Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers

Omnia Fishing
Search lakes, baits and spots

Widow Lake

Published: Updated:

View on Full Map

How to Fish Widow Lake

Synthesized from 3 angler reports

Widow Lake produces Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill, Northern Pike, and more. Below are season-by-season fishing patterns by species.

Spring

Spring (Pre-Spawn) Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake

For spring (pre-spawn) largemouth bass on Widow Lake, work spinnerbaits worked parallel to dock lines and through gaps around docks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those offering deeper water access with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 48-58°F. Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive and willing to chase reaction baits as water temperatures rise

Shop largemouth bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp48-58°F
BehaviorBass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive and willing to chase reaction baits as water temperatures rise
Key locationsDocks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those offering deeper water access; Boulder areas in 5-10 foot depth range providing pre-spawn staging areas; Main lake points with mixed rock and wood cover
Best techniquesSpinnerbaits worked parallel to dock lines and through gaps; Bladed Jigs around rocky transitions and cover; Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly near staging areas
ForageBluegill beginning to become more active in shallow zones, Small baitfish schools repositioning to warmer water areas
StructureDocks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those offering deeper water access, Boulder areas in 5-10 foot depth range providing pre-spawn staging areas
Bait colorsNatural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors

Spring (Pre-Spawn) Striped Bass on Widow Lake

For spring (pre-spawn) striped bass on Widow Lake, work soft body swimbaits (large) worked slowly through suspended fish around main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning flats with natural shad colors baits. Water temps run 52-62°F. Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding while staging near deeper water adjacent to potential spawning areas Fish are making transitional movements between winter deep water and spring spawning locations, often suspending in the water column

Shop striped bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp52-62°F
BehaviorPre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding while staging near deeper water adjacent to potential spawning areas Fish are making transitional movements between winter deep water and spring spawning locations, often suspending in the water column
Key locationsMain lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning flats; Deep water transitions near boulder fields; Deeper dock areas providing structure and shade
Best techniquesSoft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through suspended fish; Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges; Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish
ForageLarge Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns, Yellow Perch moving shallow, Juvenile White Suckers
StructureMain lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning flats, Deep water transitions near boulder fields
Bait colorsNatural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors

Spring (Spawn) Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake

For spring (spawn) largemouth bass on Widow Lake, work drop shot with finesse presentations around visible bed areas and boulders around boulder fields in protected areas, particularly those in 2-6 foot depth range with natural craw colors baits. Water temps run 58-65°F. Largemouth bass are in spawn phase, with males preparing and guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Fish are actively using boulder areas for spawning, suggesting water temperatures are in the ideal spawning range

Shop largemouth bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp58-65°F
BehaviorLargemouth bass are in spawn phase, with males preparing and guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Fish are actively using boulder areas for spawning, suggesting water temperatures are in the ideal spawning range
Key locationsBoulder fields in protected areas, particularly those in 2-6 foot depth range; Secondary points near spawning flats with mixed rock and vegetation; Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats, providing pre-spawn staging locations
Best techniquesDrop Shot with finesse presentations around visible bed areas and boulders; Spinnerbaits worked along pre-spawn staging areas and transition routes; Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points
ForageCrawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small panfish in shallow spawning areas
StructureBoulder fields in protected areas, particularly those in 2-6 foot depth range, Secondary points near spawning flats with mixed rock and vegetation
Bait colorsNatural Craw Colors, Green Colors

Spring (Spawn) Striped Bass on Widow Lake

For spring (spawn) striped bass on Widow Lake, work soft body swimbaits (large) worked slowly along channel edges around rocky points and boulder fields near deeper water access with natural shad colors baits. Water temps run 52-65°F. Actively staging near channel mouths and rocky areas preparing for spawn, moving in waves towards spawning areas as water temperatures increase Feeding aggressively pre-spawn, especially during early morning and evening periods Suspending in deeper water during midday, moving shallow during low light conditions

Shop striped bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp52-65°F
BehaviorActively staging near channel mouths and rocky areas preparing for spawn, moving in waves towards spawning areas as water temperatures increase Feeding aggressively pre-spawn, especially during early morning and evening periods Suspending in deeper water during midday, moving shallow during low light conditions
Key locationsRocky points and boulder fields near deeper water access; Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats; Dock areas providing structure and shade near spawning grounds
Best techniquesSoft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along channel edges; Live Bait Rigs near structure during peak feeding periods; Umbrella Rigs for suspended fish in clear water column
ForagePerch gathering near spawning areas, Shiners suspended in the water column, Small panfish near dock structures
StructureRocky points and boulder fields near deeper water access, Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Bait colorsNatural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors

Spring (Post-Spawn) Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake

For spring (post-spawn) largemouth bass on Widow Lake, work swim jigs worked along emerging weed edges and through scattered vegetation around main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water, especially those with boulder or vegetation transitions with natural craw colors baits. Water temps run 62-72°F. Largemouth bass are in post-spawn recovery mode, transitioning to early summer patterns. Fish are actively feeding to regain energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas while establishing summer home ranges Fish are utilizing both the remaining shallow cover and beginning to set up on deeper structure, making daily movements between depths depending on light and temperature conditions

Shop largemouth bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp62-72°F
BehaviorLargemouth bass are in post-spawn recovery mode, transitioning to early summer patterns. Fish are actively feeding to regain energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas while establishing summer home ranges Fish are utilizing both the remaining shallow cover and beginning to set up on deeper structure, making daily movements between depths depending on light and temperature conditions
Key locationsMain lake points with access to both shallow and deep water, especially those with boulder or vegetation transitions; Dock areas with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near spawning bays; Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range where early summer vegetation is establishing
Best techniquesSwim Jigs worked along emerging weed edges and through scattered vegetation; Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish; Texas Rigs (Worming) worked methodically around docks and boulder areas
ForageBluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas, Young of year perch in scattered schools, Crawfish active in rocky areas and around docks
StructureMain lake points with access to both shallow and deep water, especially those with boulder or vegetation transitions, Dock areas with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near spawning bays
Bait colorsNatural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Shad Colors

Spring (Post-Spawn) Striped Bass on Widow Lake

For spring (post-spawn) striped bass on Widow Lake, work soft body swimbaits (large) worked through suspended fish around deep water adjacent to boulder fields that were used during spawn with natural shad colors baits. Water temps run 58-68°F. Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main lake structures Fish are likely to suspend in the water column, following baitfish schools and utilizing the lake's good visibility for sight feeding

Shop striped bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp58-68°F
BehaviorPost-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main lake structures Fish are likely to suspend in the water column, following baitfish schools and utilizing the lake's good visibility for sight feeding
Key locationsDeep water adjacent to boulder fields that were used during spawn; Suspended areas near submerged vegetation edges; Main lake points and dock structures with access to deeper water
Best techniquesSoft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended fish; Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near structure; Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around baitfish schools
ForageSchooling baitfish utilizing the clear water column, Young of the year panfish emerging in vegetation areas, Juvenile yellow perch around dock structures
StructureDeep water adjacent to boulder fields that were used during spawn, Suspended areas near submerged vegetation edges
Bait colorsNatural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors

Summer

Summer Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake

For summer largemouth bass on Widow Lake, work deep diving crankbaits (13'+) around deep weedlines in 13-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with points with natural baitfish colors baits. Water temps run 68-82°F. Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns along deep weedlines, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 13+ foot zones where deep diving crankbaits have been effective

Shop largemouth bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp68-82°F
BehaviorLargemouth bass are establishing summer patterns along deep weedlines, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 13+ foot zones where deep diving crankbaits have been effective
Key locationsDeep weedlines in 13-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with points; Thick submerged vegetation patches in 8-12 foot range; Main lake points with vegetation present
Best techniquesDeep Diving Crankbaits (13'+); Texas Rigs (Worming); Swim Jigs
ForageYoung of the year perch relating to weed edges, Bluegills in vegetation, Crayfish along deep weed edges
StructureDeep weedlines in 13-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with points, Thick submerged vegetation patches in 8-12 foot range
Bait colorsNatural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors

Summer Striped Bass on Widow Lake

For summer striped bass on Widow Lake, work deep diving crankbaits (13'+) worked along depth transitions around deep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregate with natural shad colors baits. Water temps run 65-78°F. Striped bass are likely suspending in deeper water during daylight hours but moving shallow to feed during dawn/dusk periods Fish are schooling and actively chasing baitfish, with feeding activity concentrated around structure and thermocline edges

Shop striped bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp65-78°F
BehaviorStriped bass are likely suspending in deeper water during daylight hours but moving shallow to feed during dawn/dusk periods Fish are schooling and actively chasing baitfish, with feeding activity concentrated around structure and thermocline edges
Key locationsDeep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregate; Main lake points and dock structures providing shade and ambush points; Boulder fields and rocky structure in 15-20 foot depth range
Best techniquesDeep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along depth transitions; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) fished near structure during low light periods; Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper
ForageSchooling baitfish in open water, Young-of-year panfish near vegetation, Crayfish around rocky structure
StructureDeep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregate, Main lake points and dock structures providing shade and ambush points
Bait colorsNatural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors

Fall

Fall Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake

For fall largemouth bass on Widow Lake, work deep diving crankbaits (13'+) parallel to deep weedlines around deep weedlines adjacent to main lake points in 13-15 foot range with natural shad colors baits. Water temps run 52-65°F. Actively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, following schools of forage to deeper structure Moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging spots as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day

Shop largemouth bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp52-65°F
BehaviorActively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, following schools of forage to deeper structure Moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging spots as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day
Key locationsDeep weedlines adjacent to main lake points in 13-15 foot range; Secondary points with access to deep water; Remaining green vegetation patches in 8-12 foot range
Best techniquesDeep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) parallel to deep weedlines; Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) on the edges of vegetation; Drop Shot along deeper structure and points
ForageYoung-of-year baitfish schools, Remaining summer bluegills, Crawfish near rocky areas
StructureDeep weedlines adjacent to main lake points in 13-15 foot range, Secondary points with access to deep water
Bait colorsNatural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors

Fall Striped Bass on Widow Lake

For fall striped bass on Widow Lake, work vertical jigging mid depth (10-19') around deep main lake channels and troughs where baitfish schools concentrate with natural shad colors baits. Water temps run 52-68°F. Actively chasing baitfish schools in deeper main lake areas, especially during morning and evening feeding periods Suspending in the water column near structure during midday, typically following bait movements

Shop striped bass baits for Widow Lake
See full pattern
Water temp52-68°F
BehaviorActively chasing baitfish schools in deeper main lake areas, especially during morning and evening feeding periods Suspending in the water column near structure during midday, typically following bait movements
Key locationsDeep main lake channels and troughs where baitfish schools concentrate; Deeper dock areas adjacent to main lake basins; Submerged boulder fields near deeper water
Best techniquesVertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'); Soft Body Swimbaits (Large); Trolling Mid Depth (10-19')
ForageSchooling baitfish like shad or alewives, Yellow Perch, Small panfish
StructureDeep main lake channels and troughs where baitfish schools concentrate, Deeper dock areas adjacent to main lake basins
Bait colorsNatural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors

Pattern summary

SeasonSpeciesStructureForageBait colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Largemouth BassDocks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those offering deeper water accessBluegill beginning to become more active in shallow zonesNatural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)Striped BassMain lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning flatsLarge Shad schools in pre-spawn patternsNatural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Largemouth BassBoulder fields in protected areas, particularly those in 2-6 foot depth rangeCrawfish emerging from winter dormancyNatural Craw Colors, Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)Striped BassRocky points and boulder fields near deeper water accessPerch gathering near spawning areasNatural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Largemouth BassMain lake points with access to both shallow and deep water, especially those with boulder or vegetation transitionsBluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areasNatural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)Striped BassDeep water adjacent to boulder fields that were used during spawnSchooling baitfish utilizing the clear water columnNatural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors
SummerLargemouth BassDeep weedlines in 13-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with pointsYoung of the year perch relating to weed edgesNatural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors
SummerStriped BassDeep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregateSchooling baitfish in open waterNatural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors
FallLargemouth BassDeep weedlines adjacent to main lake points in 13-15 foot rangeYoung-of-year baitfish schoolsNatural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors
FallStriped BassDeep main lake channels and troughs where baitfish schools concentrateSchooling baitfish like shad or alewivesNatural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors

See it on the map

Plan your trip on Widow Lake with live conditions and matched tackle.

Open Widow Lake on the map →

Widow Lake fishing FAQ

How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?
Water temp 48-58°F. Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive and willing to chase reaction baits as water temperatures rise Key locations: Docks adjacent to spawning flats, especially those offering deeper water access; Boulder areas in 5-10 foot depth range providing pre-spawn staging areas; Main lake points with mixed rock and wood cover. Best techniques: Spinnerbaits worked parallel to dock lines and through gaps, Bladed Jigs around rocky transitions and cover, Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly near staging areas. Primary forage: Bluegill beginning to become more active in shallow zones, Small baitfish schools repositioning to warmer water areas. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors.
How do you catch Striped Bass on Widow Lake in Spring (Pre-Spawn)?
Water temp 52-62°F. Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding while staging near deeper water adjacent to potential spawning areas Fish are making transitional movements between winter deep water and spring spawning locations, often suspending in the water column Key locations: Main lake points and channel edges adjacent to spawning flats; Deep water transitions near boulder fields; Deeper dock areas providing structure and shade. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through suspended fish, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges, Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish. Primary forage: Large Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns, Yellow Perch moving shallow, Juvenile White Suckers. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.
How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake in Spring (Spawn)?
Water temp 58-65°F. Largemouth bass are in spawn phase, with males preparing and guarding nests while females move between staging and spawning areas Fish are actively using boulder areas for spawning, suggesting water temperatures are in the ideal spawning range Key locations: Boulder fields in protected areas, particularly those in 2-6 foot depth range; Secondary points near spawning flats with mixed rock and vegetation; Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats, providing pre-spawn staging locations. Best techniques: Drop Shot with finesse presentations around visible bed areas and boulders, Spinnerbaits worked along pre-spawn staging areas and transition routes, Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around spawning areas and staging points. Primary forage: Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy, Small panfish in shallow spawning areas. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.
How do you catch Striped Bass on Widow Lake in Spring (Spawn)?
Water temp 52-65°F. Actively staging near channel mouths and rocky areas preparing for spawn, moving in waves towards spawning areas as water temperatures increase Feeding aggressively pre-spawn, especially during early morning and evening periods Suspending in deeper water during midday, moving shallow during low light conditions Key locations: Rocky points and boulder fields near deeper water access; Channel edges adjacent to spawning flats; Dock areas providing structure and shade near spawning grounds. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along channel edges, Live Bait Rigs near structure during peak feeding periods, Umbrella Rigs for suspended fish in clear water column. Primary forage: Perch gathering near spawning areas, Shiners suspended in the water column, Small panfish near dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Green Colors, Metallic Colors.
How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?
Water temp 62-72°F. Largemouth bass are in post-spawn recovery mode, transitioning to early summer patterns. Fish are actively feeding to regain energy, moving between shallow and mid-depth areas while establishing summer home ranges Fish are utilizing both the remaining shallow cover and beginning to set up on deeper structure, making daily movements between depths depending on light and temperature conditions Key locations: Main lake points with access to both shallow and deep water, especially those with boulder or vegetation transitions; Dock areas with adjacent deep water access, particularly those near spawning bays; Emerging weed edges in 8-12 foot depth range where early summer vegetation is establishing. Best techniques: Swim Jigs worked along emerging weed edges and through scattered vegetation, Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish, Texas Rigs (Worming) worked methodically around docks and boulder areas. Primary forage: Bluegill beginning to spawn in shallow areas, Young of year perch in scattered schools, Crawfish active in rocky areas and around docks. Best bait colors: Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors, Natural Shad Colors.
How do you catch Striped Bass on Widow Lake in Spring (Post-Spawn)?
Water temp 58-68°F. Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper main lake structures Fish are likely to suspend in the water column, following baitfish schools and utilizing the lake's good visibility for sight feeding Key locations: Deep water adjacent to boulder fields that were used during spawn; Suspended areas near submerged vegetation edges; Main lake points and dock structures with access to deeper water. Best techniques: Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended fish, Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near structure, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around baitfish schools. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish utilizing the clear water column, Young of the year panfish emerging in vegetation areas, Juvenile yellow perch around dock structures. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Metallic Colors.
How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake in Summer?
Water temp 68-82°F. Largemouth bass are establishing summer patterns along deep weedlines, actively feeding during early morning and evening hours Fish are relating strongly to submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 13+ foot zones where deep diving crankbaits have been effective Key locations: Deep weedlines in 13-15 foot range, especially where they intersect with points; Thick submerged vegetation patches in 8-12 foot range; Main lake points with vegetation present. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+), Texas Rigs (Worming), Swim Jigs. Primary forage: Young of the year perch relating to weed edges, Bluegills in vegetation, Crayfish along deep weed edges. Best bait colors: Natural Baitfish Colors, Natural Craw Colors, Green Colors.
How do you catch Striped Bass on Widow Lake in Summer?
Water temp 65-78°F. Striped bass are likely suspending in deeper water during daylight hours but moving shallow to feed during dawn/dusk periods Fish are schooling and actively chasing baitfish, with feeding activity concentrated around structure and thermocline edges Key locations: Deep water areas adjacent to submerged vegetation edges where baitfish congregate; Main lake points and dock structures providing shade and ambush points; Boulder fields and rocky structure in 15-20 foot depth range. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along depth transitions, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) fished near structure during low light periods, Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper. Primary forage: Schooling baitfish in open water, Young-of-year panfish near vegetation, Crayfish around rocky structure. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors, Green Colors.
How do you catch Largemouth Bass on Widow Lake in Fall?
Water temp 52-65°F. Actively feeding on baitfish in preparation for winter, following schools of forage to deeper structure Moving between shallow feeding areas and deeper staging spots as water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day Key locations: Deep weedlines adjacent to main lake points in 13-15 foot range; Secondary points with access to deep water; Remaining green vegetation patches in 8-12 foot range. Best techniques: Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) parallel to deep weedlines, Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) on the edges of vegetation, Drop Shot along deeper structure and points. Primary forage: Young-of-year baitfish schools, Remaining summer bluegills, Crawfish near rocky areas. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Natural Baitfish Colors, Green Colors.
How do you catch Striped Bass on Widow Lake in Fall?
Water temp 52-68°F. Actively chasing baitfish schools in deeper main lake areas, especially during morning and evening feeding periods Suspending in the water column near structure during midday, typically following bait movements Key locations: Deep main lake channels and troughs where baitfish schools concentrate; Deeper dock areas adjacent to main lake basins; Submerged boulder fields near deeper water. Best techniques: Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19'), Soft Body Swimbaits (Large), Trolling Mid Depth (10-19'). Primary forage: Schooling baitfish like shad or alewives, Yellow Perch, Small panfish. Best bait colors: Natural Shad Colors, Metallic Colors.