How to Fish Sheridan Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

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Sheridan Lake

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

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Sheridan 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 actively moving from winter depths to warming shallow areas, especially focusing on transition zones near spawning flats Fish are becoming more aggressive and feeding heavily to prepare for spawning, with activity increasing during warm, sunny periods	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-8 feet of water Edges of submerged vegetation, especially where it meets harder bottom	Lipless Crankbaits worked through sparse vegetation Bladed Jigs around wood cover and grass edges Soft Jerkbaits for suspended fish near transition areas	Bluegill moving shallow and beginning to stage near spawning areas Crawfish becoming more active in warming water	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	42-58	Trout are transitioning to shallower waters as temperatures warm, actively feeding to build energy for spawning Fish are following baitfish schools and responding to early insect hatches, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Sharp drop-offs near points where fish stage before moving shallow Shallow coves with emerging vegetation Wind-swept shorelines where currents concentrate food	Inline Spinners worked parallel to drop-offs Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with steady retrieve Hard Jerkbaits with long pauses	Minnows concentrating in warming shallows Early season aquatic insects Small crawfish becoming active in rocky areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	52-65	Bluegill are beginning to move from deeper wintering areas to warmer, shallow flats with vegetation in preparation for spawning Fish are actively feeding during warming trends, especially during afternoon hours when water temperatures peak	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water Protected coves with firm bottom and vegetation Transition areas near laydowns with vegetation where deeper water meets the shallows	Live Bait Rigs with small jigs suspended under bobbers Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near vegetation Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along vegetation edges	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters Small crustaceans in vegetation Newly hatched fry and small minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	52-62	Pre-spawn crappie are transitioning from deeper winter areas to shallow spawning locations, staging near emerging vegetation and wood cover Fish become increasingly active during warming trends, with peak feeding periods during early morning and late afternoon Males begin moving shallower first to establish territories, while females stage slightly deeper until ready to spawn	Shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range Laydowns and brush near deeper water access Transition areas between winter and spawning grounds in 8-12 foot range	Crappie Spider Rigging Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers	Small Bluegill Young of Year Shad Small Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	58-68	Fish are moving into shallow spawning areas, particularly in protected coves and around submerged vegetation Pre-spawn fish staging on secondary points and transitions near spawning areas Males actively guarding nests in 2-6 foot depths, while females move between deep and shallow water	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation and laydowns Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays Grass edges in 4-8 foot depths near spawning flats	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around visible cover and bedding areas Soft Jerkbaits worked slowly along staging areas Spinnerbaits along grass edges and through sparse cover	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawn Small baitfish in transitional areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	45-55	Trout actively feeding in shallower water near spawning areas, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish moving between deeper staging areas and shallow spawning zones, following temperature-dependent patterns Increased aggression and territorial behavior around spawning sites, especially near submerged vegetation and points	Sharp drop-offs near points where spawning fish stage Shallow gravel or rocky areas near submerged vegetation Protected coves with moderate depth transitions	Inline Spinners worked slowly through spawning areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily along drop-offs Live Bait Rigs drifted near staging areas	Minnows gathering in shallow spawning areas Early season aquatic insects Small crustaceans in vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	62-75	Bluegill actively moving into shallow, vegetated areas for spawning, particularly around matted grass with firm bottom Males establishing and guarding nests in colonies, becoming more aggressive and territorial Feeding activity increases in pre-spawn, with fish staging near spawning areas	Matted grass beds in 2-4 feet of water with firm bottom Shallow coves with vegetation and protected shorelines Transition areas between sparse and thick vegetation	Bobbers with small jigs or live bait suspended just above vegetation Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6') worked slowly through vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') in pockets between grass	Small insects and larvae around vegetation Small crustaceans in grass beds Newly hatched fry as spawn progresses	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	58-68	Crappie are moving into shallow spawning areas (2-8 feet) near shoreline cover, particularly around submerged vegetation and laydowns Males will be establishing and guarding nests while females stage slightly deeper, making periodic moves shallow to spawn Most active during dawn and dusk due to moderate water clarity, with increased shallow activity on overcast days	Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 2-8 foot depth range Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats Grass edges where shallow water transitions to slightly deeper staging areas	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Bobbers Crappie Dock Shooting	Small bluegill fry Small minnows Aquatic insects	Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Post-spawn bass are actively feeding to recover energy, utilizing grass edges and isolated structure as ambush points Activity increases throughout the day as water warms, with fish moving from deeper grass edges to shallower cover	Edges of grass beds with adjacent isolated structure (wood or rock) Secondary points with submerged vegetation Windward shorelines with established weed growth	Structure Jigs worked slowly along grass edges and near isolated cover Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for precise presentations around cover Spinnerbaits on windward shores and grass edges	Perch Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	48-58	Trout are actively feeding in the water column, showing aggressive behavior toward moving baits as evidenced by recent success with Rapalas Post-spawn trout are recuperating while taking advantage of warming water temperatures to feed heavily on baitfish	Boulder-strewn areas in creek channels and outflows where current creates feeding zones Sharp drop-offs near points that provide access to both shallow and deep water Submerged vegetation edges where baitfish concentrate	Hard Jerkbaits with pause-and-twitch retrieve to imitate struggling baitfish Inline Spinners worked at moderate speeds through feeding zones Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily near structure	Minnows and small baitfish Early season aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	65-75	Post-spawn bluegill are recovering and beginning to establish summer patterns, actively feeding in and around vegetation beds Fish are becoming more aggressive and territorial, defending areas near spawning sites while seeking food Movement patterns show fish transitioning between shallow spawning areas and slightly deeper feeding zones	Shallow vegetation beds in 4-8 feet of water, especially near firm bottom areas Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to vegetation Secondary points with emerging vegetation	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at specific depths around vegetation Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly through vegetation gaps Micro Crankbaits retrieved steadily along vegetation edges	Small insects and larvae emerging in vegetation Small crustaceans in vegetation beds Newly hatched fry in shallow areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	65-72	Post-spawn crappie are transitioning from shallow spawning areas to early summer patterns, actively feeding to recover energy Fish are likely to suspend near vertical cover and grass edges, especially during morning and evening periods Schools are beginning to group up and will relate strongly to the abundant vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range	Grass edges and points in 10-15 foot depth range Laydowns and wood cover adjacent to spawning flats Deeper dock edges near spawning bays	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) Crappie Dock Shooting Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Small Bluegill Young-of-year Shad Small Minnows	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	68-75	Bass are actively feeding around cover, particularly in the early morning and late evening, with a strong preference for areas containing both structure and bluegill forage Fish are utilizing multiple depth ranges (5-25 feet) throughout the day, moving deeper during bright conditions and relating heavily to cover-to-open water transitions	Laydowns with adjacent vegetation, especially those in 5-10 feet of water Deep grass edges in 10-15 feet of water near hard bottom areas Rip rap edges in 15-25 foot range with chunk rock	Structure Jigs worked slowly around laydowns and wood cover Drop Shot rigs with subtle action along grass edges and rock transitions Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) for targeting thick cover and laydowns	Bluegill concentrating around shallow cover and vegetation Crawfish active around rock and hard bottom areas	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Trout	65-72	Trout are actively schooling in deep water but making surface feeding forays, especially during early morning hours Fish are utilizing thermal stratification, holding in cooler depths but moving up to feed on minnows	Points with sharp drop-offs where fish can quickly transition between deep and shallow water Deep basin areas near surface activity Areas with submerged vegetation providing cover for baitfish	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) cast into surface feeding activity Inline Spinners worked near points during early morning hours Hard Jerkbaits suspended in the thermocline	Minnows schooling near the surface and around structure Aquatic insects in shallow areas during morning hours	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	68-82	Bluegill are actively feeding in and around vegetation beds, particularly during early morning and evening hours Fish are establishing deeper holding patterns during midday heat, suspending near the edges of vegetation in 10-15 foot depths Maintaining close association with cover, moving between different depth zones based on light and temperature conditions	Topped-out grass edges in 10-15 foot zones Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to vegetation Deeper weed pockets with nearby access to shallow feeding areas	Bobbers with light jigs suspended at varying depths Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Ice Fishing Jigs (worked horizontally)	Aquatic insects around vegetation Small crustaceans in weed beds Zooplankton in open water adjacent to vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	68-75	Active feeding during early morning and evening hours, relating heavily to vegetation edges and laydowns in 10-15 foot range Suspending near structure during midday, preferring shaded areas under docks and thick vegetation due to moderate water clarity	Grass edges and weed lines in 10-15 foot depth range Laydowns with adjacent vegetation Dock areas providing shade and ambush points	Crappie Sniping (Casting/Single Poling) around vegetation edges Crappie Dock Shooting during midday periods Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near structure	Bluegill fry and juveniles Small baitfish relating to vegetation Aquatic insects around vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Sheridan Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	65-75	Actively feeding in shallow water during morning hours, particularly around submerged vegetation and laydowns Moving to slightly deeper water as sun gets higher, but staying related to cover Showing increased feeding activity due to fall patterns and cooling water temperatures	Submerged grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially edges and irregularities Laydowns and fallen timber near shoreline areas Wind-blown points with vegetation	Spinnerbaits burned above submerged grass early in the day Soft Jerkbaits worked around cover during midday Swim Jigs around grass edges and laydowns	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation Shad moving through grass edges	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Trout	45-65	Trout are actively feeding near shore around weed edges and cover, primarily targeting insects and minnows in shallow water Fish are particularly selective and spooky, requiring finesse presentations with very light tackle	Weed edges and submerged vegetation near shoreline Sharp drop-offs near points with vegetation Protected coves with abundant cover	Inline Spinners worked slowly near weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) with ultra-light presentation Micro Crankbaits retrieved with frequent pauses	Aquatic insects and emerging bug hatches Small minnows and baitfish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	55-68	Bluegill are transitioning to deeper vegetation edges as water cools, remaining near submerged vegetation but becoming more concentrated Feeding activity becomes more focused during warming periods of the day, with fish showing preference for protected areas	Deep edges of submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range Protected coves with remaining vegetation Areas where wood cover intersects with deeper vegetation	Bobbers with adjusted depths to target suspended fish near vegetation edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with small ice fishing jigs Live Bait Rigs with small weights for deeper presentations	Small aquatic insects Zooplankton concentrations near vegetation edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	55-68	Fish are transitioning to deeper water, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter. Crappie school more tightly in fall and follow baitfish movements. Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with feeding increasing on overcast days due to the moderate water clarity (2.3m Secchi)	Deep vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range, especially near points and coves Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water Deeper basin areas where schools of baitfish are suspending	Crappie Long Lining (Pulling/Trolling) along vegetation edges and points Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') for suspended schools Crappie Spider Rigging for covering water and maintaining precise depth control	Juvenile Bluegill concentrating near vegetation edges Small baitfish schooling in open water Young-of-year perch relating to vegetation	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Trout	38-45	Trout are actively feeding in shallower water near grass lines and structure, taking advantage of good oxygen levels throughout the water column Fish are making periodic feeding movements following baitfish schools, particularly during low-light periods	Grass lines in 10 feet or less of water, particularly near sharp drop-offs Points with submerged vegetation that transition to deeper water Protected coves with remaining vegetation that offer wind protection	Inline Spinners worked slowly through shallow vegetation zones Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) retrieved steadily near grass edges Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with spoons in areas where baitfish are concentrated	Minnows congregating near vegetation edges Small aquatic insects near remaining vegetation Juvenile baitfish in protected areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	38-45	During open water winter conditions, bluegills will concentrate in deeper vegetation areas and near structure, often schooling tightly in 12-15 foot zones Feeding activity becomes more selective and methodical, with fish making shorter movements to conserve energy in colder water	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets 12-15 foot depths Deeper wood structure near vegetation, especially in areas with laydowns Protected coves with remaining green vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs	Small aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton Tiny crustaceans	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	45-52	Suspended crappie transitioning between shallow flats and deeper winter basins, often relating to the last remaining vegetation edges More active during low-light periods given the 2.3m Secchi depth, with feeding windows concentrated in early morning and late afternoon	Deep vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range where they transition to winter basins Deeper wood structure near creek channels or depth changes Protected coves with remaining vegetation, especially on north banks	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Drop Shot Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Bluegill Young-of-year shad	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Trout	32-34	Trout actively patrolling shallow grass lines in 10 feet or less, showing aggressive feeding behavior on minnow populations Fish responding well to erratic movements, suggesting active feeding patterns despite cold water temperatures	Grass lines in 8-10 feet of water Sharp drop-offs near submerged vegetation Protected coves with vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs worked erratically to trigger reaction strikes Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging action Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set with live minnows near weed edges	Minnows Small aquatic insects in weed beds	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	34-39	Bluegill form tight schools in mid-depth basins near vegetation edges, typically suspending 1-3 feet off bottom Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late afternoon, with fish becoming more selective during midday	Deep edges of vegetation beds in 12-15 foot ranges Basin areas adjacent to vegetation in 15-20 foot depths Deeper coves with remaining green vegetation	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements 1-2 feet off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons jigged aggressively to attract fish, then slowed for bites Live Bait Rigs with smaller presentations for finicky winter fish	Small aquatic insects and larvae Tiny crustaceans near vegetation edges Small minnows in deeper water columns	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	33-39	Crappie will be suspended in deeper basins, typically 2-4 feet off bottom, following schools of smaller baitfish Most active during dawn and dusk periods, with a second peak during stable weather patterns in mid-afternoon	Deep basins near vegetation edges in 15-20 foot range Suspended over submerged wood structure in 12-15 foot depths Transition areas where shallow flats meet deeper water	Ice Fishing Jigs worked with subtle movements 2-4 feet off bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging to attract fish, then slowed when fish appear Live Bait Rigs with small minnows on dead stick presentations	Small Bluegill fry Young-of-year perch Micro invertebrates	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals

Key Seasonal Structures in Sheridan Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Secondary points and channel swings adjacent to spawning flats	Shallow wood cover and laydowns in 2-8 feet of water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Sharp drop-offs near points where fish stage before moving shallow	Shallow coves with emerging vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow flats with emerging vegetation in 3-8 feet of water	Protected coves with firm bottom and vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Shallow coves with emerging vegetation in 4-8 foot depth range	Laydowns and brush near deeper water access
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Protected shallow coves with submerged vegetation and laydowns	Secondary points adjacent to spawning bays
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Sharp drop-offs near points where spawning fish stage	Shallow gravel or rocky areas near submerged vegetation
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Matted grass beds in 2-4 feet of water with firm bottom	Shallow coves with vegetation and protected shorelines
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Protected coves with submerged vegetation in 2-8 foot depth range	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to spawning flats
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Edges of grass beds with adjacent isolated structure (wood or rock)	Secondary points with submerged vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Boulder-strewn areas in creek channels and outflows where current creates feeding zones	Sharp drop-offs near points that provide access to both shallow and deep water
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Shallow vegetation beds in 4-8 feet of water, especially near firm bottom areas	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Grass edges and points in 10-15 foot depth range	Laydowns and wood cover adjacent to spawning flats
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Laydowns with adjacent vegetation, especially those in 5-10 feet of water	Deep grass edges in 10-15 feet of water near hard bottom areas
Summer	Trout	Points with sharp drop-offs where fish can quickly transition between deep and shallow water	Deep basin areas near surface activity
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Topped-out grass edges in 10-15 foot zones	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to vegetation
Summer	Crappie	Grass edges and weed lines in 10-15 foot depth range	Laydowns with adjacent vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Submerged grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, especially edges and irregularities	Laydowns and fallen timber near shoreline areas
Fall	Trout	Weed edges and submerged vegetation near shoreline	Sharp drop-offs near points with vegetation
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of submerged vegetation in 8-12 foot range	Protected coves with remaining vegetation
Fall	Crappie	Deep vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range, especially near points and coves	Laydowns and woody cover adjacent to deeper water
Winter	Trout	Grass lines in 10 feet or less of water, particularly near sharp drop-offs	Points with submerged vegetation that transition to deeper water
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep weed edges where vegetation meets 12-15 foot depths	Deeper wood structure near vegetation, especially in areas with laydowns
Winter	Crappie	Deep vegetation edges in 10-15 foot range where they transition to winter basins	Deeper wood structure near creek channels or depth changes
Ice	Trout	Grass lines in 8-10 feet of water	Sharp drop-offs near submerged vegetation
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Deep edges of vegetation beds in 12-15 foot ranges	Basin areas adjacent to vegetation in 15-20 foot depths
Ice	Crappie	Deep basins near vegetation edges in 15-20 foot range	Suspended over submerged wood structure in 12-15 foot depths

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill moving shallow and beginning to stage near spawning areas	Crawfish becoming more active in warming water
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Minnows concentrating in warming shallows	Early season aquatic insects
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects emerging in warming waters	Small crustaceans in vegetation
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegill	Young of Year Shad
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill beginning to move shallow for their own spawn	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Minnows gathering in shallow spawning areas	Early season aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae around vegetation	Small crustaceans in grass beds
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Small bluegill fry	Small minnows
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Perch	Bluegill
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Minnows and small baitfish	Early season aquatic insects
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Small insects and larvae emerging in vegetation	Small crustaceans in vegetation beds
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Small Bluegill	Young-of-year Shad
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrating around shallow cover and vegetation	Crawfish active around rock and hard bottom areas
Summer	Trout	Minnows schooling near the surface and around structure	Aquatic insects in shallow areas during morning hours
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Aquatic insects around vegetation	Small crustaceans in weed beds
Summer	Crappie	Bluegill fry and juveniles	Small baitfish relating to vegetation
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated around vegetation	Shad moving through grass edges
Fall	Trout	Aquatic insects and emerging bug hatches	Small minnows and baitfish
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects	Zooplankton concentrations near vegetation edges
Fall	Crappie	Juvenile Bluegill concentrating near vegetation edges	Small baitfish schooling in open water
Winter	Trout	Minnows congregating near vegetation edges	Small aquatic insects near remaining vegetation
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton
Winter	Crappie	Bluegill	Young-of-year shad
Ice	Trout	Minnows	Small aquatic insects in weed beds
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Small aquatic insects and larvae	Tiny crustaceans near vegetation edges
Ice	Crappie	Small Bluegill fry	Young-of-year perch

Bait Colors by Season for Sheridan Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Crappie	Light Neutral Colors Pink Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Vibrant Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals Pink Colors
Summer	Trout	Chartreuse Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors
Summer	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Vibrant Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Fall	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Trout	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Crappie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Ice	Trout	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Chartreuse Colors
Ice	Panfish / Bluegill	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Crappie	Chartreuse Colors Pink Colors Dark Neutrals