How to Fish Tulloch Reservoir

Tulloch Reservoir fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming temperatures Fish are starting to feed more aggressively to build energy for spawning, with particular focus on ambush points near spawning flats Key locations: Docks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those providing shade and cover; Secondary points with submerged vegetation near spawning coves; Transition areas between deep water and shallow flats. Best techniques: Ned Rigs worked slowly around dock posts and edges, Shakey Heads targeting dock pilings and vegetation edges, Soft Jerkbaits for more active fish in slightly warmer periods. Primary forage: Minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas, Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals, Green Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 52-62°F. Spotted bass transitioning to pre-spawn areas, actively feeding while staging near spawning locations Fish moving between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn zones, particularly active during warming trends Key locations: Docks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those with deep water access; Rocky points and transition areas near spawning pockets; Main lake boulder areas with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations, working methodically around dock pillars, Shakey Heads worked along rocky transitions and points, Football Jigs dragged slowly on deeper structure adjacent to spawning areas. Primary forage: Minnows congregating near pre-spawn staging areas, Crawfish becoming more active with warming water. Best bait colors: Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?

Water temp 48-62°F. Fish are transitioning from winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving from deep winter areas to intermediate depths near spawning flats, particularly active during warming trends Key locations: Rocky points transitioning to spawning flats; Deep water adjacent to boulder-strewn shorelines; Main lake points with good depth transitions. Best techniques: Blade Baits worked along depth transitions, Drop Shot with slow presentations near rocky structure, Tubes dragged along rocky bottom, Ned Rigs worked slowly on points. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish schools in transitional areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Pre-spawn staging with active feeding behavior near spawning areas, targeting both shad and bluegill as indicated by recent reports Moving between staging areas and shallow spawning zones, with 61°F water temperature indicating prime pre-spawn conditions Key locations: Docks with nearby spawning flats, as evidenced by recent successful reports; Rocky structures in pre-spawn staging areas, particularly in 7-12 foot depth range; Protected coves with gradual slopes, suggested by the lake's irregular shoreline. Best techniques: Drop Shot worked slowly around dock pilings, matching recent successful reports, Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') targeting rocky structures, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working shallow cover near spawning areas. Primary forage: Shad actively present in pre-spawn areas, Bluegill around dock structures, Crawfish emerging in rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Shad Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 55-68°F. Spotted bass moving into spawning areas in coves and protected points, staging at transition areas between deep and shallow water Males actively guarding nests in 2-8 foot depths while females move between spawning flats and deeper staging areas Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, particularly near hard bottom areas with rock or gravel Key locations: Protected rocky points with gravel or small rock transitions; Shallow protected coves with hard bottom near deep water access; Docks and man-made structures adjacent to spawning flats. Best techniques: Shakey Heads worked slowly around spawning areas and transition points, Soft Jerkbaits fished with erratic action near staging areas, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and visible cover. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish congregating in spawning areas, Juvenile bluegill in shallow water around docks. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Spawn)?

Water temp 58-65°F. Pre-spawn to spawning activity with males preparing and guarding nests in rocky areas. Fish moving from winter depths to spawning locations in 5-12 foot range Active feeding periods during warmer parts of day, particularly targeting crawfish near rocky structure Key locations: Rocky points and boulder areas in 5-12 foot depth range with good sun exposure; Secondary points with gravel/rock mix near deeper water access; Protected areas between docks with hard bottom composition. Best techniques: Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations near identified spawning areas, Tubes worked slowly along rocky structure and potential bed areas, Ned Rigs dragged slowly across gravel and rock transitions. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish relating to warming shallows. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 62-75°F. Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed aggressively, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing weed edges and dock areas as primary feeding zones, making short movements between deep and shallow water Key locations: Emerging weed edges in 5-15 foot depths, especially near spawning pockets; Docks adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with vegetation nearby; Secondary points with submerged vegetation leading to deeper water. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked parallel to weed edges and through scattered vegetation, Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and vegetation, Spinnerbaits worked along breaks and points with vegetation. Primary forage: Bluegill gathering in emerging vegetation, Crawfish active in warming shallows, Young shad schools beginning to form. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn spotted bass are actively feeding to recover energy, focusing on crawfish around rocky structure Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main lake points and rock piles Key locations: Main lake rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range; Secondary points with rocky structure near spawning pockets; Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water with boulder or rock cover. Best techniques: Football Jigs worked slowly along rock piles and points, Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish, Shakey Heads worked through rocky transitions. Primary forage: Crawfish - primary forage during post-spawn period, Small baitfish relating to rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Vibrant Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Spring (Post-Spawn)?

Water temp 61-72°F. Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, becoming more active and aggressive in feeding Moving between shallow rocky areas and nearby deeper structure, particularly active during morning and evening Key locations: Main lake points with mixed rock and boulder structure; Secondary points near spawning bays with 8-15 foot depth transitions; Rock structure adjacent to deeper water near docks. Best techniques: Drop Shot worked along depth transitions, Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky points, Ned Rigs worked slowly on hard bottom areas. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small baitfish relating to rocky structure, Perch schools in transition areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 74-84°F. Bass are actively feeding around matted grass edges and dock areas, with aggressive strikes reported on moving baits during optimal conditions Fish are showing both shallow and deep patterns - seeking shade during bright periods while actively feeding on bait schools in deeper water Multiple reports indicate a preference for slower presentations, suggesting somewhat pressured fish requiring methodical approaches Key locations: Matted grass edges and weed lines, particularly where they meet deeper water; Shaded areas of docks, especially back posts and walkways; Deep points near bait balls, particularly in 28-35 foot range. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked extremely slow along grass edges, Bladed Jigs swimming through tops of submerged vegetation, Ned Rigs and Texas Rigs worked around dock structure, Drop Shot in deeper water worked slowly around points. Primary forage: Minnows/Shad - evidenced by bait balls and successful shad-pattern baits, Bluegill - particularly around vegetation, Crawfish - especially around docks and hard structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 78-85°F. Actively feeding on main lake points during early morning and late evening, suspending near structure during midday heat Showing preference for suspended presentations with slow retrieves, indicating a more methodical feeding pattern in warm water Key locations: Main lake points with access to deep water; Rocky structure areas near channel swings; Private dock areas with adjacent deep water. Best techniques: Spybaits worked with extremely slow retrieve in suspended zones, Drop Shot presented along deep structure edges, Football Jigs dragged slowly on rocky points. Primary forage: Minnows suspended in the water column, Crawfish on rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Summer?

Water temp 74-84°F. Actively feeding around boulder-strewn points and main lake structure, particularly in clear water areas Transitioning between shallow and deeper areas throughout the day, with peak activity during morning and evening periods Key locations: Main inlet points with boulder structure in clear water; Deep water adjacent to private docks in the main lake; Rocky points with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Texas Rigs (Worming) with slow, bottom-contact presentation, Drop Shot along deep structure and dock edges, Tubes worked around boulder structure. Primary forage: Crawfish in rocky areas, Baitfish around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 64-80°F. Bass are actively feeding along weed edges, targeting both crawfish and bluegill while transitioning between summer and winter patterns Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior with 'vicious bites' reported, but may require slower presentations in deeper water Moving between shallow vegetation and deeper open water areas as temperatures fluctuate Key locations: Weed line edges, especially where they meet deeper water; Open water areas in 40' depth adjacent to structure; Matted grass areas with good ambush points. Best techniques: Football Jigs worked along weed edges, focusing on the fall and first drag, Deep Diving Crankbaits parallel to weed lines, Spybaits in open water with very slow retrieves. Primary forage: Crawfish actively moving along weed edges and bottom structure, Bluegill relating to matted grass and vegetation, Shad in open water areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. Spotted bass are actively chasing baitfish in the shallower sections of the lake, especially during early morning and late evening periods Fish are transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish schools and utilizing points and rock piles as ambush locations Spotted bass becoming more aggressive in feeding due to falling water temperatures and the need to build energy reserves Key locations: Main lake points with rocky structure, especially those adjacent to deeper water; Private dock areas where baitfish are congregating; Rock piles and boulder fields in the main inlet area. Best techniques: Spybaits worked slowly through suspended fish near points, Football Jigs dragged along rocky bottom structure, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds to match baitfish movement. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish concentrating in creek arms and around points, Crawfish still active on rocky structure, Small bluegill around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Purple Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Fall?

Water temp 58-72°F. Actively feeding and following baitfish schools, with increased activity during cloudy days and dawn/dusk periods Moving between deep structure and shallow feeding zones as water temperatures fluctuate Aggressively targeting crawfish and baitfish in preparation for winter Key locations: Main lake points with boulder and rock transitions; Deep dock areas adjacent to rocky structure; Clear water sections near steep drop-offs. Best techniques: Drop Shot with slow, subtle movements along deep structure, Ned Rigs worked methodically around rock transitions, Blade Baits for actively feeding fish following baitfish schools. Primary forage: Baitfish schools congregating in deeper water, Crawfish still active on rocky structure, Small perch around dock areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 45-52°F. Suspending in open water or holding tight to deep structure, following primary bait schools of shad and minnows as evidenced by recent reports Exhibiting lethargic feeding patterns requiring slow presentations, with fish responding best to methodical retrieves in cold water conditions Key locations: Deep ledges in 15-20 foot range where recent catches have been reported; Open water/basin areas where suspended fish are following bait schools; Deep points and channel bends that provide winter staging areas. Best techniques: Umbrella Rigs worked with slow, steady retrieve to imitate bait schools, Spybaits retrieved as slowly as possible for suspended fish, Drop Shot with subtle movements for inactive fish near structure. Primary forage: Shad schooling in deeper water as primary winter forage, Minnows in open water areas, Small bluegill near remaining structure. Best bait colors: Purple Colors, Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors.

How do you catch Spotted Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 45-52°F. Spotted bass concentrate in deeper water near main lake points and rock piles, typically suspending in the 15-25 foot range Fish become more lethargic but will actively feed during warming trends and stable weather Key locations: Deep main lake points with access to rock piles and boulders; Private dock areas in deeper water, especially those near channel swings; Steep rocky banks in the main inlet area with quick access to deep water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near structure, Spybaits retrieved slowly through suspended fish, Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom structure, Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish. Primary forage: Shad schools concentrated in deeper water, Crawfish becoming less active but still available in rocky areas, Small baitfish relating to dock structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Dark Neutrals, Natural Craw Colors.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass on Tulloch Reservoir in Winter?

Water temp 38-45°F. Smallmouth bass are concentrated in deeper water between 15-20 feet, maintaining a less active but still feeding pattern Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often relating to the first major depth change near deep structure Key locations: Deep rocky points extending into main lake areas, especially those adjacent to winter sanctuary depths; Deep structure near dock areas in 15-20 foot range; Main lake rock piles and boulder fields with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Drop Shot with subtle movements to entice lethargic fish, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with blade baits for active fish, Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish in deeper water, Inactive but present crawfish population, Small perch relating to similar structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Metallic Colors.