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Vernon Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Vernon Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-65
  • Bass are in pre-spawn transition, moving from winter areas to spawning flats, holding in staging areas near spawning coves
  • Fish are becoming more active but still temperature dependent, most active during warmer afternoons
  • Brush piles near spawning flats and transition areas
  • Protected docks in spawning pockets
  • Secondary points leading into spawning coves
  • Bladed Jigs worked through and around brush
  • Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and staging areas
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in and around cover
  • Crawfish emerging as water warms
  • Bluegill in shallow brush and around docks
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie52-62
  • Moving from winter deep water areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to prepare for spawn
  • Congregating around brush piles and structure adjacent to shallow spawning areas
  • Becoming increasingly active during warming trends, with peak activity during stable weather
  • Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning flats
  • Bridge pilings with access to deeper water
  • Secondary points with submerged vegetation near spawning coves
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Shad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas
  • Small baitfish relating to brush piles
  • Young of year panfish near vegetation
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted Bass58-65
  • Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Fish are moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower transition areas, particularly along creek channels and rocky points
  • Rocky points adjacent to spawning pockets and creek channels
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range near spawning flats
  • Secondary points with submerged vegetation in creek arms
  • Bladed Jigs worked slowly along transition areas
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush and laydowns
  • Shakey Heads on rocky points
  • Shad schools gathering in pre-spawn areas
  • Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
  • Bluegill starting to move shallower
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-72
  • Bass actively moving shallow and preparing spawning beds, with some fish still in transition areas as noted in recent reports
  • Fish showing aggressive behavior towards moving baits like bladed jigs, while others are beginning bedding activities
  • Shallow matted grass areas and transition zones leading to spawning flats
  • Submerged vegetation in protected coves and pockets
  • Secondary points and staging areas near spawning flats
  • Bladed Jigs worked through vegetation and transition areas
  • Ned Rigs for pressured fish and clear water scenarios
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting bass around shallow cover
  • Shad moving shallow with warming water
  • Crawfish becoming more active in shallow areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)Crappie56-65
  • Crappie are moving into shallow areas (2-8 feet) near vegetation and brush piles for spawning, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper
  • Fish are actively sight-feeding during daylight hours, particularly during early morning and evening periods
  • Males become aggressive and territorial around nesting sites, making them more likely to strike at intrusive baits
  • Shallow areas with lily pads and submerged vegetation, especially in protected coves
  • Community brush piles in 6-12 feet of water near spawning areas
  • Bridge pilings and dock areas providing vertical structure near spawning flats
  • Crappie Dock Shooting for targeting fish holding tight to structure
  • Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around visible cover
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for precise presentations to visible beds
  • Shad (primary forage base)
  • Small sunfish and juvenile fish
  • Aquatic insects and larvae
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Spotted Bass62-72
  • Spotted bass moving into shallow spawning areas near rocky points and protected coves with water temperatures rising
  • Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning waves
  • Aggressive territorial behavior around spawning sites, particularly near brush piles and laydowns
  • Rocky points adjacent to spawning pockets with depths of 2-6 feet
  • Protected coves with brush piles and laydowns
  • Creek channel transitions near spawning flats
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and spawning areas
  • Bladed Jigs worked parallel to spawning banks
  • Shakey Heads for finesse presentations to bedding fish
  • Crawfish emerging in shallow rocky areas
  • Bluegill in spawning areas
  • Shad schools in creek channels
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass52-65
  • Post-spawn bass actively feeding to regain energy, showing preference for shallow cover and edges of lily pads
  • Fish transitioning between spawning areas and early summer patterns, utilizing lily pads as primary ambush points
  • Outer edges of lily pad fields where they meet slightly deeper water
  • Shallow vegetation in protected coves and pockets
  • Secondary points with emerging vegetation near spawning areas
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked with twitching action around pad edges
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through gaps in vegetation
  • Bladed Jigs worked parallel to pad edges
  • Bluegill gathering around lily pad fields
  • Minnows cruising pad edges and shallow vegetation
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie54-62
  • Post-spawn crappie are actively feeding to recover energy, concentrating around brush piles at moderate depths
  • Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on shad, with a preference for structure-oriented presentations
  • Community brush piles in moderate depths
  • Submerged vegetation edges near deeper water
  • Secondary points with man-made structure
  • Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Shad
  • Small baitfish around brush and vegetation
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted Bass65-75
  • Spotted bass transitioning to post-spawn feeding patterns, actively pursuing baitfish and crawfish in transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water
  • Fish becoming more aggressive and territorial, utilizing brush piles and laydowns as ambush points
  • Secondary points and creek channel intersections near spawning flats
  • Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water
  • Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush and laydowns
  • Spinnerbaits along vegetation edges and points
  • Shakey Heads worked slowly through transition areas
  • Crawfish emerging in rocky areas
  • Shad schools moving into creek channels
  • Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass76-80
  • Bass are actively feeding around shallow cover and submerged vegetation, with increased activity early and late in the day
  • Fish are establishing relatively consistent patterns around specific structure types, particularly submerged grass, timber, and lily pads
  • Submerged vegetation edges and grass beds
  • Laydowns and submerged timber
  • Lily pad fields, especially those near deeper water
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around vegetation and cover
  • Frogs/Toads over lily pads and matted vegetation
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) along grass edges
  • Bluegill in and around vegetation
  • Shad relating to deeper structure edges
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerCrappie72-85
  • Suspending near brush piles and man-made structure in 15-25 foot depths during daylight hours to escape summer heat
  • Moving to shallower areas near lily pads and submerged vegetation during dawn and dusk for feeding
  • Schooling actively around shad concentrations, particularly in areas where baitfish gather near structure
  • Deep brush piles and community fish attractors in 15-25 foot depths
  • Bridge pilings with access to deep water
  • Edges of lily pad fields adjacent to deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and bridge pilings
  • Crappie Spider Rigging along depth transitions and structure edges
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) during early morning and late evening
  • Shad schools concentrated around structure
  • Small baitfish utilizing vegetation for cover
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerSpotted Bass76-80
  • Actively feeding in early morning and late evening around brush piles and laydowns, with secondary feeding periods throughout the day near deeper structure
  • Establishing summer patterns around creek channels and points, using woody cover as ambush points for shad and bluegill
  • Main lake points with brush piles, especially near creek channel intersections
  • Submerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Laydowns and woody cover in 8-15 foot depth range
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and laydowns
  • Bladed Jigs worked through vegetation edges
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel edges
  • Shad schools suspended near structure
  • Bluegill around vegetation and woody cover
  • Crawfish in rocky areas and around brush
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns

Fall Fishing Guide for Vernon Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass58-72
  • Actively feeding on shad and bluegill in the mid-depth ranges, following baitfish schools as they migrate to creek arms and coves
  • Transitioning from summer patterns to fall patterns, moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging areas throughout the day
  • Main lake points and creek channel bends near deep water access
  • Shallow brush piles and grass edges adjacent to deeper water
  • Community dock areas with good depth transitions
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to grass lines and points
  • Spinnerbaits worked through scattered grass and around dock posts
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush piles
  • Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves
  • Bluegill relating to remaining vegetation and brush
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCrappie58-68
  • Transitioning from shallow to deeper water, actively feeding on shad schools to build energy reserves for winter
  • Concentrating around brush piles and bridge structures in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon when shad are most active
  • Deep brush piles near creek channel intersections
  • Bridge pilings with access to deep water
  • Community brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range
  • Crappie Spider Rigging
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')
  • Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)
  • Shad schools suspending near structure
  • Small bluegill around brush piles
  • Young-of-year baitfish in deeper water
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallSpotted Bass65-75
  • Spotted bass are actively feeding in creek areas, following baitfish migrations and utilizing brush piles as ambush points
  • Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones, with increased activity around structure during feeding periods
  • Creek channels with brush piles and woody cover
  • Rocky points adjacent to deeper water
  • Vegetation edges near channel swings
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush piles and wood cover
  • Bladed Jigs worked along creek channel edges
  • Spinnerbaits near vegetation in low light conditions
  • Shad schools migrating into creeks
  • Minnows around brush piles
  • Crawfish in rocky areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass52-58
  • Bass moving between deep brush piles and shallower structure as water temperatures fluctuate, actively feeding during warming trends
  • Tending to hold tight to cover in stained water conditions, especially around brush and man-made structure
  • Showing preference for ambush points near deeper water access, particularly during cold fronts
  • Brush piles in 15-25 foot depth range with nearby deep water access
  • Secondary points with submerged brush or timber
  • Bridge pilings and community fishing structures near channel swings
  • Bladed Jigs worked slowly through and around brush piles
  • Football Jigs dragged along bottom near structure
  • Lipless Crankbaits burned over shallow flats during warming trends
  • Shad concentrating in deeper water near structure
  • Bluegill relating to brush piles and bridge pilings
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterCrappie38-48
  • Crappie are schooling in deep water near permanent structure, particularly bridge pilings, showing a preference for stable winter holding areas
  • Fish are actively feeding on shad but with reduced movement patterns typical of winter behavior
  • Bridge pilings and deep structure with nearby deep water access
  • Community brush piles in deeper water
  • Deep water intersections near creek channels
  • Live Bait Rigs fished vertically near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with small profile baits
  • Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water when fish are scattered
  • Shad concentrating in deeper water
  • Small minnows around structure
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
WinterSpotted Bass48-58
  • Spotted bass are schooling in deeper areas near structure, especially around creek channels and brush piles, typically feeding during warmer parts of the day
  • Fish are moving between deep winter holding areas and nearby feeding zones, staying close to vertical structure that allows quick depth changes
  • Deep brush piles and laydowns near creek channels in 15-25 foot depths
  • Rocky points with quick access to deeper water
  • Deeper dock areas adjacent to creek channels
  • Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools
  • Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near structure
  • Shakey Heads worked methodically around brush piles
  • Shad schools concentrated in deeper water
  • Smaller bluegill around brush and structure
  • Crawfish emerging during warmer afternoon periods
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Vernon Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassBrush piles near spawning flats and transition areasProtected docks in spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieBrush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning flatsBridge pilings with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted BassRocky points adjacent to spawning pockets and creek channelsBrush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShallow matted grass areas and transition zones leading to spawning flatsSubmerged vegetation in protected coves and pockets
Spring (Spawn)CrappieShallow areas with lily pads and submerged vegetation, especially in protected covesCommunity brush piles in 6-12 feet of water near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)Spotted BassRocky points adjacent to spawning pockets with depths of 2-6 feetProtected coves with brush piles and laydowns
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassOuter edges of lily pad fields where they meet slightly deeper waterShallow vegetation in protected coves and pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieCommunity brush piles in moderate depthsSubmerged vegetation edges near deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted BassSecondary points and creek channel intersections near spawning flatsBrush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water
SummerLargemouth BassSubmerged vegetation edges and grass bedsLaydowns and submerged timber
SummerCrappieDeep brush piles and community fish attractors in 15-25 foot depthsBridge pilings with access to deep water
SummerSpotted BassMain lake points with brush piles, especially near creek channel intersectionsSubmerged vegetation edges adjacent to deeper water
FallLargemouth BassMain lake points and creek channel bends near deep water accessShallow brush piles and grass edges adjacent to deeper water
FallCrappieDeep brush piles near creek channel intersectionsBridge pilings with access to deep water
FallSpotted BassCreek channels with brush piles and woody coverRocky points adjacent to deeper water
WinterLargemouth BassBrush piles in 15-25 foot depth range with nearby deep water accessSecondary points with submerged brush or timber
WinterCrappieBridge pilings and deep structure with nearby deep water accessCommunity brush piles in deeper water
WinterSpotted BassDeep brush piles and laydowns near creek channels in 15-25 foot depthsRocky points with quick access to deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging as water warmsBluegill in shallow brush and around docks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CrappieShad concentrated in pre-spawn staging areasSmall baitfish relating to brush piles
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted BassShad schools gathering in pre-spawn areasCrawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShad moving shallow with warming waterCrawfish becoming more active in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)CrappieShad (primary forage base)Small sunfish and juvenile fish
Spring (Spawn)Spotted BassCrawfish emerging in shallow rocky areasBluegill in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassBluegill gathering around lily pad fieldsMinnows cruising pad edges and shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)CrappieShadSmall baitfish around brush and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted BassCrawfish emerging in rocky areasShad schools moving into creek channels
SummerLargemouth BassBluegill in and around vegetationShad relating to deeper structure edges
SummerCrappieShad schools concentrated around structureSmall baitfish utilizing vegetation for cover
SummerSpotted BassShad schools suspended near structureBluegill around vegetation and woody cover
FallLargemouth BassShad schools migrating into creeks and covesBluegill relating to remaining vegetation and brush
FallCrappieShad schools suspending near structureSmall bluegill around brush piles
FallSpotted BassShad schools migrating into creeksMinnows around brush piles
WinterLargemouth BassShad concentrating in deeper water near structureBluegill relating to brush piles and bridge pilings
WinterCrappieShad concentrating in deeper waterSmall minnows around structure
WinterSpotted BassShad schools concentrated in deeper waterSmaller bluegill around brush and structure

Bait Colors by Season for Vernon Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Crappie
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Spotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Spawn)Crappie
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Spotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Crappie
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Spotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
SummerCrappie
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
SummerSpotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Bold Striped Patterns
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
FallCrappie
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallSpotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
WinterLargemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
WinterCrappie
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
WinterSpotted Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors