How to Fish Wateree Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Wateree Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Wateree Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Fish are transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish around rocky areas and shallow cover Bass becoming more aggressive with warming trend, responding well to reaction baits worked at moderate to fast speeds	Shallow rock piles and stumps near the bank, especially with the current low water conditions Secondary points with hard bottom leading into spawning pockets Transition areas between creek channels and shallow flats	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to the bank at a fast retrieve Bladed Jigs around shallow cover and stumps Swim Jigs worked through shallow areas with cover	Crawfish - primary forage during pre-spawn period Shad - secondary forage pattern noted in lake profile	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Striped bass are actively transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, following large schools of shad in 3-15 foot depths Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak feeding during dawn and dusk due to the turbid conditions (1.5m secchi) Schools are gathering near current-influenced structure and points, often mixing with other predatory species like white bass	Main lake points and rock piles that intersect with pre-spawn migration routes Current-swept areas near the dam where baitfish concentrate Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools stage	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near structure when fish are actively feeding	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad White bass (as secondary forage when schooling together)	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	52-65	Carp are becoming more active as water temperatures rise, moving from winter holdover areas to shallower feeding zones, especially focusing on rocky points and emerging vegetation Fish are actively feeding but still somewhat lethargic, preferring slower presentations in slightly deeper water during cold fronts	Rocky points and rock piles in 4-8 feet of water where the sun warms the rocks Shallow mud flats adjacent to deeper water, especially after rain events Areas where emerging vegetation is starting to grow, particularly in protected coves	Live Bait Rigs with corn, dough balls, or nightcrawlers fished near bottom structure Carolina Rigs with scented baits worked slowly along rocky points and transitions	Natural insects and larvae becoming more active in warming waters Small crustaceans and mollusks near rocky areas Emerging aquatic vegetation and roots	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Crappie 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 toward shallower staging areas, particularly relating to creek channels and points adjacent to spawning flats Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to the stained water conditions (1.5m visibility)	Brush piles located along creek channels in 8-15 foot depths Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats Deep dock areas with nearby deep water access Submerged vegetation edges near shallow coves	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad (primary forage base) Small sunfish Young of year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Fish are actively spawning and guarding beds in shallow areas, particularly around grass, stumps, and other cover Pre and post-spawn fish are staging near spawning areas, showing aggressive behavior towards both shad and bluegill	Shallow water willow beds and matted grass areas Stump fields near spawning flats Protected shoreline areas with laydowns	Grass Jigs worked through water willow and vegetation Frogs/Toads over matted grass Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) around bedding areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with stick worms for follow-up presentations	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Shad moving into spawning pockets	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are actively moving into tributary arms and upper lake sections for spawning, often staging in pre-spawn areas near deeper water access Fish are schooling aggressively, feeding heavily before spawning activities, often in mixed schools with white bass as noted in lake reports Morning and evening feeding periods are most active due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi)	Main lake points near tributary arms where current meets structure Rock piles and hard structure in 3-15 foot depth range with deep water access Areas with concentrated baitfish schools near the dam's current zones	Umbrella Rigs worked through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in areas with active surface feeding	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas White bass running in similar areas as stripers Various baitfish species concentrated by spring currents	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	62-75	Common Carp are actively moving into shallow, warmer areas to spawn, particularly targeting vegetated zones and flooded areas with water temperatures reaching spawning range Fish are more aggressive and visible during spawning, often seen rolling and splashing in shallow water while feeding heavily to build energy for reproduction	Shallow, vegetated coves and backwater areas with emerging vegetation and warmer water Rocky points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water staging areas Muddy bottom areas in 2-6 feet of water, especially near inflowing water or creek channels	Live Bait Rigs with sweet corn, boilies, or dough baits fished on the bottom Carolina Rigs with scented artificial baits, allowing for longer casts and better bait presentation in shallow water	Aquatic vegetation and roots Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and insects Planktonic organisms stirred up in turbid water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near shoreline cover, particularly around brush piles and water willow beds Males are establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making multiple trips to spawning areas Most active during dawn and dusk due to stained water conditions (1.5m secchi)	Protected shoreline pockets with water willow and brush piles in 2-6 feet Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays Shallow brush piles near deeper staging areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible cover Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly around spawning areas Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks near spawning areas	Young of year shad beginning to emerge Small sunfish and minnows around vegetation Micro invertebrates in spawning areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-75	Largemouth bass are actively schooling with stripers and white bass during early morning and late evening, targeting shad in shallow water Fish are relating heavily to newly fallen timber and dock areas during midday, showing opportunistic feeding behavior Bass are utilizing submerged vegetation as primary cover once sun gets high, transitioning between shallow and slightly deeper water	Rocky points in 5-10 foot of water, especially during morning and evening periods Recently fallen timber and laydowns with green foliage Isolated docks near submerged vegetation Submerged vegetation in transition areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for schooling fish on points Spinnerbaits around submerged vegetation early and late Shakey Heads worked slowly around docks and laydowns during midday Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around newly fallen timber	Threadfin shad moving shallow in large schools Bluegill around docks and vegetation Crawfish in rocky areas and around newly fallen timber	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting shad schools along points and current areas Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, creating predictable movement patterns Most active during low-light periods due to turbid conditions (1.5m secchi), but will feed throughout day in current	Main lake points with current breaks and rock structure Dam area with fast current and baitfish concentrations Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water (3-15 feet)	Umbrella Rigs worked through baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along depth changes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in current areas	Shad schools recovering from winter pattern Mixed baitfish schools congregating on points Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	58-72	Post-spawn carp are actively feeding in shallow areas to regain energy, particularly around vegetation and rocky areas Fish are more active during warmer parts of the day, feeding heavily on natural forage in turbid conditions	Rocky points and rock piles in shallow water Areas with submerged vegetation and water willow Shallow mud flats, especially after rain events	Carolina Rigs with corn or other natural baits Live Bait Rigs with worms or dough baits	Natural vegetation and algae Aquatic invertebrates in muddy areas Displaced food sources after rain events	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning to early summer patterns, moving away from shallow spawning areas but still relatively shallow, actively feeding to recover With stained water (1.5m Secchi), fish are holding tighter to visible structure and most active during dawn/dusk periods	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning pockets Edges of submerged vegetation and water willow in 5-12 feet Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays where shad are congregating	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible cover Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Shad schools recovering from spawn Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Aquatic insects around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Bass are establishing both shallow and deep water patterns, with fish transitioning between main lake summer areas and creek mouths Fish are responding to the warm water temperatures (up to 85°F) by becoming more selective and requiring slower presentations in many cases Early morning and late evening feeding periods are most active, with fish relating heavily to structure during mid-day periods	Offshore humps in 10+ feet of water with nearby deep water access Rocky points with deep water nearby Isolated patches of water willow and matted grass in shallow water Creek mouth transition areas between main lake and tributaries	Shakey Heads worked extremely slowly around rocky structure Drop Shot for deep water presentations Frogs/Toads around shallow vegetation Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on offshore humps	Shad schooling around deep structure and humps Crawfish especially active around rocky areas Bluegill in and around shallow vegetation	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	Actively feeding in fast current areas near dams and rock structure, utilizing current breaks as ambush points for shad More active during low-light periods due to turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi depth), relying on vibration/sound to detect prey	Dam areas with fast current in 3-15 feet of water Rocky points and current breaks Deep structure adjacent to baitfish schools	Soft Jerkbaits worked with current using 3/4 oz jigheads for bottom contact Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around current breaks Underspins when targeting suspended fish near bait schools	Shad concentrated in current areas Baitfish schools in suspended patterns	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Common Carp	68-85	Carp actively feeding in shallow vegetated areas during early morning and evening hours, seeking cooler water in deeper zones during mid-day Increased activity around mudflats and vegetation edges where natural food sources are abundant	Submerged vegetation beds and water willow areas in 3-8 feet of water Mud flats adjacent to deeper water Shaded areas near rock piles offering temperature refuge	Live Bait Rigs with corn, boilies, or dough balls fished on the bottom Carolina Rigs with scented baits near vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) with soft plastic creatures near rock piles	Aquatic vegetation and roots Bottom-dwelling invertebrates Planktonic organisms	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Actively feeding during early morning and late evening, seeking shade and cooler water during mid-day Suspending near brush piles and vegetation edges, moving between 8-15 feet deep depending on time of day Schooling behavior around shad concentrations, particularly in areas where bait is trapped by structure	Deeper brush piles near creek channel bends (12-15 feet) Shaded dock areas with nearby deep water access Edges of submerged vegetation in 8-12 feet of water Rocky points adjacent to deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad Small sunfish Young-of-year baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Wateree Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass are actively following baitfish migrations to creek arms and points, transitioning from deep summer areas to shallower feeding zones Fish are showing a clear offshore to nearshore movement pattern, relating heavily to main lake points and humps as staging areas	Main lake points and offshore humps, particularly those adjacent to deep water Laydowns and brush in creek arms with proximity to deeper water Rocky areas with crawfish populations near transitional depth changes	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom contours of points and humps Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and available cover Bladed Jigs worked through transitional areas to target actively feeding fish	Bluegill concentrating around remaining cover Crawfish populations on rocky areas and hard bottom Shad schools moving into creek arms	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on large schools of shad, often in mixed schools with white bass and largemouth, particularly during morning and evening periods Following baitfish migrations to shallower creek arms and coves as water temperatures cool Utilizing current breaks and structure to ambush prey, especially during peak feeding periods	Main lake points with rock structure near deep water access Dam area with current-based feeding zones Shallow creek arms where baitfish are migrating	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through baitfish schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along points and channel edges Umbrella Rigs when targeting actively feeding schools	Shad schools migrating to creek arms White bass (as secondary forage in mixed schools)	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Common Carp	55-75	Common Carp actively feeding to build reserves for winter, concentrating in shallower areas near vegetation and rocky points More active during warmer parts of day, moving between deep and shallow water as temperatures fluctuate Increased feeding activity after rain events due to displaced food sources in turbid conditions	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water Rocky points with nearby deeper water access Shallow mudflats near creek channels Protected coves with accumulated vegetation	Live Bait Rigs with corn, boilies, or dough balls fished on the bottom Carolina Rigs with natural bait presentations Texas Rigs (Worming) with scented soft plastics near vegetation	Planktonic organisms and algae Small invertebrates and insects Aquatic vegetation and roots	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning to deeper brush piles and points, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. They school more tightly in fall and become increasingly structure-oriented. With stained water conditions (1.5m Secchi), fish remain active during daylight hours but concentrate near defined structure and cover.	Deep brush piles near points in 15-25 foot depth range Rocky points with access to deeper water Standing timber or brush near creek channel edges	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad (primary forage base moving with schools of crappie) Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish around brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Bass are strongly relating to baitfish schools in deeper water, showing a clear pattern of following and feeding on shad Fish are spread out and utilizing both deep points and rock structure as primary feeding zones	Deep rock piles with nearby access to deeper water Deep points with brush piles Boat ramps on the lower end of the lake	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rock piles and points Football Jigs dragged through deeper structure Shallow Diving Crankbaits worked along boat ramps and hard structure	Shad schools in deeper water Crawfish around rock structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	42-52	Striped bass are actively following and feeding on large schools of shad in open water, with feeding activity concentrated around baitfish schools Fish are typically more active during low-light periods due to the turbid water conditions (1.5m Secchi depth), but will feed throughout the day when they locate bait schools	Deep open water areas where baitfish schools are congregating Rock piles and points that serve as current breaks and ambush points Dam area where current creates feeding zones	Damiki Rig worked through suspended baitfish schools Trolling Shallow (0-9') at 1.5 mph through bait schools Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') when bait is located	Shad schools - primary winter forage Mixed baitfish schools in open water	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Common Carp	38-45	Carp become more lethargic and group together in deeper, more stable water areas during winter, typically near the bottom in 15-25 foot zones Feeding windows are shorter and most active during mid-day when water temperatures peak slightly	Deep holes near rock piles that provide thermal stability and shelter from current Channel bends with mud bottom where groups of carp winter together Protected coves with consistent depth that maintain slightly warmer water	Live Bait Rigs with minimal movement, allowing natural presentation on bottom Carolina Rigs with corn or boilies fished very slowly with long pauses Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with scented baits for precise presentation to grouped fish	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and dormant vegetation Inactive shad in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	58-62	Crappie are actively schooling in deeper water near major lake structures, with schools frequently concentrating in depths of 15-25 feet during winter months. Fish are maintaining moderate activity levels due to relatively warm winter temperatures (58-62°F), but are still exhibiting more concentrated schooling behavior typical of winter patterns.	Deep brush piles adjacent to channel swings or main lake points in 15-25 foot depth range Rocky points with access to deep water, especially those near creek channel intersections Deep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small sunfish relating to brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Wateree Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow rock piles and stumps near the bank, especially with the current low water conditions	Secondary points with hard bottom leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and rock piles that intersect with pre-spawn migration routes	Current-swept areas near the dam where baitfish concentrate
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Rocky points and rock piles in 4-8 feet of water where the sun warms the rocks	Shallow mud flats adjacent to deeper water, especially after rain events
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles located along creek channels in 8-15 foot depths	Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow water willow beds and matted grass areas	Stump fields near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points near tributary arms where current meets structure	Rock piles and hard structure in 3-15 foot depth range with deep water access
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Shallow, vegetated coves and backwater areas with emerging vegetation and warmer water	Rocky points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shoreline pockets with water willow and brush piles in 2-6 feet	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points in 5-10 foot of water, especially during morning and evening periods	Recently fallen timber and laydowns with green foliage
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points with current breaks and rock structure	Dam area with fast current and baitfish concentrations
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Rocky points and rock piles in shallow water	Areas with submerged vegetation and water willow
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning pockets	Edges of submerged vegetation and water willow in 5-12 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Offshore humps in 10+ feet of water with nearby deep water access	Rocky points with deep water nearby
Summer	Striped Bass	Dam areas with fast current in 3-15 feet of water	Rocky points and current breaks
Summer	Common Carp	Submerged vegetation beds and water willow areas in 3-8 feet of water	Mud flats adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Crappie	Deeper brush piles near creek channel bends (12-15 feet)	Shaded dock areas with nearby deep water access
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and offshore humps, particularly those adjacent to deep water	Laydowns and brush in creek arms with proximity to deeper water
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points with rock structure near deep water access	Dam area with current-based feeding zones
Fall	Common Carp	Submerged vegetation edges in 4-8 feet of water	Rocky points with nearby deeper water access
Fall	Crappie	Deep brush piles near points in 15-25 foot depth range	Rocky points with access to deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep rock piles with nearby access to deeper water	Deep points with brush piles
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep open water areas where baitfish schools are congregating	Rock piles and points that serve as current breaks and ambush points
Winter	Common Carp	Deep holes near rock piles that provide thermal stability and shelter from current	Channel bends with mud bottom where groups of carp winter together
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles adjacent to channel swings or main lake points in 15-25 foot depth range	Rocky points with access to deep water, especially those near creek channel intersections

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage during pre-spawn period	Shad - secondary forage pattern noted in lake profile
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	White bass (as secondary forage when schooling together)
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural insects and larvae becoming more active in warming waters	Small crustaceans and mollusks near rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base)	Small sunfish
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Shad moving into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	White bass running in similar areas as stripers
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Aquatic vegetation and roots	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and insects
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young of year shad beginning to emerge	Small sunfish and minnows around vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Threadfin shad moving shallow in large schools	Bluegill around docks and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools recovering from winter pattern	Mixed baitfish schools congregating on points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Natural vegetation and algae	Aquatic invertebrates in muddy areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools recovering from spawn	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling around deep structure and humps	Crawfish especially active around rocky areas
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad concentrated in current areas	Baitfish schools in suspended patterns
Summer	Common Carp	Aquatic vegetation and roots	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small sunfish
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around remaining cover	Crawfish populations on rocky areas and hard bottom
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	White bass (as secondary forage in mixed schools)
Fall	Common Carp	Planktonic organisms and algae	Small invertebrates and insects
Fall	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base moving with schools of crappie)	Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish around brush piles
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in deeper water	Crawfish around rock structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools - primary winter forage	Mixed baitfish schools in open water
Winter	Common Carp	Bottom-dwelling invertebrates and dormant vegetation	Inactive shad in deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small sunfish relating to brush piles

Bait Colors by Season for Wateree Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Common Carp	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors