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Wamplers Lake

Published: Updated:

Spring Fishing Patterns on Wamplers Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass48-60
  • Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to staging areas near spawning flats, actively feeding to build energy reserves
  • Fish are becoming more aggressive and moving shallower as water temperatures rise, particularly during afternoon hours
  • Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near emerging vegetation
  • Secondary points and rock piles in 6-7 foot depths leading to spawning areas
  • Protected coves with gradual slopes, particularly on the north side of the lake
  • Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation
  • Bladed Jigs around shallow rock piles and transition areas
  • Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly over staging areas
  • Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy
  • Bluegill in shallow vegetation
  • Small shad schools in staging areas
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass48-58
  • Pre-spawn smallmouth bass are actively moving into shallower areas and feeding heavily on baitfish near submerged vegetation as water temperatures rise
  • Fish are becoming more aggressive and willing to chase reaction baits like jerkbaits, particularly during warmer parts of the day
  • Submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water, especially where it intersects with rocky areas
  • Rocky points and shorelines that warm quickly in spring sun
  • Secondary points and shallow flats near pre-spawn staging areas
  • Hard Jerkbaits worked with a slow to medium-fast retrieve, incorporating frequent pauses
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near vegetation edges
  • Blade Baits worked along transitional areas between shallow and deeper water
  • Bluegill congregating near emerging vegetation
  • Shad schools moving into warmer shallow areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill52-65
  • Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats with vegetation, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Moving between deeper winter holdover areas and shallow feeding zones as temperatures fluctuate
  • Showing increased aggression and feeding activity during warming trends, particularly in afternoon hours
  • Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-4 foot depths
  • Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats
  • Docks near shallow flats providing overhead cover
  • Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or worms suspended 1-2 feet off bottom
  • Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around rock piles
  • Bobbers with small jigs near emerging vegetation
  • Small shad and minnows
  • Aquatic insects emerging with warming water
  • Small crustaceans around rock structures
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish52-65
  • Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning
  • Most active during dawn and dusk periods, utilizing current breaks and structure edges as transition routes
  • Rocky areas near the dam with current breaks in 8-15 feet of water
  • Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-4 feet of water
  • Secondary points leading into spawning bays with gradual slopes
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near structure
  • Carolina Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near current breaks
  • Shad moving into shallower water
  • Bluegill in emerging vegetation
  • Bottom-dwelling invertebrates in rocky areas
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-68
  • Largemouth bass are in spawning mode, actively moving into shallow protected areas to establish and guard nests. Males will be extremely territorial and aggressive in defending these areas.
  • Fish are most active during warmer parts of the day, particularly in shallow areas where the water warms fastest
  • Protected shallow flats near the dam, especially in 2-4 foot depths where recent catches have been reported
  • Shallow coves with vegetation (reeds, cat tails) that provide spawning habitat
  • Protected areas between docks where gradual slopes create ideal spawning conditions
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - matching recent success reports and ideal for covering water to find active fish
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) - excellent for targeting visible bed fish and working through shallow cover
  • Wacky Rigs - effective for spawning bass, especially when pitched to visible beds or likely spawning areas
  • Shad - primary forage based on recent fishing reports
  • Bluegill - abundant in the shallow spawning areas
  • Crawfish - becoming active in shallow rocky areas
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass55-65
  • Actively moving into shallow rocky areas and flats (3-4 feet) for spawning, with males guarding nests
  • Pre-spawn feeding heavily near submerged vegetation edges and transitional areas before moving to spawning sites
  • Rocky flats and pockets in 3-4 foot depth range with hard bottom
  • Vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats
  • Protected areas between docks offering spawning habitat
  • Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas and potential nest sites
  • Soft Jerkbaits near vegetation edges for pre-spawn fish
  • Ned Rigs for precise presentations to spotted fish
  • Crawfish emerging in warming shallows
  • Bluegill in vegetation edges
  • Shad in slightly deeper transitional areas
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill62-75
  • Bluegill are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly around vegetation and protected bays
  • Males are establishing and guarding nesting colonies in 2-4 foot depths, becoming increasingly aggressive
  • Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, with fish targeting both insects and small baitfish near structure
  • Shallow flats with vegetation in 3-4 foot depths
  • Protected bays with lily pads and submerged vegetation
  • Rock piles adjacent to spawning flats
  • Dock areas providing shade and protection
  • Live Bait Rigs with small hooks and light line for spawning colonies
  • Bobbers with suspended baits near vegetation edges
  • Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around rock piles
  • Inline Spinners cast near shallow structure
  • Small insects and larvae around vegetation
  • Young-of-year shad in shallow areas
  • Crustaceans near rock structures
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish68-75
  • Male catfish are actively seeking warm, shallow spawning areas near rocky structure and undercut banks
  • Females stage in slightly deeper water near spawning areas, moving in to spawn when water temperatures are optimal
  • Rocky areas and ledges in 3-4 feet of water, especially near shoreline structure
  • Areas near the dam with hard bottom and cavities for nest building
  • Protected coves with gradual slopes and abundant structure
  • Live Bait Rigs with weighted slip bobbers to present baits just off the bottom
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near identified spawning areas
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow structure and potential spawning cavities
  • Bluegill concentrating in the shallows
  • Shad moving into spawning areas
  • Insects and crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass58-72
  • Active feeding in shallow water (3-4 feet) near emerging vegetation and transition areas
  • Moving between spawning flats and early summer feeding areas, utilizing drop-offs as travel routes
  • Showing preference for structure-oriented feeding, targeting crawfish and bluegill near cover
  • Shallow flats with emerging vegetation (reeds, cattails, lily pads) in 3-4 feet of water
  • Drop-offs and ledges in 6-7 foot range adjacent to spawning areas
  • Rock piles and hard structure near shallow water
  • Spinnerbaits worked at medium speed along vegetation edges
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly along drop-offs and bottom transitions
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around rock piles and structure
  • Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent catches
  • Bluegill - actively being targeted by bass near structure
  • Other small baitfish utilizing shallow vegetation
  • Chartreuse
  • Green Pumpkin
  • White
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass62-72
  • Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following baitfish schools
  • Fish are establishing summer patterns, transitioning from spawning areas to main lake structure while remaining aggressive
  • Rock piles and drop-offs in 6-7 foot range adjacent to spawning flats
  • Shallow flats with mixed vegetation in 3-4 feet of water
  • Dock areas providing shade and ambush points for feeding
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along drop-offs and through baitfish schools
  • Drop Shot rigged with finesse baits around rock piles and dock posts
  • Spinnerbaits worked parallel to shoreline structure and through vegetation
  • Shad schools suspending near drop-offs
  • Bluegills in shallow vegetation
  • Crawfish active on rocky bottom areas
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill65-75
  • Post-spawn bluegill transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively feeding throughout the day around structure
  • Showing preference for shad and small baitfish in addition to typical insect forage, suggesting aggressive feeding behavior
  • Rock piles in 3-6 foot depth range
  • Shallow flats with emerging vegetation
  • Docks adjacent to deeper water
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')
  • Bobbers
  • Inline Spinners
  • Shad
  • Aquatic Insects
  • Small Crustaceans
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish58-72
  • Post-spawn catfish are becoming more active and establishing feeding patterns near structure, particularly during low-light periods
  • Fish are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to shallower feeding zones, especially around docks and vegetated areas
  • Increased activity levels as water temperatures rise, with fish actively feeding on insects and small forage fish
  • Dock areas, especially those near depth changes or with good shade coverage
  • Rocky areas and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
  • Areas with emergent vegetation like lily pads and cattails
  • Dam area with current breaks and deeper water
  • Bobbers with live bait or cut bait, particularly effective during active feeding periods
  • Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along structure edges
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) for working through vegetation and around dock pilings
  • Insects, particularly abundant in spring
  • Bluegill and other small panfish
  • Shad moving into shallower water
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass72-85
  • Actively feeding around shallow structure during early/late day, with evidence of success near docks and rock piles per recent reports
  • Moving between shallow feeding areas and adjacent deeper water during midday hours, utilizing drop-offs as transition zones
  • Docks with 3-4 feet of water and access to deeper water, especially those with visible structure
  • Rock piles near points with adjacent drop-offs
  • Weed edges in 4-6 feet of water connecting to shallow flats
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly with periodic pauses, especially around docks
  • Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') slow-rolled past points and structure
  • Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and visible cover
  • Minnows, particularly around dock areas
  • Shad, especially near points and drop-offs
  • Crawfish, relating to rock piles and dock areas
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass68-82
  • Actively feeding during early morning and evening hours, utilizing docks and rock piles as primary ambush points
  • Moving to deeper water (6-7 foot drop-offs) during midday heat, suspending near structure
  • Alternating between aggressive chase-feeding on shad and bottom-oriented feeding on crawfish
  • Rock piles and drop-offs in 6-7 foot range
  • Shaded areas under and between docks
  • Submerged vegetation edges near hard bottom transitions
  • Drop Shot along deep edges of rock piles and dock edges
  • Tubes worked through rocky areas and along drop-offs
  • Ned Rigs worked slowly near vegetation edges
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for suspended fish chasing shad
  • Shad schools suspending near structure
  • Crawfish active on rocky bottom areas
  • Bluegill relating to dock areas and vegetation
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerPanfish / Bluegill68-82
  • Bluegill actively feeding in and around vegetation and dock areas, with peak activity during early morning and evening hours
  • Fish establishing colonies near shallow spawning areas and transitioning between spawning and post-spawn patterns
  • Seeking shade during bright midday hours, utilizing dock shadows and deeper vegetation edges
  • Shallow flats with mixed vegetation in 3-4 foot depths
  • Dock areas with nearby rock piles
  • Deeper vegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats
  • Bobbers with light presentation around vegetation and docks
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along dock edges and rock piles
  • Micro Crankbaits worked slowly near vegetation edges
  • Insects and larvae around vegetation and rocks
  • Small shad and minnows
  • Aquatic invertebrates near rock structures
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors
SummerCatfish68-85
  • Active nocturnal feeding in shallow waters (3-4 feet) near shoreline features and vegetation during night hours
  • Holding in deeper water near dam, rock piles, and ledges during bright daylight hours
  • Opportunistic feeding around docks and other structure that provides shade during dawn and dusk
  • Deep water areas near the dam with current breaks
  • Rock piles and ledges in transition areas
  • Shallow bays with lily pads and emergent vegetation
  • Dock areas providing shade and structure
  • Live Bait Rigs with bottom presentations near structure
  • Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through vegetation
  • Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near deep structure
  • Bluegill in shallow areas near vegetation
  • Shad in open water and around docks
  • Insects and crawfish near rocky structure
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Wamplers Lake

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
FallLargemouth Bass55-68
  • Largemouth bass actively feeding on baitfish, following shad schools into coves and creek arms
  • Fish transitioning from summer deep water patterns to shallower areas, especially during feeding periods
  • More aggressive feeding behavior as fish bulk up for winter, particularly during early morning and late afternoon
  • Points and drop-offs near shallow flats where reported 6-7 foot transitions occur
  • Shallow coves with remaining vegetation, especially near deeper water access
  • Rock piles and dock areas, particularly those adjacent to deeper water
  • Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along depth transitions
  • Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline structure during cloudy conditions or low light
  • Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad schools
  • Shad schools moving into creeks and coves
  • Bluegill still active in remaining vegetation
  • Crawfish available near rock structures
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass52-68
  • Actively feeding on baitfish, particularly shad, in preparation for winter. Fish are following bait schools and making aggressive feeding moves during prime periods
  • Moving between deep structure and shallower feeding zones, particularly during overcast days or lower light periods
  • Rocky points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water, especially those near shad migration routes
  • Dock areas with 6-7 foot breaks nearby, providing both structure and access to deeper water
  • Rock piles in 8-15 feet of water that provide ambush points for feeding on passing bait schools
  • Blade Baits worked with aggressive vertical presentations around bait schools
  • Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds along dock edges and rock transitions
  • Drop Shot with small profile baits when fish are less aggressive or holding deeper
  • Shad schools migrating and schooling in preparation for winter
  • Crawfish still active on rocky structures during warmer periods
  • Small bluegills around dock structures
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
FallPanfish / Bluegill52-65
  • Moving between shallow flats and deeper rock piles as water temperatures fluctuate, following baitfish schools
  • Actively feeding during warmer parts of the day, especially around vegetation edges and dock structures
  • Deep rock piles adjacent to shallow feeding flats (6-12 feet)
  • Edges of remaining vegetation in 3-4 foot depths
  • Protected dock areas, especially those near deeper water
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Micro Crankbaits
  • Small shad and baitfish schools
  • Aquatic insects around vegetation
  • Small crustaceans near rock structures
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallCatfish52-68
  • Catfish are actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, focusing on high-protein forage in deeper structure during day and moving shallow during low light periods
  • Fish are following baitfish schools and concentrating near deep structure, particularly around the dam and rock piles
  • Deep rocky structure and ledges near the dam
  • Channel edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
  • Deep holes near tributary mouths or creek channels
  • Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near bottom structure
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs tipped with bait
  • Carolina Rigs dragged slowly across rocky structure and ledges
  • Shad schools congregating in deeper water
  • Bluegill moving deeper near structure
  • Bottom-dwelling organisms like crawfish
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

SeasonSpeciesWater TempBehavioral PatternsKey LocationsBest TechniquesForage TypesBait Colors
WinterPanfish / Bluegill45-58
  • Panfish are likely schooling in deeper protected areas, particularly around rock piles and dock structures, feeding less aggressively but still actively during warmer parts of the day
  • Fish are moving between deeper holding areas and shallower feeding zones based on daily temperature fluctuations and light conditions
  • Deep rock piles adjacent to shallow feeding flats (8-15 feet)
  • Deeper dock areas with vertical structure (6-12 feet)
  • Protected coves with remaining submerged vegetation
  • Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly near structure
  • Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with micro presentations
  • Live Bait Rigs with downsized offerings
  • Small insects and crustaceans around rock structure
  • Juvenile shad in slightly deeper water
  • Remaining aquatic invertebrates in vegetation
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
WinterCatfish38-45
  • Catfish move to deeper, more stable water temperatures, typically concentrating near the dam and deep structural elements
  • Feeding periods become shorter but more intense, with fish preferring larger meals to conserve energy
  • Deep water areas near the dam with current breaks
  • Deep rock piles and ledges where depth changes create winter holding areas
  • Channel edges adjacent to shallow flats that provide access to both deep sanctuary and feeding zones
  • Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+)
  • Live Bait Rigs
  • Structure Jigs
  • Winter-stressed shad and smaller fish
  • Bluegill in deeper structure
  • Bottom-dwelling invertebrates near rock structures
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
IcePanfish / Bluegill34-39
  • During ice season, bluegill move between shallow flats with vegetation (3-4 feet) and deeper adjacent areas, following daily feeding patterns
  • Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during stable mid-day conditions
  • Shallow weed flats in 3-4 feet of water adjacent to deeper water
  • Rock piles near transition areas, especially those holding insects and crustaceans
  • Protected coves with remaining vegetation, particularly in areas with good wind protection
  • Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements, particularly effective when tipped with live bait
  • Ice Fishing Spoons for more aggressive fish and when targeting larger bluegills
  • Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern fish movement throughout the day
  • Small aquatic insects and larvae
  • Tiny crustaceans near rock structures
  • Small minnows and young-of-year shad in deeper water
  • Pink Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Wamplers Lake

SeasonSpeciesPrimary StructureSecondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassShallow flats adjacent to deeper water, especially near emerging vegetationSecondary points and rock piles in 6-7 foot depths leading to spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassSubmerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water, especially where it intersects with rocky areasRocky points and shorelines that warm quickly in spring sun
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillProtected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-4 foot depthsRock piles adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishRocky areas near the dam with current breaks in 8-15 feet of waterShallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-4 feet of water
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassProtected shallow flats near the dam, especially in 2-4 foot depths where recent catches have been reportedShallow coves with vegetation (reeds, cat tails) that provide spawning habitat
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassRocky flats and pockets in 3-4 foot depth range with hard bottomVegetation edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillShallow flats with vegetation in 3-4 foot depthsProtected bays with lily pads and submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)CatfishRocky areas and ledges in 3-4 feet of water, especially near shoreline structureAreas near the dam with hard bottom and cavities for nest building
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassShallow flats with emerging vegetation (reeds, cattails, lily pads) in 3-4 feet of waterDrop-offs and ledges in 6-7 foot range adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassRock piles and drop-offs in 6-7 foot range adjacent to spawning flatsShallow flats with mixed vegetation in 3-4 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillRock piles in 3-6 foot depth rangeShallow flats with emerging vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishDock areas, especially those near depth changes or with good shade coverageRocky areas and ledges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
SummerLargemouth BassDocks with 3-4 feet of water and access to deeper water, especially those with visible structureRock piles near points with adjacent drop-offs
SummerSmallmouth BassRock piles and drop-offs in 6-7 foot rangeShaded areas under and between docks
SummerPanfish / BluegillShallow flats with mixed vegetation in 3-4 foot depthsDock areas with nearby rock piles
SummerCatfishDeep water areas near the dam with current breaksRock piles and ledges in transition areas
FallLargemouth BassPoints and drop-offs near shallow flats where reported 6-7 foot transitions occurShallow coves with remaining vegetation, especially near deeper water access
FallSmallmouth BassRocky points and drop-offs adjacent to deeper water, especially those near shad migration routesDock areas with 6-7 foot breaks nearby, providing both structure and access to deeper water
FallPanfish / BluegillDeep rock piles adjacent to shallow feeding flats (6-12 feet)Edges of remaining vegetation in 3-4 foot depths
FallCatfishDeep rocky structure and ledges near the damChannel edges adjacent to shallow feeding flats
WinterPanfish / BluegillDeep rock piles adjacent to shallow feeding flats (8-15 feet)Deeper dock areas with vertical structure (6-12 feet)
WinterCatfishDeep water areas near the dam with current breaksDeep rock piles and ledges where depth changes create winter holding areas
IcePanfish / BluegillShallow weed flats in 3-4 feet of water adjacent to deeper waterRock piles near transition areas, especially those holding insects and crustaceans

Primary Forage by Season

SeasonSpeciesPrimary ForageSecondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish emerging from winter dormancyBluegill in shallow vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth BassBluegill congregating near emerging vegetationShad schools moving into warmer shallow areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall shad and minnowsAquatic insects emerging with warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)CatfishShad moving into shallower waterBluegill in emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassShad - primary forage based on recent fishing reportsBluegill - abundant in the shallow spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth BassCrawfish emerging in warming shallowsBluegill in vegetation edges
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / BluegillSmall insects and larvae around vegetationYoung-of-year shad in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)CatfishBluegill concentrating in the shallowsShad moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassCrawfish - primary forage based on multiple recent catchesBluegill - actively being targeted by bass near structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth BassShad schools suspending near drop-offsBluegills in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / BluegillShadAquatic Insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)CatfishInsects, particularly abundant in springBluegill and other small panfish
SummerLargemouth BassMinnows, particularly around dock areasShad, especially near points and drop-offs
SummerSmallmouth BassShad schools suspending near structureCrawfish active on rocky bottom areas
SummerPanfish / BluegillInsects and larvae around vegetation and rocksSmall shad and minnows
SummerCatfishBluegill in shallow areas near vegetationShad in open water and around docks
FallLargemouth BassShad schools moving into creeks and covesBluegill still active in remaining vegetation
FallSmallmouth BassShad schools migrating and schooling in preparation for winterCrawfish still active on rocky structures during warmer periods
FallPanfish / BluegillSmall shad and baitfish schoolsAquatic insects around vegetation
FallCatfishShad schools congregating in deeper waterBluegill moving deeper near structure
WinterPanfish / BluegillSmall insects and crustaceans around rock structureJuvenile shad in slightly deeper water
WinterCatfishWinter-stressed shad and smaller fishBluegill in deeper structure
IcePanfish / BluegillSmall aquatic insects and larvaeTiny crustaceans near rock structures

Bait Colors by Season for Wamplers Lake

SeasonSpeciesBait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Metallic Colors
  • Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Catfish
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Pink Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)Catfish
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth Bass
  • Chartreuse
  • Green Pumpkin
  • White
Spring (Post-Spawn)Smallmouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Panfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Catfish
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
SummerLargemouth Bass
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
SummerSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
SummerPanfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Light Neutral Colors
SummerCatfish
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Vibrant Craw Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
FallLargemouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
FallSmallmouth Bass
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Natural Craw Colors
  • Metallic Colors
FallPanfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Purple Colors
FallCatfish
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
WinterPanfish / Bluegill
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Purple Colors
WinterCatfish
  • Natural Shad Colors
  • Dark Neutrals
  • Natural Baitfish Colors
IcePanfish / Bluegill
  • Pink Colors
  • Chartreuse Colors
  • Natural Baitfish Colors