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

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Rathbun Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: Mar 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Rathbun Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-62	Pre-spawn bass are transitioning from winter areas to spawning flats, staging on adjacent points and channel swings Fish are actively feeding to build energy reserves for spawning, but moving slower in the cold, stained water conditions	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Riprap banks, especially near deeper water access Laydowns and timber in protected pockets and coves	Lipless Crankbaits worked slowly along transition areas Bladed Jigs with slow, steady retrieves near cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover in protected areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Bluegill in shallow protected areas Shad schools in creek channels and transition areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Pre-spawn walleye staging near spawning areas, becoming more active with warming water temperatures Feeding patterns intensify as fish prepare for spawning, with most active periods during dawn and dusk Fish transitioning from winter depths to shallower spawning locations, following primary migration routes	Rocky points and gravel shorelines with direct access to deeper water Shallow tributary mouths and inflowing streams Hard-bottom flats adjacent to deep wintering areas	Blade Baits worked slowly along bottom transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows near staging areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with deliberate lifts and drops	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas Shad schools transitioning to shallower water	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Crappie are transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower pre-spawn staging areas, becoming more active with warming trends Fish are schooling and feeding more aggressively as they prepare for spawn, particularly during warming trends and stable weather	Secondary points and creek channels leading into spawning coves Laydowns and stumps in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats Protected coves with stable water temperatures	Crappie Spider Rigging along creek channels and point transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') around laydowns and stumps Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) through staging areas	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near shallow cover	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	51-54	Bass are in transition between pre-spawn staging and spawning, with cold front conditions pushing them tight to cover Fish are less aggressive due to cold front (30s air temp) but will hold near spawning areas and protected cover	Protected coves with laydowns and flooded timber Channel edges near spawning flats Timber-lined creek channels	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) worked slowly around cover Shakey Heads near channel edges Bladed Jigs in areas with slightly better visibility	Crawfish emerging in warming water Bluegill in shallow cover	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	42-52	Moving into shallow spawning areas near hard bottom areas and tributaries Males stage first in pre-spawn locations, with females moving in as water temperatures approach optimal spawning range Post-spawn fish gradually transition back to deeper water, following shoreline contours	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-8 feet of water Protected bays with firm bottom composition Tributary mouths and current areas	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along spawning areas Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with minnows Blade Baits worked through staging areas	Shad concentrations in spawning bays Small minnows in shallow water Juvenile perch near rocky areas	Chartreuse Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near woody cover and protected coves during peak spawn periods Males establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper on nearby structure Aggressive feeding periods pre-spawn, followed by more protective/territorial behavior during actual spawn	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and stumps in 2-8 feet Secondary points leading into spawning bays Shallow brush piles near spawning flats	Crappie Dock Shooting Bobbers Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling)	Young of year shad Small bluegill Minnows	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Post-spawn bass transitioning from spawning areas to early summer patterns, focusing on recovery and beginning to actively feed Fish moving between shallow and mid-depth zones throughout the day, using points and ledges as transitional routes	Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with rip rap Laydowns and timber in 5-15 feet of water near spawning pockets Rocky banks with good transitions to deeper water	Spinnerbaits worked parallel to rocky banks and through timber Texas Rigs (Worming) dragged slowly through deeper wood cover Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') around riprap and points	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas near cover Shad schools beginning to form in creek arms Young crappie providing additional forage in brush areas	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	48-62	Post-spawn walleye are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding locations, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are moving along shoreline-connected points and shallow flats, particularly during dawn and dusk periods due to the moderate staining	Secondary points and underwater points adjacent to spawning areas Clean bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range near shoreline breaks Shallow flats with emerging vegetation near deeper water access	Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows worked slowly along transitions Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') during low light periods Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) mimicking young-of-year baitfish	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge Small perch in shallow vegetation Minnows concentrated around points and transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	62-72	Post-spawn crappie are recovering and beginning to transition to early summer patterns, actively feeding in the upper and middle water column during dawn and dusk periods Fish are moving from shallow spawning areas to deeper staging areas, particularly relating to cover and structure in 8-12 feet of water	Secondary points and creek channels adjacent to spawning flats Submerged timber and laydowns in 8-17 feet of water Deeper dock areas providing shade and cover	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) with small jigs along depth transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around timber and structure Crappie Spider Rigging to effectively cover water and maintain specific depths	Young-of-year shad beginning to school in upper water column Small bluegill and sunfish around shallow cover	Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	75-84	Fish are following a classic summer pattern with early morning shallow activity transitioning to deeper structure during midday heat Actively feeding on bluegill and shad near rip rap and rocky banks during low light periods Becoming more lethargic during peak heat, requiring slower presentations in deeper water	Rip rap banks near the dam, especially during morning and evening periods Step ledges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding areas Rocky points and banks with access to deeper water	Buzzbaits and topwater walking baits during early morning Bladed jigs around rip rap and rocky banks Drop shot and structure jigs on deeper ledges during midday heat	Bluegill around shallow cover and rip rap Shad in open water and around structure Crappie around deeper structure	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Walleye	77-78	Walleye suspending near bottom structure in 18-24 foot depth range, actively feeding on shad during early morning and evening periods Fish becoming more leader-shy and selective during bright daylight hours, requiring finesse presentations in the stained water conditions	Clean bottom areas in 18-24 foot depth range near the thermocline Basin edges and transition areas where shad schools congregate Complex structural elements with proximity to deep water	Live Bait Rigs with slow death hooks pulled at 0.8 mph Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with Lindy rigs and fluorocarbon leaders Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') during prime feeding periods	Shad schools in open water and near structure Nightcrawlers (as evidenced by successful live bait presentations)	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Crappie	75-84	Crappie are holding tight to cover in 8-17 feet of water, particularly around laydowns and stumps, seeking shade during summer heat Fish are exhibiting both structure-oriented and suspended patterns, with feeding activity concentrated during lower light periods due to the stained water conditions	Underwater laydowns and stumps in 8-17 feet of water Shaded areas near standing timber within the thermocline zone Complex shoreline areas with multiple points and coves containing woody cover	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Crappie Dock Shooting Crappie Spider Rigging	Shad - primary forage base observed in multiple reports Small baitfish congregating around rock piles and structure	Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Rathbun Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	58-72	Actively feeding on shad and bluegill in shallow to mid-depth areas, following baitfish migrations to creek arms and coves Moving between shallow feeding zones and nearby deep-water safety areas throughout the day Relating heavily to remaining wood cover and riprap banks that hold baitfish	Creek arms and major coves where baitfish are schooling Riprap banks near deep water access Laydowns and timber adjacent to depth changes	Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') Spinnerbaits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) Texas Rigs (Worming)	Shad schools migrating to backs of creeks Bluegill around remaining cover Crappie in timber areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Walleye	52-62	Walleye are actively feeding on minnows along ledges and depth transitions, following baitfish movements during fall transition Due to the moderate staining (2.3m Secchi), fish are likely to stay shallow and feed more actively during low light periods	Main lake ledges and breaklines, especially where depth transitions are significant Complex shoreline structure points and inside turns where depth changes occur Clean bottom areas adjacent to structural elements in 15-25 foot range	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along ledges and depth transitions Live Bait Rigs with minnows dragged along bottom structure Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') when fish are holding tight to structure	Minnows - primary forage during fall transition Shad schools moving along depth transitions	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Crappie	58-72	Actively feeding and schooling as they follow shad migrations to creek arms and coves Moving between different depth ranges throughout the day, following bait and responding to light conditions in the stained water Relating heavily to structure as cover and ambush points, particularly during feeding periods	Creek arm intersections with the main lake body, especially near timber Laydowns and stumps in 8-15 foot depth range Secondary points with access to deeper water	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along creek channels and point transitions Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') around timber and structure Crappie Spider Rigging near schools of suspended fish	Shad schools migrating into creeks Small bluegill near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Purple Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Largemouth Bass	42-52	Fish are schooling in deeper water (15-25 feet) near primary structural elements like the dam, deep timber, and channel ledges Feeding windows are shorter and more concentrated during warmer parts of the day, typically early afternoon Bass are relating tightly to vertical structure that allows quick depth changes with minimal movement	Deep timber near channel ledges where multiple types of structure intersect Dam riprap with access to deep water Deep water points with significant depth changes	Blade Baits worked vertically along steep breaks Football Jigs dragged slowly along bottom near structure Shakey Heads fished with subtle movements near vertical cover	Shad concentrated in deeper water Crappie relating to similar deep structure Bluegill in deeper brush piles	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Vibrant Craw Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-48	Walleye will be suspending near primary forage (shad) in deeper water columns during winter open water periods Fish are likely to be schooled up tightly on specific structure, particularly near deep ledges and points where baitfish concentrate	Deep structural ledges in 18-24 foot range where shad schools concentrate Main lake points with access to deep water Clean bottom areas near deep structural elements where vertical presentations can be effectively worked	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Live Bait Rigs	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water Secondary forage like small perch near bottom structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Chartreuse Colors
Winter	Crappie	38-45	Crappie will suspend in open water near deeper timber and channel breaks, schooling tightly in the 15-25 foot range Most active feeding during low-light periods, with schools moving slightly shallower during these times	Deep timber areas adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 feet Suspended schools near major points and channel bends Protected coves with deep water access during cold fronts	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with light jigs worked slowly through suspended schools Hover/Mid-Strolling near timber edges to target suspended fish Spider Rigging with multiple rods to efficiently cover water and determine precise depth patterns	Suspended shad schools in open water Small bluegills near structure	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Rathbun Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Riprap banks, especially near deeper water access
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel shorelines with direct access to deeper water	Shallow tributary mouths and inflowing streams
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek channels leading into spawning coves	Laydowns and stumps in 8-12 feet of water adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected coves with laydowns and flooded timber	Channel edges near spawning flats
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points and gravel shorelines in 2-8 feet of water	Protected bays with firm bottom composition
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected shallow coves with laydowns and stumps in 2-8 feet	Secondary points leading into spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points with access to deeper water, especially those with rip rap	Laydowns and timber in 5-15 feet of water near spawning pockets
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Secondary points and underwater points adjacent to spawning areas	Clean bottom areas in 8-15 foot depth range near shoreline breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Secondary points and creek channels adjacent to spawning flats	Submerged timber and laydowns in 8-17 feet of water
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Rip rap banks near the dam, especially during morning and evening periods	Step ledges and drop-offs adjacent to shallow feeding areas
Summer	Walleye	Clean bottom areas in 18-24 foot depth range near the thermocline	Basin edges and transition areas where shad schools congregate
Summer	Crappie	Underwater laydowns and stumps in 8-17 feet of water	Shaded areas near standing timber within the thermocline zone
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Creek arms and major coves where baitfish are schooling	Riprap banks near deep water access
Fall	Walleye	Main lake ledges and breaklines, especially where depth transitions are significant	Complex shoreline structure points and inside turns where depth changes occur
Fall	Crappie	Creek arm intersections with the main lake body, especially near timber	Laydowns and stumps in 8-15 foot depth range
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Deep timber near channel ledges where multiple types of structure intersect	Dam riprap with access to deep water
Winter	Walleye	Deep structural ledges in 18-24 foot range where shad schools concentrate	Main lake points with access to deep water
Winter	Crappie	Deep timber areas adjacent to creek channels in 15-25 feet	Suspended schools near major points and channel bends

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Bluegill in shallow protected areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Small minnows gathering in pre-spawn areas	Shad schools transitioning to shallower water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shad schools concentrated in pre-spawn staging areas	Small bluegill and juvenile sunfish near shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish emerging in warming water	Bluegill in shallow cover
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Shad concentrations in spawning bays	Small minnows in shallow water
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Young of year shad	Small bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill gathering in shallow areas near cover	Shad schools beginning to form in creek arms
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Young-of-year shad beginning to emerge	Small perch in shallow vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Young-of-year shad beginning to school in upper water column	Small bluegill and sunfish around shallow cover
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill around shallow cover and rip rap	Shad in open water and around structure
Summer	Walleye	Shad schools in open water and near structure	Nightcrawlers (as evidenced by successful live bait presentations)
Summer	Crappie	Shad - primary forage base observed in multiple reports	Small baitfish congregating around rock piles and structure
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Shad schools migrating to backs of creeks	Bluegill around remaining cover
Fall	Walleye	Minnows - primary forage during fall transition	Shad schools moving along depth transitions
Fall	Crappie	Shad schools migrating into creeks	Small bluegill near structure
Winter	Largemouth Bass	Shad concentrated in deeper water	Crappie relating to similar deep structure
Winter	Walleye	Shad schools concentrating in deeper water	Secondary forage like small perch near bottom structure
Winter	Crappie	Suspended shad schools in open water	Small bluegills near structure

Bait Colors by Season for Rathbun Lake

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

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