How to Fish Grand Lake O' the Cherokees: Best Patterns & Techniques

Search by Lake

Featured Reports in this area

All Species

All Seasons

For this map area we didn't find any Featured Fishing Reports.

Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	48-60	Bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding but showing weather-dependent mood swings Fish are relating heavily to transition areas between deep water and spawning flats, particularly around channel swings and points Feeding activity increases during stable weather, with fish becoming more aggressive on wind-blown areas	Channel swing banks adjacent to spawning flats Wind-blown points with deep water access Brush piles and stumps in 3-15 foot depth range Dock edges with nearby deep water access	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses in clear water areas Umbrella Rigs fished along channel swing banks and points Spinnerbaits worked along dock edges and through brush Finesse Jigs worked slowly through brush piles and around stumps	Shad schooling in creek arms and around points Crawfish becoming more active in brush piles and rocky areas	Natural Shad Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Males staging in 10-foot depths while females hold slightly deeper, waiting for consistent warming trend before moving shallow for spawn Fish actively feeding but movements heavily influenced by daily temperature fluctuations	Brush piles and boulder fields in 10-15 foot depth range Secondary points leading into spawning coves Creek channel bends adjacent to shallow spawning flats	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad Small minnows	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	52-62	Pre-spawn white bass are staging near tributary mouths and river channels, making upstream movements in preparation for spawning Fish are actively feeding on shad schools, particularly during warming trends when bait becomes more active Schools are beginning to concentrate in predictable locations, especially along channel edges and creek intersections	Creek mouth intersections with main river channels Secondary points leading into spawning tributaries Wind-blown banks where shad are concentrated	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily through bait schools Lipless Crankbaits burned through suspended fish	Pre-spawn shad schools congregating near creek mouths Small baitfish pushed against wind-blown banks	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	48-65	Catfish are beginning to move from winter deep-water haunts to shallower areas as water temperatures rise, following channel edges and staging near spawning flats Feeding activity increases as fish prepare for spawning, with most active periods during warmer afternoons when water temperatures peak	Channel edges where deep water meets shallow flats, especially near creek arms Rocky areas and rip rap with good sun exposure for warmth Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 feet of water along channel swings	Live Bait Rigs with fresh cut shad or large minnows Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along channel edges	Shad schools congregating in creek arms Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas Bottom-dwelling prey like small sunfish near brush piles	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn striped bass actively pursuing shad schools along creek channels and river mouths, with increased feeding activity during dawn/dusk periods Fish staging in transition areas between spawning grounds and winter areas, following bait schools vertically throughout the day Aggressive feeding behavior as fish build energy reserves for spawning, particularly responsive to wind-driven bait concentrations	Main river channel bends and intersections with major creek mouths Wind-blown points and shallow flats adjacent to deep water Secondary points in major creek arms leading to spawning areas	Umbrella Rigs worked through bait schools at varying depths Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding on structure	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools Yellow Bass and small White Bass Blueback Herring where present	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	64-67	Bass are transitioning through pre-spawn to spawn stages, moving from staging areas to spawning pockets Fish are actively feeding during morning hours, with decreased activity during midday Some fish are already on beds but not fully locked in, while others are still staging on secondary points	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Protected areas behind docks with brush or rock-pilings Front side of creeks and points near spawning areas	Neko Rigs worked slowly around staging areas Spinnerbaits during early morning hours Wacky Rigs in spawning pockets	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - becoming active in warming waters	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Males are staging on spawning banks while females move shallow during late evening, following typical spring spawn patterns Fish are responding well to shallow presentations, particularly in the backs of coves where spawning activity is concentrated	Back ends of coves with rip rap banks North lake shallow areas as water clarity improves Clear water areas around Goat Island in south lake	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') - tight-lining presentation Bobbers - suspended presentations 1 foot deep Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) - for targeting visible fish on banks	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports Small sunfish - common secondary forage in spawning areas	Purple Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	58-68	Aggressive spawning movement into tributary arms and creek mouths, following optimal temperature cues Males stage in pre-spawn areas first, with females moving in as water temperatures stabilize Feeding activity intensifies during dawn and dusk, with fish pursuing shad schools in staging areas	Creek mouths and tributary arms with moderate current Wind-blown banks where shad are concentrated Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Inline Spinners worked at varying depths around bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve along channel edges Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish	Schooling shad concentrated in spawning areas Small baitfish pushed by wind and current Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	Catfish are transitioning to spawning areas, moving from deeper winter haunts to shallower flats and protected areas near spawning sites Feeding activity increases as water warms, with fish becoming more aggressive in preparation for spawning Males begin searching for and preparing nesting cavities in submerged structure	Rocky areas and rip rap banks where crawfish are active in warming water Brush piles and laydowns in 5-15 feet of water near channel swings Creek arm intersections with the main lake channel	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait positioned near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around brush piles and channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting laydowns and brush in spawning areas	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Crawfish becoming more active in warming water Bottom-dwelling prey fish in creek channels	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	64-72	Striped bass are actively spawning in tributary areas and river channels, with post-spawn fish staging in adjacent areas to recover Fish are following shad schools in 2-8 foot depths, especially during dawn/dusk feeding windows Wind-driven currents are concentrating baitfish, creating prime feeding opportunities particularly in spawning areas	Major creek mouths and river channel intersections where spawning activity occurs Wind-blown points and shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas Secondary points and coves near deep water access	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through spawning areas and along channel edges Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish chasing shad schools Trolling Shallow (0-9') along channel edges and points adjacent to spawning areas	Shad schools concentrated in spawning areas and shallow flats Smaller baitfish in tributary areas and creek mouths	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy while utilizing dock areas and laydowns as primary ambush points Fish are showing mixed feeding behaviors - both aggressive reaction strikes on moving baits and more subtle feeding on bottom presentations, suggesting a recovery and transition period	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near spawning pockets Laydowns and brush in river sections Rock piles, especially during cold fronts	Spinnerbaits worked along docks and over laydowns Texas-rigged soft plastics skipped under docks or flipped to cover Ned rigs worked slowly around rock piles, especially during tough conditions	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - secondary forage, particularly around rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer haunts, typically staging along the first major depth breaks and near brush piles Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, with feeding periods most intense during early morning and evening hours Schools are beginning to reform after spawning, with fish gathering around structural elements	Main lake points with nearby brush piles in 12-20 foot range Secondary creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats Dock structures with deep water access	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along depth transitions to locate active schools Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding tight to dock structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are found on brush piles	Young-of-year shad beginning to school Small sunfish in shallow zones Larger adult shad in deeper water	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	64-78	Actively pursuing shad schools in post-spawn feeding pattern, with increased activity during shad spawning events Using depth transitions and creek mouths as ambush points, especially during wind events that concentrate baitfish	Creek mouths with significant depth transitions where shad are spawning Channel edges where baitfish schools are congregating Wind-blown points and banks that concentrate baitfish	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively over active bait schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking shad along depth transitions Lipless Crankbaits burned through suspended bait schools	Spawning Shad - primary forage during this period Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	58-72	Post-spawn catfish are actively feeding to recover energy, primarily during dawn, dusk, and night hours Fish are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper channel edges and structure, following baitfish movements	Creek channel intersections with main lake, especially near spawning flats Rocky areas and rip rap with access to deeper water Brush piles and laydowns adjacent to channel edges	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or live bait near channel edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around brush piles Carolina Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions	Shad schools moving along channel edges Crawfish active in rocky areas Small sunfish in brush pile areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	64-78	Actively feeding on shad schools in post-spawn period, with aggressive surface feeding during optimal wind conditions Following bait schools along depth transitions from shallow (2ft) to deeper (8ft+) water, particularly active during wind-driven bait concentrations	Creek mouths and river channels with gradual depth transitions from 2-8+ feet Wind-blown northern shorelines where shad are concentrated Points and creek arms adjacent to main lake channels	Hard Topwater (Walking) worked aggressively to create surface commotion Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools Umbrella Rigs to mimic shad schools in deeper transitions	Shad concentrated in upper water column Various baitfish species following similar patterns as shad	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	80-89	Fish are relating heavily to channel swings and main lake points, actively feeding during early morning and moving deeper as boat traffic and heat increases Bass are suspending near creek channels and moving up to adjacent structure to feed, particularly around brush piles and docks with shade	Channel swing banks in creek arms, especially where they intersect with brush or other cover Main lake points with access to deep water, particularly early morning Docks with brush piles, especially those near channel swings Grass flats during nighttime hours	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around brush piles and docks Football Jigs dragged along channel swing banks and points Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along channel swings Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning hours on main lake points	Shad schooling around points and channel edges Crawfish active along rocky banks and channel swings Bluegill in and around shallow brush and grass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Crappie	75-85	Crappie are holding deep in brush piles along main creek channels, typically around 20 foot depths, with strong association to shad schools Fish are showing distinct north/south lake patterns due to water clarity differences, with clearer water in the south portion	Deep brush piles (20+ feet) off main creek channels Brush piles near Goat Island and south lake area in clearer water Creek channel intersections with deeper structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Crappie Spider Rigging Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad Small Baitfish	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	White Bass	74-82	Actively schooling and chasing shad in the upper water column, particularly visible when corralling bait balls near creek mouths and channel bends Most aggressive during wind-driven conditions when baitfish are concentrated, showing surface feeding activity Peak feeding periods occur when shad schools are pushed against structure or trapped in creek arms	Creek mouths and channel bends where wind concentrates baitfish River channel edges adjacent to shallow flats Points and banks where shad schools are visible	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked with aggressive, continuous retrieve Hard Topwater (Walking) with aggressive walking action Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with fall and twitch presentation	Shad (primary forage, forming visible bait balls) Small baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Catfish	75-89	Moving between deep channel areas during day (seeking cooler water) and shallower feeding zones at night Actively feeding on shad and bottom-dwelling prey, with increased activity during low-light periods due to boat traffic Utilizing brush piles and laydowns as ambush points, especially for flathead catfish	Deep river and creek channel intersections with main lake (15-25 feet) Brush piles and laydowns near dock areas Rocky areas and rip rap with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole bait for larger fish Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Texas Rigs (Worming) near brush piles and rocky areas	Shad schools in main lake areas Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap Bottom-dwelling prey fish near brush piles	Chartreuse Colors Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	68-78	Striped bass transition between deep and shallow water throughout the day, following shad schools and seeking temperature refuge. They are most active during dawn/dusk periods near surface, moving deeper during bright midday hours Fish become more structure-oriented during summer, holding near creek channel edges and points where current concentrates baitfish Wind-driven currents significantly influence feeding activity, with fish actively pursuing bait schools pushed against structure	Main river channel edges and creek mouth intersections in 15-25 ft depth Wind-blown points and shallow flats during dawn/dusk periods Deep water structure near major creek channels where current concentrates baitfish	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges with umbrella rigs Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and late evening periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through bait schools	Shad schools concentrated in upper water column Suspended baitfish in creek channels Surface-oriented baitfish during low light periods	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	67-83	Bass are actively feeding on shad in the 67-83°F temperature range, showing increased activity later in the day as evidenced by fishing reports Fish are relating heavily to structure, particularly docks and shallow cover, following baitfish movements in preparation for winter	Docks with nearby deep water access, particularly those on 45-degree banks Points and channel swings with baitfish present Shallow structure including laydowns and flooded brush	Structure Jigs worked slowly around docks and cover Spinnerbaits in wind-blown areas with baitfish present Hard Topwater (Walking and Prop) early and late in the day Shallow to Medium Diving Crankbaits (0-12') around points and boulders	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports) Crawfish (secondary forage indicated by successful bait colors)	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are transitioning to winter patterns, forming large schools and actively following/feeding on spawning shad. Most active during low light conditions, suspending in 10-20 foot water during midday. Large specimens (12-15 inch) are specifically targeting points near deep channels, showing a pattern of movement between shallow and deep water based on light conditions.	Points adjacent to deeper channels, particularly south of Goat Island and Drowning creek Shallow feeding areas near points during low light conditions Suspended zones in 10-20 foot water column over deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) through suspended fish zones Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) during low light shallow feeding periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended fish during midday	Shad (primary forage, currently spawning) Small baitfish schools in general	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	White Bass	58-72	White bass are actively schooling and chasing shad schools in creek arms and along channel edges as baitfish migrate towards the backs of creeks Fish are likely to be most active during low-light periods and on windy days when baitfish get concentrated along windward banks	Main lake creek mouth intersections with river channels where shad schools congregate Wind-blown secondary points in major creek arms Shallow flats adjacent to deep water where shad schools are present	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at varying depths to match shad schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges when fish are holding deeper Lipless Crankbaits retrieved at medium-fast speeds through suspended schools	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools migrating towards creek arms Young-of-year baitfish congregating in large schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Catfish	58-72	Catfish actively feeding on shad in creek channels and channel swings as baitfish migrate to deeper water Fish transitioning between shallow feeding areas and deeper winter holding locations, following cooling water temperatures	Creek channel intersections with main lake, especially where channels swing near points Deep brush piles and laydowns near channel edges Rocky areas and rip rap with access to deeper water	Live Bait Rigs with cut shad or whole shad positioned near channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with heavy jigs tipped with cut bait Trolling Deep (20'+) along channel edges to locate actively feeding fish	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Crawfish near rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Striped bass actively pursuing shad schools along creek channels and points, with aggressive feeding during low-light periods Fish transitioning between shallow and mid-depth zones following bait movements, particularly influenced by wind-driven currents	Main river channel intersections with major creek mouths where bait schools concentrate Wind-blown points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water Secondary points in creek arms where shad schools stage during fall migration	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at varying depths to match shad movements Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish in open water Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges during midday	Large schools of shad migrating into creeks and staging on flats Scattered baitfish pods pushed by wind and current	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-51	Bass are holding tight to large rock structure in 10-14 foot range, showing lethargic behavior requiring persistent presentations Fish are pressured and require extensive coaxing to commit to strikes, typical of winter pattern behavior	Large boulder fields in 10-14 foot depth range Channel swing areas with rock structure Deep dock areas adjacent to channel bends	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Drop Shot with small profile baits Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom	Crawfish utilizing rock structure Suspended baitfish in deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are following large schools of shad in deeper water, often suspended near brush piles and docks Fish are schooling tightly in winter patterns, with feeding activity concentrated during prime periods	Deep brush piles in 20+ feet of water where shad are congregating Dock areas with adequate depth, especially in protected coves Deep creek channel edges near structure	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Damiki Rig	Shad - primary winter forage, forming large schools in deeper water Small Baitfish - secondary forage option when shad schools are less accessible	Chartreuse Colors Light Neutral Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	White Bass	45-55	White bass school tightly in deeper water along river channels and creek mouth transitions, following large concentrations of shad Fish become more lethargic but will actively feed during warming trends, especially during mid-day periods	Deep river channel bends adjacent to creek mouths (15-25 feet) Steep bluff walls near primary channels where shad suspend Secondary creek channel intersections with the main lake	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water Small baitfish concentrated near channel edges	Bold Striped Patterns Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Catfish	48-55	Catfish are concentrating in deeper, more stable water temperatures in main river and creek channels Fish are maintaining slower metabolism but will actively feed during warming trends and stable weather Most active during midday hours when water temperatures peak slightly	Deep river channel bends and intersections with creek channels (15-30 feet) Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges Rock piles and rip rap areas near deeper water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Live Bait Rigs Structure Jigs	Winter-stressed or dying shad Bottom-dwelling creatures like crawfish Small sunfish near structure	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	45-55	Striped bass are schooling with shad in deeper main lake areas, particularly along river and creek channels where bait concentrates Fish are making vertical movements following bait schools, but generally staying in deeper, more stable water temperatures Feeding activity is most concentrated during stable weather patterns and often peaks during wind-driven current situations	Deep river channel bends where schools of shad congregate Creek channel and river channel intersections in 20-35 foot depths Wind-blown main lake points adjacent to deep water	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+) Spoons	Schooled shad in deeper water Scattered baitfish along channel edges	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing banks adjacent to spawning flats	Wind-blown points with deep water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Brush piles and boulder fields in 10-15 foot depth range	Secondary points leading into spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Creek mouth intersections with main river channels	Secondary points leading into spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel edges where deep water meets shallow flats, especially near creek arms	Rocky areas and rip rap with good sun exposure for warmth
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel bends and intersections with major creek mouths	Wind-blown points and shallow flats adjacent to deep water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets	Protected areas behind docks with brush or rock-pilings
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Back ends of coves with rip rap banks	North lake shallow areas as water clarity improves
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Creek mouths and tributary arms with moderate current	Wind-blown banks where shad are concentrated
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Rocky areas and rip rap banks where crawfish are active in warming water	Brush piles and laydowns in 5-15 feet of water near channel swings
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Major creek mouths and river channel intersections where spawning activity occurs	Wind-blown points and shallow flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, particularly those near spawning pockets	Laydowns and brush in river sections
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Main lake points with nearby brush piles in 12-20 foot range	Secondary creek channel edges adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Creek mouths with significant depth transitions where shad are spawning	Channel edges where baitfish schools are congregating
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake, especially near spawning flats	Rocky areas and rip rap with access to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Creek mouths and river channels with gradual depth transitions from 2-8+ feet	Wind-blown northern shorelines where shad are concentrated
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Channel swing banks in creek arms, especially where they intersect with brush or other cover	Main lake points with access to deep water, particularly early morning
Summer	Crappie	Deep brush piles (20+ feet) off main creek channels	Brush piles near Goat Island and south lake area in clearer water
Summer	White Bass	Creek mouths and channel bends where wind concentrates baitfish	River channel edges adjacent to shallow flats
Summer	Catfish	Deep river and creek channel intersections with main lake (15-25 feet)	Brush piles and laydowns near dock areas
Summer	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges and creek mouth intersections in 15-25 ft depth	Wind-blown points and shallow flats during dawn/dusk periods
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with nearby deep water access, particularly those on 45-degree banks	Points and channel swings with baitfish present
Fall	Crappie	Points adjacent to deeper channels, particularly south of Goat Island and Drowning creek	Shallow feeding areas near points during low light conditions
Fall	White Bass	Main lake creek mouth intersections with river channels where shad schools congregate	Wind-blown secondary points in major creek arms
Fall	Catfish	Creek channel intersections with main lake, especially where channels swing near points	Deep brush piles and laydowns near channel edges
Fall	Striped Bass	Main river channel intersections with major creek mouths where bait schools concentrate	Wind-blown points and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Large boulder fields in 10-14 foot depth range	Channel swing areas with rock structure
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 20+ feet of water where shad are congregating	Dock areas with adequate depth, especially in protected coves
Winter	White Bass	Deep river channel bends adjacent to creek mouths (15-25 feet)	Steep bluff walls near primary channels where shad suspend
Winter	Catfish	Deep river channel bends and intersections with creek channels (15-30 feet)	Deep brush piles adjacent to channel edges
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep river channel bends where schools of shad congregate	Creek channel and river channel intersections in 20-35 foot depths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling in creek arms and around points	Crawfish becoming more active in brush piles and rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad	Small minnows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Pre-spawn shad schools congregating near creek mouths	Small baitfish pushed against wind-blown banks
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in creek arms	Crawfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools	Yellow Bass and small White Bass
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - becoming active in warming waters
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base confirmed by reports	Small sunfish - common secondary forage in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Schooling shad concentrated in spawning areas	Small baitfish pushed by wind and current
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in spawning areas and shallow flats	Smaller baitfish in tributary areas and creek mouths
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - secondary forage, particularly around rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad beginning to school	Small sunfish in shallow zones
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Spawning Shad - primary forage during this period	Young-of-year baitfish in shallow areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools moving along channel edges	Crawfish active in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad concentrated in upper water column	Various baitfish species following similar patterns as shad
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad schooling around points and channel edges	Crawfish active along rocky banks and channel swings
Summer	Crappie	Shad	Small Baitfish
Summer	White Bass	Shad (primary forage, forming visible bait balls)	Small baitfish schools
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in main lake areas	Crawfish in rocky areas and rip rap
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools concentrated in upper water column	Suspended baitfish in creek channels
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage based on multiple reports)	Crawfish (secondary forage indicated by successful bait colors)
Fall	Crappie	Shad (primary forage, currently spawning)	Small baitfish schools in general
Fall	White Bass	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools migrating towards creek arms	Young-of-year baitfish congregating in large schools
Fall	Catfish	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Crawfish near rocky areas
Fall	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad migrating into creeks and staging on flats	Scattered baitfish pods pushed by wind and current
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish utilizing rock structure	Suspended baitfish in deeper water
Winter	Crappie	Shad - primary winter forage, forming large schools in deeper water	Small Baitfish - secondary forage option when shad schools are less accessible
Winter	White Bass	Suspended winter shad schools in deeper water	Small baitfish concentrated near channel edges
Winter	Catfish	Winter-stressed or dying shad	Bottom-dwelling creatures like crawfish
Winter	Striped Bass	Schooled shad in deeper water	Scattered baitfish along channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

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