How to Fish Norfork Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Norfork Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 20, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Norfork Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-63	Fish are transitioning to spawning areas, actively feeding while moving from deeper secondary points to shallower staging areas Most active during warmer parts of day, relating to both shallow cover and nearby deep-water access points	Secondary points and steep rocky walls in 15-20 feet Shallow laydowns and brush piles near spawning pockets Transition areas between deep water and spawning flats	Shakey Heads on secondary points and rocky walls Finesse Jigs worked around laydowns and shallow cover Hard Jerkbaits for active fish in transition areas Soft Body Swimbaits for covering water and targeting actively feeding fish	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas and around cover Small baitfish in transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie staging in transition areas, moving from deeper winter haunts toward spawning grounds in coves and creek arms Actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawn, particularly during warming trends	Secondary points and channel bends leading into spawning coves Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range along migration routes Protected creek arms with abundant cover	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19')	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas Small baitfish in transitional areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	48-58	Spotted bass transitioning to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish near docks and rocky structure in 12-foot depths Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior during brief warm periods, particularly relating to man-made structure and creek arms	Docks in creek arms at 10-15 foot depths 45-degree rocky banks with transition areas Rip rap areas near creek channel swings	Tubes worked slowly around dock posts and corners Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock structure Shakey Heads worked along rocky transitions	Crawfish emerging and active in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to dock areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	55-65	Actively moving from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, particularly in creek arms and coves where water warms first Beginning to feed more aggressively as water temperatures rise, targeting both invertebrates near rocky areas and small baitfish in brush piles Congregating around brush piles and dock areas in 4-8 foot depths, using these as transition zones before moving to spawning areas	Creek arms and tributary areas where water warms first Brush piles in 4-8 foot depths near spawning flats Docks with deeper water access in protected coves	Bobbers with small jigs suspended 3-6 feet deep around brush and docks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') working brush piles and dock posts Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under docks	Invertebrates, particularly small crawfish emerging from rocky areas Small baitfish relating to brush piles and dock areas Emerging aquatic insects in warming shallow waters	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	51-58	Transitioning from winter patterns to pre-spawn staging areas, actively feeding on crawfish in rocky areas during warming trends Moving from deeper winter haunts to intermediary staging points near spawning flats, particularly active during afternoon warming periods Becoming increasingly aggressive as water temperatures rise, with fish gathering in pre-spawn staging areas near points and channel swings	45-degree rocky banks adjacent to spawning flats Channel swing banks with rock transitions Secondary points with mixed rock and gravel near deeper water	Ned Rigs worked slowly along rocky transitions Football Jigs dragged on 45-degree banks Tubes hopped along rock piles and transitions	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation Small shad schools beginning to move shallow	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	61-65	Bass are in spawning mode, with fish moving between staging areas and shallow spawning flats. Wind is influencing fish positioning and feeding activity. Fish are actively feeding in pre/post spawn phases, with aggressive strikes on moving baits in 5-foot depths near spawning areas.	Rock piles on shallow flats, especially wind-blown areas Buck brush in 5-foot water depth Protected spawning pockets near brush and rock	Bladed Jigs worked around rock piles and wind-blown areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow rolled near brush Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working thick cover	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Crawfish - seasonal forage particularly active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) around brush, laydowns, and dock structures as water temperatures stabilize Males staging and creating nests while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn Aggressive territorial behavior and feeding prior to and during spawn phases	Protected shallow coves with brush and laydowns in 2-8 feet Dock structures in spawning depth range Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Shad (primary forage base) Small bluegill and sunfish Various minnow species	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	58-68	Spotted bass transitioning to spawning areas in 2-8 foot depths, particularly around hard bottom areas near docks and rip rap Males actively guarding nests while females stage on nearby deeper structure, making frequent trips to shallower spawning areas Aggressive feeding periods during pre-spawn, becoming more territorial during actual spawn	Protected dock areas with gravel or rocky bottom in 2-8 foot depth 45-degree rocky banks with transition areas Rip rap areas in protected pockets Secondary points leading into spawning coves	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around dock posts and visible structure Tubes worked slowly around spawning areas Shakey Heads for finesse presentation on staging areas Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') along rip rap and rocky banks	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in spring Small bluegill and sunfish in spawning areas Shad schools in adjacent deeper water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	58-65	Actively spawning and feeding in shallow creek arms and bays, with high concentrations around boulder-strewn areas Showing aggressive feeding behavior during daylight hours, targeting both surface insects and crawfish	Upper creek arms with submerged boulders and rocky substrate Protected shallow bays with hard bottom Brush piles in 4-8 feet of water near spawning areas	Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around boulders and rock piles Hard Topwater (Popping) in calm areas during peak feeding periods Live Bait Rigs near brush piles and cover	Crawfish in and around rocky areas Surface insects during calm periods Small invertebrates near brush and cover	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	51-58	Actively seeking spawning areas in shallow rocky areas and transitional banks, particularly active during dawn and dusk due to turbid conditions Males guarding nests in 2-8 foot depth range on firm bottom areas near deep water access Feeding opportunistically on both crawfish and transitioning shad, with crawfish being the primary forage	45-degree rocky banks with pea gravel to baseball-sized rocks Protected rocky points in coves with nearby deep water access Bluff wall transitions to flatter banks with rock and gravel	Tubes worked slowly along rocky transitions Ned Rigs dragged on firm bottom near spawning areas Soft Jerkbaits worked with long pauses for pre-spawn fish	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns Transitioning shad schools moving into spawning areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	50-65	Post-spawn largemouth bass are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy. Fish are scattered between 1-15 feet, with increased activity on secondary points Fish showing aggressive feeding behavior, particularly responsive to moving baits like crankbaits, suggesting increased metabolism with warming water	Secondary points in 1-15 foot depth range Rocky areas with crawfish populations Brush piles and laydowns near post-spawn transition routes	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Texas Rigs (Worming) Bladed Jigs	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports and water temperature Transitioning to early shad patterns as water warms	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-75	Post-spawn crappie transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish staging near brush piles and dock structures, gradually moving toward deeper water but still utilizing shallow to mid-depth zones	Secondary points with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Dock structures with good depth transitions Creek channel swings with nearby brush or laydowns	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Crappie Dock Shooting Hover/Mid-Strolling	Young-of-year shad beginning to school Small bluegill and sunfish near brush Juvenile shad from previous year	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	62-74	Post-spawn spotted bass transitioning to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy after spawning Fish starting to group up and chase shad schools while still opportunistically feeding on crawfish	45-degree rocky banks with transition points between 8-15 feet Dock areas adjacent to deeper water with rip-rap Bluff walls with scattered rock and wood cover	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked parallel to steep banks Shakey Heads worked slowly around dock posts and rock transitions Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) for actively feeding fish chasing shad	Shad schools beginning to concentrate in post-spawn areas Crawfish active on rocky structure and riprap	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are transitioning from spawning areas to deeper feeding zones, actively pursuing insects and small invertebrates around brush and dock structures Fish are establishing daytime holding patterns in shaded areas near docks and brush piles, moving to feed more actively during morning and evening periods	Docks in 4-8 feet of water, especially those with brush piles nearby Creek arm brush piles in 6-12 feet of water Rocky areas near creek channels where invertebrates are abundant	Crappie Dock Shooting with small soft plastics for precise presentation under docks Bobbers with live bait or small jigs worked around brush piles Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around dock posts and brush	Small invertebrates and insects around dock areas Crawfish in rocky areas Emerging aquatic insects in creek arms	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding and recovering, utilizing 45-degree rocky banks and rip rap areas for feeding zones Fish are showing reaction strikes to deflections and bottom contact, suggesting aggressive feeding behavior	45-degree rip rap banks transitioning to chunk rock Rocky points and channel swing banks Shallow rocky flats adjacent to deeper water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) slow rolled along bottom Ned Rigs worked along rocky transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to rip rap	Shad in the 2-3 inch range Crawfish emerging from winter areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	82-85	Early morning and late evening topwater activity, particularly around ledges and surface-breaking structure Mid-day movement to deeper ledges and brush piles, suspending near schools of bait Active feeding during low-light periods, with more selective feeding during bright conditions	Main lake ledges with nearby deep water access Brush piles in 12-20 foot depth range Areas where shad schools are congregating	Hard Topwater (Prop) during early morning hours Neko Rigs dropped vertically on bait schools Wacky Rigs worked along ledges	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Bluegill - particularly around brush pile areas Minnows - secondary forage option	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Crappie are holding on deep brush piles in 15-25 foot depths during summer, likely due to thermocline development and following shad schools Fish are actively feeding but staying close to cover, making targeted casting approaches effective	Brush piles positioned in 15-25 foot depths, especially near channel edges Deep dock areas with artificial brush or structure Creek arm bends with submerged cover in the same depth range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with 1/16 oz jighead for a natural presentation Crappie Spider Rigging for systematic coverage of brush piles Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are tightly holding to cover	Shad schools suspending around brush piles Small baitfish relating to deeper structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	75-85	Spotted bass moving to deeper structure during hot summer days, typically staging in 15-25 foot depths near bluff walls and steep banks Early morning and late evening feeding activity near shallow points and rip rap, following shad movements Establishing summertime feeding patterns around deep dock structures and suspended bait	Deep boat docks with adjacent channel swings in 15-25 foot range Steep bluff walls and rip rap areas, especially near deep water access Main lake points with 45-degree banks and rock transitions	Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) worked along bluff walls and steep banks Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged through deep dock areas Drop Shot targeting suspended fish near structure Shakey Heads worked slowly around rock transitions	Shad schools suspending near deep structure Crawfish in rocky areas, especially during early morning and late evening Smaller sunfish around dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	72-85	Bluegill are actively feeding throughout the day, primarily focusing on shallow to mid-depth zones (4-12 feet) around structure, with peak activity during early morning and evening hours Fish are establishing summer patterns around man-made cover (brush piles, docks) and natural structure, moving slightly deeper during bright midday periods	Shaded dock areas with depths of 6-12 feet, especially those near deeper water Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water Rock piles and boulder fields near creek channels	Live Bait Rigs suspended at specific depths around structure Bobbers with adjustable depths for precision presentation around docks and brush Crappie Dock Shooting for skittish fish under structures Micro Crankbaits worked slowly around rocky areas	Small invertebrates including insects and tiny crawfish Young-of-year shad in open water areas Aquatic insects around dock pilings and brush	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	78-85	Smallmouth bass are seeking deeper, cooler water during peak summer temperatures (83-85°F), primarily holding on main lake structure and channel swings Fish are actively feeding on shad schools during early morning and late evening, moving shallower during these low-light periods	Main lake channel swings with rock structure in 15-25 foot depth range Deep bluff walls adjacent to river channels Rocky points with access to deep water	Drop Shot worked along deep structure edges Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along bluff walls and channel swings Football Jigs dragged on rocky bottom structure	Shad schools suspended in the water column Crawfish on rocky structure	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Norfork Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Bass actively chasing shad in extremely shallow water (less than 1ft), particularly around cover Aggressive feeding behavior during fall transition, moving into creeks and coves following baitfish	Super shallow cover and laydowns in less than 1ft of water Buck brush and brush piles in shoreline areas Creek arms and coves with wood cover	Hard Topwater (Prop) - matching the aggressive shallow feeding pattern Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') - effective around brush and shallow cover Buzzbaits - excellent for covering water in shallow areas Spinnerbaits - effective when shad are primary forage	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports Crawfish - still active in brushy areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	48-58	Actively feeding on cooling trend, following shad schools to main lake points and channel edges Transitioning from summer deep water patterns to more active feeding in mid-depth zones	Main lake points intersecting with channel edges Secondary points in creek arms with brush Channel swing banks with available cover	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') along channel edges Crappie Spider Rigging along point contours	Shad schools moving along channel edges Small crappie groups in brush	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	58-72	Spotted bass actively chasing shad schools in creek arms and along bluff walls, with increased feeding activity during falling water temperatures Fish transitioning between summer and winter patterns, following baitfish movements and relating strongly to structure	Main lake points and steep 45-degree banks with rock transitions Creek arms with baitfish schools, especially near channel swings Dock areas in 12-20 foot depth adjacent to deep water	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along rocky points and transitions Spinnerbaits parallel to bluff walls and through baitfish schools Texas Rigs (Worming) worked slowly around dock posts and rock piles	Shad schools migrating into creeks Crawfish still active on rocky structure Small bluegill near dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Transitioning from shallow to mid-depth zones following baitfish migrations, actively feeding to build winter reserves Schooling behavior increases, with groups gathering around brush piles and dock structures	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near creek channels Deep dock edges with shade Rocky points adjacent to deeper water	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Live Bait Rigs Crappie Dock Shooting	Small shad and baitfish schools Crawfish in rocky areas Late-season aquatic insects	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	58-72	Aggressively feeding to build up reserves for winter, following shad schools and targeting crawfish in rocky areas Moving between main lake points and tributary arms, responding to baitfish migrations and cooling water temperatures	45-degree rocky banks and channel swing areas where shad are migrating Main lake points with deep water access and rock transitions Bluff walls adjacent to tributary mouths	Spinnerbaits worked along rocky banks and through baitfish schools Drop Shot with finesse presentations near rock transitions Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') along channel swing banks	Shad schools moving into tributary arms Crawfish in rocky areas Smaller baitfish relating to channel edges	Vibrant Craw 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	52-58	Bass are holding tight to deep vertical structure, especially bluff walls and channel swings, maintaining proximity to deep water access Fish are actively feeding on crawfish in the 6-8 ft range during warming trends, while holding deeper during cold fronts	Main lake bluff walls where river channel contacts the bank Secondary points leading to spawning areas Channel swing banks with 45-60 degree slopes Back of creek areas with flooded buck brush	Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12') worked along bluff walls and points Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near channel swings Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) on main lake structure Damiki Rig when fish are spotted on electronics	Crawfish, particularly active around rocky structure Baitfish suspending near vertical structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	42-48	Suspending in tight schools near deep structure, making short movements to feed during prime periods Seeking thermal refuge in deeper water, typically holding near the bottom around brush piles and channel edges	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range near channel edges Main lake points with access to deep water Deep dock structures in protected coves	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Ice Fishing Jigs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Smaller sized shad schools concentrated in deeper water Winter-stressed baitfish near structure	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	45-55	Spotted bass will concentrate in deeper water near vertical structure, particularly near steep channel banks and bluff walls Fish will be less active but will still feed opportunistically during warming trends, especially on crawfish and shad Most active feeding periods will be during the warmest parts of the day, typically early to mid-afternoon	Steep bluff walls with transitions to chunk rock, especially near deep water access Deep dock areas adjacent to channel swings in 15-25 foot depth 45-degree rocky banks with rip rap near creek channel intersections	Football Jigs worked slowly along bottom near vertical structure Blade Baits worked vertically through suspended fish Shakey Heads dragged slowly on rocky bottom transitions	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Winter-stressed shad in deeper water Small sunfish near dock structures	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	45-55	Panfish concentrating in deeper brush piles and man-made structure between 15-25 feet, especially near creek channel bends Reduced but consistent feeding activity, with fish tightly schooled and moving less than other seasons Most active during mid-morning to early afternoon when water temperatures peak	Deep brush piles near creek channel intersections Deeper dock areas adjacent to creek channels Rock piles and boulder fields in 15-25 foot depth range	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Finesse Hair Jigs	Small invertebrates and zooplankton Juvenile shad in deeper water Small crawfish seeking winter shelter	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	51-58	Smallmouth bass are concentrating on deeper rocky structure adjacent to channel swings, actively feeding during warmer portions of the day Fish are moving between wintering holes and transitional areas, following crawfish and shad forage	45-degree rocky banks near channel swings with depths of 15-25 feet Deep rock piles adjacent to river channels Bluff walls with access to deep water	Blade Baits worked vertically along channel edges and rock transitions Football Jigs dragged slowly across rocky structure Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat in rocky areas Suspended shad schools in channel swing areas Small baitfish relating to deep structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Norfork Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and steep rocky walls in 15-20 feet	Shallow laydowns and brush piles near spawning pockets
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and channel bends leading into spawning coves	Brush piles in 12-18 foot depth range along migration routes
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Docks in creek arms at 10-15 foot depths	45-degree rocky banks with transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Creek arms and tributary areas where water warms first	Brush piles in 4-8 foot depths near spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree rocky banks adjacent to spawning flats	Channel swing banks with rock transitions
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Rock piles on shallow flats, especially wind-blown areas	Buck brush in 5-foot water depth
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with brush and laydowns in 2-8 feet	Dock structures in spawning depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Protected dock areas with gravel or rocky bottom in 2-8 foot depth	45-degree rocky banks with transition areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Upper creek arms with submerged boulders and rocky substrate	Protected shallow bays with hard bottom
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree rocky banks with pea gravel to baseball-sized rocks	Protected rocky points in coves with nearby deep water access
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points in 1-15 foot depth range	Rocky areas with crawfish populations
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points with brush piles in 8-15 feet of water	Dock structures with good depth transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	45-degree rocky banks with transition points between 8-15 feet	Dock areas adjacent to deeper water with rip-rap
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Docks in 4-8 feet of water, especially those with brush piles nearby	Creek arm brush piles in 6-12 feet of water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree rip rap banks transitioning to chunk rock	Rocky points and channel swing banks
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Main lake ledges with nearby deep water access	Brush piles in 12-20 foot depth range
Summer	Crappie	Brush piles positioned in 15-25 foot depths, especially near channel edges	Deep dock areas with artificial brush or structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Deep boat docks with adjacent channel swings in 15-25 foot range	Steep bluff walls and rip rap areas, especially near deep water access
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Shaded dock areas with depths of 6-12 feet, especially those near deeper water	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake channel swings with rock structure in 15-25 foot depth range	Deep bluff walls adjacent to river channels
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Super shallow cover and laydowns in less than 1ft of water	Buck brush and brush piles in shoreline areas
Fall	Crappie	Main lake points intersecting with channel edges	Secondary points in creek arms with brush
Fall	Spotted Bass	Main lake points and steep 45-degree banks with rock transitions	Creek arms with baitfish schools, especially near channel swings
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Brush piles in 8-15 feet of water near creek channels	Deep dock edges with shade
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree rocky banks and channel swing areas where shad are migrating	Main lake points with deep water access and rock transitions
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Main lake bluff walls where river channel contacts the bank	Secondary points leading to spawning areas
Winter	Crappie	Deep brush piles in 15-25 foot range near channel edges	Main lake points with access to deep water
Winter	Spotted Bass	Steep bluff walls with transitions to chunk rock, especially near deep water access	Deep dock areas adjacent to channel swings in 15-25 foot depth
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep brush piles near creek channel intersections	Deeper dock areas adjacent to creek channels
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	45-degree rocky banks near channel swings with depths of 15-25 feet	Deep rock piles adjacent to river channels

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in rocky areas and around cover	Small baitfish in transition areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools congregating in pre-spawn staging areas	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging and active in rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to dock areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Invertebrates, particularly small crawfish emerging from rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to brush piles and dock areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter hibernation	Small shad schools beginning to move shallow
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Crawfish - seasonal forage particularly active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shad (primary forage base)	Small bluegill and sunfish
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Crawfish emerging as primary forage in spring	Small bluegill and sunfish in spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Crawfish in and around rocky areas	Surface insects during calm periods
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter patterns	Transitioning shad schools moving into spawning areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on recent reports and water temperature	Transitioning to early shad patterns as water warms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad beginning to school	Small bluegill and sunfish near brush
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Shad schools beginning to concentrate in post-spawn areas	Crawfish active on rocky structure and riprap
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and insects around dock areas	Crawfish in rocky areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Shad in the 2-3 inch range	Crawfish emerging from winter areas
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Bluegill - particularly around brush pile areas
Summer	Crappie	Shad schools suspending around brush piles	Small baitfish relating to deeper structure
Summer	Spotted Bass	Shad schools suspending near deep structure	Crawfish in rocky areas, especially during early morning and late evening
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates including insects and tiny crawfish	Young-of-year shad in open water areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools suspended in the water column	Crawfish on rocky structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad - primary forage based on recent reports	Crawfish - still active in brushy areas
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools moving along channel edges	Small crappie groups in brush
Fall	Spotted Bass	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Crawfish still active on rocky structure
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small shad and baitfish schools	Crawfish in rocky areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Shad schools moving into tributary arms	Crawfish in rocky areas
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish, particularly active around rocky structure	Baitfish suspending near vertical structure
Winter	Crappie	Smaller sized shad schools concentrated in deeper water	Winter-stressed baitfish near structure
Winter	Spotted Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Winter-stressed shad in deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small invertebrates and zooplankton	Juvenile shad in deeper water
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter habitat in rocky areas	Suspended shad schools in channel swing areas

Bait Colors by Season for Norfork Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Summer	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Shad Colors Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Spotted Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Winter	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors