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

Fathers Day Promo: Buy Any Reel, Get Omnia PRO Free. Learn More

20% Off Xzone Lures, Through 06/17. Save Now

20% Off All St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods, Through 06/28. Save Now

PRO Members: Get 2X Credit Back On All Fishing Line. Learn More

Built to Serve Tee + PRO = $20 Donated Per Order → Shop Now

20% Off Bubba, Through 06/16. Save Now

Save Up To $500 on Select Minn Kota, Through 06/18. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Thole Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Thole Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-58	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, staging near emerging vegetation and shallow cover Fish are becoming more active with warming water, making periodic feeding movements to shallow areas Bass are particularly attracted to warmer pockets of water, especially in protected coves and on the north side of the lake	Emerging weed lines and lily pad edges in 2-4 feet of water Protected coves with early vegetation growth Shallow points adjacent to deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around cover and vegetation edges Spinnerbaits in stained water near cover	Minnows/Shad congregating in warming shallows Early season crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-48	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding and staging near spawning areas, particularly in and around emerging vegetation and shallow bays Most active during dawn and dusk due to limited water clarity (1.1m Secchi), using lateral line sensing more than sight feeding Fish are making frequent movements between slightly deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and lily pad stems Points and shoreline areas adjacent to spawning bays Defined weed edges and depth transitions in 3-5 foot range	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along weed edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows near staging areas	Suckers moving into shallow spawning areas Small panfish in emerging weed growth Young-of-year baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass actively moving into shallow areas along weed lines and lily pads for spawning and post-spawn recovery Fish showing preference for methodical presentations in the cover-rich environment, particularly during high pressure conditions	Emerging weed lines and lily pad edges in shallow water Transition areas between shallow cover and slightly deeper water Protected shallow coves with emerging vegetation	Drop Shot with shortened 6-8 inch leader near cover transitions Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around vegetation edges Wacky Rigs worked methodically in gaps between cover	Minnows Small panfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Northern Pike are actively spawning in shallow, vegetated areas immediately after ice-out, with females dispersing to nearby feeding areas post-spawn Most aggressive feeding occurs during early morning and late evening, with fish targeting ambush points near spawning areas	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially areas with lily pad roots Transition areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water Points and shoreline structures adjacent to spawning areas	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through shallow vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation edges Live Bait Rigs with large minnows for post-spawn females	Large Suckers and Yellow Perch Small Northern Pike (cannibalistic behavior) Various Minnow Species	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are actively recovering from spawn, establishing feeding patterns along emerging vegetation edges and points Fish are staying shallow due to turbid conditions and extensive cover, showing preference for methodical, slow presentations	Points with emerging vegetation or weed growth Shoreline areas with developing weed edges Shallow coves with early lily pad growth	Wacky Rigs worked extremely slowly with long pauses Texas Rigs (Worming) along vegetation edges Shakey Heads for point fishing	Minnows in shallow vegetation edges Small crawfish in emerging weed growth	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing weed edges and points for ambush feeding Most active during low-light periods due to stained water conditions (1.1m Secchi), using lateral line sensing more than sight	Thick grass and lily pad edges in 3-5 feet of water Points and shoreline transitions where weeds meet slightly deeper water Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along vegetation transitions Inline Spinners near surface over submerged vegetation	Young-of-year panfish emerging in shallow areas Suckers moving through shoreline areas Small pike and other juvenile fish	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Largemouth bass are actively feeding in and around thick vegetation, particularly grass and lily pads, using these areas as ambush points in the stained water conditions Fish are staying relatively shallow due to the lake's average depth of 5.15 feet and extensive cover, with most activity occurring during early morning and evening hours	Thick grass and lily pad fields with nearby deeper water access Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water Protected coves with vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with heavy weights (3/4-1oz) to punch through thick vegetation Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along weed edges	Bluegill and small panfish around vegetation Juvenile bass and other small fish utilizing weed cover	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Northern Pike will be actively patrolling weed edges and transition areas during early morning and evening hours, moving to slightly deeper water during bright midday periods Given the turbid water (1.1m Secchi), pike will rely heavily on their lateral line sense, making them especially responsive to baits with strong vibration and flash	Thick weed edges adjacent to deeper water transitions Points and shoreline structures with vegetation Defined ledges where vegetation meets deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through transition areas Inline Spinners retrieved steadily near surface during low light periods	Larger Baitfish (as evidenced by winter sucker patterns) Panfish relating to weed edges Frogs and other surface prey in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Thole Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-68	Largemouth bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, following baitfish schools and relating heavily to remaining vegetation Fish are gradually moving from shallow cover to slightly deeper edges as vegetation begins to die off, particularly during afternoon hours	Edges of dying lily pad fields and weed lines, especially where they meet slightly deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation, particularly on wind-blown banks Points and turns in the shoreline that intersect with vegetation edges	Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges and through dying grass Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) swimming through sparse cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') targeting transitions between cover types	Baitfish schools congregating in remaining vegetation Active crayfish in shallow areas with dying vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, targeting larger forage fish along weed edges and points Fish are following baitfish schools and becoming more aggressive in the cooling water Most active during dawn and dusk due to the lake's turbid conditions (1.1m Secchi)	Weed edges and distinct break lines where vegetation transitions to deeper water Complex shoreline points and coves that concentrate baitfish Shallow bays where remaining vegetation provides ambush cover	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges and through dying vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near break lines Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges and points	Suckers concentrating in deeper holes Smaller panfish schooling in remaining vegetation Shiners moving along shoreline areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	32-38	Pike are positioned along weed edges and transition areas, using their lateral line sense in the turbid conditions for ambush feeding Most active during low-light periods, with aggressive feeding patterns along structure edges	Weed edge transitions to deeper water, especially near points Defined ledges that serve as travel corridors Complex shoreline areas with coves providing ambush points	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Blade Baits Spoons	Larger suckers and minnows, as evidenced by ice fishing reports Slowed panfish in deeper transitions Winter-stressed baitfish along structure edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike are actively feeding along shoreline areas, utilizing their lateral line sense in the turbid conditions to detect prey Fish are holding near structure transitions and ledges, moving between deeper wintering areas and feeding zones	Shoreline areas adjacent to the boat landing, particularly along the bordering road as mentioned in reports Defined ledges where depth transitions create ambush points Deeper holes adjacent to shallow flats where baitfish congregate	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for a more subtle presentation	Sucker Minnows, as specifically mentioned in successful fishing reports Local Baitfish schools utilizing the shallow, turbid environment	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Thole Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Emerging weed lines and lily pad edges in 2-4 feet of water	Protected coves with early vegetation growth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and lily pad stems	Points and shoreline areas adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Emerging weed lines and lily pad edges in shallow water	Transition areas between shallow cover and slightly deeper water
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation, especially areas with lily pad roots	Transition areas between spawning flats and slightly deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Points with emerging vegetation or weed growth	Shoreline areas with developing weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Thick grass and lily pad edges in 3-5 feet of water	Points and shoreline transitions where weeds meet slightly deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Thick grass and lily pad fields with nearby deeper water access	Weed edges adjacent to slightly deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Thick weed edges adjacent to deeper water transitions	Points and shoreline structures with vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Edges of dying lily pad fields and weed lines, especially where they meet slightly deeper water	Protected coves with remaining vegetation, particularly on wind-blown banks
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges and distinct break lines where vegetation transitions to deeper water	Complex shoreline points and coves that concentrate baitfish
Winter	Northern Pike	Weed edge transitions to deeper water, especially near points	Defined ledges that serve as travel corridors
Ice	Northern Pike	Shoreline areas adjacent to the boat landing, particularly along the bordering road as mentioned in reports	Defined ledges where depth transitions create ambush points

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows/Shad congregating in warming shallows	Early season crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Suckers moving into shallow spawning areas	Small panfish in emerging weed growth
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows	Small panfish
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Suckers and Yellow Perch	Small Northern Pike (cannibalistic behavior)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Minnows in shallow vegetation edges	Small crawfish in emerging weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Young-of-year panfish emerging in shallow areas	Suckers moving through shoreline areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill and small panfish around vegetation	Juvenile bass and other small fish utilizing weed cover
Summer	Northern Pike	Larger Baitfish (as evidenced by winter sucker patterns)	Panfish relating to weed edges
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Baitfish schools congregating in remaining vegetation	Active crayfish in shallow areas with dying vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Suckers concentrating in deeper holes	Smaller panfish schooling in remaining vegetation
Winter	Northern Pike	Larger suckers and minnows, as evidenced by ice fishing reports	Slowed panfish in deeper transitions
Ice	Northern Pike	Sucker Minnows, as specifically mentioned in successful fishing reports	Local Baitfish schools utilizing the shallow, turbid environment

Bait Colors by Season for Thole Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Purple Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order

Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.
Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area.

© 2025 Omnia Fishing Inc. All Rights Reserved

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy