How to Fish Clearwater Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Clearwater Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Clearwater Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn bass are staging near spawning areas, making gradual movements from winter areas to shallow spawning zones Fish are becoming more active and aggressive as they prepare for spawning, actively feeding to build energy reserves Bass are particularly attracted to warming areas in protected bays and coves with firm bottom composition	Reed edges dropping into deeper water, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Lipless Crankbaits worked through emerging vegetation and along reed edges Bladed Jigs slow-rolled near structure transitions Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in staging areas	Bluegills beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-48	Pre-spawn walleyes staging near spawning areas, making daily movements between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones Most active during dawn and dusk, with feeding periods extending longer in the moderate turbidity conditions Fish becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise and spawning approaches	Shallow rock/gravel flats near deeper water that will be used for spawning Transition areas between deep breaks and shallow feeding flats Weed edges adjacent to hard-bottom areas	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits Lipless Crankbaits	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas Small minnows in shallow feeding zones Bluegills near weed edges	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappies are staging in protected bays and coves near spawning areas, actively feeding during warming trends Fish are relating tightly to shallow cover, particularly reed edges and lily pad areas in 4 feet or less Most active during warmer portions of day, utilizing muddy bays for their heat-retention properties	Reed edges at backs of protected coves Shallow muddy bays with emerging lily pads Protected areas between dock structures	Bobbers with small jigs or live minnows near cover Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) along reed edges Hover/Mid-Strolling in deeper sections of bays	Small Minnows Young of Year Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills and crappies moving into shallow, warmer bays for pre-spawn feeding activity, particularly active along reed edges in 2-6 feet of water Fish becoming more active during warming trends, feeding heavily in preparation for spawning	Muddy bays with reed beds in 2-6 feet of water Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow areas with emerging weed growth	Bobbers with small jigs set 12-18 inches deep near reeds Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) along weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through shallow areas	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Small minnows gathering in shallow bays	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-65	Largemouth bass are in various spawning stages with fish actively spawning, pre-spawn, and post-spawn as evidenced by multiple reports. Fish are relating heavily to shallow areas, particularly reed beds, and actively guarding nests. Fish showing aggressive responses to both finesse and reaction baits, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day. Many fish are relating to bluegill spawning areas for feeding opportunities.	Reed beds in 2-3 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water drops Sand/weed transition areas in shallow water where spawning is occurring Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 8-10 feet	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around shallow cover and beds Texas Rigs (Worming) in and around vegetation Grass Jigs flipped to reed edges and vegetation Hard Topwater (Popping) during active feeding periods	Bluegill - primary forage with active spawning noted Young of year baitfish in emerging vegetation	Green Pumpkin Watermelon Chartreuse
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Staging in pre-spawn areas near shallow flats and moving into spawning areas during optimal temperature range Feeding actively during low-light periods, particularly around transitions between deeper staging areas and spawning zones Post-spawn females returning to deeper structure while males guard nests in shallows	Shallow rock and gravel flats near deeper water for spawning Transition areas between deep breaks and shallow flats Protected bays with firm bottom composition	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along transition areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnow presentations Lipless Crankbaits across shallow flats	Perch (primary forage confirmed in reports) Minnows (mentioned as part of forage base) Bluegills (noted in forage base reports)	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappies are actively moving into shallow areas (4 feet or less) near reed beds and lily pads for spawning Fish staging in muddy bays where water warms faster, gradually transitioning to spawning areas Males establishing and guarding nests while females move in and out of spawning areas	Reed beds and lily pad edges in 2-4 feet of water Protected muddy bays with warming water Shallow coves with emergent vegetation	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around visible cover Bobbers with light jigs near spawning areas Live Bait Rigs for finicky pre-spawn fish	Small Minnows Young of Year Baitfish Micro Invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Actively moving into shallow bays and reed beds (2-6 feet) for spawning, with males building and guarding nests Pre-spawn females staging slightly deeper near spawning areas, making feeding forays into shallows during warming periods	Shallow muddy bays with reed beds in 2-4 feet of water Protected areas with mixed vegetation in 4-6 feet Transition areas between hard bottom and vegetation in 6-8 feet	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 1-2 feet below surface Live Bait Rigs worked slowly near spawning areas Micro Crankbaits retrieved slowly parallel to reed edges	Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans active in shallow vegetation Young-of-year baitfish beginning to appear in shallows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	64-79	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing grass mats, weed edges, and lily pads as ambush points Fish showing both shallow and deep patterns (1-12 feet), with movement deeper during high sun and pressure conditions	Matted grass and submerged vegetation edges in 1-3 feet Outer weed edges and humps in 7-12 feet Lily pad fields with adjacent deeper water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around heavy cover and grass mats Swim Jigs with straight retrieve along vegetation edges Wacky Rigs in sparse cover and transitions Carolina Rigs on outer vegetation edges	Bluegill concentrating around shallow vegetation Shad relating to grass edges and flats	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleyes actively feeding in shallow zones during early morning and evening, moving to adjacent deeper water during bright conditions Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and nearby deeper haunts, following baitfish movements and light conditions	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas, especially near humps Secondary breaks and humps in 10-15 foot range Weed edges where coontail and cabbage are establishing	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits during low light periods Live Bait Rigs along breaks and humps during midday Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around emerging weed growth	Bluegills in shallow areas and around emerging vegetation Young-of-year perch moving into developing weed growth Small minnows congregating around humps and transitions	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Fish transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near cover in 8-14 foot range Actively feeding during morning and evening periods, targeting small baitfish near weed edges Schools beginning to form and relate to deeper structure after dispersing from spawning areas	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays Outer reed edges transitioning to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging	Small minnows concentrated around weed edges Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge Small invertebrates in weed growth	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegills are actively feeding to recover energy, moving between shallow feeding areas and slightly deeper resting zones Fish are showing increased aggression and territoriality, particularly around reed beds and weed edges Bluegills are establishing daily patterns between shallower morning/evening feeding and deeper midday holding areas	Reed bed edges in 4-6 feet of water Submerged weed edges transitioning from 8-14 feet Hard bottom areas near vegetation transitions	Bobbers with light finesse presentations along weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around reed beds Live Bait Rigs with subtle presentations near vegetation	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans in weed beds Newly hatched baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-80	Active feeding periods throughout the day, with fish relating strongly to deep weed edges and reed lines, especially where sharp depth changes occur Fish showing both shallow and deep patterns, moving deeper during bright conditions and utilizing dock shade Aggressive response to moving baits during lower light conditions, transitioning to more methodical presentations during high sun	Deep coontail edges in 10-14 feet of water Reed edges with sharp drops to deeper water Docks providing shade during bright conditions Thick vegetation clumps near depth changes	Drop Shot along deep weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick vegetation Bladed Jigs around reed edges Buzzbaits during low light periods	Bluegill Perch Crawfish	Green Pumpkin Watermelon Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	65-78	During summer, walleyes exhibit a crepuscular feeding pattern, moving shallow during dawn/dusk while retreating to deeper structures during bright daylight hours Fish actively utilize weed edges and deeper structure as ambush points, particularly focusing on areas where baitfish concentrate in the moderate turbidity	Deep weed edges of coontail and cabbage beds in 10-15 feet of water Humps and ledges near the light penetration threshold (6-8 feet) Shallow flats during low-light periods, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs worked along weed edges and structure breaks Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with crankbaits during daylight hours Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') on specific structure during peak feeding periods	Perch: Primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and natural lake patterns Bluegills: Secondary forage particularly around weed edges Minnows: Abundant in various depths providing consistent feeding opportunities	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-82	Crappies are schooling in deeper water near submerged vegetation edges in 8-14 foot range, making predictable feeding movements during morning and evening periods Fish are relating strongly to the thermocline and suspended over deeper structure during midday heat	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, especially where submerged vegetation meets deeper water Suspended schools near main lake points and creek channel intersections Deeper dock areas providing shade during bright conditions	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along deep weed edges and channel breaks Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended schools Crappie Dock Shooting during bright midday conditions	Small minnows congregating around weed edges Young-of-year baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-82	Bluegills are establishing deeper summer patterns, concentrating along deep weed edges in 8-14 feet of water for feeding and protection Larger bluegills are actively feeding on aquatic insects and small crustaceans around dense vegetation during early morning and evening hours	Deep weed edges at 8-14 feet, especially where coontail and cabbage weeds meet Hard bottom transitions near submerged vegetation Deeper pockets within reed bed areas	Bobbers with precise depth control for suspended fish near weed edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working through the water column Live Bait Rigs with small leeches or worms near vegetation	Aquatic insects including mayfly larvae and dragonfly nymphs Small crustaceans and zooplankton Tiny minnows and fish fry	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Clearwater Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	53-67	Fish are actively feeding on bluegills around weed edges and reed islands, showing aggressive behavior particularly during wind conditions Bass are utilizing multiple depth zones (4-12 feet) and relating strongly to depth changes near vegetation	Deep sides of reed islands with sharp drops into 8-12 feet Points with healthy green weeds, especially where they meet deeper water Weed edges and flats in 8-12 foot range with good vegetation	Bladed Jigs worked parallel to weed edges and reed lines Grass Jigs flipped into thick vegetation in 8-12 feet Hard Jerkbaits worked around weed points and edges	Bluegills concentrated around weed edges and reed islands Minnows present around docks and vegetation	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Walleye	52-62	Walleyes are exhibiting typical fall feeding patterns, actively hunting during low light periods near ledges and breaks, with increased daytime activity due to moderate turbidity Fish are transitioning between shallow and mid-depth ranges, moving shallower during evening hours to feed and holding deeper during daylight	Ledges and breaks adjacent to reed beds, particularly those transitioning from shallow to mid-depth ranges Deep breaks and structural elements in 10-19 foot range Weed edges near points and bays where baitfish concentrate	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') - proven effective in recent reports and matches fall walleye behavior Underspins - recent success reported during evening hours Bladed Jigs - specifically chatterbaits for larger fish as noted in reports	Minnows - primary forage confirmed by recent fishing reports Perch - indicated by lake profile as natural forage base Bluegill - noted in lake profile as part of diverse forage base	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-62	Crappies are schooling heavily and following baitfish, transitioning from summer weed edges to deeper basin areas Fish become more active during warming trends, moving shallower to feed opportunistically Schools are typically larger and more concentrated than summer patterns	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where vegetation meets basin areas Points and coves with access to deeper water Deeper brush piles and woody cover near creek channels	Crappie Spider Rigging for precise depth control and multiple bait presentation Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for actively feeding schools Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) to cover water and locate active fish	Young-of-year shad and minnows Small bluegills near remaining vegetation Juvenile yellow perch	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegills are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, concentrating around deep weed edges in 8-14 feet Feeding becomes more aggressive as fish build energy reserves for winter, with activity peaks during mid-morning and afternoon	Deep weed edges where coontail and milfoil meet hard bottom transitions in 8-14 feet Secondary points with cabbage beds near deeper water access Deeper pockets adjacent to reed beds where remaining vegetation provides cover	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Ice Fishing Jigs	Aquatic insects around remaining vegetation Small crustaceans near weed edges Zooplankton in open water columns	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	38-45	Walleye are actively feeding during low-light periods and overcast days, utilizing the moderate turbidity (6.2ft visibility) to their advantage Fish are holding near structure transitions between shallow and deep water, particularly around humps and ledges where they can quickly adjust their depth	Deep ledges and breaks adjacent to shallow feeding flats, especially in 15-20 foot range Isolated humps with access to deeper water Deeper weed edges where coontail and cabbage provide ambush points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Perch schools congregating near structure Bluegills holding in and around remaining weed growth Various sized minnows schooling near depth changes	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies are suspending in deeper water columns, typically in loose schools near deep structure or basin areas Feeding periods are shorter but more intense, with fish most active during early morning and late afternoon	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation in 8-14 foot range Deep coves with significant depth changes Deeper creek channel edges near reed bed flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small minnows concentrated in deeper water Young-of-year baitfish schools	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Late fall/early winter bluegills transition to deeper water, congregating along deep weed edges and basin areas Fish become less active but still feed opportunistically during stable weather periods Schools become tighter and more concentrated in specific areas	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where coontail and milfoil persist Hard bottom transitions near deep vegetation Basin areas adjacent to remaining vegetation	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Hover/Mid-Strolling	Small aquatic insects around remaining vegetation Zooplankton in open water areas Small minnows seeking warmth near structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	33-39	Walleye become more lethargic and concentrate in deeper basins near structure, moving to nearby feeding shelves during prime periods Fish tend to be most active during early morning and late afternoon, with a strong correlation to low-light periods	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps and ledges (15-20 feet) Transition areas where weeds meet deeper water (8-12 feet) Mid-depth flats near deep water access (12-15 feet)	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and tipped with minnows Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during prime feeding periods Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions with live minnows	Perch concentrating in weed-to-basin transitions Small bluegills relating to remaining green weeds Minnows schooling in deep basin areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Crappie	34-38	Crappies will be suspending in deeper basins and transitional areas between shallow bays and main lake, typically schooling tightly in predictable winter locations Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more active on stable weather days	Deep basin areas adjacent to reed bed flats in 12-16 foot range Transition areas where shallow muddy bays meet deeper water Deeper submerged vegetation edges in 8-14 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the school Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Live Bait Rigs with small minnows on dead stick presentations	Small Minnows Micro Invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegills school tightly in deeper basins and along deep weed edges during ice season, typically in 12-16 foot range Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep weed edges near 12-14 foot contours where coontail and milfoil persist Transition areas between hard bottom and mud in 8-12 foot range Basin areas adjacent to shallow feeding flats in 14-16 foot range	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements and pauses Ice Fishing Spoons for aggressive fish and attracting schools Live Bait Rigs with small tungsten jigs for finicky fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton concentrations Dormant aquatic vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Clearwater Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed edges dropping into deeper water, especially on the north side of the lake where water warms first	Protected shallow bays and coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rock/gravel flats near deeper water that will be used for spawning	Transition areas between deep breaks and shallow feeding flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Reed edges at backs of protected coves	Shallow muddy bays with emerging lily pads
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Muddy bays with reed beds in 2-6 feet of water	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in 2-3 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water drops	Sand/weed transition areas in shallow water where spawning is occurring
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rock and gravel flats near deeper water for spawning	Transition areas between deep breaks and shallow flats
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Reed beds and lily pad edges in 2-4 feet of water	Protected muddy bays with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow muddy bays with reed beds in 2-4 feet of water	Protected areas with mixed vegetation in 4-6 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass and submerged vegetation edges in 1-3 feet	Outer weed edges and humps in 7-12 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas, especially near humps	Secondary breaks and humps in 10-15 foot range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Reed bed edges in 4-6 feet of water	Submerged weed edges transitioning from 8-14 feet
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Deep coontail edges in 10-14 feet of water	Reed edges with sharp drops to deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Deep weed edges of coontail and cabbage beds in 10-15 feet of water	Humps and ledges near the light penetration threshold (6-8 feet)
Summer	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range, especially where submerged vegetation meets deeper water	Suspended schools near main lake points and creek channel intersections
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges at 8-14 feet, especially where coontail and cabbage weeds meet	Hard bottom transitions near submerged vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Deep sides of reed islands with sharp drops into 8-12 feet	Points with healthy green weeds, especially where they meet deeper water
Fall	Walleye	Ledges and breaks adjacent to reed beds, particularly those transitioning from shallow to mid-depth ranges	Deep breaks and structural elements in 10-19 foot range
Fall	Crappie	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where vegetation meets basin areas	Points and coves with access to deeper water
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where coontail and milfoil meet hard bottom transitions in 8-14 feet	Secondary points with cabbage beds near deeper water access
Winter	Walleye	Deep ledges and breaks adjacent to shallow feeding flats, especially in 15-20 foot range	Isolated humps with access to deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to submerged vegetation in 8-14 foot range	Deep coves with significant depth changes
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges in 8-14 foot range where coontail and milfoil persist	Hard bottom transitions near deep vegetation
Ice	Walleye	Deep basin areas adjacent to structural elements like humps and ledges (15-20 feet)	Transition areas where weeds meet deeper water (8-12 feet)
Ice	Crappie	Deep basin areas adjacent to reed bed flats in 12-16 foot range	Transition areas where shallow muddy bays meet deeper water
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges near 12-14 foot contours where coontail and milfoil persist	Transition areas between hard bottom and mud in 8-12 foot range

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills beginning to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small minnows in shallow feeding zones
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young of Year Baitfish
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Small minnows gathering in shallow bays
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage with active spawning noted	Young of year baitfish in emerging vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Perch (primary forage confirmed in reports)	Minnows (mentioned as part of forage base)
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young of Year Baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects and larvae emerging in warming waters	Small crustaceans active in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around shallow vegetation	Shad relating to grass edges and flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Bluegills in shallow areas and around emerging vegetation	Young-of-year perch moving into developing weed growth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small minnows concentrated around weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Perch
Summer	Walleye	Perch: Primary forage evidenced by fishing reports and natural lake patterns	Bluegills: Secondary forage particularly around weed edges
Summer	Crappie	Small minnows congregating around weed edges	Young-of-year baitfish schools
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects including mayfly larvae and dragonfly nymphs	Small crustaceans and zooplankton
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegills concentrated around weed edges and reed islands	Minnows present around docks and vegetation
Fall	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage confirmed by recent fishing reports	Perch - indicated by lake profile as natural forage base
Fall	Crappie	Young-of-year shad and minnows	Small bluegills near remaining vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects around remaining vegetation	Small crustaceans near weed edges
Winter	Walleye	Perch schools congregating near structure	Bluegills holding in and around remaining weed growth
Winter	Crappie	Small minnows concentrated in deeper water	Young-of-year baitfish schools
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects around remaining vegetation	Zooplankton in open water areas
Ice	Walleye	Perch concentrating in weed-to-basin transitions	Small bluegills relating to remaining green weeds
Ice	Crappie	Small Minnows	Micro Invertebrates
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton concentrations

Bait Colors by Season for Clearwater Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Green Pumpkin Watermelon Chartreuse
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Vibrant Assorted Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Green Pumpkin Watermelon Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Ice	Walleye	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals