How to Fish White Bear Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

White Bear Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on White Bear Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-61	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter depths to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are relating heavily to emerging vegetation and warming shallows, particularly during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Shallow bays with emerging reed beds and vegetation, especially on the north side where water warms fastest Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 foot range Transitions where hard bottom meets emerging vegetation in 5-8 foot range	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Bladed Jigs around reed edges and shallow cover Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly over transition areas	Bluegill moving shallow with warming water Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-52	Pre-spawn pike actively feeding to build energy reserves, most active during warming trends and showing aggressive behavior towards larger prey Fish moving from winter deep water patterns to shallow spawning areas, particularly concentrated around emerging vegetation and tributary inflows	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range, especially near tributary inflows Transitions between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning bays Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through emerging vegetation Spinnerbaits retrieved with steady cadence along weed edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to emerging weed edges	Large Baitfish Schools moving shallow Panfish congregating in pre-spawn areas Young of Year Fish from previous season	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to shallow spawning locations, following warming trends Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warming trends Utilizing wind-blown points and structure as feeding zones during pre-spawn staging	Deep weed edges at 12-15 foot depths adjacent to spawning areas Wind-blown points with access to both deep and shallow water Shallow bays with emerging vegetation where water warms first	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along transitions between deep and shallow water Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly near deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves through transitional areas	Perch gathering in pre-spawn locations Bluegill moving shallow as water warms Minnow schools transitioning to warmer waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during sunny afternoons when water warms	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to deeper wintering areas Hard bottom areas in 8-15 feet of water near potential spawning flats Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom contours Ned Rigs dragged on hard bottom areas Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in transitional areas Various minnow species gathering in pre-spawn areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	40-55	Crappies are staging in pre-spawn areas, showing transitional behavior between winter and spawning patterns Fish are moving between deeper staging areas and shallower pre-spawn zones as water temperatures fluctuate around 42°F	Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Submerged vegetation edges, particularly in protected bays Secondary points with access to deeper water	Bobbers with light jigs suspended above cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) for active fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush and vegetation	Minnows Small invertebrates in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-62	Moving from winter deep weed edges to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Forming loose schools near emerging vegetation and warming bays, becoming more active as water temperatures rise	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water Secondary points near spawning areas in 8-12 feet Deep weed edges in 12-15 feet serving as transition areas	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms worked slowly Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs Bobbers with suspended baits near emerging vegetation	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small minnows and fry Zooplankton in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	61-65	Bass are transitioning through spawn phases, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to spawning flats, with some fish already on beds in protected areas Actively feeding during morning and evening periods, particularly around shallow cover and emerging vegetation Fish showing aggressive responses to moving baits in 5-13 foot depth range, especially around weed edges	Shallow weed beds between 5-13 feet with sparse vegetation Reed and cattail edges in protected areas Shallow docks and laydowns near spawning flats	Ned Rigs worked with alternating drag and hop retrieves through sparse vegetation Shallow diving crankbaits with varied retrieve speeds over weed beds Bladed jigs around reed edges Wacky rigs along cattail edges	Bluegill in shallow vegetation and around docks Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	48-65	Pike are in a transitional spawning phase, actively patrolling shallow weed edges and showing aggressive following behavior as seen in recent reports Most active during low-light periods due to moderate water staining (8.9ft visibility), with feeding windows aligned with solunar periods	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-15 foot range, particularly where weeds transition to open water Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near points where spawning activity occurs Protected shoreline areas with complex structure, utilizing the lake's 1.90 shoreline development index	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly over weed tops, mimicking the successful pattern from recent reports Spinnerbaits parallel to weed edges for active fish Inline Spinners in shallow spawning bays during prime feeding windows	Minnows (primary forage confirmed in recent reports) Young Panfish beginning to become active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-60	Female muskies moving into shallow spawning areas (2-6 feet) near emerging vegetation, while males stage nearby Post-spawn fish recovering in adjacent deeper water (8-12 feet) near weed edges	Shallow reed beds and emerging weed growth in 2-6 foot depths Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot zones adjacent to spawning areas Wind-blown points with emerging vegetation	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along weed edges Inline Spinners worked parallel to emerging weed lines	Perch concentrating in emerging weed growth Bluegill moving shallow with warming water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Fish transitioning from winter deep water areas to spawning flats, staging on adjacent structure Males actively searching shallow areas and building nests, while females stage slightly deeper Aggressive territorial behavior around nest sites, particularly from males	Rock and gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water near deeper wintering areas Hard bottom areas adjacent to weed edges in protected coves Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel substrate	Drop Shot worked slowly around staging areas Tubes dragged and hopped on shallow flats Ned Rigs worked methodically through potential spawning areas	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch in transitional areas Various minnow species moving shallow	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	42-62	Crappies are transitioning to spawning areas in shallow bays and protected shoreline areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are staging near spawning areas, relating heavily to brush piles and submerged vegetation before moving extremely shallow to spawn	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depths Shallow areas near deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where pre-spawn staging occurs	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small minnows concentrated in shallow spawning areas Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Bluegills moving into shallow protected bays and areas with emerging vegetation for spawning Males actively defending nesting colonies in 2-6 feet of water, particularly around hard bottom areas Increased feeding activity in pre-spawn areas near spawning locations	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation Hard bottom areas near reed beds in 2-6 feet of water Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water	Bobbers with light jigs suspended 1-3 feet below surface Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through spawning areas	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Tiny crustaceans in shallow areas Small minnows around weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	66-74	Bass are actively feeding in and around vegetation at various depths (2-12ft), showing aggressive behavior particularly during wind events Fish are relating heavily to bluegill spawning areas and moving between shallow cover and slightly deeper weed edges throughout the day	Weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range, especially where scattered vegetation meets deeper water Shallow reed beds and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water Grass flats with mixed vegetation in 4-6 foot range	Bladed Jigs worked along weed edges and through scattered vegetation Frogs/Toads worked slowly over shallow vegetation with long pauses Wacky Rigs fished in gaps and edges of vegetation Lipless Crankbaits burned through vegetation in 6-9 foot range	Bluegill (primary forage, actively spawning) Shad (secondary forage around weed edges) Minnows (present around vegetation)	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-65	Post-spawn pike are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily hunting along weed edges and points during low-light periods Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, following baitfish schools and utilizing vegetation as ambush points	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot depth range Points and bays with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water Shallow flats with emerging vegetation near spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along weed edges with steady retrieve Spinnerbaits parallel to vegetation lines with occasional pauses Inline Spinners near emerging vegetation with erratic retrieves	Large schools of spring baitfish Young-of-year panfish beginning to emerge Juvenile bass in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies are recovering and beginning to actively feed, primarily during warmer parts of the day Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations, following perch and other forage Showing preference for ambush points near emerging weed growth	Emerging weed edges in 12-15 foot depths adjacent to spawning bays Wind-blown points with developing vegetation Secondary breaks and structure in 8-12 foot range near spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Spinnerbaits worked through emerging vegetation Trolling Shallow (0-9') along developing weed edges	Perch gathering in emerging weed beds Bluegill moving into warming shallows Minnow schools transitioning to summer patterns	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	61-68	Actively feeding near spawning areas but transitioning to deeper structure, showing increased aggression and feeding activity Most active during early morning and evening periods due to moderate water clarity, with fish moving between shallow and mid-depth zones	Hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water Rock piles and ledges transitioning from shallow to deeper water (15-25 feet) Weed edges meeting rocky substrate, especially near points and coves	Drop Shot worked methodically along transitional structure Tubes dragged and hopped across rocky areas Ned Rigs worked slowly on hard bottom areas	Crayfish emerging in rocky areas Small perch around weed edges Various minnow species relating to structure	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies transitioning to early summer patterns, suspending near deep weed edges and gradually moving to deeper water Actively feeding during morning and evening periods, with schools dispersing along vegetation edges	Outer edges of coontail and milfoil in 12-15 foot range Secondary points with access to deeper water Deeper brush piles adjacent to spawning areas	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Small bluegills Various minnow species Young-of-year fish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, forming loose schools near weed edges and transitioning to deeper water Fish are becoming more structure-oriented, utilizing the diverse weedlines between 10-15 feet as primary feeding zones	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet, especially where coontail and milfoil create distinct edges Secondary points with adjacent vegetation in 8-12 feet of water Transitions between shallow spawning areas and deeper weedlines	Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms suspended near weed tops Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs around weed edges Bobbers with suspended baits positioned just above weed growth	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation Tiny crustaceans in weed beds Small baitfish fry beginning to appear	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-82	Bass are actively feeding along deep weed edges (12-15 feet) where coontail meets hard bottom transitions, particularly during morning and evening periods Fish are schooling in submerged vegetation, with multiple catches possible from single locations when found	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially where coontail meets hard bottom Points with milfoil patches in 6-8 foot range Deeper coontail patches in 15-20 foot range adjacent to rock piles	Drop Shot worked slowly along deep weed edges with 18-24 inch leader Bladed Jigs (chatterbaits) burned over tops of grass on windward points Wacky rigged Senkos worked along weed edges Ned Rigs worked through transitions with ripping retrieve	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges Minnows schooling over deeper water	Green Pumpkin Watermelon Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	75-85	Pike actively hunting along weed edges during early morning and evening, with increased activity during solunar major periods Fish positioning in or near submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot depth range seeking cooler water and ambush opportunities	Weed edges and transition zones in 6-10 foot depth range Points with submerged vegetation Deep weed bed edges adjacent to cooler water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges at 1.7-3.0 mph Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved steadily through prime zones	Baitfish schools relating to weed edges Panfish holding in vegetation Bass fry and juvenile fish	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-78	Active during low-light periods, especially early morning darkness, utilizing points as primary ambush locations Relating to deep weed edges (12-15 feet) during daytime hours for temperature comfort and ambush opportunities	Points with access to deep water, especially during early morning hours Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range Wind-blown structure creating current and concentrating prey	Hard Topwater (Prop) during low light periods, especially early morning darkness Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) along deep weed edges during daylight hours Spinnerbaits on wind-blown points when conditions are appropriate	Perch as primary forage, confirmed by multiple reports Bluegill in and around weed edges Various minnow species providing additional forage options	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	72-82	Smallmouth bass are holding on deep ledges and outside weedlines in 15-25 FOW, with increased activity during early mornings and late evenings Fish are using deep structure during midday heat but moving shallower to feed during lower light periods	Outside weedlines adjacent to hard bottom areas in 15-25 FOW Rocky ledges with access to both shallow and deep water Transition areas between vegetation and hard bottom structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) during low light periods	Crayfish on rocky bottom areas Yellow Perch along weed edges Various small minnow species	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	68-78	Crappies are establishing summer patterns in the deep weedline areas at 12-15 feet, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish are suspending near the outer edges of vegetation, moving slightly shallower during lowlight periods to feed on bluegills and minnows	Deep weedlines in 12-15 foot range with coontail and milfoil Complex shoreline points where vegetation meets deeper water Suspended areas adjacent to vegetated flats	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Bluegills Small minnows Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Actively feeding in weed beds during early morning and evening hours, with schools moving between various depth zones during the day Establishing deep weed edge territories between 10-15 feet, using vegetation as cover while feeding opportunistically	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet with mixed vegetation of milfoil and coontail Shallow bays with diverse vegetation during morning and evening periods Points and inside turns along weedlines where bluegills concentrate	Bobbers with light jigs worked slowly through weed pockets Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along weed edges Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation Small crustaceans and zooplankton Tiny baitfish fry	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for White Bear Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-70	Bass are actively feeding on baitfish and bluegills along deep weed edges, transitioning between 6-15 feet of water as temperatures cool Fish are showing preference for slower presentations with brief pauses, indicating a deliberate feeding pattern typical of fall transition	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with points Protected areas with submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot range Weedlines that transition from shallow to deeper water	Texas Rigs (Worming) with slow presentations and brief pauses Drop Shot with finesse presentations in clear water Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along weed edges	Bluegill concentrating near weed edges Minnows schooling along points and vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	48-65	Pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, targeting large baitfish around weed edges and points Fish are following baitfish schools and relating strongly to remaining vegetation, especially during low-light periods	Weed edges transitioning to deeper water (8-15 feet) Points with remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water Shallow bays with surviving green weeds (especially on sunny afternoons)	Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges with occasional pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves near vegetation Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to weed edges during low light	Large Baitfish Schools (particularly around vegetation edges) Panfish concentrated near remaining weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	55-65	Aggressive feeding periods during low-light conditions, especially when fog is present over 60°F water Transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging locations as temperatures fluctuate Utilizing reed edges and shallow flats as primary hunting grounds in fall	Shallow flats with sand and reed combinations in 2-6 foot depths Wind-blown points adjacent to deep water Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range for staging areas	Hard Topwater (Prop) with steady, slow retrieves during low-light periods Spinnerbaits worked along reed edges when wind is present Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked along deep weed edges during midday	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in lake profile Minnows - supplementary forage present year-round	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-68	Actively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, following forage schools to deeper structure Moving between deep wintering areas and shallow feeding zones, particularly during low-light periods Grouping up more than in summer, with multiple fish often found on the same structure	Deep rock piles and ledges in 15-25 feet adjacent to shallow feeding areas Points and breaks where weed edges meet hard bottom structure Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water	Drop Shot with small profile baits worked slowly near bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Tubes dragged along bottom transitions Spybaits worked through suspended fish following bait schools	Yellow Perch schooling near structure Various minnow species in large schools Crayfish on rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-62	Crappies are transitioning from shallow summer patterns to deeper winter locations, actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter Fish are schooling more tightly and following baitfish movements, particularly around deep weed edges and brush piles	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water Points and inside turns near deep water access Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to deeper basins	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Bluegills concentrated around remaining vegetation Small minnows schooling near deep weed edges Young-of-year baitfish in open water	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	48-62	Bluegill actively feeding on remaining insects and small invertebrates near deep weed edges, preparing for winter Schools becoming more concentrated along key structure, particularly deep weed edges at 10-15 feet	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet, particularly where coontail meets the bottom Deeper pockets near weedlines where schools concentrate Remaining green vegetation in protected bays	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Drop Shot	Aquatic insects and larvae around vegetation Small crustaceans in weed beds Zooplankton in deeper water	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	45-55	Pike are actively feeding during low-light periods and solunar majors, with concentrated activity near vegetation edges in cooler water Fish are showing typical winter ambush behavior, utilizing submerged vegetation as cover to attack passing prey	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-15 foot depth range Points and bays with remaining vegetation Transition areas between vegetation and deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along weed edges Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through vegetation gaps Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near weed edges during prime feeding windows	Minnows concentrated near vegetation Panfish in and around weed beds	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Muskie	38-48	Muskies are concentrating on deep primary structural elements, moving between deep weed edges and points adjacent to wintering areas Feeding windows are typically short but intense, often occurring during weather changes or stable warming trends Fish are following perch schools and other forage, suspending near edges of bait concentrations	Deep weed edges at 12-15 foot depths, especially those adjacent to deeper water Wind-blown points with access to deep water Structural transitions where perch schools congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along deep weed edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along structural edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics	Perch concentrating in deeper water near structure Bluegill schools holding in remaining green weeds Suspending baitfish schools in open water adjacent to structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies will suspend near deep weed edges and brush piles, typically schooling tightly in the 12-15 foot range where the submerged vegetation has been reported Feeding activity tends to be most consistent during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more aggressive during stable weather patterns	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially where vegetation meets clean bottom Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to deeper water Protected bays with remaining vegetation, particularly in areas where the complex shoreline creates wind breaks	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Damiki Rig	Bluegills concentrating in the remaining vegetation Small minnows schooling near structure Young-of-year panfish in deeper vegetation edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	Bluegills are suspending near deep weed edges, typically holding in loose schools at depths between 10-15 feet Fish are showing more active feeding periods during stable weather, particularly targeting small invertebrates and baitfish near vegetation	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet, especially where coontail or milfoil creates distinct edges Transition areas between weeds and deeper water, particularly in areas with complex shoreline features Protected bays with remaining vegetation, especially during stable weather periods	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic invertebrates in and around vegetation Tiny baitfish relating to weed edges Zooplankton in the water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-39	Northern Pike are actively feeding but become more lethargic during mid-winter, preferring to conserve energy and make selective strikes Fish tend to concentrate in areas near deeper weed edges where they can ambush prey with minimal energy expenditure Most active during early morning and late afternoon, especially during stable weather conditions	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water Points and inside turns near remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot depth Shallow bays with remaining vegetation near deeper water access	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large live bait positioned at varying depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked with aggressive jigging followed by longer pauses Large Ice Fishing Jigs tipped with minnows near weed edges	Large Shiners and Suckers Panfish, particularly near weed edges Small Pike and Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies are suspending near deep weedlines and brush piles, typically in 12-15 foot depth range where submerged vegetation has been reported Fish tend to school tightly in winter, often relating to the bottom third of the water column during prime feeding periods	Deep weedline edges in 12-15 foot range, particularly where vegetation meets basins Brush piles adjacent to deeper water Basin areas adjacent to complex shoreline features where suspended schools gather	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at varying depths to locate active fish	Bluegills suspended near vegetation edges Small minnows schooling in basins Juvenile perch relating to deep weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Concentrating along deep weed edges in schools, actively feeding on micro-invertebrates and zooplankton during prime daylight hours Showing preference for stable locations near vegetation, making short movements to feed then returning to cover	Deep weedlines in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets bottom transition Inside edges of remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range Deeper basin areas adjacent to weed edges where schools suspend	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly with live bait enhancement Ice Fishing Spoons jigged methodically above fish schools	Small aquatic invertebrates and larvae Tiny baitfish and minnows	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in White Bear Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow bays with emerging reed beds and vegetation, especially on the north side where water warms fastest	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays in 8-12 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 3-8 foot depth range, especially near tributary inflows	Transitions between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Deep weed edges at 12-15 foot depths adjacent to spawning areas	Wind-blown points with access to both deep and shallow water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transition areas adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Hard bottom areas in 8-15 feet of water near potential spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles in 8-12 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats	Submerged vegetation edges, particularly in protected bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation in 4-8 feet of water	Secondary points near spawning areas in 8-12 feet
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow weed beds between 5-13 feet with sparse vegetation	Reed and cattail edges in protected areas
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-15 foot range, particularly where weeds transition to open water	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near points where spawning activity occurs
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Shallow reed beds and emerging weed growth in 2-6 foot depths	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot zones adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock and gravel flats in 2-6 feet of water near deeper wintering areas	Hard bottom areas adjacent to weed edges in protected coves
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow bays with submerged vegetation in 4-8 foot depths	Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats in 8-12 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Protected shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Hard bottom areas near reed beds in 2-6 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Weed edges in 6-12 foot depth range, especially where scattered vegetation meets deeper water	Shallow reed beds and emergent vegetation in 2-4 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Weed edges and emerging vegetation in 6-12 foot depth range	Points and bays with submerged vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Emerging weed edges in 12-15 foot depths adjacent to spawning bays	Wind-blown points with developing vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats in 8-15 feet of water	Rock piles and ledges transitioning from shallow to deeper water (15-25 feet)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Outer edges of coontail and milfoil in 12-15 foot range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet, especially where coontail and milfoil create distinct edges	Secondary points with adjacent vegetation in 8-12 feet of water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially where coontail meets hard bottom	Points with milfoil patches in 6-8 foot range
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges and transition zones in 6-10 foot depth range	Points with submerged vegetation
Summer	Muskie	Points with access to deep water, especially during early morning hours	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Outside weedlines adjacent to hard bottom areas in 15-25 FOW	Rocky ledges with access to both shallow and deep water
Summer	Crappie	Deep weedlines in 12-15 foot range with coontail and milfoil	Complex shoreline points where vegetation meets deeper water
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet with mixed vegetation of milfoil and coontail	Shallow bays with diverse vegetation during morning and evening periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weed edges in 10-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with points	Protected areas with submerged vegetation in 6-10 foot range
Fall	Northern Pike	Weed edges transitioning to deeper water (8-15 feet)	Points with remaining vegetation adjacent to deeper water
Fall	Muskie	Shallow flats with sand and reed combinations in 2-6 foot depths	Wind-blown points adjacent to deep water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and ledges in 15-25 feet adjacent to shallow feeding areas	Points and breaks where weed edges meet hard bottom structure
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water	Points and inside turns near deep water access
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet, particularly where coontail meets the bottom	Deeper pockets near weedlines where schools concentrate
Winter	Northern Pike	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-15 foot depth range	Points and bays with remaining vegetation
Winter	Muskie	Deep weed edges at 12-15 foot depths, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Wind-blown points with access to deep water
Winter	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range, especially where vegetation meets clean bottom	Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 10-15 feet, especially where coontail or milfoil creates distinct edges	Transition areas between weeds and deeper water, particularly in areas with complex shoreline features
Ice	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 12-15 foot range where vegetation meets deeper water	Points and inside turns near remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot depth
Ice	Crappie	Deep weedline edges in 12-15 foot range, particularly where vegetation meets basins	Brush piles adjacent to deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weedlines in 10-15 foot range where vegetation meets bottom transition	Inside edges of remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow with warming water	Small baitfish relating to emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large Baitfish Schools moving shallow	Panfish congregating in pre-spawn areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in pre-spawn locations	Bluegill moving shallow as water warms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Minnows	Small invertebrates in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small minnows and fry
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow vegetation and around docks	Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Minnows (primary forage confirmed in recent reports)	Young Panfish beginning to become active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch concentrating in emerging weed growth	Bluegill moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows concentrated in shallow spawning areas	Young-of-year bluegills in and around vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Tiny crustaceans in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill (primary forage, actively spawning)	Shad (secondary forage around weed edges)
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Large schools of spring baitfish	Young-of-year panfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in emerging weed beds	Bluegill moving into warming shallows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish emerging in rocky areas	Small perch around weed edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Various minnow species
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects emerging from vegetation	Tiny crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around weed edges	Minnows schooling over deeper water
Summer	Northern Pike	Baitfish schools relating to weed edges	Panfish holding in vegetation
Summer	Muskie	Perch as primary forage, confirmed by multiple reports	Bluegill in and around weed edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crayfish on rocky bottom areas	Yellow Perch along weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Bluegills	Small minnows
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae in vegetation	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating near weed edges	Minnows schooling along points and vegetation
Fall	Northern Pike	Large Baitfish Schools (particularly around vegetation edges)	Panfish concentrated near remaining weed growth
Fall	Muskie	Perch - primary forage base confirmed by multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage mentioned in lake profile
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling near structure	Various minnow species in large schools
Fall	Crappie	Bluegills concentrated around remaining vegetation	Small minnows schooling near deep weed edges
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae around vegetation	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Winter	Northern Pike	Minnows concentrated near vegetation	Panfish in and around weed beds
Winter	Muskie	Perch concentrating in deeper water near structure	Bluegill schools holding in remaining green weeds
Winter	Crappie	Bluegills concentrating in the remaining vegetation	Small minnows schooling near structure
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates in and around vegetation	Tiny baitfish relating to weed edges
Ice	Northern Pike	Large Shiners and Suckers	Panfish, particularly near weed edges
Ice	Crappie	Bluegills suspended near vegetation edges	Small minnows schooling in basins
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates and larvae	Tiny baitfish and minnows

Bait Colors by Season for White Bear Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Pumpkin Watermelon Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors