How to Fish Allatoona Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Allatoona Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 18, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Allatoona Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	52-62	Spotted bass are transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning. Most active during warming trends. Fish are moving from deep winter haunts to intermediate depths, following baitfish schools and responding to daily temperature fluctuations.	Main lake points and creek mouths with transition from rock to pea gravel Secondary points in major creek arms with nearby deep water access Rocky banks and rip-rap areas that warm quickly on sunny days	Alabama Rig worked along point transitions from deep to shallow Lipless Crankbaits burned over submerged vegetation and creek channels Shakey Heads worked slowly on rocky banks and points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') targeting transitional areas	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Crawfish becoming more active as water temperatures rise Small baitfish in creek arms and along points	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn largemouth bass are actively staging near spawning areas and transitional routes, moving from deeper winter areas to shallower pre-spawn locations Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with fish actively pursuing blueback herring and other baitfish in the mid-water column	Standing timber adjacent to spawning flats and coves Primary and secondary points along major creek channels Bridge crossings with nearby deep water access	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked with a moderate retrieve around timber and points Spinnerbaits parallel to transition areas and through timber Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses around suspended fish	Blueback Herring Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	55-65	Fish are transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Stripers are targeting shad in transitional areas between deep and shallow water, particularly around points and laydowns Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with feeding activity increasing during daylight hours	Main lake points adjacent to deep water channels, especially those with laydown structure River channel bends with adjacent shallow flats Transitional areas between spawning flats and deep water sanctuaries	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near structure Umbrella Rigs worked through transitional depths Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) slow-rolled along channel edges	Shad schools congregating near points and channel edges Smaller baitfish moving into shallow warming areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	48-58	White bass are staging near tributary mouths and moving into river channels, preparing for their spawning run Fish are actively feeding in preparation for spawn, with aggressive reaction strikes common Schools are beginning to concentrate and move together along migration routes	Main tributary mouths and associated channel swings Secondary points leading into spawning tributaries Staging areas in 15-25 foot depths near river channel intersections	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through staging areas Lipless Crankbaits worked through transitional depths	Shad schools congregating near tributary mouths Small minnows in staging areas Juvenile baitfish along channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	58-68	Catfish beginning to move from deep winter holding areas into transitional pre-spawn locations, becoming more active with warming water Increasing feeding activity as metabolism rises, particularly during warmer afternoon periods	Rocky areas and rip rap near deeper water, especially where channels meet structure Secondary points with mixed rock and timber near river channels Areas where muddy water meets cleaner water after rain events	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through transitional areas	Shad and blueback herring congregating in pre-spawn areas Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active	Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	50-65	Pre-spawn staging on wind-blown points and transitional areas, actively feeding while preparing for spawn Moving towards spawning grounds but holding in deeper pockets near creek mouths and boulder fields Feeding actively during warming trends, especially around structure-rich areas	Wind-blown main lake points with good depth transitions Creek arms with boulder fields and deeper pockets Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Drop Shot with finesse presentations around points and structure Texas Rigs worked slowly through boulder fields and along transitions Shakey Heads worked along depth changes near spawning areas	Minnows congregating around points and structure Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	During spring spawn, largemouth bass are moving shallow and staging near spawning flats, with females transitioning between pre-spawn feeding areas and nesting sites Fish become increasingly territorial and aggressive as they protect their nesting areas, particularly responsive to sight-based threats	Protected shallow coves and pockets with hard bottom composition Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow areas near stumps and laydowns in 2-6 foot depth range	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover in spawning areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along transition routes Soft Jerkbaits for sight fishing and spawning bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas Bluegill moving shallow with warming water Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Natural Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn stripers staging in transition areas between spawning flats and deeper water, actively feeding on shad schools Fish moving from wintering areas to spawning grounds, following river channel edges and main lake points	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where pre-spawn staging occurs Secondary points leading into spawning coves and tributaries Channel bends with nearby shallow flats	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses near points and channel edges Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled through suspended fish Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked vertically through bait schools	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas Spotted Bass following similar bait patterns	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	50-58	Aggressive upstream movement into tributaries and river channels for spawning, triggered by water temperatures and dogwood bloom School formation in staging areas near tributary mouths and main lake points before pushing further upstream Active sight-feeding behavior in stained water conditions, particularly responsive to flash and vibration	Tributary mouths and river channels where spawning runs concentrate Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries serving as staging areas Shallow flats and gravel areas in Little River upstream section	Inline Spinners worked at varying speeds in current seams Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for imitating shad in staging areas Blade Baits for covering water and triggering reaction strikes	Shad concentrations near tributary mouths Small minnows in current areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	65-75	Catfish are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near hard structure like rocky areas and rip rap, becoming more aggressive as they prepare for and engage in spawning activities Males are guarding nesting sites in cavities near structure, while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, becomes sporadic during peak spawn, with most active periods during dawn and dusk	Rocky areas and rip rap in 2-8 foot depths, especially those adjacent to deeper water Areas with submerged timber and laydowns near spawning flats Protected coves with hard bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings positioned near spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with scented baits near structure Bobbers for suspended presentations in spawning areas	Shad and blueback herring congregating in spawning areas Smaller sunfish and baitfish in shallow areas Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	55-69	Active feeding in early morning hours, especially around shad spawn areas and shallow structure Moving between shallow feeding areas and nearby deeper structure as sun rises Utilizing submerged timber, brush piles, and rocky structure throughout the day	Rocky banks and boulder areas, especially during shad spawn Points with submerged structure and brush piles Laydowns and submerged timber near deeper water	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked along rocky banks early morning Hard Topwater (Popping) during morning and evening periods Shakey Heads worked around submerged structure and points Lipless Crankbaits for covering water when fish are actively feeding	Shad (primary forage during spawn) Minnows Crawfish (around rocky structure)	Chartreuse Colors Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn largemouth are actively feeding and recovering, transitioning from spawning areas to early summer locations Fish are schooling on secondary points and rock piles in 16-25 foot range, making multiple passes through productive areas	Secondary points with rock structure in major coves Rock piles in 16-25 foot depth range Transition areas between spawning flats and summer haunts	Ned Rigs worked methodically around points and rock structure Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) for covering water and locating active schools Shakey Heads for slower presentation once fish are located	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - active around rock structures	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding on shad, transitioning between shallow and deep water while utilizing points and laydowns as ambush zones Fish are showing chase behavior, trailing and following jerkbaits, indicating an aggressive feeding pattern but with some selectivity	Main lake points with access to deeper water Laydowns and submerged timber in pockets Secondary points, especially less-pressured smaller ones	Hard Jerkbaits with small, quick twitches and strategic pauses Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) as follow-up baits Umbrella Rigs to mimic shad schools	Shad (primary forage base) Small baitfish in transition areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	52-65	Post-spawn white bass are transitioning from spawning areas back to main lake, following tributary channels and staging at points Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawn, forming loose schools around bait concentrations	River channel to main lake transition areas Main lake points near tributary mouths Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Inline Spinners worked at varying depths around channel edges Small/Medium Soft Body Swimbaits targeting suspended fish Lipless Crankbaits for covering water and locating active schools	Minnows concentrating in post-spawn areas Small shad moving into warming shallow waters	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-75	Actively feeding and dispersing after spawn, moving from spawning areas to feeding zones near river channels and rocky structures Increasing activity levels with warming water, becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior especially during low-light periods	Rocky areas and rip rap near deeper water, especially where baitfish are present River channel edges with adjacent structure like laydowns and submerged timber Transition areas between spawning flats and deeper summer holding areas	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or whole shad positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and timber	Shad and blueback herring schooling in post-spawn patterns Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Spotted Bass	76-88	Spotted bass exhibiting distinct daily movement patterns - shallow early morning feeding (topwater activity) followed by retreat to deeper water as temperatures rise and boat traffic increases Actively feeding on large bait balls in open water, particularly around deep structure like humps and points, with aggressive schooling behavior when bait is present	Main lake humps adjacent to deep water channels, especially those with 10-20ft tops dropping into 50-70ft depths Main lake points with rocky structure, particularly during early morning hours Deep rock piles in 14-20ft range during midday periods	Hard Jerkbaits worked aggressively over deep water humps when bait balls are present Hard Body Swimbaits retrieved quickly around bait schools and structure Shakey Heads worked slowly on rocky bottom areas during midday heat	Shad schooling in large bait balls near structure Small minnows concentrated around humps and points	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Establishing summer patterns with early morning/late evening shallow feeding periods and midday moves to deeper structure near primary feeding areas Actively relating to wood cover (stumps, laydowns, brush piles) as indicated by recent fishing reports, with increased feeding during overcast conditions	Submerged wood cover (stumps, laydowns) in 7-12 foot depth range Main lake points with brush piles, especially those adjacent to deeper water Shaded shoreline areas with complex cover during low light periods	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked around submerged timber Bladed Jigs with slower retrieves during overcast conditions, faster during sunny periods Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting specific pieces of wood cover	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports and successful bait patterns) Bluegill (secondary forage typically active in summer months around cover)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	Striped bass are actively feeding during early morning hours, suspending over deep structure and ambushing shad schools Fish are forming wolfpacks and creating surface feeding frenzies over deep humps when bait is present Moving deeper during midday hours to escape warm water temperatures, following bait schools in main lake areas	Deep main lake humps and points adjacent to river channels Deep water structure in 40-50 foot range near bait schools Main lake points with access to deep water	Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning surface feeding activity Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs during midday Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics	Shad schools suspending over deep structure Suspended baitfish in main lake areas	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	White Bass	72-85	Actively schooling and chasing shad in open water, primarily during early morning and evening hours Suspending near bait balls during midday, moving between points and river channels following forage	Main lake points near river channel intersections where bait balls concentrate Open water areas with surface feeding activity, especially near deeper structures Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools gather	Hard Topwater (Walking) Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools in open water and around structure Small minnows gathering around points and channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Catfish	82-88	Catfish are actively feeding during low-light periods, seeking shaded areas near docks during hot daytime temperatures (87°F) Fish are establishing feeding patterns around hard structure and woody cover, using these areas as ambush points	Docks providing shade and structure during hot summer days Submerged timber and laydowns in moderate depths Rocky areas and rip rap, especially during dawn/dusk feeding periods	Bobbers with cut bait or dough baits near docks and structure Live Bait Rigs with larger offerings near rocky areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and dock posts	Shad and blueback herring schools Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish Various opportunistic feeds including bread-based baits	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Allatoona Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Spotted Bass	65-75	Actively chasing shad along rocky points and in creek pockets, with increased feeding activity during early morning hours Transitioning between shallow and deep water throughout the day, using rock structure as ambush points	Main lake rocky points with access to deeper water Rocky walls and steep banks in creek arms Rock piles and rip rap near bait concentrations	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked high in the water column during early morning Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') parallel to rocky structure Spinnerbaits worked along steep walls with emphasis on the fall Shakey Heads as a backup technique when reaction bites slow	Shad schools actively moving along points and in creek pockets Crawfish in rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	54-72	Actively following and feeding on shad schools as they migrate to creek arms and coves Moving between deep and shallow water throughout the day, with more shallow activity during low-light periods Relating strongly to wood cover and rock structures that provide ambush points for shad	Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to deep water Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Rock piles and boulder fields near creek channel swings	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and transitions Spinnerbaits around shallow wood cover during cloudy conditions or low light Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching prevalent shad forage	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves Bluegill still active around shallow cover Crawfish active on rocky structures	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Striped bass actively pursuing shad schools in transition areas, following baitfish migrations to creek arms and shallower water Fish exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior during low-light periods, especially around current breaks and points	Main lake points intersecting with river channels where current concentrates bait Creek arm mouths with abundant shad schools Deep water humps adjacent to shallow flats where bait transitions	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly along points and channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are holding deeper on structure	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Suspended baitfish in the water column	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	White Bass	58-72	Actively schooling and chasing shad in open water, especially during low-light periods Following bait balls and suspending at varying depths based on forage location Moving between main lake points and creek arms as they follow baitfish migrations	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where baitfish congregate Creek arm mouths with deep water access Secondary points in major creek arms where shad schools gather	Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved at varying speeds Lipless Crankbaits burned through schooling fish	Shad schools in open water Small minnows along channel edges	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish are actively feeding to build reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and responding to cooling water temperatures Fish are transitioning from shallow feeding areas to deeper winter holding locations, particularly utilizing river channels and deep structure	Deep river channels and channel edges where baitfish schools are congregating Rocky areas and rip rap that retain heat during cooling periods Submerged timber and laydowns adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or herring positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel breaks and near structure Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through timber and rocky areas	Shad schools congregating in deeper water Blueback herring following baitfish movements Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish near rocky structures	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Spotted Bass	48-52	Spotted bass are following bait schools and relating to deeper, stable water temperatures, primarily using river channels and deeper structure between 25-50 feet Fish are actively feeding on shad and alewife, with some fish suspended at around 30 feet when following bait schools	River channels with chunk rock in 25-30 foot depth range Deep humps near river channel bends Rocky banks and rip rap in creek arms, particularly in 8-15 foot range on sunny days	Drop Shot with 12-18 inch leader using minnow imitation baits Small to medium soft body swimbaits worked slowly along bottom structure Medium diving crankbaits worked slowly around rip rap and rocky banks	Alewife schools suspended in deeper water Shad concentrated in creek arms and around structure	Natural Shad Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	45-54	Largemouth bass become less active but still feed during stable weather patterns, typically concentrating in deeper areas near primary points and wood structure Fish tend to group up in winter, with multiple bass often using the same deep structure or cover areas	Deep primary points adjacent to creek channels or major contour changes Brush piles and wood structure in 15-25 foot depth range Rock piles and boulder fields that retain heat on sunny days	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom structure Blade Baits vertically jigged near suspended fish Shakey Heads fished with minimal movement around brush piles	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Smaller sunfish around deep structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	42-52	Schooling with spotted bass in deep water (40-50 feet), following and corralling large bait schools in main lake areas Active feeding during low-light periods when bait schools are more concentrated and vulnerable	Deep main lake points and river channel bends (40-50 feet) where current concentrates bait Deep structural intersections where main lake points meet river channels Steep bluff walls adjacent to deep water that provide vertical structure for bait schools	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigging spoons worked through bait schools Umbrella Rigs slow-rolled through suspended bait schools Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges and points with deep diving crankbaits	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad concentrated in deep water Spotted bass that may be targeted as additional forage when bait is scattered	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	White Bass	38-45	Schooling in deep water (40-50 feet), suspending near river channel edges and deep points Feeding less aggressively but still opportunistically on suspended bait balls Moving vertically in the water column based on light conditions and bait movement	Deep river channels and adjacent ledges in 40-50 foot range Main lake points that transition into deep water Deep structural intersections where channels meet main lake basins	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Suspended shad schools Small baitfish concentrations	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Catfish	48-55	Catfish concentrate in deep river channels and wintering holes, moving minimally and feeding opportunistically during daylight hours Fish tend to school more tightly in winter, often holding near bottom structure in depths of 20-35 feet	Deep river channels and primary lake basin areas exceeding 20 feet Areas where deep water intersects with rock structure or riprap Deep holes near channel bends with minimal current	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Shad schools concentrated in deep water Bottom-dwelling prey like small bluegill and crappie Dead or dying baitfish	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Allatoona Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths with transition from rock to pea gravel	Secondary points in major creek arms with nearby deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Standing timber adjacent to spawning flats and coves	Primary and secondary points along major creek channels
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water channels, especially those with laydown structure	River channel bends with adjacent shallow flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main tributary mouths and associated channel swings	Secondary points leading into spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and rip rap near deeper water, especially where channels meet structure	Secondary points with mixed rock and timber near river channels
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Wind-blown main lake points with good depth transitions	Creek arms with boulder fields and deeper pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves and pockets with hard bottom composition	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where pre-spawn staging occurs	Secondary points leading into spawning coves and tributaries
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Tributary mouths and river channels where spawning runs concentrate	Main lake points adjacent to spawning tributaries serving as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and rip rap in 2-8 foot depths, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Areas with submerged timber and laydowns near spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Rocky banks and boulder areas, especially during shad spawn	Points with submerged structure and brush piles
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with rock structure in major coves	Rock piles in 16-25 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	Laydowns and submerged timber in pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	River channel to main lake transition areas	Main lake points near tributary mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and rip rap near deeper water, especially where baitfish are present	River channel edges with adjacent structure like laydowns and submerged timber
Summer	Spotted Bass	Main lake humps adjacent to deep water channels, especially those with 10-20ft tops dropping into 50-70ft depths	Main lake points with rocky structure, particularly during early morning hours
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Submerged wood cover (stumps, laydowns) in 7-12 foot depth range	Main lake points with brush piles, especially those adjacent to deeper water
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep main lake humps and points adjacent to river channels	Deep water structure in 40-50 foot range near bait schools
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points near river channel intersections where bait balls concentrate	Open water areas with surface feeding activity, especially near deeper structures
Summer	Catfish	Docks providing shade and structure during hot summer days	Submerged timber and laydowns in moderate depths
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake rocky points with access to deeper water	Rocky walls and steep banks in creek arms
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to deep water	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points intersecting with river channels where current concentrates bait	Creek arm mouths with abundant shad schools
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where baitfish congregate	Creek arm mouths with deep water access
Fall	Catfish	Deep river channels and channel edges where baitfish schools are congregating	Rocky areas and rip rap that retain heat during cooling periods
Winter	Spotted Bass	River channels with chunk rock in 25-30 foot depth range	Deep humps near river channel bends
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep primary points adjacent to creek channels or major contour changes	Brush piles and wood structure in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep main lake points and river channel bends (40-50 feet) where current concentrates bait	Deep structural intersections where main lake points meet river channels
Winter	White Bass	Deep river channels and adjacent ledges in 40-50 foot range	Main lake points that transition into deep water
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channels and primary lake basin areas exceeding 20 feet	Areas where deep water intersects with rock structure or riprap

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Crawfish becoming more active as water temperatures rise
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Blueback Herring	Shad
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating near points and channel edges	Smaller baitfish moving into shallow warming areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools congregating near tributary mouths	Small minnows in staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad and blueback herring congregating in pre-spawn areas	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Minnows congregating around points and structure	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in pre-spawn areas	Bluegill moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Gizzard and Threadfin Shad congregating in pre-spawn areas	Spotted Bass following similar bait patterns
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad concentrations near tributary mouths	Small minnows in current areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad and blueback herring congregating in spawning areas	Smaller sunfish and baitfish in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad (primary forage during spawn)	Minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - active around rock structures
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage base)	Small baitfish in transition areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Minnows concentrating in post-spawn areas	Small shad moving into warming shallow waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad and blueback herring schooling in post-spawn patterns	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schooling in large bait balls near structure	Small minnows concentrated around humps and points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports and successful bait patterns)	Bluegill (secondary forage typically active in summer months around cover)
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools suspending over deep structure	Suspended baitfish in main lake areas
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Small minnows gathering around points and channel edges
Summer	Catfish	Shad and blueback herring schools	Bottom-dwelling prey like crawfish
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools actively moving along points and in creek pockets	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to creeks and coves	Bluegill still active around shallow cover
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Suspended baitfish in the water column
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools in open water	Small minnows along channel edges
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in deeper water	Blueback herring following baitfish movements
Winter	Spotted Bass	Alewife schools suspended in deeper water	Shad concentrated in creek arms and around structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Smaller sunfish around deep structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad concentrated in deep water	Spotted bass that may be targeted as additional forage when bait is scattered
Winter	White Bass	Suspended shad schools	Small baitfish concentrations
Winter	Catfish	Shad schools concentrated in deep water	Bottom-dwelling prey like small bluegill and crappie

Bait Colors by Season for Allatoona Lake

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