper main lake structures during summer heat, primarily active during dawn/dusk and overcast conditions Moving between deep-water holding areas (20-30ft) and adjacent feeding zones based on light conditions and wind Suspending near thermocline during day, moving shallower to feed during low-light periods Key locations: Deep rock humps and points in 20-30 foot range; Main lake structural transitions where rock meets deep water; Wind-swept points and inside turns with access to deep water. Best techniques: Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structural edges during low light, Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) on deep rock humps during day, Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions. Primary forage: Perch relating to rock structure, Small baitfish suspended near thermocline, Crayfish on rocky structures. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 65-82°F. Actively feeding during early morning and evening, establishing deep water retreats near structure during midday heat Moving between deep weed edges and adjacent structure throughout the day, following perch and baitfish movements Utilizing shade from docks and overhanging vegetation during bright conditions Key locations: Deep weed edges in 10-12 foot range adjacent to points or rock piles; Shaded docks with access to deeper water; Rock humps and boulder areas near primary lake basins; Protected bays with mature weed growth. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip), Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+), Drop Shot, Swim Jigs. Primary forage: Perch, Bluegills, Young of the year baitfish. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tenmile Lake in Fall?

Water temp 52-65°F. Actively feeding on crawfish around rock structures, with increased activity during feeding windows Transitioning between shallow and deeper structures as water temperatures fluctuate Key locations: Shallow rock piles and reefs in 5-15 foot depth range; Deep rock-to-sand transitions near main lake points; Offshore rock humps adjacent to deep water. Best techniques: Carolina Rigs with crawfish soft plastics worked slowly through rock piles, Football Jigs dragged along rock-to-sand transitions, Ned Rigs worked vertically on rock structure edges. Primary forage: Crawfish, Perch. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Tenmile Lake in Fall?

Water temp 48-58°F. Walleye actively feeding on perch and other baitfish, with increased activity during low-light periods and wind-driven conditions Fish transitioning to deeper structural elements, following baitfish schools and utilizing rock humps and points as ambush locations Key locations: Deep rock humps and main lake points in 20-35 feet; Inside turns and steep breaks adjacent to deeper water; Wind-swept structural elements with current-generated feeding opportunities. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Trolling Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium). Primary forage: Perch schools concentrating near deep structure, Baitfish schools suspending over deep water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.

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

Water temp 52-65°F. Largemouth bass are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools to deeper structure Fish are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper fall locations, with most active feeding during warmer afternoon periods Key locations: Deep weed edges adjacent to rock piles (8-15 feet); Protected coves with remaining green vegetation; Main lake points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked along deep weed edges, Football Jigs dragged near rock piles, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for actively feeding fish. Primary forage: Yellow Perch schooling near deep weed edges, Remaining baitfish schools in deeper water. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Tenmile Lake in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Walleye suspending near steep breaks and rock humps, with most active feeding during low-light periods Fish transitioning between deep main lake structures and shallower feeding areas based on light conditions and forage movement Key locations: Deep rock humps in 25-35 feet adjacent to primary basin areas; Inside turns and points with access to deep water; Steep breaks near main lake basin with scattered rock. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+), Blade Baits, Ice Fishing Spoons. Primary forage: Perch schooling in deeper water near structure, Ciscoes suspended in water column. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.

How do you catch Walleye on Tenmile Lake in Ice?

Water temp 33-39°F. Walleye concentrate in the basin and deep structural elements during ice season, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Fish tend to move between primary feeding shelves and adjacent deeper water, following movements of perch schools Key locations: Deep rock humps in 20-35 foot range adjacent to basin areas; Inside turns and points transitioning from shallow to deep water; Deep basin areas where schools of perch concentrate. Best techniques: Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by pause periods, Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation, Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live bait. Primary forage: Perch schools concentrated in deep water, Small baitfish in basin areas, Juvenile white suckers near bottom structure. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors, Light Neutral Colors.