How to Fish West Point Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

West Point Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on West Point Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-67	Pre-spawn bass are actively feeding while staging near spawning areas, particularly around warming rocky structures with water temperatures ranging 52-67°F Fish are transitioning between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, using points and riprap as staging areas Feeding activity increases during stable weather, but cold fronts push fish deeper and reduce activity	Riprap banks and rocky areas that warm quickly in spring sunlight Laydowns and floating wood debris in 6-10 foot depth range Deep water adjacent to spawning flats, especially near points and creek channels	Spinnerbaits worked along rocky banks and through laydowns, allowing to sink in deeper water Shallow diving crankbaits (0-6') worked along riprap and rocky areas Carolina Rigs with lizards in 6-10 foot range near staging areas	Shad schooling in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy on rocky structure Minnows in shallow warming areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging, actively feeding on crawfish and shad in preparation for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive, moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower staging areas near spawning flats	Main lake points with transition to spawning flats Rip rap banks with good rock cover Protected coves off the main lake	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along bottom Shakey Heads with worms Underspins for actively feeding fish Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in transition areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Pre-spawn crappie are staging and actively migrating towards spawning areas, utilizing creek channels and staging points as transition routes Fish are becoming increasingly active and aggressive, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning With moderately stained water (1.9m secchi), crappie will hold in shallower depths, typically 3-8 feet, especially during warming trends	Creek channel bends and staging points near spawning coves Brush piles in 6-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Docks providing shade and structure in pre-spawn staging areas	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Dock Shooting Finesse Hair Jigs	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small bluegill and juvenile crappie in brush pile areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn stripers are actively feeding and staging near spawning areas, making aggressive moves to shallow flats and creek arms following baitfish Fish are moving in large schools, targeting shad in transitional areas between deep winter holds and shallow spawning grounds	Main lake points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water Dam area in 10-12 feet staging areas	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with umbrella rigs along points and creek channels Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through transitional areas Spinnerbaits worked along windblown points and flats	Shad schools moving into shallow areas Baitfish concentrating near creek mouths and points	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Pre-spawn catfish are becoming more active and starting to move from deep winter holdover areas to transitional depths, following warming water temperatures Fish are establishing feeding patterns around structure and channel edges, becoming more aggressive as water warms	Creek channel edges and points adjacent to spawning flats Laydowns and woody cover in 8-15 foot depths Deep water structure transitioning to shallow flats	Live Bait Rigs - positioned near structure and channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - effective for active fish near structure Carolina Rigs - great for covering transitional areas between deep and shallow water	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active Small sunfish in and around woody cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Bass transitioning through spawn phases, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning flats. Recent reports show fish relating to rocky points and bluff walls early, then moving to protective cover like brush piles as spawning activity increases Actively feeding during warming trends, particularly around baitfish concentrations, with reports showing successful catches around shad schools	Rocky points and bluff walls holding bait, as specifically mentioned in recent fishing reports Protected coves that narrow into creeks, particularly those with matted grass as noted in fishing reports Brush piles in spawning pockets, which are providing staging and spawning habitat	Spinnerbaits worked around rocky points and bluff walls, matching the successful pattern from recent reports Wacky Rigs worked around brush piles, which has proven effective in recent catches Carolina Rigs for covering water and targeting transitional areas between staging and spawning zones Soft-bodied frogs with paddle feet (specifically Stanley Ribbit style) worked through matted grass areas	Shad - primary forage base mentioned in multiple recent reports Crappie - noted as forage in recent reports, particularly around brush pile areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phase, actively moving between staging areas and spawning sites on rocky structure Fish are aggressive and territorial, defending nesting areas and feeding opportunistically on crawfish in rocky areas	Rip rap banks and rocky shorelines with good sun exposure Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel near spawning pockets Protected rocky coves with access to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly along rocky structure Shakey Heads worked through spawning areas Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along rip rap transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Blueback herring in deeper adjacent areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, staging near and moving into shallow spawning areas around brush piles and other protected cover Fish are becoming increasingly active in shallower water, with males preparing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper	Brush piles in 5-12 feet of water near spawning flats Protected coves and creek channels with abundant cover Dock areas providing shade and protection in spawning zones	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly around brush piles Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for actively spawning fish	Small shad in the 1-2 inch range Young crappie fry Small bluegill and sunfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are making pre-spawn and spawning movements into tributary areas and shallow flats, following temperature cues Fish are schooling aggressively and actively pursuing shad in moderately stained water conditions Males stage in spawning areas while females move in and out based on optimal temperature windows	Rocky points and shallow flats near tributary mouths where spawning activity occurs Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas serving as staging locations Current breaks and eddies created by water level fluctuations where bait concentrates	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning flats and along points Umbrella Rigs to match schooling shad and trigger reaction strikes Spinnerbaits worked along current breaks and point transitions	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas Small baitfish utilizing shallow flats and tributary mouths	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near creek channels and protected coves during spring spawn Males preparing and guarding nest sites in areas with firm bottom composition, often near root wads or laydowns Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, followed by reduced feeding during actual spawning	Protected coves with firm bottom near creek channel intersections Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water access Areas with laydowns and root wads in 2-8 foot depth range	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working baits slowly near structure Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting visible cover in spawning areas	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports) Smaller panfish in spawning areas Crawfish becoming active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily targeting shad in mid-depth ranges and around structure Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, showing increased activity during stable weather	Dam areas with deeper water access, particularly lake-side portions Laydowns and woody cover in transition areas Rip rap banks with good depth changes	Spinnerbaits worked around laydowns and cover Lipless Crankbaits near dam areas and depth transitions Hard Topwater (Popping) during shad activity periods Carolina Rigs for covering water and finding active fish	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap	Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-72	Spotted bass are transitioning to post-spawn feeding patterns, actively pursuing shad and crawfish around rocky points and shallow structure Fish are beginning to move slightly deeper and will orient to the first significant drop-offs near spawning areas	Main lake points with rocky structure and access to deeper water Rip rap banks adjacent to creek channels Secondary points in creek arms with mixed rock and gravel	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rocky transitions Shakey Heads worked slowly on points and drop-offs Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structures Shad beginning to school in creek channels Blueback herring moving to deeper structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-78	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, staging along migration routes Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting shad in open water and around structure Due to moderate staining (1.9m secchi), fish remain relatively shallow and concentrate around visible structure	Secondary points and channel swings near spawning coves Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range along migration routes Dock edges and pilings, especially those near deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Finesse Hair Jigs	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports) Small sunfish and juvenile crappie Small minnows gathering around docks and brush	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn stripers actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in the upper water column Fish transitioning from spawning areas to main lake points and channels, taking advantage of current breaks	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially near dam Current-swept areas near major creek channels Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad are spawning	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Spinnerbaits Umbrella Rigs Trolling Shallow (0-9')	Spawning Shad Post-spawn Herring Young of Year Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	68-78	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn, dusk, and night periods Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper structure, using creek channels and points as migration routes	Creek channel intersections with main lake points in 15-25 feet of water Laydowns and woody cover near deeper water access Secondary points with access to shallow feeding flats	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges and points Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad schools moving along creek channels Bluegill in shallow areas near cover Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-90	Bass are seeking thermal refuge in deeper water (12-15 feet) during hot daytime temperatures, with brief feeding periods in shallower water during early morning Fish are relating strongly to hard structure (points, ledges, docks) that provide shade and ambush opportunities near deep water access	Main lake points with nearby deep water drops (12-15 feet) Boat docks providing shade in 8-12 feet of water Ledges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding areas	Carolina Rigs worked slowly along deep structure and ledges Football Jigs dragged along points and deep structure Early morning spinnerbaits around docks and shallow cover	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage especially around docks and cover	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	78-85	Spotted bass are actively feeding on shad, primarily relating to deeper structure during summer heat Fish are showing a preference for rocky points and transition areas, moving between shallow and deep water based on time of day	Main lake points with access to deep water Rocky structure near creek channels Deep offshore structure adjacent to baitfish schools	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly along structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for actively feeding fish	Shad schools in open water Crawfish in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie will be suspended in deeper water near structure during the heat of summer, typically holding in the 12-20 foot range Fish are most active during early morning and late evening, moving shallower to feed around docks and brush Schools become more concentrated around key structure due to low water conditions	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to creek channels Shaded dock areas with 10-15 feet of water Main lake points with submerged timber or brush	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting	Shad schools suspending in open water Small sunfish around dock structures Young-of-year baitfish in brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	83-87	Striped bass are seeking thermal refuge but making feeding runs into 10-12 foot depths, especially near the dam where cooler, oxygenated water is present Active feeding during low light periods, with fish suspending near structure and making coordinated attacks on shad schools	Dam area in 10-12 feet of water, particularly areas with current breaks Main lake points adjacent to deep water sanctuaries Deep water structure with nearby shallow feeding flats	Spinnerbaits worked from bottom up through the water column Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) mimicking shad schools Lipless Crankbaits with yo-yo retrieve near bottom	Shad (primary forage confirmed by multiple reports) Other baitfish concentrating near dam structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Summer	Catfish	83-90	Active feeding during dawn and dusk periods, with continued nocturnal activity due to warm summer temperatures Seeking comfort zones near structure during day, moving to feeding flats during low light periods	Laydowns and woody cover in 8-15 feet of water, especially near channel edges Deep water points and ledges adjacent to feeding flats Creek channel intersections with abundant structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges and points Carolina Rigs with cut bait for covering feeding flats	Shad (primary forage confirmed by multiple reports) Bottom dwelling prey (crawfish, small sunfish)	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for West Point Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	68-76	Bass are actively feeding on shad and transitioning along channel edges and drop-offs, following baitfish migrations Fish are utilizing both shallow and deep water zones, making frequent moves between feeding areas based on bait location and time of day	Drop-offs and ledges near deeper channels, particularly where they intersect with rocky structure Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water Rock piles and boulder fields, especially those near channel swings	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along drop-offs and around structure Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to channel edges Bladed Jigs around laydowns and shallow cover	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports Bluegill - secondary forage especially around cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass are actively following blueback herring schools in deeper water, relating to rock structure along creek channels Fish are in fall transition pattern, moving between 15-35 feet of water as they follow baitfish schools	Rocky areas along creek channels in 15-35 foot depth range Main lake points with boulder structure Deep water rock piles adjacent to channel swings	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly along bottom structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along rocky transitions Shakey Heads worked through boulder fields	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water Shad moving along creek channels Crawfish still active on rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Actively schooling and feeding on shad in creek channels and around deeper structure, with increased activity during low-light periods Moving between mid-depth staging areas and shallower feeding zones, following baitfish movements	Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 12-20 feet of water Deep dock areas near channel swings Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad are present	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along channel edges and through baitfish schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles and dock posts Crappie Dock Shooting during bright conditions when fish seek shade	Shad schools congregating in creek channels Small sunfish around dock structures Young-of-year baitfish in shallow feeding areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively pursuing shad schools in coves and along points as baitfish migrate to shallower water during fall feeding patterns More aggressive feeding behavior during low-light periods, especially at dawn and dusk, taking advantage of the moderately stained water conditions Moving between different depth ranges throughout the day, following bait movements and responding to changing light conditions	Main lake points and creek mouths where shad schools congregate during fall migration Dam area in 10-12 feet of water, providing deep-water access and current breaks Shallow coves with baitfish schools, especially during early morning and late evening	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at varying depths to match shad movements Spinnerbaits retrieved at medium speed along points and through schools of bait Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along contour lines where bait schools are present	Shad schools in their fall migration patterns Various smaller baitfish concentrated by falling water temperatures	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Fall	Catfish	65-78	Catfish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following shad schools as they migrate to deeper creek channels and main lake points Fish become more concentrated around structure in deeper water, especially during daylight hours, moving shallower during low-light periods	Deep creek channel bends with nearby woody cover, especially where they intersect with main lake points Deeper laydowns and brush piles in 15-25 foot range Secondary points near major creek channels where shad schools concentrate	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges and points Trolling Deep (20'+) following contours of creek channels	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Bream seeking deeper structure Smaller catfish and other bottom-dwelling prey	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-52	During open water winter conditions, largemouth bass become less active and typically suspend near deep structure, making slow, deliberate movements to conserve energy Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often relating to the warmest available water and congregating around key structure that provides both cover and access to forage	Deep rock piles and points adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 feet of water Steep bluff walls with vertical structure that provide quick depth changes Deep boat docks, especially those near channel swings or creek mouths	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits fished with controlled vertical presentations Shakey Heads used with subtle movements near structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller sunfish holding tight to structure Crawfish becoming less active but still available in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Spotted Bass	47-52	Spotted bass are suspending at mid-depths (10-15 feet) around man-made structure, actively feeding on shad Fish are showing a preference for ambush points near deep water access, particularly around docks and bridges	Docks in 10-15 feet of water with deep water access Bridge rip rap transitions in 8-15 feet Main lake points near deep water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around suspended fish Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rip rap and structure edges Underspins when fish are actively chasing shad schools	Shad schools suspended in the water column Blueback herring around deeper structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	42-52	Crappie are schooling tightly in deeper water, typically suspended near structure or in creek channels Feeding activity is reduced but concentrated during prime warming periods, especially during afternoon hours Fish are moving less and maintaining position near vertical structure and drop-offs	Deep brush piles in creek channels and main lake points (15-25 feet) Deeper dock areas adjacent to creek channels Deep water staging areas near major creek arms	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Crappie Spider Rigging Damiki Rig	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish relating to brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass actively feed on concentrated schools of shad, following baitfish to deeper, stable water near the dam and main lake points Fish are schooling more aggressively in winter, creating feeding frenzies when they locate bait pods	Dam area in 10-25 feet of water where bait schools concentrate Deep main lake points with access to shallow flats Creek channel bends and intersections where current creates bait-holding areas	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in deeper water Scattered Bluegill near structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-55	Catfish become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper, stable water areas during winter, typically moving less but still feeding opportunistically Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often gathering in large groups in key deep-water areas	Deep channel bends and ledges near creek channels (18-30 feet) Deep water areas adjacent to shallow flats, especially near tributary mouths Deeper brush piles and laydowns in 15-25 feet of water	Live Bait Rigs with slow, patient presentations near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with cut bait or large minnows Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and deeper structure	Winter-stressed or dying shad Bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, small sunfish) Smaller baitfish concentrated in deep water	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in West Point Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Riprap banks and rocky areas that warm quickly in spring sunlight	Laydowns and floating wood debris in 6-10 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with transition to spawning flats	Rip rap banks with good rock cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Creek channel bends and staging points near spawning coves	Brush piles in 6-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths adjacent to spawning areas	Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel edges and points adjacent to spawning flats	Laydowns and woody cover in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rocky points and bluff walls holding bait, as specifically mentioned in recent fishing reports	Protected coves that narrow into creeks, particularly those with matted grass as noted in fishing reports
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rip rap banks and rocky shorelines with good sun exposure	Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel near spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 5-12 feet of water near spawning flats	Protected coves and creek channels with abundant cover
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Rocky points and shallow flats near tributary mouths where spawning activity occurs	Main lake points adjacent to spawning areas serving as staging locations
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected coves with firm bottom near creek channel intersections	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dam areas with deeper water access, particularly lake-side portions	Laydowns and woody cover in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with rocky structure and access to deeper water	Rip rap banks adjacent to creek channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and channel swings near spawning coves	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth range along migration routes
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water, especially near dam	Current-swept areas near major creek channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake points in 15-25 feet of water	Laydowns and woody cover near deeper water access
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points with nearby deep water drops (12-15 feet)	Boat docks providing shade in 8-12 feet of water
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water	Rocky structure near creek channels
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to creek channels	Shaded dock areas with 10-15 feet of water
Summer	Striped Bass	Dam area in 10-12 feet of water, particularly areas with current breaks	Main lake points adjacent to deep water sanctuaries
Summer	Catfish	Laydowns and woody cover in 8-15 feet of water, especially near channel edges	Deep water points and ledges adjacent to feeding flats
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Drop-offs and ledges near deeper channels, particularly where they intersect with rocky structure	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Spotted Bass	Rocky areas along creek channels in 15-35 foot depth range	Main lake points with boulder structure
Fall	Crappie	Creek channel bends with adjacent brush piles in 12-20 feet of water	Deep dock areas near channel swings
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where shad schools congregate during fall migration	Dam area in 10-12 feet of water, providing deep-water access and current breaks
Fall	Catfish	Deep creek channel bends with nearby woody cover, especially where they intersect with main lake points	Deeper laydowns and brush piles in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep rock piles and points adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 feet of water	Steep bluff walls with vertical structure that provide quick depth changes
Winter	Spotted Bass	Docks in 10-15 feet of water with deep water access	Bridge rip rap transitions in 8-15 feet
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in creek channels and main lake points (15-25 feet)	Deeper dock areas adjacent to creek channels
Winter	Striped Bass	Dam area in 10-25 feet of water where bait schools concentrate	Deep main lake points with access to shallow flats
Winter	Catfish	Deep channel bends and ledges near creek channels (18-30 feet)	Deep water areas adjacent to shallow flats, especially near tributary mouths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy on rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small bluegill and juvenile crappie in brush pile areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools moving into shallow areas	Baitfish concentrating near creek mouths and points
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage base mentioned in multiple recent reports	Crappie - noted as forage in recent reports, particularly around brush pile areas
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Blueback herring in deeper adjacent areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small shad in the 1-2 inch range	Young crappie fry
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating near spawning areas	Small baitfish utilizing shallow flats and tributary mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports)	Smaller panfish in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in mid-depth ranges	Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging and active on rocky structures	Shad beginning to school in creek channels
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base confirmed in reports)	Small sunfish and juvenile crappie
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Spawning Shad	Post-spawn Herring
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving along creek channels	Bluegill in shallow areas near cover
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage especially around docks and cover
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools in open water	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending in open water	Small sunfish around dock structures
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage confirmed by multiple reports)	Other baitfish concentrating near dam structure
Summer	Catfish	Shad (primary forage confirmed by multiple reports)	Bottom dwelling prey (crawfish, small sunfish)
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple recent reports	Bluegill - secondary forage especially around cover
Fall	Spotted Bass	Blueback Herring schooling in deeper water	Shad moving along creek channels
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in creek channels	Small sunfish around dock structures
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools in their fall migration patterns	Various smaller baitfish concentrated by falling water temperatures
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Bream seeking deeper structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller sunfish holding tight to structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Blueback herring around deeper structure
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish relating to brush piles
Winter	Striped Bass	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad schooling in deeper water	Scattered Bluegill near structure
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed or dying shad	Bottom-dwelling creatures (crawfish, small sunfish)

Bait Colors by Season for West Point Lake

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