How to Fish Wisconsin Rapids Flowage 5391: Best Patterns & Techniques

Wisconsin Rapids Flowage 5391

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 6, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Wisconsin Rapids Flowage 5391

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter deep water areas to pre-spawn staging areas, following rock-laden transitions and drop-offs Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as they feed heavily to prepare for spawning, particularly during warming trends	Rock-covered points and drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats Current-swept areas near the dam with rocky structure Secondary points with boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range	Blade Baits worked slowly along transitional break lines Tubes dragged and hopped on rocky points Ned Rigs worked methodically around boulders and rock piles	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small perch around rocky areas Baitfish schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye are actively staging near current areas and dam structures, using rock piles and underwater breaks as transition points Fish are becoming more aggressive in feeding patterns as they prepare for spawning, particularly in areas with current influence	Dam areas with current breaks and underwater structure Rock piles near deeper water transitions Current-swept structural breaks with hard bottom	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig Blade Baits	Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas Baitfish concentrating near current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-62	Bass moving from winter deep water patterns to warming shallow areas, staging near spawning flats Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish becoming more aggressive in pursuit of prey Fish typically holding on transitional structure between deep wintering areas and shallow spawning locations	Secondary points with access to deeper water near spawning flats Outside edges of emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Rocky banks and riprap areas that warm quickly	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation Soft Jerkbaits with slow, erratic retrieves Spinnerbaits along rocky banks during warmer periods	Yellow Perch moving shallow with warming trends Minnows schooling in warming bays Juvenile bluegill beginning to activate in vegetation	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-54	Yellow perch are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water temperatures Fish are schooling near transition areas between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning zones, actively feeding to build energy for spawning	Protected coves with brush and woody cover near deeper water access Rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats Current breaks near the dam where baitfish concentrate	Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through brush and along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near woody cover and rock piles Live Bait Rigs with minnows near structure	Small baitfish congregating near brush and current breaks Aquatic insects beginning to become more active in warming waters	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Pre-spawn muskies are transitioning from winter patterns, becoming more active as they stage near spawning areas, particularly around current breaks and warming shallows Fish are moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower staging areas, especially utilizing current edges and structure adjacent to spawning habitat	Current breaks near flooded brush and boulder fields that offer staging areas close to spawning habitat Rocky points and shoreline irregularities that create current eddies Shallow bays with emerging vegetation adjacent to deeper wintering areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly along current breaks and structure edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to shoreline structure and points Inline Spinners retrieved steadily through warming shallows	Perch congregating near rocky structure and brush Walleye during their own spawning movements Smaller baitfish attracted to warming shallows	Natural Perch Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass moving into shallow rocky areas (2-8 feet) to prepare spawning beds Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure Aggressive territorial behavior, especially from males protecting nests	Rocky points and shorelines with scattered boulders in 2-8 foot depth range Secondary points near spawning flats with mix of rock and gravel Protected coves with hard bottom composition	Tubes worked slowly along rocky areas and potential bed sites Ned Rigs worked with subtle movements near spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to shoreline structure	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Young of year perch in flooded brush areas Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleye staging near current breaks and dam structures, making short feeding movements during low light periods Fish transitioning between deeper wintering areas and shallow spawning locations, particularly active around rock and gravel areas	Current breaks and areas near dam structures where pre-spawn walleye stage Rock piles and hard-bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between winter holes and spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Yellow Perch concentrated near bottom structure Small baitfish in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-65	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats, moving into spawning areas as temperatures stabilize Males actively guarding nests in protected areas while females move between deeper staging areas and spawning flats Aggressive territorial behavior around nesting sites, with increased response to intrusive baits	Protected shallow bays with matted grass and submerged vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays Hard bottom areas near vegetation in 2-6 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly around staging points Wacky Rigs for sight fishing and working shallow vegetation	Perch in shallow vegetation Minnows around spawning flats Crawfish emerging in rocky areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	45-52	Yellow perch are concentrated in shallow, warmer areas during spawn, typically in 3-12 feet of water around flooded brush and vegetation Males arrive first at spawning areas, followed by females, with active feeding occurring pre and post-spawn Fish are moving in schools, particularly along shoreline areas with complex structure	Protected coves with flooded brush and vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Shallow rock piles near spawning areas Current breaks near the dam in spawning depth ranges	Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through spawning areas Live Bait Rigs near bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush and vegetation	Small baitfish congregating in spawning areas Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans active in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-58	Pre and post-spawn muskies staging near shallow spawning areas, particularly in flooded brush and protected coves with warmer water Actively patrolling shorelines and spawning areas, less focused on feeding but will strike out of aggression Movement patterns heavily influenced by current breaks and reservoir water level fluctuations	Protected coves with flooded brush and minimal current Current breaks near spawning areas Rocky points adjacent to spawning bays	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas Spinnerbaits near current breaks and rocky points Hard Jerkbaits with extended pauses in clear water areas	Yellow Perch congregating near spawning areas Schooling baitfish in current breaks Small bass species utilizing similar spawning habitat	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding around current areas and rock structure to replenish energy, with reports showing aggressive feeding on crawfish Fish are establishing summer feeding patterns, transitioning from spawning areas to deeper rocky structure and current breaks	Current edges and rip rap areas, particularly where flow meets structure Rock piles and rocky flats in transition areas Drop-offs and ledges adjacent to spawning flats	Finesse Jigs worked slowly along rock structure and current breaks Carolina Rigs dragged across rock flats and transitional areas Tubes bounced along rocky bottom structure	Crawfish, actively emerging from rocky areas Perch, particularly around brush and structure Small baitfish moving along current edges	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, actively pursuing prey near current breaks and structural elements Fish are becoming more active throughout the day, particularly during low-light periods, and starting to establish predictable feeding windows	Current breaks and dam structures where post-spawn walleye stage Rocky points and ledges adjacent to spawning areas Transition areas between shallow and deep water near structural elements	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near current breaks Blade Baits worked through suspended fish	Yellow Perch in flooded brush areas Small baitfish relating to current breaks Juvenile shad beginning to school	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Fish are actively feeding and moving to shallower areas post-spawn, utilizing vegetation edges and secondary points for recovery and feeding Males are guarding fry in protected areas while females stage on nearby structure to recuperate	Vegetation edges and pockets adjacent to spawning flats Secondary points with submerged vegetation Protected coves with matted grass and brush	Soft Jerkbaits worked erratically along vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Worming) through scattered vegetation Spinnerbaits parallel to grass lines	Young-of-year bluegill starting to emerge Perch around vegetation edges Minnows in shallow grass areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	48-62	Post-spawn perch transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively seeking food to recover energy Fish moving in loose schools, targeting small baitfish and invertebrates near structure transitions	Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to deeper water Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Current breaks near dam area where baitfish congregate	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly near structure Drop Shot with small minnow imitations Tubes worked along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles	Small baitfish schools recovering from winter Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters Young-of-year fish beginning to emerge	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	52-65	Post-spawn muskies transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, primarily targeting baitfish in current breaks and along structure edges Fish are becoming more active but still relatively lethargic, making slower presentations more effective Feeding windows are most active during warming trends and around current breaks where baitfish concentrate	Current breaks near flooded brush and boulder fields where baitfish concentrate Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays Shallow rock structure transitions to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through current breaks Inline Spinners near structure transitions Spinnerbaits around flooded brush and boulder edges	Yellow Perch gathering around rocky structure Schooling baitfish concentrated in current breaks Small bass species relating to boulder fields	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	65-75	Active feeding patterns around submerged vegetation and rock structure, particularly during morning and evening periods Utilizing current breaks and drop-offs as ambush points, showing preference for areas with good forage access	Rocky points and drop-offs with adjacent submerged vegetation Current breaks near dam areas with rock structure Flooded brush areas adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along vegetation edges Drop Shot near rock structure and drop-offs Carolina Rigs worked through deeper rocky areas	Crawfish in rocky areas Yellow Perch around brush structure Small baitfish in current areas	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	68-78	Walleye are suspending in mid-depth ranges following baitfish schools, with active feeding periods near structural elements Fish are utilizing current breaks and ledges as primary ambush points, showing typical summer suspension patterns	Ledges with access to deeper water, especially those with current influence Mid-depth structural breaks near baitfish schools Main lake points and underwater humps adjacent to deeper water	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12')	Yellow Perch Baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges	Firetiger Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Bass are actively feeding in and around matted grass areas, utilizing dense vegetation as ambush points Fish are holding in moderate depths with 68°F water temperature, suggesting prime feeding conditions	Matted grass beds, particularly those near depth changes Complex shoreline areas with vegetation Points and irregularities with submerged vegetation	Texas Rigs (Worming) through matted grass Frogs/Toads over thick vegetation Swim Jigs along grass edges	Perch in vegetated areas Various minnow species utilizing grass for cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	65-75	Actively feeding in and around flooded brush and rock piles, with increased activity during morning and evening hours Schooling behavior near current breaks and structure edges, moving between different depth zones based on temperature and light conditions	Brush piles and woody cover in 8-15 feet of water near current breaks Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water Submerged vegetation edges where present, especially near points and coves	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through brush and along structure edges Drop Shot with small soft plastics near rock piles and current breaks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles and woody cover	Small baitfish congregating around brush and current breaks Aquatic insects and larvae near rocky areas Young-of-year fish utilizing vegetation and woody cover	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Muskie	68-82	Muskies are establishing summer feeding patterns around current breaks and structure, making predictable daily movements between deep and shallow zones Fish are actively hunting during dawn/dusk periods, utilizing current edges and points as ambush locations for schooling baitfish During midday heat, fish transition to deeper structure near current breaks, especially around boulder fields and flooded brush	Current breaks near dam structure with adjacent deep water Rocky points and boulder fields intersecting with current edges Flooded brush areas near deeper water access	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along current breaks and structure edges Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked through current seams Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) retrieved parallel to structure edges	Schooling baitfish concentrated in current areas Perch relating to rocky structure Bass utilizing similar structure as prey opportunity	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Wisconsin Rapids Flowage 5391

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding along shoreline drop-offs and rock structure, preparing for winter. They are responding well to slower presentations with pauses. Fish are keying in on crawfish in rocky areas, with increased bottom-oriented feeding behavior.	Rocky shoreline drop-offs with boulders Main lake points with rock structure Current-swept areas near the dam with rock structure	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly with pauses along drop-offs Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Finesse Jigs dragged slowly over rocky areas	Crawfish taking shelter in rocky areas Yellow Perch around structure	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-55	Walleye are transitioning to deeper, hard-bottom areas as water temperatures cool to 52°F, actively feeding near bottom structure Fish are showing preference for slower presentations, indicating a more methodical feeding pattern typical of cooling fall waters	Boulder fields and rock piles in deeper water Current breaks near dam structures Deep structural transitions near points and irregular shoreline features	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with slow hops near structure Blade Baits worked methodically through deeper holes	Minnows Yellow Perch	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding and following baitfish schools to build energy reserves for winter, primarily in mid-depth zones near structure Moving between deep structure and shallow feeding areas throughout the day, with increased activity during warmer afternoon periods	Deep weedline edges adjacent to points and coves where vegetation is dying back Brush piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Protected coves with remaining green vegetation	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to deep weedlines and over dying vegetation Lipless Crankbaits ripped through sparse vegetation Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled near structure	Yellow Perch schooling near deep weedlines Minnows congregating in remaining vegetation Juvenile bluegills in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	48-58	Actively schooling and chasing baitfish around flooded brush and cover, showing aggressive feeding behavior typical of fall patterns Utilizing multiple depth zones throughout the day, with increased activity during low-light periods	Flooded brush areas with nearby access to deeper water Current breaks near dam areas where baitfish concentrate Rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to coves	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked through and around brush Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near brush and structure Live Bait Rigs when fish are less aggressive	Small baitfish schools Young-of-year panfish Aquatic invertebrates near brush and structure	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Muskie	52-65	Muskies are actively feeding on schooling baitfish near current breaks and dam areas, showing increased aggression due to fall feeding patterns Fish are utilizing current seams and breaks as ambush points, particularly during periods of baitfish activity	Current breaks and seams near dam structure Rocky points and boulder areas with current influence Irregular shoreline areas with deep water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked methodically through current breaks Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') targeting active fish in current areas Spinnerbaits worked along current edges and structure	Schooling baitfish in current areas Perch relating to rocky structure Various smaller fish species concentrated by current	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	Walleye	38-45	Walleye concentrating near deep structural elements and current breaks, actively feeding during low-light periods Fish suspending near bottom in 15-25 foot depth ranges, moving shallower during feeding windows	Deep rock piles and ledges near dam structures Current breaks with hard bottom composition Deep water adjacent to flooded brush areas	Blade Baits worked vertically along structure edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigging spoons Live Bait Rigs with minnows near bottom structure	Yellow Perch concentrating in deeper water Small baitfish schools in current areas Juvenile shad moving through deep water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	42-52	Perch forming tight schools in deeper water near structure, actively feeding during prime daylight hours Fish moving between brush piles and rock structures, following baitfish schools	Deep brush piles near channel bends and current breaks Rock piles and hard bottom areas in 15-25 foot depth range Deep water areas adjacent to flooded timber	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small baitfish in schools Juvenile perch Small invertebrates near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Muskie	38-45	Cold water temperatures cause muskies to become less active but still feed opportunistically, especially during stable weather patterns Fish concentrate near current breaks and deeper structure where baitfish schools gather for winter Feeding windows are shorter but more predictable, typically during late morning to early afternoon when water temperatures peak	Current breaks near the dam where baitfish schools concentrate Deep boulder fields adjacent to river channel edges Flooded brush areas in deeper water, especially near current seams	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Blade Baits	Schooling shad concentrated in winter locations Yellow perch relating to deep structure Suspended walleye as opportunistic larger prey	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye concentrate near bottom structure and current breaks in predictable winter locations Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a secondary bite window during overcast conditions Feeding activity increases during stable weather patterns and becomes more selective during cold fronts	Deep structural elements near dam areas with current influence Rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range Transition areas between hard bottom and adjacent deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during active periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along structural edges	Yellow Perch congregating around brush and structure Small baitfish schools holding in current breaks Juvenile panfish near deep structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	34-39	Yellow perch form tight schools in deeper water near structure during ice season, often suspending near bottom Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep brush piles and woody cover in 15-25 foot range Rocky areas and ledges near current breaks Protected coves with moderate depth and structure	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract schools Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set at various depths to identify active zones	Small baitfish concentrating in deeper water Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure Juvenile perch in schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Wisconsin Rapids Flowage 5391

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock-covered points and drop-offs adjacent to potential spawning flats	Current-swept areas near the dam with rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Dam areas with current breaks and underwater structure	Rock piles near deeper water transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water near spawning flats	Outside edges of emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected coves with brush and woody cover near deeper water access	Rock piles and hard bottom areas adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Current breaks near flooded brush and boulder fields that offer staging areas close to spawning habitat	Rocky points and shoreline irregularities that create current eddies
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and shorelines with scattered boulders in 2-8 foot depth range	Secondary points near spawning flats with mix of rock and gravel
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Current breaks and areas near dam structures where pre-spawn walleye stage	Rock piles and hard-bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow bays with matted grass and submerged vegetation	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Protected coves with flooded brush and vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Shallow rock piles near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Protected coves with flooded brush and minimal current	Current breaks near spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Current edges and rip rap areas, particularly where flow meets structure	Rock piles and rocky flats in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Current breaks and dam structures where post-spawn walleye stage	Rocky points and ledges adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vegetation edges and pockets adjacent to spawning flats	Secondary points with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Brush piles and woody cover adjacent to deeper water	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Current breaks near flooded brush and boulder fields where baitfish concentrate	Points and inside turns adjacent to spawning bays
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky points and drop-offs with adjacent submerged vegetation	Current breaks near dam areas with rock structure
Summer	Walleye	Ledges with access to deeper water, especially those with current influence	Mid-depth structural breaks near baitfish schools
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass beds, particularly those near depth changes	Complex shoreline areas with vegetation
Summer	Yellow Perch	Brush piles and woody cover in 8-15 feet of water near current breaks	Rock piles and boulder areas adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Muskie	Current breaks near dam structure with adjacent deep water	Rocky points and boulder fields intersecting with current edges
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky shoreline drop-offs with boulders	Main lake points with rock structure
Fall	Walleye	Boulder fields and rock piles in deeper water	Current breaks near dam structures
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep weedline edges adjacent to points and coves where vegetation is dying back	Brush piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range
Fall	Yellow Perch	Flooded brush areas with nearby access to deeper water	Current breaks near dam areas where baitfish concentrate
Fall	Muskie	Current breaks and seams near dam structure	Rocky points and boulder areas with current influence
Winter	Walleye	Deep rock piles and ledges near dam structures	Current breaks with hard bottom composition
Winter	Yellow Perch	Deep brush piles near channel bends and current breaks	Rock piles and hard bottom areas in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Muskie	Current breaks near the dam where baitfish schools concentrate	Deep boulder fields adjacent to river channel edges
Ice	Walleye	Deep structural elements near dam areas with current influence	Rock piles and ledges in 15-25 foot depth range
Ice	Yellow Perch	Deep brush piles and woody cover in 15-25 foot range	Rocky areas and ledges near current breaks

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small perch around rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch gathering in pre-spawn areas	Baitfish concentrating near current breaks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch moving shallow with warming trends	Minnows schooling in warming bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish congregating near brush and current breaks	Aquatic insects beginning to become more active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating near rocky structure and brush	Walleye during their own spawning movements
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Young of year perch in flooded brush areas
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch concentrated near bottom structure	Small baitfish in current areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch in shallow vegetation	Minnows around spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish congregating in spawning areas	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Yellow Perch congregating near spawning areas	Schooling baitfish in current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish, actively emerging from rocky areas	Perch, particularly around brush and structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Yellow Perch in flooded brush areas	Small baitfish relating to current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Young-of-year bluegill starting to emerge	Perch around vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools recovering from winter	Aquatic invertebrates becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Yellow Perch gathering around rocky structure	Schooling baitfish concentrated in current breaks
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish in rocky areas	Yellow Perch around brush structure
Summer	Walleye	Yellow Perch	Baitfish schools in mid-depth ranges
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Perch in vegetated areas	Various minnow species utilizing grass for cover
Summer	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish congregating around brush and current breaks	Aquatic insects and larvae near rocky areas
Summer	Muskie	Schooling baitfish concentrated in current areas	Perch relating to rocky structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish taking shelter in rocky areas	Yellow Perch around structure
Fall	Walleye	Minnows	Yellow Perch
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Yellow Perch schooling near deep weedlines	Minnows congregating in remaining vegetation
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish schools	Young-of-year panfish
Fall	Muskie	Schooling baitfish in current areas	Perch relating to rocky structure
Winter	Walleye	Yellow Perch concentrating in deeper water	Small baitfish schools in current areas
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish in schools	Juvenile perch
Winter	Muskie	Schooling shad concentrated in winter locations	Yellow perch relating to deep structure
Ice	Walleye	Yellow Perch congregating around brush and structure	Small baitfish schools holding in current breaks
Ice	Yellow Perch	Small baitfish concentrating in deeper water	Aquatic invertebrates near bottom structure

Bait Colors by Season for Wisconsin Rapids Flowage 5391

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Perch Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Walleye	Firetiger Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Walleye	Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Yellow Perch	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Muskie	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Pink Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Muskie	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals