How to Fish Wilson Lake (KS): Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Wilson Lake (KS)

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Wilson Lake (KS)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-62	Transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving along depth transitions near spawning flats, with feeding activity increasing during warmer periods of the day	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning flats Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Main lake points with access to deeper water	Lipless Crankbaits worked along transition areas from deeper water to spawning flats Football Jigs dragged slowly through brush piles and along channel bends Shakey Heads worked methodically around points and wood cover	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Bluegill beginning to move shallower	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn white bass staging near tributary areas and main lake points, making upstream movements in preparation for spawning Aggressive feeding behavior during warming trends, actively pursuing shad schools in preparation for spawning energy needs	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries where pre-spawn white bass stage Rocky areas and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depths Submerged brush piles near channel swings where pre-spawn fish congregate	Blade Baits worked vertically along main lake points and channel edges Underspins retrieved steadily through suspended fish Lipless Crankbaits burned through staging areas	Schools of adult shad in 8-15 foot depths Small baitfish congregating near tributary mouths	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	53-62	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Fish are following a daily movement pattern from deeper staging areas to shallower warming areas, especially on sunny afternoons Aggressive feeding periods occur during stable weather, with fish actively pursuing both crawfish and baitfish	Main lake points with transition from rock to deeper water Secondary points in major creek arms with rock or gravel bottom Bluff walls adjacent to spawning flats	Blade Baits worked slowly along depth transitions Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses over points and timber Ned Rigs dragged slowly on rocky bottom structures	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Shad schools suspending near points Small bluegill in warming shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-75	Bass are in various spawn stages with water temps ranging from low 50s to mid 70s, with some fish on beds while others are in pre-spawn staging areas Fish showing both shallow feeding activity near spawning areas and deeper holding patterns along ledges and steep drops	Shallow spawning flats near bank with laydowns and stickups Ledges and steep drops adjacent to spawning areas Limestone bluff walls and rockpiles	Ned Rig worked slowly along ledges and drops Hard Topwater (Walking) near shallow cover and banks Football Jigs worked along deeper structure	Crawfish active in rocky areas and along ledges Shad becoming more active in warming water	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	White bass congregating in large schools, making spawning runs up tributary areas and creek channels Aggressive feeding behavior during pre and post-spawn, targeting shad in shallow to mid-depth areas Males arrive first at spawning areas, with females moving in during optimal temperature periods	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs occur Main lake points near spawning tributaries serving as staging areas Rocky shorelines and gravel banks in 2-8 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked parallel to shorelines and across points Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through spawning areas Lipless Crankbaits worked along migration routes	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small minnows in tributary areas Young-of-year baitfish near spawning areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-75	Actively spawning and defending beds in shallow waters, with males guarding nests aggressively Pre-spawn fish staging on nearby points and transitions, moving up with warming trends Post-spawn females beginning to move to recovery areas near deep water access	Hard bottom areas in 2-8 feet of water, especially near rock or gravel Secondary points and rocky transitions leading to spawning flats Protected coves and pockets with gravel or rock bottom	Tubes worked slowly around visible beds and potential spawning areas Ned Rigs for finesse presentations to spooky fish Drop Shot with small profile baits for suspended pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish in spawning areas Juvenile shad beginning to school	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while remaining relatively shallow Fish are relating to flats near deeper water access, showing increased feeding activity particularly around brush and rock structure	Brush piles in shallow to moderate depth, especially those near spawning flats Rock piles and transitions near flats with deeper water access Secondary points with mixed brush and rock cover	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting shallow brush for both numbers and quality fish Tubes worked around rock piles and transitions Shakey Heads for a finesse approach when fish become pressured	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas and around brush Crawfish active around rock and brush structure	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	58-72	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding to recover energy, typically schooling in groups to corral shad in open water and around main lake structure Fish are transitioning from spawning areas to main lake feeding grounds, making frequent vertical movements to track bait schools	Main lake points with boulder structure, particularly those adjacent to spawning tributaries Submerged brush piles and timber in 10-15 foot depth range Wind-swept flats where current concentrates baitfish	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match bait movement Lipless Crankbaits retrieved with yo-yo action around structure Spinnerbaits worked parallel to points and through bait schools	Shad schools moving from spawning areas to main lake Small baitfish congregating around brush and timber	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn smallmouth actively feeding to recover energy, moving from spawning flats to nearby transitional structure Fish staging in small groups around key structure, becoming more aggressive as water warms	Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with mixed rock and timber structure Wind-blown main lake structure in 8-15 foot depth range	Tubes worked along rocky transitions Ned Rigs fished with a slow drag and pause Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for active fish	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small shad schools beginning to form Young of year baitfish becoming active	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-82	Actively feeding on shad in shallow coves and around brush, especially during early morning and late evening Moving to shaded areas and submerged brush as sun gets higher, establishing ambush points Maintaining shallow water patterns despite warm temperatures, relating strongly to cover	Isolated pockets and coves off main river channel with bank grass and submerged brush Shadow lines from bluff banks during low light conditions Backs of small lake coves with newly hatched shad	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through shallow cover Hard Topwater (Prop) along shadow lines and shoreline during low light Bladed Jigs swam above submerged brush and tight to bank grass	Young-of-year shad schools in coves and around brush Bluegill around shallow cover and grass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-82	White bass actively schooling and chasing shad in the upper water column, especially during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between main lake points and deeper water during midday heat	Main lake points with boulders where currents concentrate baitfish Brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depth range for midday holding areas Wind-blown shorelines where shad schools are pushed against structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked quickly through schooling fish Inline Spinners retrieved at varying speeds to match bait movement Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles during midday	Shad schools concentrated in the upper water column Small baitfish relating to brush piles and timber	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-76	Actively feeding during early morning and evening, seeking cooler water and shade during midday heat Establishing summer feeding patterns around deep structure adjacent to primary forage areas Moving between deep main lake structure and shallower feeding zones based on light and temperature conditions	Deep rock piles and bluff walls in 15-25 foot range Main lake points with access to deep water Shaded areas near standing timber during peak sun	Drop Shot worked along deep structure edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along bluff walls Football Jigs dragged through rock piles	Crawfish in rocky areas Shad schools suspended near structure Small sunfish near timber	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Wilson Lake (KS)

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	55-65	Bass are actively feeding on main lake points and ledges, positioning higher in the water column to chase baitfish schools in cooling fall conditions Fish are transitioning from summer patterns to fall feeding behavior, following baitfish movements and becoming more aggressive in their feeding	Wind-blown main lake points with good depth transitions Main lake ledges with access to deeper water Secondary points with nearby brush cover	Hard Body Swimbaits worked with 1/4 turn retrieve speed Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along ledges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for matching larger baitfish	Shad schools moving along points and ledges Bluegill in brush cover areas Crappie as indicated in recent fishing reports	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-68	White bass are actively pursuing shad schools, exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior with chase-oriented strikes in response to fast-moving baits Fish are likely schooling and corralling bait against structure, particularly around boulder fields and main lake points	Main lake boulder fields where shad are congregating Main lake points with access to deeper water Wind-driven current areas near structure that concentrate baitfish	Spinnerbaits burned through the water column to trigger reaction strikes Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked aggressively around structure Bladed Jigs worked at varying depths to locate active schools	Shad schools actively moving through the water column Small baitfish congregating near structure	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Actively chasing shad in the water column, with aggressive feeding during overcast conditions and around standing timber Transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish schools and responding well to stop-and-go presentations	Standing timber areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water Main lake points with rock or limestone structure Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish are congregating	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Drop Shot with finesse presentations in deeper water Spybaits for suspended fish following bait schools	Shad schools in mid-water column Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-53	Fish are concentrated in deeper water, typically suspended near structure or holding tight to bottom in 15-25 foot depth range Feeding periods are shorter and more predictable, often most active during warmer afternoon hours Movement is minimal, with fish tending to stay in the same general areas for extended periods	Deep main lake points with access to channel breaks Brush piles in 15-25 foot range near creek channel intersections Steep rocky banks with vertical structure near deep water	Drop Shot with subtle movements near bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom contours	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Crawfish emerging from rocky areas during warmer periods Bluegill holding tight to deeper brush piles	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	White Bass	42-52	White bass school tightly in deeper water, typically suspending near primary points and channel edges Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during stable weather patterns, with fish targeting suspended shad schools	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings, especially those with boulder structure Brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depths near primary points Wind-protected coves with deep water access	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with tight, controlled movements Spoons worked with a flutter fall presentation	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water Smaller baitfish concentrated in wind-protected areas	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	42-53	Smallmouth bass are concentrated in deeper, stable water zones, typically suspending near vertical structure like bluff walls and deep points Fish become less active but will feed opportunistically during stable weather periods, especially during warming trends	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels or deep water access Vertical bluff walls, especially those with rock transitions or timber Deep rock piles in 20-35 foot range near primary creek channels	Blade Baits worked vertically with long pauses near structure Drop Shot with subtle movements in deep water Damiki Rig on suspended fish near vertical structure	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Crawfish in deep rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Wilson Lake (KS)

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel bends adjacent to spawning flats	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries where pre-spawn white bass stage	Rocky areas and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with transition from rock to deeper water	Secondary points in major creek arms with rock or gravel bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow spawning flats near bank with laydowns and stickups	Ledges and steep drops adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and incoming creek channels where spawning runs occur	Main lake points near spawning tributaries serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Hard bottom areas in 2-8 feet of water, especially near rock or gravel	Secondary points and rocky transitions leading to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Brush piles in shallow to moderate depth, especially those near spawning flats	Rock piles and transitions near flats with deeper water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points with boulder structure, particularly those adjacent to spawning tributaries	Submerged brush piles and timber in 10-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points adjacent to spawning flats	Secondary points with mixed rock and timber structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Isolated pockets and coves off main river channel with bank grass and submerged brush	Shadow lines from bluff banks during low light conditions
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points with boulders where currents concentrate baitfish	Brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depth range for midday holding areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Deep rock piles and bluff walls in 15-25 foot range	Main lake points with access to deep water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Wind-blown main lake points with good depth transitions	Main lake ledges with access to deeper water
Fall	White Bass	Main lake boulder fields where shad are congregating	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Standing timber areas, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Main lake points with rock or limestone structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake points with access to channel breaks	Brush piles in 15-25 foot range near creek channel intersections
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to channel swings, especially those with boulder structure	Brush piles and timber in 15-25 foot depths near primary points
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels or deep water access	Vertical bluff walls, especially those with rock transitions or timber

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Schools of adult shad in 8-15 foot depths	Small baitfish congregating near tributary mouths
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Shad schools suspending near points
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish active in rocky areas and along ledges	Shad becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Small minnows in tributary areas
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish in spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas and around brush	Crawfish active around rock and brush structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools moving from spawning areas to main lake	Small baitfish congregating around brush and timber
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small shad schools beginning to form
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Young-of-year shad schools in coves and around brush	Bluegill around shallow cover and grass
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools concentrated in the upper water column	Small baitfish relating to brush piles and timber
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Shad schools suspended near structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools moving along points and ledges	Bluegill in brush cover areas
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools actively moving through the water column	Small baitfish congregating near structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools in mid-water column	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Crawfish emerging from rocky areas during warmer periods
Winter	White Bass	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water	Smaller baitfish concentrated in wind-protected areas
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Crawfish in deep rock structure

Bait Colors by Season for Wilson Lake (KS)

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Shad Colors
Summer	White Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors
Fall	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Winter	White Bass	Metallic Colors Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors

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