How to Fish Waconda Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Waconda Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 2, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Waconda Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Transitioning from winter deep water to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Most active during warmer afternoon periods when water temperatures peak, particularly around rock structure that holds heat	Main lake points with transitions from rock to deeper water Secondary points in major coves with scattered rock and boulder structure Rocky banks with access to deeper water in 8-15 foot range	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near rock structure Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat Small schools of shad in pre-spawn patterns Small perch near rock structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-66	Pre-spawn white bass staging near tributary areas and moving into feeding zones, particularly during warming trends Fish actively feeding in schools, following shad movements in mid-depth water column (4-15 feet) More aggressive during wind-driven conditions, especially on points and channel swings	Main lake points near tributary entrances Channel swings in 8-15 foot depth range Underwater humps and current breaks that concentrate bait	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily at mid-depths Lipless Crankbaits worked along depth transitions	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish in tributary areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Crappie are actively staging on natural rock points as they prepare for spawning, with males becoming abundant and females starting to move in Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior on the lake-facing sides of structure, likely due to warming water temperatures and increasing metabolic rates	Natural rock points, especially those adjacent to deeper water Boulder fields and rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas Secondary points with hard structure leading into spawning coves	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around rock structure Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for actively feeding fish Live Bait Rigs near structure during slower periods	Shad - primary forage base in the lake Small baitfish relating to rock structure	Light Neutral Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are beginning their migration towards spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves. They're particularly active during low-light periods as indicated by early morning success patterns. Fish are staging near spawning areas and showing increased aggression, especially around rocky structure and points that will be used for spawning.	Rocky points and shallow rock piles that will serve as spawning areas Transition areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning flats Wind-swept shorelines where current concentrates baitfish	Blade Baits worked with short hops along bottom transitions Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses to mimic struggling shad Live Bait Rigs with slow presentations near bottom structure	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small fish species gathering near rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Pre-spawn catfish are beginning to move from winter holding areas to shallower staging areas, particularly near spawning locations like riprap and rocky areas Fish are becoming more active and starting to feed more aggressively as water temperatures rise, with peak feeding often occurring during dawn and dusk	Rocky areas and riprap banks that warm up quickly in spring sunlight Ledges and channel edges adjacent to spawning flats (15-25 foot depth) Flooded structures near deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs with larger offerings like shad or cut bait Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions	Shad (primary forage moving into shallower water) Crawfish (becoming more active in rocky areas) Small panfish in warming shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near spawning flats, actively seeking ideal nesting sites in rocky or gravel areas Males becoming increasingly territorial and aggressive as they prepare and guard nesting sites Feeding activity peaks during warming trends, especially in afternoon hours when water temperatures rise	Rocky points and flats adjacent to spawning areas in 2-6 feet of water Protected coves with gravel or rock bottom substrate Transitional areas between deeper winter haunts and shallow spawning flats	Tubes worked slowly along rocky bottom Ned Rigs with subtle presentations near potential bed sites Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses to trigger territorial responses	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small shad schools in spawning areas Small perch in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn white bass staging in tributary mouths and moving up into creeks and rivers for spawning runs Fish congregating in large schools near current areas and warming shallows Aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn to build energy reserves	Tributary mouths and creek channels where fish stage for spawning runs Secondary points leading into spawning areas Current-swept rocky areas in 4-8 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along channel edges Inline Spinners cast upstream and retrieved with current Underspins worked through schools of staging fish	Small shad schools concentrated near tributary mouths Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallows Small minnows in current areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around rock points and protected coves with water temperatures reaching spawning range Males are establishing and guarding nests in 2-6 feet of water, while females stage slightly deeper on nearby structure Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Natural rock points adjacent to spawning coves Protected shallow coves with hard bottom Submerged rock piles and flooded foundations in 4-8 feet of water	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports) Small invertebrates in spawning areas Juvenile sunfish	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Walleye moving into shallow, rocky areas and points for spawning, typically most active during dawn and dusk periods Pre-spawn fish staging in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas, often relating to rock-to-sand transitions Post-spawn females quickly moving to recover in deeper structure while males linger in spawning areas	Rocky points and shorelines with good wave action in 2-6 feet of water Rock piles adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 feet Wind-swept shorelines with gravel or rock substrate	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along rocky breaks Blade Baits worked with subtle lifts near staging areas Finesse Jigs tipped with minnows for spawning fish	Small Shad congregating near spawning areas Minnows in shallow rocky areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	66-72	Catfish are moving into shallow spawning areas near rip rap, rock piles, and submerged structures in preparation for spawning Males are becoming territorial and aggressive, guarding potential nest sites in cavities and under structure Feeding activity increases as fish prepare for spawning energy demands	Rip rap banks and rock piles in 3-8 feet of water Submerged foundations and structures near shoreline areas Protected coves with abundant structure	Live Bait Rigs with fresh cut bait or live offerings Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with large soft plastics around cover	Shad schools moving shallow Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Bluegill in spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	68-76	Actively feeding in shallow rocky areas, particularly under cloud cover, with fish schooling in pods of similar-sized fish Post-spawn recovery period with increasing focus on feeding, showing preference for crawfish near rocky structure	Shallow rocky banks and boulder fields in 1-3 feet of water Rocky points with mixed grass patches Transition areas between rocky flats and deeper water	Ned Rigs with slow retrieve along rocks Tubes dragged through boulder fields Drop Shot with finesse presentations	Crawfish - primary forage during this period Small baitfish relating to rocky structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	66-72	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are following shad schools in mid-depth water column (4-15 feet), with increased activity during wind-driven conditions Early morning surface feeding activity is common, especially when gulls are present indicating bait balls	Points and humps in 8-15 feet adjacent to spawning tributaries Wind-blown shorelines with complex structure Open water areas where gulls are actively feeding	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match shad movements Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with sporadic bursts to trigger reaction strikes Blade Baits vertically jigged through suspended schools	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Bluegill (secondary forage near structure)	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	66-75	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, following shad movements Fish actively feeding to recover from spawn, utilizing points and grass edges as ambush locations	Main lake points with rock piles near deeper water Emerging grass edges in 8-15 feet of water Ledges and humps adjacent to spawning bays	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth transitions Crappie Spider Rigging near points and grass edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Shad schools beginning to gather in open water Small bluegill and young-of-year baitfish in grass edges	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	52-65	Post-spawn walleye recovering and transitioning to main lake feeding patterns, particularly active during early morning and windy conditions Fish staging near transition areas between spawning sites and summer locations, becoming more aggressive as metabolism increases	Rocky points and adjacent flats near spawning areas in 8-15 feet Wind-blown shorelines with rock or riprap structure Shallow rock piles transitioning to deeper water	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rocky transitions Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge Small baitfish concentrated near rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	66-74	Post-spawn catfish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, becoming more active as they recover from spawning Fish are starting to establish feeding patterns around structure and drop-offs, particularly during dawn and dusk periods	Rocky areas and rip rap near deeper water transitions Submerged structures and foundations in 8-15 foot depth range Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or nightcrawlers near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transition areas	Shad schools beginning to form in warming waters Bottom-dwelling crawfish active in rocky areas Smaller sunfish near shallow structure	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-82	Actively feeding on abundant shad populations, especially during early morning and when wind creates surface activity Utilizing both shallow (2-3ft) and deeper (8-15ft) water columns depending on time of day, with shallow feeding early and movement to deeper structure during bright conditions	Rocky points and banks with nearby deep water access Boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water Dam areas with rock structure	Hard Topwater (Walking) during morning hours and cloudy conditions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near rocky structure Shakey Heads and Ned Rigs when fish are less active or holding deeper	Young-of-year shad (approximately 1/2 inch) Adult shad in deeper water	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	77-82	Actively schooling and feeding on shad, with surface feeding activity especially during early morning hours Utilizing both open water and structure (humps) in 4-9 foot depth range, responding positively to wind conditions	Open water areas with surface activity (watch for diving birds) Isolated humps in 4-9 foot depth range Wind-blown points and structures where bait gets concentrated	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked through active schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) cast upwind to targeted spots Hard Topwater (Walking) for early morning surface activity	Shad (primary forage, with massive schools present) Bluegill (secondary forage option)	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Bluegill
Summer	Crappie	72-82	During summer, crappie are suspending near matted grass and deeper structure, actively feeding on shad during early morning and evening hours Fish are schooling in larger groups around depth changes and ledges, moving deeper during bright midday periods	Matted grass edges adjacent to deeper water Humps and ledges with hard structure Deep brush piles near rock piles and flooded foundations	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along grass edges and depth transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and structure Hover/Mid-Strolling near suspended schools	Shad schools suspending near structure Small sunfish relating to vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Walleye	72-82	Walleye actively feeding around rocky foundations in 6-9' depths during summer, showing aggressive strikes on jerkbaits Fish likely moving between deeper water and feeding zones based on light conditions, with increased activity during lower light periods Relating strongly to man-made structure that provides shade and ambush points in warm water conditions	Flooded foundations with rocky structure in 6-9 foot range Rocky points and transitions near deeper water Wind-swept structure where current concentrates baitfish	Hard Jerkbaits with slow, deliberate action and long casts Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along structure edges Live Bait Rigs near bottom structure during tough conditions	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Young of year baitfish gathering around structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-82	Catfish are highly active in summer, feeding aggressively during dawn, dusk, and night hours. They're seeking both live prey and dead bait in areas with good current flow and structure. During midday heat, cats move to deeper, cooler water near structure but maintain feeding activity near thermocline zones	Deep channels adjacent to shallow flats, especially near rip rap and rock piles Flooded structures and foundations in 15-25 foot depth range Protected coves with submerged timber or structure, particularly during night hours	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait, positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges and near submerged structure Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through rocky areas and near rip rap	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Bottom-dwelling prey (crayfish, small fish near structure)	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Waconda Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on shad schools, following baitfish to deeper structure as water cools Fish become more aggressive during feeding windows, particularly during overcast conditions and wind-influenced periods	Deep rocky points adjacent to shallow flats (8-15 feet) Rock-grass transitions near primary points Main lake boulder fields with nearby deep water access	Drop Shot with small baitfish profiles worked slowly along deep structure Blade Baits worked with lift-and-drop retrieve in deeper zones Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking fleeing shad schools	Shad schools moving to deeper water Crawfish still active on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	62-72	White bass are actively schooling and feeding on shad in mid-depth water (8-18 feet), especially around structure that concentrates bait Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior, with reports indicating they are 'stacked' around specific structure and 'full of zest'	Humps in 8-15 feet of water, particularly in cove mouths where shad are concentrated River bank ledges in 12-18 feet of water Points and current breaks that create ambush opportunities for schooling white bass	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through suspended fish schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Shad (primary forage, mentioned repeatedly in reports) Small baitfish schools concentrated around structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning to deeper water and schooling heavily around structure, following shad movements to main lake areas Fish become more active during low-light periods, moving shallower to feed before returning to deeper holding areas	Deep brush piles and submerged rock piles near depth changes (15-25 feet) Main lake points and humps adjacent to deep water Deeper edges of matted grass where it meets depth changes	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth changes to locate active schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') once schools are located Hover/Mid-Strolling near structure during low light periods	Shad schools moving to deeper water Small sunfish around remaining vegetation Young-of-year baitfish gathering in schools	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-68	Walleye actively feeding on shad during low-light periods and windy conditions as they build energy reserves for winter Fish transitioning between shallow and mid-depth structures based on light conditions and baitfish movement Aggressive feeding behavior when wind creates current on points and rock structures	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water Flooded foundations in 6-15 feet of water near shad schools Wind-swept rocky shorelines and secondary points	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rocky points and structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around flooded foundations Blade Baits worked through suspended baitfish schools	Shad schools congregating in coves and around structure Small panfish around rocky structure and foundations	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Actively feeding near shoreline structures as water temperatures cool, following shad movements into coves and shallow areas Transitioning from summer deep water patterns to more aggressive feeding in preparation for winter	Rip rap banks in coves, especially in areas with nearby deep water access Rocky points and shoreline transition areas where shad are present Submerged structures and foundations in 8-15 foot depth range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along structure Live Bait Rigs with fresh shad or cut bait Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure edges	Shad schools congregating in coves and near shoreline structure Small sunfish and white bass in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-48	Smallmouth bass concentrate in deeper water near rocky structure, typically suspended near steep drop-offs adjacent to main lake points Feeding activity is reduced but occurs in specific windows, especially during stable weather patterns and slight warming trends	Deep main lake points with rock structure in 15-25 feet Steep rocky banks adjacent to deep water Channel swing banks with boulder structure	Blade Baits worked with slow, vertical presentations near structure Drop Shot with subtle movements in deeper water Tubes dragged slowly along bottom structure	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Bottom-oriented crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	White Bass	45-55	White bass school tightly in deeper water, following shad schools suspended over main lake structure Less aggressive feeding patterns with selective strikes during cold water periods More structure-oriented than open water during winter, using humps and points as staging areas	Main lake humps in 8-15 feet of water where current breaks occur Deep points adjacent to primary creek channels Steep shoreline breaks near deep water access	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with tight, controlled movements Spoons fished with subtle movements near suspended schools	Schooling shad in deeper water Small baitfish suspended near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near structure or along depth changes Feeding activity is most pronounced during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more active on warmer, stable weather days	Deep rock piles and flooded foundations in 18-25 foot range Steep ledges and humps adjacent to deep water Deep creek channel bends with structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs worked slowly Ice Fishing Jigs with subtle movements Hover/Mid-Strolling with small soft plastics	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish holding near structure	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	During open water winter conditions, walleye become more concentrated and often school tightly around key structure, particularly near the abundant rock piles and flooded foundations mentioned in reports Feeding activity tends to be more pronounced during low-light periods, with fish making vertical movements to follow shad schools	Deep rock piles adjacent to wintering holes (18-25 feet) Flooded foundations near primary creek channels Main lake points with access to deep water	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and drops Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with methodical presentations Ice Fishing Spoons when fish are tightly schooled	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small yellow perch around rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Catfish	42-52	Catfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper, stable water areas with minimal current during winter Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during the warmest parts of the day, with fish preferring easy meals that don't require much energy expenditure	Deep channels and river channel bends adjacent to shallower flats, especially near submerged structure or foundations Deep holes near the main lake points and coves, particularly those with rock structure or rip rap Areas where deeper water meets structural elements like ledges or submerged foundations	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs and live bait near bottom structure Live Bait Rigs positioned strategically in deep holes with minimal movement	Winter-stressed shad schools in deeper water Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and small sunfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Waconda Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with transitions from rock to deeper water	Secondary points in major coves with scattered rock and boulder structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points near tributary entrances	Channel swings in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural rock points, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Boulder fields and rock piles in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shallow rock piles that will serve as spawning areas	Transition areas between deeper wintering holes and shallow spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and riprap banks that warm up quickly in spring sunlight	Ledges and channel edges adjacent to spawning flats (15-25 foot depth)
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and flats adjacent to spawning areas in 2-6 feet of water	Protected coves with gravel or rock bottom substrate
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and creek channels where fish stage for spawning runs	Secondary points leading into spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural rock points adjacent to spawning coves	Protected shallow coves with hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and shorelines with good wave action in 2-6 feet of water	Rock piles adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Rip rap banks and rock piles in 3-8 feet of water	Submerged foundations and structures near shoreline areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shallow rocky banks and boulder fields in 1-3 feet of water	Rocky points with mixed grass patches
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Points and humps in 8-15 feet adjacent to spawning tributaries	Wind-blown shorelines with complex structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Main lake points with rock piles near deeper water	Emerging grass edges in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and adjacent flats near spawning areas in 8-15 feet	Wind-blown shorelines with rock or riprap structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and rip rap near deeper water transitions	Submerged structures and foundations in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and banks with nearby deep water access	Boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water
Summer	White Bass	Open water areas with surface activity (watch for diving birds)	Isolated humps in 4-9 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Matted grass edges adjacent to deeper water	Humps and ledges with hard structure
Summer	Walleye	Flooded foundations with rocky structure in 6-9 foot range	Rocky points and transitions near deeper water
Summer	Catfish	Deep channels adjacent to shallow flats, especially near rip rap and rock piles	Flooded structures and foundations in 15-25 foot depth range
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rocky points adjacent to shallow flats (8-15 feet)	Rock-grass transitions near primary points
Fall	White Bass	Humps in 8-15 feet of water, particularly in cove mouths where shad are concentrated	River bank ledges in 12-18 feet of water
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles and submerged rock piles near depth changes (15-25 feet)	Main lake points and humps adjacent to deep water
Fall	Walleye	Main lake points with rock structure and access to deep water	Flooded foundations in 6-15 feet of water near shad schools
Fall	Catfish	Rip rap banks in coves, especially in areas with nearby deep water access	Rocky points and shoreline transition areas where shad are present
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake points with rock structure in 15-25 feet	Steep rocky banks adjacent to deep water
Winter	White Bass	Main lake humps in 8-15 feet of water where current breaks occur	Deep points adjacent to primary creek channels
Winter	Crappie	Deep rock piles and flooded foundations in 18-25 foot range	Steep ledges and humps adjacent to deep water
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles adjacent to wintering holes (18-25 feet)	Flooded foundations near primary creek channels
Winter	Catfish	Deep channels and river channel bends adjacent to shallower flats, especially near submerged structure or foundations	Deep holes near the main lake points and coves, particularly those with rock structure or rip rap

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat	Small schools of shad in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish in tributary areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base in the lake	Small baitfish relating to rock structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small fish species gathering near rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad (primary forage moving into shallower water)	Crawfish (becoming more active in rocky areas)
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small shad schools in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Small shad schools concentrated near tributary mouths	Young-of-year baitfish in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports)	Small invertebrates in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Small Shad congregating near spawning areas	Minnows in shallow rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving shallow	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during this period	Small baitfish relating to rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Bluegill (secondary forage near structure)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools beginning to gather in open water	Small bluegill and young-of-year baitfish in grass edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge	Small baitfish concentrated near rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to form in warming waters	Bottom-dwelling crawfish active in rocky areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Young-of-year shad (approximately 1/2 inch)	Adult shad in deeper water
Summer	White Bass	Shad (primary forage, with massive schools present)	Bluegill (secondary forage option)
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small sunfish relating to vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Young of year baitfish gathering around structure
Summer	Catfish	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Bottom-dwelling prey (crayfish, small fish near structure)
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving to deeper water	Crawfish still active on rocky structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad (primary forage, mentioned repeatedly in reports)	Small baitfish schools concentrated around structure
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving to deeper water	Small sunfish around remaining vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Shad schools congregating in coves and around structure	Small panfish around rocky structure and foundations
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in coves and near shoreline structure	Small sunfish and white bass in shallow areas
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-oriented crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	White Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Small baitfish suspended near structure
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish holding near structure
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small yellow perch around rocky structure
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed shad schools in deeper water	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish and small sunfish

Bait Colors by Season for Waconda Lake

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