How to Fish Lake Whitney: Best Patterns & Techniques | Omnia Fishing

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Lake Whitney

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Lake Whitney

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-65	Pre-spawn bass are actively transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, staging on mid-depth structure adjacent to spawning flats Fish are feeding aggressively to build energy reserves for spawning, showing preference for larger profile baits and reacting to moving presentations	Humps adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in 10-15 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water Flat creeks with brush in 8-14ft depth range	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along structure transitions Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly through brush and cover Football Jigs dragged along hard bottom areas	Shad schools gathering in pre-spawn areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-68	Pre-spawn striped bass actively feeding and transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, following shad movements from deeper water to spawning tributaries Fish become increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, schooling and herding bait in river channel areas and along points	Main river channel edges and transition areas where deep water meets shallow flats Secondary points leading into spawning tributaries Wind-blown banks and points where bait gets pushed	Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges and points to target actively feeding schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through bait schools Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along transitional areas	Shad schools moving towards spawning areas Small baitfish congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	53-65	White bass are staging in deeper water near points, preparing for pre-spawn movement Fish are schooling and actively feeding on shad, with vertical feeding patterns evident	Main lake points with access to deeper water River channel edges near spawning tributaries Staging areas in 15-25 foot depths adjacent to spawning routes	Spoons worked vertically through suspended schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits worked along channel edges	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish concentrations near points	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Bass moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8ft) with preference for protected pockets and coves with firm bottom Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure between spawning waves Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning sites	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition Secondary points leading into spawning pockets Flat creeks with brush in 8-14ft for staging fish	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations to beds and cover Soft Jerkbaits for suspended pre-spawn fish Shakey Heads for thoroughly working spawning flats Spinnerbaits for covering water between beds	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows Shad starting to move into spawning pockets Small bluegill in shallow cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Staging in pre-spawn areas near river channel intersections with flats, actively feeding in preparation for spawn Moving between deep and shallow water throughout the day, with most aggressive feeding during dawn and dusk periods	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Main river channel edges where they meet major creek arms Shallow flats near deep water access in 5-15 feet	Umbrella Rigs worked along channel edges and through bait schools Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') parallel to points and channel swings Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through staging areas	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small sunfish in shallow warming areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	53-65	White bass are making spawning runs up river channels and tributaries, congregating in large schools Fish are staging in pre-spawn areas near river channel intersections before moving shallow Aggressive feeding periods during dawn and dusk as fish prepare for spawning activity	River channels and tributary intersections with the main lake Secondary points leading into spawning areas Shallow flats adjacent to deep water access	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') along channel edges Blade Baits worked vertically in staging areas Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish moving into tributary areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	53-65	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are relating to river channels and adjacent structure, showing increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise	River channels with adjacent cover in 8-14 foot depth range Flat creek arms with brush and woody cover Secondary points near spawning pockets	Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly along channel edges Carolina Rigs for covering water on flats adjacent to channels Shakey Heads for finesse presentation in brush	Shad schools beginning their post-spawn movements Bluegill starting to become more active in warming waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-75	Striped bass are actively pursuing shad schools in post-spawn, moving from river channels to main lake areas as they recover from spawning Fish are becoming more aggressive in their feeding patterns, especially during morning and evening hours when water temperatures are optimal Schools are starting to form and chase bait in open water, particularly around points and channel edges	Main lake points adjacent to river channel edges where bait schools congregate Shallow flats near deep water access where shad are spawning Secondary points in major creek arms with good depth transitions	Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait schools Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along points and channel edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for imitating larger shad	Adult Shad schools moving into spawning areas Post-spawn Herring gathering in open water	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	65-75	Post-spawn white bass are actively feeding and recovering, following shad schools in the upper water column and along migration routes from spawning areas to main lake points Fish are schooling aggressively, with feeding periods concentrated during morning and evening hours near points and channel edges	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad are migrating Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water Windward shorelines where bait is being pushed against structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked in the upper water column to mimic shad Inline Spinners cast and retrieved at varying speeds to trigger reaction strikes Lipless Crankbaits worked through schooling fish when they're actively feeding	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools moving from spawning areas to main lake Small sunfish in shallow areas near points	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-85	Active feeding near bluff walls and channel edges at varying depths (15-35ft) during peak heat, moving shallower during morning/evening Post-spawn recovery phase with some fish still utilizing shallow zones (6-8ft), while others have transitioned to summer patterns Utilizing current breaks and structure as ambush points, particularly around laydowns and vegetation mats	Bluff walls and river channels in 15-35ft depth Points in 6-8ft depth during low light periods Laydowns and vegetation mats along channel edges	Drop Shot - particularly effective along bluff walls and deeper structure Texas Rigs (Worming) - versatile presentation for both shallow and mid-depth zones Wacky Rigs - effective around laydowns and vegetation	Shad - primary forage base mentioned in reports Various sunfish species typical in vegetation and laydowns	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Striped Bass	81-92	Stripers are exhibiting classic summer pattern of chasing shad schools from river channels to main lake throughout the day, with peak activity during low light periods Fish are likely staying near channel edges seeking cooler, oxygenated water during high heat periods (81-92°F) Active schooling behavior observed, particularly during morning and evening feeding windows	River channel edges and creek mouths in early morning Main lake points intersecting with shad migration routes Deeper main lake areas near channel edges during midday heat	Umbrella Rigs worked through active bait schools Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges during midday	Shad schools actively moving from river channels to main lake Suspended baitfish near points and channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Summer	White Bass	75-92	Actively schooling and chasing shad in the upper water column, especially during early morning and late evening Following shad migration patterns from river channels to main lake areas Congregating near points and channel edges where current concentrates baitfish	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad schools congregate Shallow flats near deep water access where shad are actively feeding Wind-blown shorelines creating current and baitfish activity	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked quickly through schooling fish Inline Spinners cast and retrieved through surface activity Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding deeper during midday	Shad schools migrating from river channels to main lake Small baitfish concentrated by current on points	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Fall Fishing Guide for Lake Whitney

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding in shallow to mid-depth zones (8-14ft), particularly around woody cover and points, following typical fall feeding patterns Pursuing shad in flat creek areas and near points, showing increased aggression due to fall feeding activity	Flat creeks with brush piles in 8-14ft zones Shallow flat points with access to deeper water Laydowns and woody cover in shallow zones	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked around shallow wood and brush Bladed Jigs worked across flat points Spinnerbaits parallel to shoreline cover	Shad schools in creek arms and near points Crawfish in brush pile areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	70-83	Actively chasing shad schools in open water, particularly during morning and evening hours due to high water temperatures Moving between river channels and main lake areas following bait movements Schooling behavior becomes more pronounced as water begins cooling from summer peak	Main lake points intersecting with river channels where bait schools congregate Open water areas near channel edges where shad schools are present Deep main lake basins with good oxygen content and cooler water	Umbrella Rigs to mimic schooling shad in open water Live Bait Rigs with fresh shad in deeper water Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) along channel edges	Shad schools in open water Suspended baitfish near channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	White Bass	65-78	Schools of white bass actively chasing shad schools in the upper water column, especially during low-light periods Fish relating to main lake points and river channel edges, following shad migration patterns Aggressive feeding behavior when shad schools are located, often creating surface activity	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad are migrating Secondary points in major creek arms with bait present Deep water access areas near irregular shoreline features	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked at various depths to match shad movement Lipless Crankbaits retrieved at medium-fast speeds through schools Inline Spinners cast and retrieved when fish are feeding near surface	Shad schools migrating from river channels to main lake areas Young-of-year baitfish concentrated near points and shoreline structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	48-55	Bass are actively schooling and chasing shad in winter patterns, with reports showing competitive weights of 25+ lbs indicating concentrated fish Fish relating to transition areas between shallow flats and deep water, showing preference for suspended presentations	Flats adjacent to deep water, particularly those with baitfish present Main lake points with access to deeper water Humps and ledges where bass can follow schooling baitfish	Umbrella Rigs with 1/8oz heads and 3.25-3.75" swimbaits Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish Hard Jerkbaits worked slowly in suspended zones	Shad schools in winter patterns Small baitfish in suspended schools	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	45-58	Striped bass will be schooling in deep, main lake areas following large concentrations of shad Fish are more active during daylight hours due to cooler water temperatures, with feeding occurring throughout the day	Deep river channel edges where shad schools concentrate Main lake points adjacent to deep water Deep water basins where bait balls gather	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Umbrella Rigs Trolling Deep (20'+)	Large schools of winter-pattern shad Suspended baitfish in deep water columns	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	White Bass	53-58	Schooling in deep main lake areas near river channels and points, following shad schools More active during warmer portions of winter days, moving slightly shallower to feed Concentrating in the upper portion of the water column due to turbid conditions	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels River channel bends with structure in 15-25 feet Steep shoreline drop-offs near primary points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Spoons Underspins	Schooling Shad in deeper water Small baitfish concentrated near channel edges	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Lake Whitney

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Humps adjacent to spawning flats, particularly in 10-15 foot depth range	Secondary points with access to deeper water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main river channel edges and transition areas where deep water meets shallow flats	Secondary points leading into spawning tributaries
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points with access to deeper water	River channel edges near spawning tributaries
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with firm bottom composition	Secondary points leading into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Main river channel edges where they meet major creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	River channels and tributary intersections with the main lake	Secondary points leading into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	River channels with adjacent cover in 8-14 foot depth range	Flat creek arms with brush and woody cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channel edges where bait schools congregate	Shallow flats near deep water access where shad are spawning
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad are migrating	Secondary points in major creek arms with access to deeper water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluff walls and river channels in 15-35ft depth	Points in 6-8ft depth during low light periods
Summer	Striped Bass	River channel edges and creek mouths in early morning	Main lake points intersecting with shad migration routes
Summer	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad schools congregate	Shallow flats near deep water access where shad are actively feeding
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Flat creeks with brush piles in 8-14ft zones	Shallow flat points with access to deeper water
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points intersecting with river channels where bait schools congregate	Open water areas near channel edges where shad schools are present
Fall	White Bass	Main lake points adjacent to river channels where shad are migrating	Secondary points in major creek arms with bait present
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Flats adjacent to deep water, particularly those with baitfish present	Main lake points with access to deeper water
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep river channel edges where shad schools concentrate	Main lake points adjacent to deep water
Winter	White Bass	Deep main lake points adjacent to river channels	River channel bends with structure in 15-25 feet

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools gathering in pre-spawn areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming waters
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools moving towards spawning areas	Small baitfish congregating in pre-spawn staging areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish concentrations near points
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming shallows	Shad starting to move into spawning pockets
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small sunfish in shallow warming areas
Spring (Spawn)	White Bass	Shad schools in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish moving into tributary areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools beginning their post-spawn movements	Bluegill starting to become more active in warming waters
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Adult Shad schools moving into spawning areas	Post-spawn Herring gathering in open water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	White Bass	Threadfin and Gizzard Shad schools moving from spawning areas to main lake	Small sunfish in shallow areas near points
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage base mentioned in reports	Various sunfish species typical in vegetation and laydowns
Summer	Striped Bass	Shad schools actively moving from river channels to main lake	Suspended baitfish near points and channel edges
Summer	White Bass	Shad schools migrating from river channels to main lake	Small baitfish concentrated by current on points
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in creek arms and near points	Crawfish in brush pile areas
Fall	Striped Bass	Shad schools in open water	Suspended baitfish near channel edges
Fall	White Bass	Shad schools migrating from river channels to main lake areas	Young-of-year baitfish concentrated near points and shoreline structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools in winter patterns	Small baitfish in suspended schools
Winter	Striped Bass	Large schools of winter-pattern shad	Suspended baitfish in deep water columns
Winter	White Bass	Schooling Shad in deeper water	Small baitfish concentrated near channel edges

Bait Colors by Season for Lake Whitney

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

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