How to Fish William H Harsha Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

William H Harsha Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on William H Harsha Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter depths to shallow pre-spawn staging areas, following the warming trend and moving closer to spawning grounds Fish are becoming more active and feeding opportunistically as water temperatures rise, with increased activity during warming trends	Brush piles and standing timber in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with access to deeper water and woody cover Protected coves with adequate depth and structure that warm quickly	Crappie Spider Rigging - allows for precise depth control and covering water effectively Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - excellent for working brush piles and timber Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) - effective for locating transitioning fish	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish beginning to move shallow with warming trends	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Gradually moving from winter holdover areas to transitional staging points, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Feeding activity increasing with warming trends, particularly during stable weather patterns Males beginning to scout spawning areas while females remain in slightly deeper water	Rocky points and transitions near deeper wintering areas Standing timber edges in 8-15 feet of water Secondary points with boulder or rock transitions	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky bottom Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses near standing timber Ned Rigs worked methodically around rock piles	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns Small baitfish relating to timber	Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	52-65	Catfish becoming more active as water warms, moving from deep winter haunts to transitional areas Beginning to feed more aggressively, particularly during warmer afternoons and around structure-rich areas	Standing timber in 15-20 feet of water near channel edges Boulder fields and rock structure in 8-15 feet of water Brush piles adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Live Bait Rigs with slip sinkers near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around timber Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through rocky areas	Shad schools starting to become more active in warming water Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy around rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active as water temperatures rise Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively to prepare for spawning, particularly during warmer afternoons Movement patterns follow depth transitions from deep winter areas to shallow spawning flats	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Deeper brush piles and standing timber in 15-20 foot range Protected shallow coves with abundant woody cover	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transitional areas between deep and shallow water Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') around points and timber Bladed Jigs near shallow cover during warming trends	Shad schools concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas Perch relating to woody cover and transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	58-68	Gar are beginning to move from deeper winter holding areas (20'+) to shallower warming zones (8-15'), following shad and white bass movements Most active during warmer parts of the day, particularly in areas where sunlight warms the water faster Increasing surface activity as water temperatures rise, especially during low light conditions	Brush piles and timber in 10-15 foot depth range near channel swings Shallow rocky points and boulder areas that warm quickly Standing timber edges adjacent to deeper water	Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools moving to warmer water White Bass in pre-spawn patterns Crappie in transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White Bass begin staging near spawning tributaries and channels, forming pre-spawn schools that actively feed to build energy reserves Fish move between deeper wintering areas and shallow pre-spawn staging areas based on water temperature fluctuations Aggressive feeding behavior when water temperatures begin climbing, particularly during shad movements	Main lake points and channel swings near tributary entrances Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats Shallow rocky areas and rip-rap where water warms first	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along channel edges Lipless Crankbaits worked through staging areas	Shad schools transitioning from winter to spring patterns Small baitfish gathering near spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are in pre-spawn to spawning mode, moving into shallow areas near shore and actively feeding. They are utilizing rocky areas and likely staging near spawning locations. Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the shallows, particularly around rock structure as evidenced by recent success at Riccenger	Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in shallow water, particularly in protected areas Shallow brush piles and standing timber near spawning flats Protected coves with stable temperatures	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) - proven effective in recent reports Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - ideal for targeting visible fish in shallow water Bobbers - effective for maintaining proper depth near spawning areas	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by lake profile Small baitfish - typical spring forage	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Males actively building and guarding nests in shallow protected areas, typically 2-6 feet deep Females staging in slightly deeper water (8-12 feet) near spawning flats, moving shallow periodically Aggressive territorial behavior around nests, with increased reaction to both prey and threats	Protected coves with gravel or small rock bottom, especially near points Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with boulder fields Areas with standing timber in 6-12 feet of water where females stage	Tubes worked slowly around nesting areas Ned Rigs fished with subtle movements near staging areas Drop Shot with finesse presentations for wary fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas Young of year shad beginning to appear	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	Moving into shallower water (5-15 feet) near spawning areas, becoming more active with warming temperatures Staging near structure adjacent to spawning flats, particularly around brush piles and boulder fields	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 5-15 feet of water near spawning flats Brush piles and standing timber adjacent to shallow coves Protected coves with gradual slopes and abundant structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near structure Bobbers set to suspend baits just above brush piles and timber Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around rocky areas and boulders	Shad schools moving into spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn staging and spawning activity in protected shallow areas, with males guarding nests and females moving between staging and spawning areas Increased feeding activity during pre-spawn, followed by decreased feeding during actual spawn phase Moving from winter deep water locations to shallower spawning flats and protected areas	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and cover (ideal spawning areas) Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water staging areas Areas with laydowns and brush piles in 4-8 foot range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) Soft Jerkbaits Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6')	Shad (primary forage base indicated in reports) Perch (confirmed in fishing reports)	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	58-72	Moving into shallow water areas (2-8 feet) near timber and brush for spawning activities, most active during warming trends Increased surface activity and aggressive feeding behavior during pre-spawn, especially during overcast conditions	Shallow brush piles and timber in 2-8 foot depth range near spawning flats Protected coves with abundant woody cover Rocky points adjacent to spawning areas	Live Bait Rigs with float near surface around timber Hard Topwater (Walking) worked slowly over spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved near surface around structure	Shad congregating in spawning areas White Bass in transitional areas Crappie around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Migrating to shallow spawning areas, typically in tributaries, coves, and rocky shorelines. Males arrive first, followed by females. Aggressive feeding pre-spawn, followed by intense spawning activity. Post-spawn fish move back to deeper water to recover.	Rocky shorelines and points in 2-6 feet of water Tributary mouths and feeder creeks Protected coves with gravel or rocky substrate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to shoreline Inline Spinners retrieved at medium speed Lipless Crankbaits worked through spawning areas	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, gradually moving to deeper water but still relatively shallow Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawn, targeting shad and other small baitfish in the water column	Standing timber and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Deeper sections of coves with woody cover Main lake points with submerged structure transitioning to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth transitions near post-spawn areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around standing timber and brush piles Crappie Spider Rigging to thoroughly cover transitional areas	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns Small bluegill and juvenile panfish in shallow areas Various minnow species around woody cover	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns Fish are utilizing shoreline structure and points as staging areas, making frequent moves between shallow and moderate depths	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water Standing timber edges near deep water access Transition areas between spawning flats and summer structure	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rock transitions Soft Jerkbaits with erratic retrieve near timber edges Tubes dragged through boulder fields	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Young-of-year shad beginning to appear Small bluegill in shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Post-spawn catfish become increasingly active, recovering energy and seeking regular feeding opportunities around structure Fish are transitioning from deeper wintering areas to more moderate depths, following warming water temperatures	Standing timber areas in 15-20 feet of water near channel edges Boulder fields and rock structure in 8-15 feet of water Brush piles adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around timber Carolina Rigs worked slowly through rocky areas	Shad schools beginning to move shallower Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Small sunfish around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are actively recovering and beginning to feed more aggressively, primarily in the 5-15 foot depth range Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, relating heavily to available wood cover and points	Secondary points with standing timber and laydowns near spawning pockets Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats Shallow wood cover along channel swings in 5-10 foot depth	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to wood cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible wood structure Spinnerbaits worked through timber edges	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn areas Perch around wood cover and brush Smaller baitfish relating to wood cover edges	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	62-72	Post-spawn Gar are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing shallow to mid-depth ranges (5-15 feet) around timber and brush piles Fish are becoming more aggressive as water warms, showing increased surface activity during low light periods and overcast conditions	Brush piles and standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range where baitfish concentrate Shallow coves and backwater areas with woody cover Points and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through timber Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods Live Bait Rigs near brush piles	Shad schools moving into shallower water White Bass congregating around points Crappie in brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	62-72	White Bass are actively schooling and chasing shad in the post-spawn period, often pushing baitfish to the surface near points and coves Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding grounds, using depth changes and structure as migration routes	Main lake points and secondary points with access to deeper water Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish are concentrated	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish schools Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through active schools Lipless Crankbaits worked along depth transitions	Shad schools moving into post-spawn feeding patterns Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in shallow areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-82	Crappie are suspending near submerged timber and brush piles, actively feeding during dawn and dusk periods Fish are schooling in deeper water during midday heat, moving shallower during low-light periods to feed	Suspended brush piles in 12-18 feet of water near creek channels Standing timber edges where they intersect with deeper water Shaded dock areas with good depth and structure	Crappie Spider Rigging around deeper brush piles and timber Crappie Dock Shooting during midday when fish seek shade Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended schools	Shad schools congregating around structure Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near cover Juvenile yellow perch along timber edges	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Establishing summer patterns with early morning/late evening shallow feeding, retreating to deeper structures during midday heat Actively pursuing shad schools around points and timber, while opportunistically feeding on crawfish near rocky structure	Main lake points with boulder fields adjacent to deep water Standing timber edges where they intersect with rocky structure Deep rocky humps near shoreline irregularities	Drop Shot worked along deeper structure edges Tubes dragged through boulder fields Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods	Shad schools suspending near structure Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Catfish	72-85	Actively feeding during early morning and late evening around timber and brush piles, transitioning to deeper water during midday Establishing feeding zones near structure transitions between deep and shallow water Showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around shad schools and crawfish concentrations	Standing timber in 15-30 feet of water, especially where it intersects with deeper channels Boulder fields and rock structures adjacent to deeper water Brush piles near channel edges or depth transitions	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along timber edges during midday heat Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around shallow structure during morning and evening periods	Shad schools concentrated around timber and depth transitions Crawfish populations active around rocky structures Small sunfish and baitfish around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Actively feeding in shallow zones (0-6 feet) around cover, particularly during early morning and evening hours Utilizing submerged wood (laydowns, stumps) as ambush points to target shad and other prey	Laydowns and fallen timber in 0-6 foot range Submerged stumps and standing timber Complex shoreline areas with multiple cover options	Hard Topwater (Walking) Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip)	Shad Perch	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Gar	72-85	Gar are highly active in warm summer waters, frequently targeting shad and white bass near the surface and in mid-depth ranges. They exhibit aggressive feeding behavior, especially during low-light periods and around structure. Fish make frequent moves between deeper timber areas (10-15ft) and shallow hunting zones, using standing timber and brush piles as ambush points.	Shallow timber and brush piles in 5-10 foot range, especially near baitfish concentrations Surface areas near points and timber edges during low light periods Mid-depth brush piles in 10-15 foot range during bright midday periods	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked near surface around timber Hard Topwater (Walking) during dawn and dusk periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles during midday	Shad schools actively moving in upper water column White Bass congregating around structure Crappie in brush piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Actively schooling and chasing shad in open water, particularly during early morning and evening hours Relating to structure and drop-offs during midday heat, typically in 10-15 foot depth range Showing aggressive feeding behavior when wind concentrates baitfish along points and irregular shoreline features	Main lake points with access to deep water Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range Wind-blown shorelines with irregular features Brush piles near creek channel edges	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Inline Spinners Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Shad schools Small sunfish Young-of-year baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for William H Harsha Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Crappie	52-66	Crappie are actively schooling and feeding on shad in preparation for winter, following baitfish schools throughout the water column Fish are transitioning from shallow to deeper water as temperatures cool, staging near structure that provides access to both depth and forage	Standing timber and brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range Deep creek channel bends adjacent to flats where shad schools congregate Main lake points with access to deeper water	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools Small baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Actively feeding and bulking up for winter, with aggressive strikes on both surface and bottom presentations as evidenced by recent catches on topwater and jigs Transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones, utilizing both surface feeding opportunities in low light and structure-oriented feeding throughout the day	Boulder fields and rock piles, especially those near depth transitions Brush piles in mid-depth zones where recent catches have been reported Standing timber travel corridors, particularly those adjacent to main lake points	Hard Topwater (Prop) during overcast conditions and early morning Structure Jigs worked through brush piles and rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish around shad schools	Shad schools moving through the water column, primary forage based on recent catches Crawfish in rocky areas and brush piles, confirmed by recent jig fishing success	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	52-68	Catfish are actively feeding to build energy reserves before winter, targeting both live and dead bait near structure Fish are transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper winter holding spots, especially around sunset and during warm spells	Boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water, especially near depth changes Standing timber in 15-25 feet of water, particularly where it intersects with other structure Brush piles near deep water access points	Bobbers with live or cut bait near structure, particularly effective during active feeding periods Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom near deep timber Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around standing timber and brush piles	Shad schools concentrated near structure Crawfish in rocky areas Dying or injured baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on shad schools, following baitfish migrations to creek arms and coves Moving between shallow and mid-depth zones (5-15 feet) as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day Utilizing woody cover (standing timber, laydowns) as ambush points near baitfish migration routes	Main lake points adjacent to creek channels where shad migrate Brush piles and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range Shallow coves with remaining wood cover, especially during afternoon warming periods	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and timber edges Spinnerbaits around shallow wood cover during baitfish activity Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along deeper timber edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching prevalent shad forage	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves Yellow Perch relating to wood cover Remaining summer baitfish pods	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Gar	55-66	Gar are transitioning to deeper haunts as water cools, but still making feeding runs to mid-depth zones where baitfish schools are present Most active during low-light periods and overcast conditions, utilizing brush piles and timber as ambush points	Brush piles and standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range near channel edges Deep timber areas (20'+) adjacent to shallower feeding zones Boulder areas and rock structure where baitfish schools congregate	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along timber edges with large profile baits Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') through suspended baitfish schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through timber edges	Shad schools moving through mid-depth ranges White Bass schooling near structure Crappie around brush piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White Bass are actively schooling and feeding on shad in shallow to mid-depth zones, often using shoreline features to corral baitfish Fish showing shallow feeding patterns, with recent catches at 2 feet depth, likely due to fall baitfish movements	Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range, particularly those near points or channel swings Wind-blown points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish get concentrated Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water where shad schools are present	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match baitfish movements Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') retrieved parallel to shoreline structure Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through schooling fish	Shad schools congregating in fall patterns Small baitfish using brush pile cover	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-47	Crappie are holding tight to vertical structure in deeper water, showing typical winter schooling behavior. Fish are suspending near brush and timber, typically at depths of 10-15 feet Feeding activity is more sluggish with the cold water temperatures (38-47°F), requiring slower presentations and precise vertical fishing	Standing timber in 15-30 feet of water, particularly where schools are suspending at 10-15 foot depths Brush piles adjacent to deeper water, especially those in 10-12 foot depths Deep timber edges where schools are suspending near vertical cover	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Bobbers Finesse Hair Jigs	Shad Minnows Cisco/Whitefish	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	38-45	Smallmouth bass are concentrating in deeper, stable water areas where temperatures remain more consistent, typically suspending near vertical structure Feeding activity is reduced but still occurs during warming trends and stable weather, with fish making shorter movements to capture prey	Deep standing timber areas adjacent to main lake points Rocky main lake points with access to deep water Deep brush piles near channel swings	Blade Baits worked vertically with slow lifts and long pauses Drop Shot with subtle movements near structure Hair Jigs fished with a slow drag along bottom structure	Schooling shad in deeper water Smaller crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	38-45	Winter catfish become less active and congregate in deeper, stable water near standing timber and brush piles in 15-30 foot depths Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during slightly warmer periods of the day	Standing timber areas in 15-30 feet of water where depth provides stable temperatures Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges Deep boulder fields that retain heat and provide structure	Live Bait Rigs with minimal movement, positioned near deep structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) working baits slowly through timber Ice Fishing Tip-Ups for suspended fish near structure	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Dormant crawfish in rocky areas Small sunfish around brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-47	Largemouth bass are holding in deeper, stable water temperatures around brush piles and standing timber, making occasional moves to shallower areas during warming trends Feeding periods are shorter and more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, with fish typically moving up in the water column during these times	Deep brush piles and standing timber in 15-20 foot range near channel swings Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water Deep dock areas with vertical structure	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near structure Damiki Rig for suspended fish around timber	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Yellow Perch relating to deeper structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Gar	38-45	Gar become more lethargic in winter, holding in deeper timber areas (20'+) near concentrations of baitfish Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during warmer parts of the day, especially during overcast conditions	Deep timber and brush piles in 20'+ of water, especially near channel bends Deep boulder areas adjacent to timber that provide thermal stability Deeper sections of standing timber where baitfish schools congregate	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with slow, subtle movements to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with larger shad or white bass presented near timber edges Trolling Deep (20'+) along the edges of timber stands	Shad schools concentrated in deep water White Bass schooling near deep structure Crappie holding in brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	White Bass	38-48	White Bass will school tightly in winter, following shad schools and holding near deep structure, particularly in the 10-15 foot range near standing timber Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during specific periods, often during low-light conditions or when baitfish are clustered	Standing timber areas in 10-15 foot depth range, especially where structure intersects with deeper water Deep brush piles that provide cover for both predator and prey species Boulder fields and rocky areas that retain heat and attract baitfish	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons Underspins	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small sunfish around structure Juvenile crappie in brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in William H Harsha Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and standing timber in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Secondary points with access to deeper water and woody cover
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and transitions near deeper wintering areas	Standing timber edges in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Standing timber in 15-20 feet of water near channel edges	Boulder fields and rock structure in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Deeper brush piles and standing timber in 15-20 foot range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Brush piles and timber in 10-15 foot depth range near channel swings	Shallow rocky points and boulder areas that warm quickly
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and channel swings near tributary entrances	Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Rocky shorelines and boulder fields in shallow water, particularly in protected areas	Shallow brush piles and standing timber near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Protected coves with gravel or small rock bottom, especially near points	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water, particularly those with boulder fields
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 5-15 feet of water near spawning flats	Brush piles and standing timber adjacent to shallow coves
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom and cover (ideal spawning areas)	Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Shallow brush piles and timber in 2-8 foot depth range near spawning flats	Protected coves with abundant woody cover
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Rocky shorelines and points in 2-6 feet of water	Tributary mouths and feeder creeks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Standing timber and brush piles in 8-15 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Deeper sections of coves with woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water	Standing timber edges near deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Standing timber areas in 15-20 feet of water near channel edges	Boulder fields and rock structure in 8-15 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with standing timber and laydowns near spawning pockets	Brush piles in 8-15 foot depth adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Brush piles and standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range where baitfish concentrate	Shallow coves and backwater areas with woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points and secondary points with access to deeper water	Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Suspended brush piles in 12-18 feet of water near creek channels	Standing timber edges where they intersect with deeper water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with boulder fields adjacent to deep water	Standing timber edges where they intersect with rocky structure
Summer	Catfish	Standing timber in 15-30 feet of water, especially where it intersects with deeper channels	Boulder fields and rock structures adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns and fallen timber in 0-6 foot range	Submerged stumps and standing timber
Summer	Gar	Shallow timber and brush piles in 5-10 foot range, especially near baitfish concentrations	Surface areas near points and timber edges during low light periods
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points with access to deep water	Standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range
Fall	Crappie	Standing timber and brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range	Deep creek channel bends adjacent to flats where shad schools congregate
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles, especially those near depth transitions	Brush piles in mid-depth zones where recent catches have been reported
Fall	Catfish	Boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water, especially near depth changes	Standing timber in 15-25 feet of water, particularly where it intersects with other structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to creek channels where shad migrate	Brush piles and standing timber in 8-15 foot depth range
Fall	Gar	Brush piles and standing timber in 10-15 foot depth range near channel edges	Deep timber areas (20'+) adjacent to shallower feeding zones
Fall	White Bass	Brush piles in 10-15 foot depth range, particularly those near points or channel swings	Wind-blown points and irregular shoreline features where baitfish get concentrated
Winter	Crappie	Standing timber in 15-30 feet of water, particularly where schools are suspending at 10-15 foot depths	Brush piles adjacent to deeper water, especially those in 10-12 foot depths
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep standing timber areas adjacent to main lake points	Rocky main lake points with access to deep water
Winter	Catfish	Standing timber areas in 15-30 feet of water where depth provides stable temperatures	Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep brush piles and standing timber in 15-20 foot range near channel swings	Secondary points with access to both shallow and deep water
Winter	Gar	Deep timber and brush piles in 20'+ of water, especially near channel bends	Deep boulder areas adjacent to timber that provide thermal stability
Winter	White Bass	Standing timber areas in 10-15 foot depth range, especially where structure intersects with deeper water	Deep brush piles that provide cover for both predator and prey species

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish beginning to move shallow with warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools starting to become more active in warming water	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy around rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrating in pre-spawn staging areas	Perch relating to woody cover and transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools moving to warmer water	White Bass in pre-spawn patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools transitioning from winter to spring patterns	Small baitfish gathering near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by lake profile	Small baitfish - typical spring forage
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage base indicated in reports)	Perch (confirmed in fishing reports)
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Shad congregating in spawning areas	White Bass in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn patterns	Small baitfish gathering in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn patterns	Small bluegill and juvenile panfish in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Young-of-year shad beginning to appear
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallower	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning to form in post-spawn areas	Perch around wood cover and brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Shad schools moving into shallower water	White Bass congregating around points
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools moving into post-spawn feeding patterns	Small sunfish and juvenile baitfish in shallow areas
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools congregating around structure	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near cover
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated around timber and depth transitions	Crawfish populations active around rocky structures
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad	Perch
Summer	Gar	Shad schools actively moving in upper water column	White Bass congregating around structure
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools	Small sunfish
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools	Small baitfish
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving through the water column, primary forage based on recent catches	Crawfish in rocky areas and brush piles, confirmed by recent jig fishing success
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated near structure	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks and coves	Yellow Perch relating to wood cover
Fall	Gar	Shad schools moving through mid-depth ranges	White Bass schooling near structure
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools congregating in fall patterns	Small baitfish using brush pile cover
Winter	Crappie	Shad	Minnows
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Schooling shad in deeper water	Smaller crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Dormant crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Yellow Perch relating to deeper structure
Winter	Gar	Shad schools concentrated in deep water	White Bass schooling near deep structure
Winter	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small sunfish around structure

Bait Colors by Season for William H Harsha Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Crappie	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Gar	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors