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

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Melton Hill Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Melton Hill Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning zones, stopping at staging points along the way Fish are becoming more active with warming temperatures, feeding heavily to prepare for spawning	Rock banks adjacent to deeper water near spawning flats Secondary points with 12-15 foot depth transitions Submerged vegetation edges near potential spawning areas	Shakey Heads worked slowly along rock transitions Ned Rigs dragged through staging areas Bladed Jigs around vegetation edges	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Bluegill in and around vegetation Shad schools in deeper transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	52-65	Pre-spawn striped bass are actively feeding and transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, following large schools of shad Fish are making upstream movements toward river channels and creek arms, becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise	Main creek arms and river channel intersections where pre-spawn stripers stage Secondary points and shallow flats adjacent to deep water Windblown banks and points where bait gets concentrated	Umbrella Rigs worked at varying depths to mimic shad schools Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through bait concentrations Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around suspended bait schools	Schooling shad in pre-spawn patterns Small baitfish concentrating in creek arms	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to staging areas near spawning flats, following warming trends Fish are actively feeding but remain somewhat suspended, relating to shad schools and beginning to orient to structure	Secondary points and creek arms leading to spawning flats Submerged brush and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Protected pockets with stable water temperatures	Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling)	Shad schools suspending near structure Small bluegills in warming shallows	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	62-68	Bass actively moving shallow (2-5 feet) and establishing spawning beds near laydowns and points, with some fish still in pre-spawn transition Fish showing both spawning and pre-spawn behavior, utilizing transition banks and protected areas for bed development	Transition banks with laydowns in 2-5 feet of water Secondary points leading into creek arms Shallow flats with grass near main river channel	Drop Shot worked from shallow to deep water off points Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around laydowns and shallow cover Shakey Heads worked along transition banks	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas Shad in deeper transition areas	Dark Neutrals Pink Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	58-68	Striped bass are actively moving into tributary arms and river channels for spawning, with fish staging in pre-spawn areas before moving to actual spawning grounds Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in preparation for spawn, often pursuing shad schools in shallower water during early morning and evening hours	Upper sections of major creek arms and river channels with current Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas Shallow rocky areas and riprap where water warms first	Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked along channel edges and points Umbrella Rigs targeting suspended pre-spawn fish Live Bait Rigs with shad near spawning areas	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas Small baitfish in tributary arms Crawfish becoming active in warming shallows	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow areas (2-5 feet) around cover for spawning, with males guarding nests and females staging nearby Active feeding periods during dawn and dusk, with fish relating heavily to structure and showing aggressive territorial behavior	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and submerged vegetation in 2-5 foot depth range Dock areas providing shade and structure in spawning depth Creek arms with stable water temperatures and abundant cover	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad fry and small baitfish Small insects and larvae	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass actively feeding along shoreline areas and in coves, with increased activity around bluegill beds Fish showing both shallow and deeper patterns, with some bass moving between docks and coves while others staging on river channel edges	Docks and adjacent shoreline areas in 2-5 feet of water Protected coves with laydowns and shallow cover River channel edges transitioning to deeper water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around docks and shallow cover Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along river channel edges Hard Topwater (Popping) in shallow coves targeting bluegill beds	Bluegill concentrating in spawning areas and around docks Shad schools in deeper water near channel edges	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	62-72	Post-spawn striped bass are actively feeding to recover energy, following large schools of shad in open water and along channel edges Fish are transitioning between shallow and deep water patterns, making frequent movements to find optimal temperature zones	Main lake points and creek mouths where current concentrates baitfish Submerged river channels with adjacent structure Wind-blown shorelines where baitfish get pushed against complex shoreline structure	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) Umbrella Rigs Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad Herring Small sunfish in shallow areas	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	68-75	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, suspending near cover in 8-15 foot depths Actively feeding during morning and evening periods, following shad schools and relating to abundant cover	Secondary points and creek channels adjacent to spawning flats Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range Dock edges with good depth transitions	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools moving to deeper water Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	72-85	Early morning shallow feeding activity on shad, transitioning to deeper or covered areas as sun intensifies Active schooling behavior when overcast and windy, particularly around hard structure like rip rap	Matted grass areas, particularly thick mats providing overhead cover Rip rap banks with access to deeper water Laydowns and woody cover, especially those near drop-offs	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for punching grass mats and heavy cover Wacky Rigs worked slowly in early morning hours Hard Jerkbaits around schooling fish and rip rap	Shad - primary forage evidenced by schooling activity Bluegill - particularly around grass mats and cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Summer	Striped Bass	72-85	During summer, striped bass will seek thermal refuge in deeper water (20+ feet) during daylight hours, moving to shallower areas to feed during dawn and dusk Fish will actively chase large schools of shad, particularly in areas where current or structure concentrates baitfish In the relatively turbid conditions, striped bass will be less selective and more likely to ambush prey in low-light conditions	Deep river channels and channel bends where cooler water concentrates baitfish Points and creek mouths adjacent to deep water that create current breaks Submerged structure in 15-30 foot depth range near baitfish schools	Trolling Deep (20'+) with umbrella rigs and deep diving crankbaits along channel edges Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) when fish are marked on electronics Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) cast near surface feeding activity during low light periods	Large schools of shad in open water Smaller baitfish concentrated around structure Juvenile sunfish near submerged vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are suspending near deeper structure during daylight hours, moving to shallower feeding zones during dawn/dusk Schools are relating strongly to shad movements, particularly around dock areas and submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depths	Dock areas with 8-15 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access Submerged vegetation edges in 6-12 foot range Creek channel bends with adjacent structure	Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools in open water and around structure Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Pink Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Melton Hill Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-76	Bass are actively feeding on shad in windblown pockets and along grass edges, showing aggressive chase behavior Early morning surface activity transitions to more methodical feeding patterns as the day progresses Fish are staying relatively shallow (8 feet or less) but utilizing ambush points near cover	Windblown grass edges where bait is being pushed Docks in 8 feet or less of water Laydowns and wood cover in creek arms	Buzzbaits and topwater plopper early morning around laydowns and open banks Bladed Jigs worked quickly along grass edges Ned rig on rocky areas as day progresses Wacky Rigs skipped under docks during midday	Shad - primary forage being actively chased Bluegill - secondary forage around docks and laydowns	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Striped Bass	58-72	Actively pursuing shad schools in creek arms and along main lake points as baitfish migrate to shallower waters Becoming more aggressive in feeding behavior due to cooling water temperatures and pre-winter instincts Moving between different depth ranges throughout the day, following bait movements	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections where baitfish schools congregate Back sections of major creek arms where shad are migrating Deep river channel edges adjacent to shallow flats	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along points and channel edges where bait schools are present Umbrella Rigs cast toward surfacing bait schools Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are spotted on electronics	Schooling Shad in large concentrations Small Baitfish pods scattered throughout water column	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappie actively following and feeding on shad schools as they migrate to deeper water, typically suspending in the water column Fish transitioning from shallow cover to deeper structure, becoming more concentrated in schools as water cools	Deep creek arm channels and main lake points where shad schools congregate Suspended over deeper brush piles in 15-25 foot range Channel swings near coves where baitfish migrate	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling	Shad schools migrating to deeper water Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish	Chartreuse 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	Largemouth Bass	38-50	Bass suspending 5-10 feet off bottom in deeper water (20-30 feet), relating to large schools of bait fish Secondary pattern of fish holding tight to shallow cover (2-5 feet) near creek arms and protected areas	Deep main lake points and rock piles in 25-30 feet of water Protected pockets with submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet Riprap banks with nearby deep water access	Umbrella Rigs worked slowly through suspended fish Lipless Crankbaits worked along riprap banks Bladed Jigs ripped through sparse vegetation Damiki Rig with 3.5-inch jerk shad for suspended fish	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in wolf packs) Small baitfish (approximately 2 inches in length)	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Winter	Striped Bass	38-62	Striped bass are actively following baitfish schools in the open water and creek arms, with temperature variations allowing for both shallow and deep patterns Fish are likely to be found in large groups (wolfpacks) around bait concentrations, especially during stable weather periods	Deep creek channels where baitfish schools congregate Main lake points adjacent to river channels Protected coves with bait concentrations during cold fronts	Live Bait Rigs with large shad or herring Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) near bait schools Umbrella Rigs worked through suspended bait	Shad schools Suspended baitfish	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie are schooling heavily in open water/basin areas, suspending near large shad schools for feeding opportunities Fish are actively responding to vertical presentations, with aggressive reaction strikes on moving baits like jigging raps	Deep basin areas where schools of shad are present Transition areas between creek channels and basin flats Protected coves and pockets that offer current breaks in the large reservoir	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive jigging motions to trigger reaction strikes Damiki Rig worked through suspended schools Blade Baits to cover water and locate active schools	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water Small baitfish suspended in the water column	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Melton Hill Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock banks adjacent to deeper water near spawning flats	Secondary points with 12-15 foot depth transitions
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main creek arms and river channel intersections where pre-spawn stripers stage	Secondary points and shallow flats adjacent to deep water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek arms leading to spawning flats	Submerged brush and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Transition banks with laydowns in 2-5 feet of water	Secondary points leading into creek arms
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Upper sections of major creek arms and river channels with current	Secondary points and flats adjacent to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and submerged vegetation in 2-5 foot depth range	Dock areas providing shade and structure in spawning depth
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Docks and adjacent shoreline areas in 2-5 feet of water	Protected coves with laydowns and shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouths where current concentrates baitfish	Submerged river channels with adjacent structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek channels adjacent to spawning flats	Brush piles and laydowns in 8-15 foot depth range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Matted grass areas, particularly thick mats providing overhead cover	Rip rap banks with access to deeper water
Summer	Striped Bass	Deep river channels and channel bends where cooler water concentrates baitfish	Points and creek mouths adjacent to deep water that create current breaks
Summer	Crappie	Dock areas with 8-15 feet of water, especially those near deeper water access	Submerged vegetation edges in 6-12 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Windblown grass edges where bait is being pushed	Docks in 8 feet or less of water
Fall	Striped Bass	Main lake points and creek mouth intersections where baitfish schools congregate	Back sections of major creek arms where shad are migrating
Fall	Crappie	Deep creek arm channels and main lake points where shad schools congregate	Suspended over deeper brush piles in 15-25 foot range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep main lake points and rock piles in 25-30 feet of water	Protected pockets with submerged vegetation in 2-5 feet
Winter	Striped Bass	Deep creek channels where baitfish schools congregate	Main lake points adjacent to river channels
Winter	Crappie	Deep basin areas where schools of shad are present	Transition areas between creek channels and basin flats

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Bluegill in and around vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Schooling shad in pre-spawn patterns	Small baitfish concentrating in creek arms
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools suspending near structure	Small bluegills in warming shallows
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow spawning areas	Shad in deeper transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Striped Bass	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn areas	Small baitfish in tributary arms
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad fry and small baitfish	Small insects and larvae
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating in spawning areas and around docks	Shad schools in deeper water near channel edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Striped Bass	Large schools of threadfin and gizzard shad	Herring
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools moving to deeper water	Young-of-year baitfish beginning to school
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage evidenced by schooling activity	Bluegill - particularly around grass mats and cover
Summer	Striped Bass	Large schools of shad in open water	Smaller baitfish concentrated around structure
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools in open water and around structure	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish around vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage being actively chased	Bluegill - secondary forage around docks and laydowns
Fall	Striped Bass	Schooling Shad in large concentrations	Small Baitfish pods scattered throughout water column
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating to deeper water	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad (primary forage, concentrated in wolf packs)	Small baitfish (approximately 2 inches in length)
Winter	Striped Bass	Shad schools	Suspended baitfish
Winter	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Small baitfish suspended in the water column

Bait Colors by Season for Melton Hill Lake

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

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