How to Fish Lake Mohave: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Lake Mohave

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Mohave

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-58	Fish are actively moving into spawning coves and staging on secondary points, showing pre-spawn transitional behavior Fish are finnicky due to clear water conditions, requiring finesse presentations and long casts Feeding periods are most active during low light conditions, typical of clear water pre-spawn behavior	Secondary points leading into spawning coves Mid to back sections of spawning coves Boulder fields adjacent to spawning areas	Drop Shot with light line and finesse presentations Ned Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure Wacky Rigs for cover and transitional areas	Shad in open water areas near points Bluegill in shallow cove areas Crawfish becoming active around rocky structure	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Staging on secondary points and moving into protected coves, actively searching for optimal spawning locations Feeding heavily to build energy reserves for spawning, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day Highly responsive to weather changes, moving shallower on warming trends and deeper during cold fronts	Secondary points adjacent to spawning coves Protected areas with brush piles in 5-15 foot depth range Reed lines and shallow rock piles in wind-protected areas	Shakey Heads worked slowly along secondary points Soft Jerkbaits with long pauses for suspended fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around brush and reeds	Bluegill beginning to move shallow Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Pre-spawn stripers are actively feeding and staging near spawning tributaries, following large shad schools in transition areas Fish are making daily movements between deeper winter holding areas and shallower feeding zones as water temperatures rise Surface feeding activity increases, especially during low-light periods, with birds indicating active feeding locations	Main lake points and structure adjacent to spawning tributaries Wind-blown banks and shallow flats where shad are congregating Deep water transitions near dam structure that provide quick access to varying depths	Umbrella Rigs worked through transitional depths to mimic shad schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled along depth changes Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') parallel to points and channel edges	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Blueback herring moving shallow for spawn	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-65	Staging in slightly deeper water adjacent to spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning Moving between deeper staging areas and shallow feeding zones, especially during warmer parts of the day Congregating near emerging vegetation and structure that will later become spawning areas	Reed edges in 4-8 feet of water Protected coves with emerging vegetation Secondary points leading into spawning bays	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near vegetation Live Bait Rigs under bobbers at varying depths Micro Crankbaits parallel to reed edges	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water Small crawfish becoming active in vegetation Newly hatched fry in warmer shallow areas	Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	56-68	Catfish beginning to move from deeper winter haunts to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming water Feeding activity increases during dawn and dusk periods, with fish transitioning between depths based on daily temperature changes	Channel bends and deeper flats adjacent to spawning areas (8-15 feet) Rock piles and brush piles near tributary mouths Protected coves with gradual slopes warming faster than main lake	Live Bait Rigs with slow, bottom-oriented presentations Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') during warmer afternoons Carolina Rigs worked slowly along depth transitions	Shad schools congregating in warming shallows Crawfish becoming more active as water warms Bluegill moving to shallower areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	Smallmouth bass are in spawning mode, moving from pre-spawn staging areas to nesting sites in protected rocky areas Fish are aggressive in defending nests but spooky in clear water conditions, requiring finesse presentations Feeding primarily on crawfish in rocky areas during non-spawning periods	Boulder fields and rock piles in protected areas 2-6 feet deep for spawning Main lake points with good rock coverage as staging areas Protected coves with hard bottom and scattered rock	Ned Rigs worked slowly around spawning areas and boulders Drop Shot with light line for clear water conditions Tubes dragged and hopped through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	55-68	Bass are in pre-spawn to spawning phase, moving from deeper staging areas to protected spawning coves and flats Fish are becoming more aggressive but remain sight-dependent in the clear water, requiring finesse presentations during calm conditions Activity levels increase during wind events, making fish more willing to chase moving baits	Protected spawning coves with brush piles Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow flats adjacent to deeper water	Finesse Jigs worked slowly around brush piles and spawning areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to visible cover Shakey Heads for clear water finesse applications	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Bluegill moving shallow for their own spawning preparation	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near tributary mouths and major points, moving into shallower water as temperatures rise Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, with aggressive responses to large bait presentations Following wind-driven currents that concentrate baitfish schools along main lake points and creek channels	Main lake points and creek mouths with access to deep water Rocky banks and riprap areas near spawning flats Wind-blown shorelines with concentrated bait schools	Umbrella Rigs worked along depth transitions Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) slow-rolled near structure Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) fan-cast around points	Large schools of shad congregating in pre-spawn areas Smaller baitfish moving shallow with warming water	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Actively moving into shallow protected areas, especially reed beds and coves, for spawning activities Males aggressively guarding nesting colonies in 2-6 foot depths, particularly around vegetation edges Females staging slightly deeper, moving in and out of spawning areas	Reed beds and vegetation edges in 2-6 foot depths Protected coves with firm bottom composition Shallow bays with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with light presentation near spawning beds Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through bedding areas Live Bait Rigs for staging fish	Small insects and invertebrates around vegetation Zooplankton in shallow areas Small minnows and fry in emerging weed growth	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	58-70	Pre-spawn catfish begin moving into shallower warm-water areas, particularly in coves and inlets where water warms faster Males start establishing nesting sites near structure in 4-8 foot depths, while females stage in slightly deeper adjacent areas Feeding activity increases as water temperatures rise, with peak activity during dawn and dusk periods	Protected coves and inlets with rock or brush structure in 4-8 foot depths Secondary points leading into spawning bays Areas where creek channels swing close to shoreline structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live offerings near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover in spawning areas	Shad moving into shallow spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warmer waters Bluegill starting to concentrate near shoreline areas	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-62	Smallmouth bass are actively transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, showing increased aggression in feeding behavior Fish are displaying distinct feeding windows, particularly active during low light conditions near shallow cover Fish are relating to rocky structure and responding to both bottom-oriented and surface presentations depending on conditions	Slow tapered points with softball-sized rock Backs of coves during low light conditions Rocky reefs and transition areas between spawning bays and main lake	Drop Shot with finesse presentations due to clear water conditions Football Jigs worked with varied retrieves over rocky areas Hard Topwater (Prop) during low light periods in shallow areas	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structures Small baitfish beginning to school in post-spawn areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-72	Post-spawn bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to secondary points and brush piles adjacent to spawning coves Clear water makes fish more cautious during calm conditions, but more aggressive during wind	Secondary points with access to deeper water Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning coves Reed lines adjacent to deeper water	Shakey Heads worked slowly around brush piles and points Soft Jerkbaits on windward points and reed edges Texas Rigs (Worming) through deeper brush piles	Bluegill gathering near shallow cover and spawning areas Shad schools starting to gather in deeper water	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	65-75	Post-spawn stripers are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in open water and along structure edges Fish are making transitions from spawning areas to summer haunts, often staging near points and channel swings Surface feeding activity increases, especially during early morning and evening hours when shad are more vulnerable	Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning coves Wind-blown banks where currents concentrate baitfish Channel swing banks with access to deep water	Hard Topwater (Walking) during low light periods when fish are surface feeding Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked through suspended fish near structure Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish in open water	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn panfish are transitioning from spawning areas to nearby feeding zones, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating strongly to reed edges and vegetation, using these areas as both cover and feeding zones	Reed edges and pockets, especially where they meet slightly deeper water Protected coves with emergent vegetation Secondary points with vegetation near spawning areas	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through vegetation Bobbers with small jigs suspended near reed edges Crappie Dock Shooting when fish move to shaded areas	Small invertebrates in and around vegetation Emerging insects and larvae Tiny baitfish fry beginning to appear	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	62-72	Moving from deeper wintering areas to shallower flats and creek channels as water warms Increasing activity levels with warming temperatures, but not yet at peak summer feeding More active during daylight hours due to moderate spring temperatures and clarity conditions	Creek channels adjacent to shallow flats where water is warming fastest Brush piles and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range Secondary points and coves with good structure	Live Bait Rigs with cut bait or live shad Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Carolina Rigs worked slowly along structure	Shad schools beginning to move shallow Bluegill becoming more active in warming waters Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-82	Actively feeding on main lake points during early morning, transitioning to deeper water as sun rises Holding on deep rock piles and points in 15-25 foot range during midday Responding to wind-generated opportunities for feeding, especially on shad	Main lake points, especially those with access to deep water Deep rock piles in 20-foot range Boulder fields adjacent to points Ledges with proximity to shad-holding areas	Drop Shot with finesse presentations in clear water Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning Ned Rigs during calm conditions Finesse Jigs worked slowly around rock structure	Shad schooling in open water near points Bluegill around rocky structure Crawfish in boulder and rock pile areas	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-85	Fish are holding on deeper structure during midday, especially near rock piles and riprap, becoming more active during wind conditions Clear water conditions are making fish more cautious and structure-oriented, requiring longer casts and finesse presentations	Main lake rock piles and riprap banks with deep water access Deep points with scattered rock and brush Shaded areas near steep structure during sunny conditions	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) during windy conditions Drop Shot with small profile baits in clear water Football Jigs worked slowly along rocky structure	Bluegill Shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	68-82	Striped bass move to deeper, cooler water during hot summer days (typically 25-40 feet), but actively feed in shallower water during dawn and dusk Fish follow large schools of shad, creating surface feeding frenzies when bait is corralled, especially during wind-driven conditions	Main lake points and deep structure near the dam, especially in 25-40 foot depth range Wind-blown banks and points where currents concentrate bait schools Deeper coves and bays with access to main lake structure	Trolling Deep (20'+) with large swimbaits along structure contours Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are spotted on electronics Hard Topwater (Walking) during early morning and late evening surface feeding activity Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools	Large schools of shad in open water and around structure Suspended baitfish in the thermocline	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	75-85	Bluegill actively feeding in and around vegetation edges, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish establishing patterns around deep weed edges during midday heat, moving shallow during prime feeding periods	Reed edges and pockets in 3-8 feet of water Deeper weed edges in 10-15 feet of water for midday retreat Protected coves with mixed vegetation	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through vegetation Bobbers with small live bait or soft plastics suspended near weed edges Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under shaded structure	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans Small minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Catfish	70-85	Catfish are actively feeding during night hours due to clear water conditions, concentrating near deep structure during day Showing strong preference for dam areas and deep channels, moving between depths to follow optimal temperature zones	Dam area with deep water structure Deep channels with adjacent brush piles Rock piles near depth transitions	Live Bait Rigs with heavy weights near dam structure Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges Carolina Rigs worked slowly through brush pile areas	Shad schools in deeper water Bluegill near structure Crawfish around rock piles	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Mohave

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	55-68	Actively feeding on shad and crawfish in preparation for winter, with aggressive feeding periods during stable weather Moving between main lake points and deeper structure, following baitfish schools Most active during low-light periods due to clear water conditions, with peak activity in early morning and late afternoon	Main lake points with rock transitions to deeper water Deep rock piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to baitfish schools Wind-blown shorelines with boulder structure	Drop Shot with small finesse baits worked slowly near bottom structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended baitfish schools Tubes dragged along rocky bottom transitions Spybaits worked through suspended fish zones	Shad schools suspending near points and depth transitions Crawfish in rocky areas, especially during warmer parts of day Small baitfish relating to rock structure	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively chasing shad schools in creek arms and coves as baitfish migrate to shallower water Moving between deep and shallow water throughout the day, using main lake points as transitional staging areas Becoming more aggressive in feeding due to the seasonal need to build fat reserves for winter	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access Shallow brush piles in 5-15 feet of water in creek arms Rock piles and reed lines in the backs of major coves	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to points and through baitfish schools Spinnerbaits around brush and reeds, especially on windy days Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for matching the shad forage Drop Shot when fish are suspended or less active	Shad schools migrating to creek arms Bluegill relating to shallow cover Crawfish active on rocky points	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	65-78	Striped bass actively pursuing large schools of shad in open water and along structure breaks, with frequent surface feeding activity especially during low light periods Fish transitioning between shallow and deep water zones throughout the day, following bait movements and responding to wind-driven currents	Main lake points and creek mouths where wind concentrates bait schools Deep structure near dam in 30-40 foot range serving as staging areas Wind-blown shorelines and secondary points where shad get pushed against structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked at varying depths to match shad schools Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along points and channel edges Umbrella Rigs for actively feeding fish in open water	Large schools of adult shad Smaller baitfish concentrated by wind and current	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Panfish are transitioning to deeper water, schooling more tightly and feeding heavily to prepare for winter Fish are relating closely to structure transitions between vegetation and deeper water, becoming more concentrated in specific areas	Deep weed edges where vegetation transitions to deeper water Protected coves with remaining green vegetation Brush piles and woody structure in 12-20 foot depth range	Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly along deep weed edges Drop Shot with small soft plastics for suspended fish Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around remaining vegetation	Small invertebrates around dying vegetation Juvenile baitfish in schools Remaining aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	56-70	Catfish begin transitioning to deeper water as temperatures cool, but remain active feeders building fat reserves for winter Most active during dawn and dusk periods due to clear water conditions, with decreased nocturnal activity as water cools Feeding becomes more concentrated around structure that holds baitfish schools	Deep channels near dam structure where baitfish schools concentrate Brush piles and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range Creek channel intersections with main lake points	Live Bait Rigs with fresh cut bait or whole shad Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure Carolina Rigs worked slowly along bottom structure	Shad (primary forage as they school in deeper water) Bluegill (found around brush pile structure) Crawfish (less active but still available in rocky areas)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	45-55	Smallmouth bass are moving slower and concentrating in deeper, rocky areas near main lake structure due to winter conditions Fish are actively feeding on shad but require slower, more methodical presentations in the cold water	Deep boulder fields and rock piles adjacent to main lake points Steep bluff walls with scattered rock that provide vertical structure Transition areas where rocky points meet deeper water	Hard Jerkbaits worked with long pauses Drop Shot with small profile baits Blade Baits worked vertically around suspended fish	Shad schooling in deeper water Smaller baitfish suspended near structure	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	38-48	Suspending near deep structure and points adjacent to river channels, moving in small windows during warmer parts of the day Feeding behavior becomes more lethargic and selective, with fish targeting larger, slower-moving prey to conserve energy	Deep main lake points with access to 20+ feet of water, especially those near channel swings Brush piles positioned on steep breaks in 15-25 foot range Protected coves with deep water access where bait schools congregate	Damiki Rig worked vertically around suspended fish near structure Drop Shot with small profile baits, worked slowly with long pauses Blade Baits slow-rolled through schools of suspended bait	Suspended shad schools in deeper water Deeper dwelling bluegill near brush piles and structure	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	58-65	Actively chasing and feeding on shad schools, with surface activity often indicated by birds Using deep structure near dam as winter holding areas, moving up to feed in 40-foot depths	Deep structure points outside coves along the east side Dam area, especially southern end for trolling passes Protected coves on the west side of the lake	Trolling Deep (20'+) with diving baits at 40 foot depths Hard Jerkbaits for reaction strikes when fish are actively feeding Live bait rigs with shiners in coves as backup approach	Shad (primary forage, consistently mentioned in reports) Rainbow Trout (effective trolling pattern mentioned in reports)	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	48-58	Schools congregate in deeper basins and protected coves, suspending at consistent depths where they find stable water temperatures Feeding activity becomes more concentrated during stable weather periods, with fish moving vertically in the water column based on light conditions	Deep coves with protection from wind, particularly those adjacent to reed beds Suspended areas over deeper basins in 15-25 foot range Secondary points leading into deeper wintering areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small aquatic invertebrates Smaller baitfish and juvenile bluegill Zooplankton	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Catfish	45-56	Catfish become less active and congregate in deeper, stable water areas during winter, particularly near the dam and deep channels Feeding windows are shorter and typically occur during the warmest parts of the day, usually early to mid-afternoon Fish tend to group together in winter, making them more concentrated but requiring precise location	Deep water areas near the dam, particularly in 20-30 foot depths Deep channels with reduced current, especially those adjacent to shallow flats Brush piles and rock piles in deeper water that provide shelter from current	Live Bait Rigs with reduced bait size and slower presentation Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near structure and along channel edges Trolling Deep (20'+) to cover water and locate winter concentrations	Shad (particularly dead or dying winter-killed shad) Bluegill (concentrated in deeper structure) Crawfish (less active but still present in deep rock piles)	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Mohave

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Mid to back sections of spawning coves
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points adjacent to spawning coves	Protected areas with brush piles in 5-15 foot depth range
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and structure adjacent to spawning tributaries	Wind-blown banks and shallow flats where shad are congregating
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Reed edges in 4-8 feet of water	Protected coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Channel bends and deeper flats adjacent to spawning areas (8-15 feet)	Rock piles and brush piles near tributary mouths
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in protected areas 2-6 feet deep for spawning	Main lake points with good rock coverage as staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected spawning coves with brush piles	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths with access to deep water	Rocky banks and riprap areas near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Reed beds and vegetation edges in 2-6 foot depths	Protected coves with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Protected coves and inlets with rock or brush structure in 4-8 foot depths	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Slow tapered points with softball-sized rock	Backs of coves during low light conditions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near spawning coves
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and secondary points adjacent to spawning coves	Wind-blown banks where currents concentrate baitfish
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Reed edges and pockets, especially where they meet slightly deeper water	Protected coves with emergent vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Creek channels adjacent to shallow flats where water is warming fastest	Brush piles and rock piles in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points, especially those with access to deep water	Deep rock piles in 20-foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake rock piles and riprap banks with deep water access	Deep points with scattered rock and brush
Summer	Striped Bass	Main lake points and deep structure near the dam, especially in 25-40 foot depth range	Wind-blown banks and points where currents concentrate bait schools
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Reed edges and pockets in 3-8 feet of water	Deeper weed edges in 10-15 feet of water for midday retreat
Summer	Catfish	Dam area with deep water structure	Deep channels with adjacent brush piles
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with rock transitions to deeper water	Deep rock piles in 15-25 foot range adjacent to baitfish schools
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Main lake points adjacent to deep water access	Shallow brush piles in 5-15 feet of water in creek arms
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where wind concentrates bait schools	Deep structure near dam in 30-40 foot range serving as staging areas
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where vegetation transitions to deeper water	Protected coves with remaining green vegetation
Fall	Catfish	Deep channels near dam structure where baitfish schools concentrate	Brush piles and rock piles in 15-25 foot depth range
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Deep boulder fields and rock piles adjacent to main lake points	Steep bluff walls with scattered rock that provide vertical structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake points with access to 20+ feet of water, especially those near channel swings	Brush piles positioned on steep breaks in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep structure points outside coves along the east side	Dam area, especially southern end for trolling passes
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep coves with protection from wind, particularly those adjacent to reed beds	Suspended areas over deeper basins in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Catfish	Deep water areas near the dam, particularly in 20-30 foot depths	Deep channels with reduced current, especially those adjacent to shallow flats

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad in open water areas near points	Bluegill in shallow cove areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Blueback herring moving shallow for spawn
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging with warming water	Small crawfish becoming active in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools congregating in warming shallows	Crawfish becoming more active as water warms
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy in rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Bluegill moving shallow for their own spawning preparation
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad congregating in pre-spawn areas	Smaller baitfish moving shallow with warming water
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and invertebrates around vegetation	Zooplankton in shallow areas
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Shad moving into shallow spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warmer waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving on rocky structures	Small baitfish beginning to school in post-spawn areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering near shallow cover and spawning areas	Shad schools starting to gather in deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates in and around vegetation	Emerging insects and larvae
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Shad schools beginning to move shallow	Bluegill becoming more active in warming waters
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in open water near points	Bluegill around rocky structure
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Shad
Summer	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad in open water and around structure	Suspended baitfish in the thermocline
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans
Summer	Catfish	Shad schools in deeper water	Bluegill near structure
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspending near points and depth transitions	Crawfish in rocky areas, especially during warmer parts of day
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to creek arms	Bluegill relating to shallow cover
Fall	Striped Bass	Large schools of adult shad	Smaller baitfish concentrated by wind and current
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates around dying vegetation	Juvenile baitfish in schools
Fall	Catfish	Shad (primary forage as they school in deeper water)	Bluegill (found around brush pile structure)
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schooling in deeper water	Smaller baitfish suspended near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Suspended shad schools in deeper water	Deeper dwelling bluegill near brush piles and structure
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad (primary forage, consistently mentioned in reports)	Rainbow Trout (effective trolling pattern mentioned in reports)
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic invertebrates	Smaller baitfish and juvenile bluegill
Winter	Catfish	Shad (particularly dead or dying winter-killed shad)	Bluegill (concentrated in deeper structure)

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Mohave

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Shad Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Purple Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Green Colors
Summer	Catfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Green Colors Metallic Colors
Winter	Striped Bass	Natural Shad Colors Metallic Colors Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Winter	Catfish	Natural Shad Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals