How to Fish Waverly Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

20% Off Strike King, Through 06/03. Save Now

20% Off Bubba, Through 06/16. Save Now

Built to Serve Tee + PRO = $20 Donated Per Order → Shop Now

20% Off Dirty Jigs and Nichols Lures, Through 06/10. Save Now

Buy One, Get One FREE P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon. Learn More

Save Up To $500 on Select Minn Kota, Through 06/18. Save Now

PRO members get free shipping, rewards & local lake data! Join Today

Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Waverly Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 12, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Waverly Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-63	Bass are transitioning from winter depths to warmer, shallower spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are staging near spawning flats but primarily relating to deeper structure adjacent to these areas	Secondary points and rock/hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range near shallow spawning areas Docks with deep water access near spawning flats	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and hard cover Shakey Heads on rock and hard bottom transitions	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation Crawfish becoming active on hard bottom areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	38-52	Pre-spawn pike are beginning to stage in shallow, weedy areas with easy access to spawning grounds. They are actively feeding to build energy reserves before spawning. Fish are most active during warmer parts of the day when water temperatures rise, targeting prey in and around vegetation edges.	Shallow weed beds in 8-12 foot range, particularly areas with coontail vegetation Transition areas where weeds meet slightly deeper water Scattered rock areas near weed edges that warm up quickly	Lipless Crankbaits worked through and over weed tops with sporadic pauses Spinnerbaits slow-rolled along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked with a steady retrieve near vegetation	Bluegills congregating in warmer, shallow areas Small pike and yellow perch in weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	48-58	Pre-spawn crappies are beginning to move from deeper winter haunts towards warmer, shallower staging areas, particularly in the protected north bay areas Fish are becoming more active during daylight hours but still show peak activity during dawn and dusk periods due to moderate water clarity Crappies are staging in loose schools near spawning areas, relating heavily to available cover like coontail edges	North side bay shorelines where warmer, protected spawning areas are located Coontail weed edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to spawning areas Transition zones where deeper water meets emerging vegetation	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with light jigs around emerging vegetation Bobbers with small jigs suspended at key depths near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working deeper edges of staging areas	Small bluegills Emerging aquatic insects Small minnows gathering in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass are moving shallow and transitioning into spawning mode, actively patrolling and defending territory near spawning areas Fish are showing aggressive behavior towards larger profile baits, as evidenced by the success of tactical rat and shad imitations	Shallow submerged grass beds near spawning flats Docks and laydowns in protected areas Weed edges in 8-12 foot range serving as staging areas	Hard Topwater (Wake) worked slowly over vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around docks and laydowns Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for covering water	Bluegill in shallow areas around cover Shad moving along weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	45-68	Pike are moving into shallow, weedy areas for spawning, with post-spawn fish actively feeding in 8-foot weed beds Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the upper water column, particularly around emerging vegetation	Shallow weed flats in 4-8 foot range with emerging vegetation Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 foot depth Scattered rock areas near vegetation transitions	Spinnerbaits worked slowly through emerging vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve along weed edges Inline Spinners cast parallel to weed lines	Bluegills congregating in shallow vegetation Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies are actively moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected north side bays, with some fish on beds while others stage nearby Most active feeding occurs during dawn/dusk periods due to moderate water clarity (1.9m secchi), with fish relating strongly to shoreline vegetation	Protected northside bay shorelines with submerged vegetation Shallow vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to spawning areas Transition zones where weeds meet deeper water, creating staging areas	Bobbers with small jigs near vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for actively feeding fish Crappie Dock Shooting when fish are holding tight to cover	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports Small bluegills, indicated by lake profile showing strong panfish forage base	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	63-76	Post-spawn largemouth moving into summer patterns, actively feeding in shallower vegetation and around docks Fish showing preference for methodical presentations in stained water conditions, particularly during low light periods	Grass flats and edges in 4-8 foot depth range with clean, non-scummy vegetation Docks providing shade and ambush points Hard bottom areas near vegetation	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with slow presentations around vegetation Wacky Rigs worked methodically around docks and grass edges Grass Jigs in 3/4oz weight for working through vegetation	Bluegill in and around vegetation Juvenile bass and panfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	58-72	Post-spawn pike actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth vegetation, particularly over 8-foot weed beds Fish showing suspended feeding behavior, following baits and striking on the pause	Weed bed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly coontail Scattered rock areas near vegetation for transitional holds Shallow vegetation flats with emerging growth	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked over weed tops with pause-and-go retrieve Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near vegetation	Bluegills and other panfish Young-of-year baitfish Crawfish	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy along weed edges in 8-12 foot range Fish are most active during dawn and dusk periods due to moderate water clarity (1.9m secchi), with feeding periods near vegetation edges	Weed edges and transition zones at 8-12 foot depths, particularly where coontail meets deeper water Secondary points and structure near north side spawning bays as fish transition from spawning areas Suspended fish relating to deeper vegetation in main lake areas during midday	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges to cover water and find active fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in and around vegetation Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) during prime dawn/dusk periods	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Small minnows relating to weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-76	Bass are holding on deep weed edges (8-14 feet) during summer, particularly relating to coontail beds with proximity to deeper water. Fish are requiring slow, methodical presentations due to stained water conditions. Fish are scattered but active, with individual spots holding multiple fish when found. They're ambushing prey from vegetation edges and responding well to both finesse and power fishing techniques.	Outside weed edges in 8-14 feet of water adjacent to deeper water Scattered coontail clumps with gaps between them in 8-12 feet Rock piles and hard bottom areas near weed edges	Drop Shot worked slowly along weed edges with extended pauses Ned Rig dragged slowly on bottom, especially near hard bottom areas Grass Jigs flipped into coontail clumps with pop-and-drag retrieve	Bluegill Crawfish	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Pike moving between deeper, cooler water (15-20 feet) during midday heat and shallower weed edges during morning/evening to feed Suspended feeding behavior over weed tops during lower light periods, becoming more lethargic during peak heat	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially where they meet cooler water Scattered rock areas near deep weed edges providing thermal refuge Outer coontail edges in 8-12 foot range during morning/evening periods	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along weed edges with deep diving crankbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked just above weed tops during low light periods Spinnerbaits retrieved at varying speeds along weed edges during morning/evening	Bluegills suspended in weed cover Young-of-year panfish schooling near weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappies are suspending near weed edges in the 8-12 foot range during early/late day, moving slightly deeper during bright midday periods Feeding activity peaks during dawn/dusk periods, with fish relating closely to vegetation-based structure and transitional areas	Weed edges at 8-12 foot depth contours, especially where coontail meets deeper water Deeper suspended positions near vegetation during midday (12-15 feet) Shaded areas under docks adjacent to weed edges	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish Crappie Dock Shooting during bright midday periods	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish Aquatic invertebrates in and around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Waverly Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	63-69	Actively feeding on bluegill around weed edges, with increased activity during stable weather patterns Fish are staging along deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, responding well to slow, methodical presentations	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near schools of sunfish Breaks and points off shallow flats where weeds meet deeper water Scattered rock and hard bottom areas adjacent to vegetation	Drop Shot with 10-14 inch leader, worked with subtle shaking in place Structure Jigs worked slowly along weed edges Spinnerbaits with slow retrieve outside weed edges in 5-8 feet	Bluegill concentrations around weed edges Crawfish in rocky areas and along weed edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	52-65	Pike are actively chasing forage fish, particularly bluegills, as they build energy reserves for winter. Fish are moving between deeper weed edges and shallow flats following baitfish schools. Most active during low-light periods and overcast days due to the moderately stained water (1.9m Secchi), with aggressive feeding behavior along vegetation edges.	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, particularly where coontail meets open water Scattered rock areas near weed edges during seasonal transitions Shallow flats with remaining vegetation where baitfish schools congregate	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with stop-and-go retrieves Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) burned over weed tops and along edges Lipless Crankbaits ripped through remaining vegetation	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth Young-of-year baitfish schooling in vegetation edges Smaller pike and yellow perch in deeper weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	52-65	Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and suspended over key structure in 12-20 foot range Feeding activity increases during early morning and evening hours, with fish moving shallower to feed along weed edges Schools becoming more concentrated as water cools, creating opportunities for multiple catches once located	Deep weed edges where coontail meets deeper water (8-12 foot range) Suspended over deeper basin areas near structure North bay deeper sections where schools of baitfish concentrate	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small jigs along weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish Hover/Mid-Strolling with light jigs when fish are scattered	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near weed edges Small minnows schooling in deeper water Remaining invertebrates in cooling waters	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	34-42	Pike become less active but still feed opportunistically, primarily during mid-day when water temperatures are slightly higher Fish concentrate near remaining green vegetation edges and scattered rock structure, using these areas as ambush points	Deeper weed edges in 8-12 foot range where coontail remains green Scattered rock areas adjacent to vegetation Secondary drop-offs near remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Spoons Blade Baits	Suspended Bluegills near remaining vegetation Small Yellow Perch along weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies will be suspended in deeper water, typically schooling near the bottom in 15-24 foot ranges, moving up in the water column to feed during prime periods Most active during low-light conditions, with brief feeding windows during midday, especially on overcast days	Deep weed edges where coontail transitions to open water (12-15 foot range) Suspended over the deepest basins (20-24 foot range) Protected areas near deep water access, especially in north bay transitions	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Damiki Rig	Small bluegills suspending near deep weed edges Juvenile perch schooling near bottom	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Pike are concentrated in moderate depths (12-18 feet) near weed edges, with reduced activity during midday Most active during dawn and dusk periods, moving shallower (8-12 feet) to feed on suspended panfish	Deep weed edges where coontail meets basin transitions Scattered rock areas adjacent to weed growth Suspended panfish schools over deeper basin areas	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows for finesse presentation	Bluegills suspended in weed edges Small perch schools near bottom structure Juvenile panfish in deeper water columns	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Suspending in schools over deeper basins (15-20 feet) near primary structural elements like weed edges Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a second feeding window during stable mid-day conditions	Deep basin areas adjacent to the 8-12 foot weed edges North bay transitions where summer weed edges meet deeper water Mid-depth flats (12-15 feet) with scattered vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the school Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to pattern suspended fish	Small Bluegills and juvenile panfish Zooplankton and micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Waverly Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and rock/hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range near shallow spawning areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed beds in 8-12 foot range, particularly areas with coontail vegetation	Transition areas where weeds meet slightly deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	North side bay shorelines where warmer, protected spawning areas are located	Coontail weed edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow submerged grass beds near spawning flats	Docks and laydowns in protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow weed flats in 4-8 foot range with emerging vegetation	Weed edges adjacent to spawning areas in 8-12 foot depth
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected northside bay shorelines with submerged vegetation	Shallow vegetation edges in 8-12 foot range adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Grass flats and edges in 4-8 foot depth range with clean, non-scummy vegetation	Docks providing shade and ambush points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed bed edges in 8-12 foot depth range, particularly coontail	Scattered rock areas near vegetation for transitional holds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Weed edges and transition zones at 8-12 foot depths, particularly where coontail meets deeper water	Secondary points and structure near north side spawning bays as fish transition from spawning areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Outside weed edges in 8-14 feet of water adjacent to deeper water	Scattered coontail clumps with gaps between them in 8-12 feet
Summer	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially where they meet cooler water	Scattered rock areas near deep weed edges providing thermal refuge
Summer	Crappie	Weed edges at 8-12 foot depth contours, especially where coontail meets deeper water	Deeper suspended positions near vegetation during midday (12-15 feet)
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 8-12 feet of water, especially near schools of sunfish	Breaks and points off shallow flats where weeds meet deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 8-12 foot range, particularly where coontail meets open water	Scattered rock areas near weed edges during seasonal transitions
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges where coontail meets deeper water (8-12 foot range)	Suspended over deeper basin areas near structure
Winter	Northern Pike	Deeper weed edges in 8-12 foot range where coontail remains green	Scattered rock areas adjacent to vegetation
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges where coontail transitions to open water (12-15 foot range)	Suspended over the deepest basins (20-24 foot range)
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges where coontail meets basin transitions	Scattered rock areas adjacent to weed growth
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to the 8-12 foot weed edges	North bay transitions where summer weed edges meet deeper water

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near emerging vegetation	Crawfish becoming active on hard bottom areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in warmer, shallow areas	Small pike and yellow perch in weed edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow areas around cover	Shad moving along weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in shallow vegetation	Young-of-year baitfish emerging in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows, as confirmed by recent fishing reports	Small bluegills, indicated by lake profile showing strong panfish forage base
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in and around vegetation	Juvenile bass and panfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills and other panfish	Young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Aquatic insects emerging from vegetation
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Crawfish
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspended in weed cover	Young-of-year panfish schooling near weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Small bluegills and juvenile panfish	Aquatic invertebrates in and around vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrations around weed edges	Crawfish in rocky areas and along weed edges
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth	Young-of-year baitfish schooling in vegetation edges
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year bluegills congregating near weed edges	Small minnows schooling in deeper water
Winter	Northern Pike	Suspended Bluegills near remaining vegetation	Small Yellow Perch along weed edges
Winter	Crappie	Small bluegills suspending near deep weed edges	Juvenile perch schooling near bottom
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills suspended in weed edges	Small perch schools near bottom structure
Ice	Crappie	Small Bluegills and juvenile panfish	Zooplankton and micro invertebrates

Bait Colors by Season for Waverly Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order

Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.
Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area.

© 2025 Omnia Fishing Inc. All Rights Reserved

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy