How to Fish North Center Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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North Center Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Apr 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on North Center Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	52-62	Largemouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming trends Fish are beginning to feed more aggressively but still relating strongly to specific cover, particularly reeds as noted in recent reports	Reed beds in protected shallow bays, especially where they meet deeper water Shallow coves with emerging vegetation, particularly on the north side of the lake where water warms first Dock areas adjacent to spawning flats, especially where sand and mud transition zones exist	Swim Jigs worked through and around reed beds, as confirmed by recent success reports Bladed Jigs for covering water and triggering reaction strikes in stained conditions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting specific pieces of cover in the reeds	Bluegill moving shallow with warming trends Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	48-58	Smallmouth bass transitioning from winter depths to pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming trends Fish actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, using lateral line sensing more than sight in the stained water	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas providing shade and ambush points in stained water Weed edges near hard bottom areas where early vegetation is emerging	Blade Baits worked slowly along rock pile edges Drop Shot with subtle movements near structure Ned Rigs dragged on hard bottom areas	Bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	58-67	Pre-spawn crappies staging in 3-8 foot depths near spawning areas, actively feeding to build energy reserves Fish relating strongly to structure edges and transition zones, particularly around submerged vegetation and docks	Vegetation edges and transition zones in 3-8 foot depths Protected dock areas with nearby deeper water access Shallow coves and points with abundant cover	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9')	Small bluegills Various minnow species	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-54	Pre-spawn pike are actively feeding to build energy reserves, with aggressive feeding windows during warming trends Fish are transitioning from winter areas to spawning locations, following shoreline contours and staging near spawning areas	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access Reed lines and emerging weed edges in 7-11 foot depth range Points and coves that provide access to spawning areas	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with stickbaits at 2-3.5mph along transition areas Spinnerbaits worked parallel to emerging weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through staging areas	Bluegills concentrated in shallow warming bays Small bass utilizing similar pre-spawn areas Baitfish schools following warming water trends	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-72	Fish are in spawning mode, with some actively on beds in shallow bays where sand and mud meet Bass are relating heavily to shallow cover, particularly docks and matted grass, using these areas as staging and spawning locations Fish are showing territorial behavior, defending specific areas around beds and cover	Shallow bays with sand-to-mud transitions, especially near spawning areas Docks with clean bottom areas underneath Matted grass areas in protected shallow water Flooded brush in spawning bays	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around visible beds and cover Grass Jigs pitched under docks and into grass mats Drop Shot with finesse presentations for spooky fish Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting specific pieces of cover	Bluegill gathering in similar shallow spawning areas Small baitfish relating to shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	55-65	In spring spawn period, smallmouth bass moving into shallow rocky areas (2-8 feet) to establish nesting sites, with males guarding nests aggressively Pre/post spawn fish staging on adjacent drop-offs and rock piles in 8-12 feet, actively feeding to build energy reserves	Rocky flats and shoreline areas in 2-8 feet for spawning Rock piles in 8-12 feet for staging areas Protected areas between docks offering shelter and shade	Tubes worked slowly around rocky areas Ned Rigs dragged on bottom near spawning flats Drop Shot with finesse presentations for pressured fish	Bluegills gathering in shallow areas Crayfish becoming more active in rocky areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-65	Crappies are actively staging for spawn, congregating in large groups at varying depths (3-20 feet) along shorelines Fish are structure-oriented due to poor water clarity (2.3 ft visibility), using vegetation edges as primary holding areas	Shallow shoreline areas with submerged vegetation in 3-8 foot depths Vegetation transition zones and edges in 10-20 foot depths Protected coves and points with gradual depth changes	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) with 1/16 oz jig heads and 2-inch plastics Bobbers with suspended jigs around vegetation edges Crappie Spider Rigging for deeper staging fish	Small Minnows Young Bluegill	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	42-54	Northern Pike are in shallow spawning areas just after ice-out, moving to post-spawn feeding locations along weed edges and points as water warms Fish are actively feeding during daylight hours, especially during stable weather, making aggressive moves to ambush prey from vegetation	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and spawning habitat (2-6 feet) Weed edges and points in 7-11 foot depth range Reed lines and emerging lily pad fields	Trolling Shallow (0-9') Inline Spinners Spinnerbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Large)	Bluegills gathering in warming shallows Young-of-year bass in shallow cover Spawning minnows in vegetation	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	71-73	Post-spawn bass are actively guarding fry in and around lily pads and shallow vegetation, while others are transitioning to early summer feeding patterns Fish are showing aggressive feeding behavior in the 4-8 foot range, particularly around vegetation edges and dock areas	Lily pads and isolated pad fields, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water Docks with nearby vegetation, particularly those that haven't been treated with weed spray Outside weed edges and isolated clumps of grass in 4-8 feet of water	Wacky Rigs worked slowly around vegetation and dock edges Ned Rigs worked along sandy areas and weed edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for working thick vegetation	Bluegill, especially around vegetation and dock areas Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	58-68	Post-spawn smallmouth are actively feeding to recover energy, targeting bluegills and other forage around shallow to mid-depth structure Fish are utilizing the extensive rock piles and dock areas as primary feeding zones, especially during low light conditions due to poor water clarity	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water, particularly those adjacent to spawning flats Dock areas providing shade and ambush points in the stained water Weed edges near hard bottom areas where they can ambush prey	Drop Shot with slow, deliberate presentations around rock piles Tubes worked along bottom structure and dock areas Ned Rigs dragged slowly across rocky areas	Bluegills concentrating around docks and vegetation Small crawfish active on rocky structure Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappies are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to deeper summer locations, staging along vegetation edges and dock structures Fish are actively feeding to recover energy after spawn, with most aggressive feeding during early morning and evening hours	Vegetation edges and transition zones in 6-12 foot depths Dock areas adjacent to deeper water Deeper pockets near spawning flats where fish stage during midday	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting for fish holding under docks Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') for concentrated schools	Small bluegills Minnows concentrating around vegetation edges Recently hatched fry in shallow areas	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	52-60	Post-spawn pike are transitioning to deeper feeding zones, actively hunting along weed edges in 7-11 foot depth range. They are showing preference for slower, more deliberate presentations over aggressive ones, likely due to recent temperature drop from 60°F to 52-54°F. Fish are utilizing the complex shoreline structure and abundant vegetation as ambush points, particularly focusing on areas where they can effectively sight-hunt in the stained water conditions.	Deep weed edges in 7-11 foot range, particularly where they intersect with points or inside turns Complex shoreline areas with vegetation and cover in the 5-7 foot range Wind-affected points and shorelines where baitfish concentrate	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with stickbaits at 2-3.5mph along weed edges Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked parallel to weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly through transitional areas	Bluegills concentrated near vegetation edges Bass sharing similar habitat spaces Various panfish species in shallow to mid-depth ranges	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	70-80	Bass are actively feeding around thick vegetation and dock structures, showing aggressive behavior particularly during low light periods Fish are relating strongly to specific pieces of cover rather than roaming, with a preference for ambush points in 3-8 foot depth range	Docks with adjacent vegetation, especially those with steeper drop-offs Thick coontail and matted vegetation areas in 4-8 feet of water Reed lines and lily pad fields, particularly those with pockets and edges	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dock posts and vegetation pockets Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation and lily pads Drop Shot in deeper coontail areas and around dock edges Wacky Rigs skipped under docks and worked in vegetation gaps	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports Crawfish - particularly around dock posts and rocky areas Surface insects - evidenced by topwater feeding activity	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	68-80	Actively feeding in low-light periods around structure, using lateral line sensing in stained water conditions Establishing feeding zones near hard structure and dock areas, particularly during midday when seeking shade Moving between rock piles and weed edges to ambush prey	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water Shaded areas under and between docks in stained water Weed edges near hard bottom transitions	Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations around rock piles Texas Rigs (Worming) worked along weed edges and dock areas Tubes dragged and hopped across rocky structure	Bluegills concentrated around docks and vegetation Crayfish active on rocky structure Small baitfish relating to weed edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	72-85	Moving deeper during midday, holding near dock edges and submerged vegetation in 8-15 foot depths Feeding actively during early morning and evening periods near structure edges Suspending in loose schools near shade and cover during bright conditions	Deep dock edges with adjacent vegetation Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths Deeper pockets near shoreline points	Crappie Dock Shooting Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Crappie Spider Rigging	Small Bluegills Minnows Young-of-year fish fry	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	68-78	Summer pike actively feeding in early morning and evening hours around dense weed edges and points, moving deeper during midday heat Aggressive ambush behavior from cover, especially in the stained water conditions where flash and vibration trigger strikes	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where coontail meets open water at 7-11 foot depths Points with reed beds and lily pad fields, particularly those with access to deeper water Shallow coves with dense vegetation during low-light periods	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with speed variations between 2-3.5mph to trigger reaction strikes Spinnerbaits worked along weed edges for flash and vibration in stained water Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) slow-rolled through vegetation gaps	Bluegills concentrated around weed beds Bass fry and juvenile bass Various panfish species using vegetative cover	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for North Center Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding on bluegill around docks and vegetation edges, using these areas as ambush points to build up fat reserves for winter Moving between shallow and mid-depth areas following baitfish, with increased activity during low-light periods	Docks with deep water access, especially those near vegetation edges Coontail and reed edges in 3-8 foot depths Protected coves with remaining vegetation	Structure Jigs worked slowly around dock posts and vegetation edges Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) targeting dark areas under docks Spinnerbaits paralleling dock edges during cloudy conditions	Bluegill congregating around docks and vegetation Small baitfish schooling in protected areas	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Actively feeding to build fat reserves for winter, with increased activity during low-light periods along structure breaks Shifting from shallow to mid-depth areas following cooling water temperatures, focusing on rock piles and dock edges	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water, especially near deeper water access Dock edges providing shade and ambush points in stained water Weed edges adjacent to hard bottom areas	Drop Shot with slow, subtle presentations around rock piles Blade Baits worked with lift-and-drop retrieves Tubes dragged along bottom structure	Bluegills congregating near dock structures Small baitfish schools transitioning to deeper water Crawfish active on rocky structure	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Crappies are transitioning to deeper water, following baitfish schools and relating heavily to structure Feeding activity increases as fish build energy reserves for winter, with most active periods during dawn and dusk	Deep vegetation edges near drop-offs (8-15 feet) Deeper dock areas with access to deeper water Points and creek channels with submerged structure	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges and depth transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around dock posts and deeper structure Crappie Spider Rigging for suspended fish near deep structure	Schooling baitfish (small minnows) Small bluegills Young-of-year shad and panfish	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	48-62	Pike transitioning to deeper weed edges and points, following baitfish schools as water cools Increased feeding activity due to fall forage binge, targeting larger prey items More aggressive strike tendencies due to seasonal feeding urgency	Deep weed edges adjacent to points (7-11 foot range) Wind-blown points with remaining vegetation Shallow coves with concentrated baitfish schools	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with large presentations parallel to weed edges Spinnerbaits worked along vegetation edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieve near structure	Bluegills congregating in remaining vegetation Young-of-year bass in shallow areas Baitfish schools in transition areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappies will be suspending in deeper water columns near structure, often schooling tightly in the warmest available water Feeding periods are shorter and more concentrated, typically most active during mid-day warming periods	Deeper pockets near submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths Suspended near deep dock structures, particularly in protected coves Channel edges and deeper depressions where schools concentrate for winter refuge	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small, stressed baitfish (particularly minnows) Juvenile bluegills	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Northern Pike	38-45	Actively feeding in low-light conditions near remaining vegetation and structure edges Concentrating in areas with baitfish schools, particularly near deeper depressions and channel edges Showing preference for ambush points near depth changes due to stained water conditions	Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow flats (7-11 foot range) Points and inside turns with remaining vegetation Channel edges near coves where baitfish concentrate	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with stickbaits at 2-3.5mph for covering water Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') near remaining vegetation Spinnerbaits worked slowly along structure edges	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation Bass utilizing similar structure Various smaller baitfish schooling in deeper areas	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	34-39	Crappies will concentrate in deeper pockets of the lake, especially given the relatively shallow 8-foot average depth. They'll be found in loose schools, typically suspending near structure. Feeding activity will be most intense during dawn and dusk periods, with fish becoming more active when barometric pressure is stable.	Deeper pockets near submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 6-8 foot depth range Areas around dock pilings where deeper water is accessible Transition areas where bottom composition changes, especially in deeper sections	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements just above the fish Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Tip-Ups using live minnows for neutral or negative fish	Small Minnows Juvenile Bluegills Micro Invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	33-38	During ice season, Northern Pike become more lethargic but maintain feeding activity, typically concentrating near structure that provides access to both shallow and deeper water Pike will often suspend just under the ice near weed edges, especially during low-light periods, moving to deeper water during bright midday hours	Weed edges in 7-11 foot range, particularly near points or inside turns Shallow bays with remnant vegetation in 4-7 foot depth Areas where deeper water meets shallow flats, especially near creek channels or basins	Ice Fishing Tip-Ups with large minnows positioned at various depths Ice Fishing Spoons worked aggressively to trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with large profile baits	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth Small bass utilizing deeper edges of vegetation Suspended baitfish schools in open water adjacent to structure	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in North Center Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds in protected shallow bays, especially where they meet deeper water	Shallow coves with emerging vegetation, particularly on the north side of the lake where water warms first
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats	Dock areas providing shade and ambush points in stained water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Vegetation edges and transition zones in 3-8 foot depths	Protected dock areas with nearby deeper water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Reed lines and emerging weed edges in 7-11 foot depth range
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow bays with sand-to-mud transitions, especially near spawning areas	Docks with clean bottom areas underneath
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rocky flats and shoreline areas in 2-8 feet for spawning	Rock piles in 8-12 feet for staging areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow shoreline areas with submerged vegetation in 3-8 foot depths	Vegetation transition zones and edges in 10-20 foot depths
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Shallow bays with emerging vegetation and spawning habitat (2-6 feet)	Weed edges and points in 7-11 foot depth range
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Lily pads and isolated pad fields, especially those adjacent to slightly deeper water	Docks with nearby vegetation, particularly those that haven't been treated with weed spray
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water, particularly those adjacent to spawning flats	Dock areas providing shade and ambush points in the stained water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Vegetation edges and transition zones in 6-12 foot depths	Dock areas adjacent to deeper water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges in 7-11 foot range, particularly where they intersect with points or inside turns	Complex shoreline areas with vegetation and cover in the 5-7 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Docks with adjacent vegetation, especially those with steeper drop-offs	Thick coontail and matted vegetation areas in 4-8 feet of water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water, especially those adjacent to deeper water	Shaded areas under and between docks in stained water
Summer	Crappie	Deep dock edges with adjacent vegetation	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths
Summer	Northern Pike	Weed edges adjacent to deeper water, especially where coontail meets open water at 7-11 foot depths	Points with reed beds and lily pad fields, particularly those with access to deeper water
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Docks with deep water access, especially those near vegetation edges	Coontail and reed edges in 3-8 foot depths
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles in 8-12 feet of water, especially near deeper water access	Dock edges providing shade and ambush points in stained water
Fall	Crappie	Deep vegetation edges near drop-offs (8-15 feet)	Deeper dock areas with access to deeper water
Fall	Northern Pike	Deep weed edges adjacent to points (7-11 foot range)	Wind-blown points with remaining vegetation
Winter	Crappie	Deeper pockets near submerged vegetation edges in 8-12 foot depths	Suspended near deep dock structures, particularly in protected coves
Winter	Northern Pike	Deeper weed edges adjacent to shallow flats (7-11 foot range)	Points and inside turns with remaining vegetation
Ice	Crappie	Deeper pockets near submerged vegetation edges, particularly in 6-8 foot depth range	Areas around dock pilings where deeper water is accessible
Ice	Northern Pike	Weed edges in 7-11 foot range, particularly near points or inside turns	Shallow bays with remnant vegetation in 4-7 foot depth

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow with warming trends	Crawfish becoming more active in warming shallows
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills gathering near emerging vegetation	Crawfish becoming more active on rocky structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Various minnow species
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in shallow warming bays	Small bass utilizing similar pre-spawn areas
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in similar shallow spawning areas	Small baitfish relating to shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills gathering in shallow areas	Crayfish becoming more active in rocky areas
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small Minnows	Young Bluegill
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills gathering in warming shallows	Young-of-year bass in shallow cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill, especially around vegetation and dock areas	Young of year baitfish beginning to emerge
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills concentrating around docks and vegetation	Small crawfish active on rocky structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegills	Minnows concentrating around vegetation edges
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near vegetation edges	Bass sharing similar habitat spaces
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill - primary forage based on multiple reports	Crawfish - particularly around dock posts and rocky areas
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills concentrated around docks and vegetation	Crayfish active on rocky structure
Summer	Crappie	Small Bluegills	Minnows
Summer	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated around weed beds	Bass fry and juvenile bass
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill congregating around docks and vegetation	Small baitfish schooling in protected areas
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Bluegills congregating near dock structures	Small baitfish schools transitioning to deeper water
Fall	Crappie	Schooling baitfish (small minnows)	Small bluegills
Fall	Northern Pike	Bluegills congregating in remaining vegetation	Young-of-year bass in shallow areas
Winter	Crappie	Small, stressed baitfish (particularly minnows)	Juvenile bluegills
Winter	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated in remaining vegetation	Bass utilizing similar structure
Ice	Crappie	Small Minnows	Juvenile Bluegills
Ice	Northern Pike	Bluegills concentrated near remaining weed growth	Small bass utilizing deeper edges of vegetation

Bait Colors by Season for North Center Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Northern Pike	Bold Striped Patterns Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Summer	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Fall	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Bold Striped Patterns
Winter	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Purple Colors
Ice	Northern Pike	Chartreuse Colors Bold Striped Patterns Dark Neutrals