SEASONAL PATTERNS

Winter

Late December to February (ice fishing) look for wipers in the deeper sections of the lake. Fish around humps, ridges and points along the creek or river channels, and look for shad in depths of 25 to 50 feet. The best lures are 1/4 oz. to 1/2 oz. jigging spoons and dropshot rigs with small plastic or live minnows.

Early Spring

Late February and March (after ice out) look for wipers in the same location as the winter months. Larger jigging spoons (1/2 oz. to 1 oz.), 1/2 oz. blade baits like a Silver Buddy, and dropshot rigs with a 3-inch plastic minnow or a live minnow will produce fish.

Spring

From late March to May (water temps of 40 to 65 degrees) some wipers will begin migrating upstream toward creek arms, while others can be caught on the main lake. Look for wipers along drop-offs near the creek channels, points and ridges, and look for schools of baitfish (particularly shad) along flats adjacent to the channels. The best lures are dropshot rigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits, 1/2 oz. to 1 oz. lipless crankbaits (like a Rattl' Trap), 1/2 oz. to 3/4 oz. blade baits, 3/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. Strike King Rocket Shad, 3/8 oz. to 3/4 oz. spinnerbaits, and 1/4 oz. to 1/2 oz. jigs. Topwater lures will also work when wipers are feeding near the surface, usually when the water temperature exceeds 55 degrees.

Summer

In June, July and August , when the water temperature warms above 70 degrees, most of the wipers head for the deeper main lake areas. Look for shad along points, humps or islands, and ridges along channels between the middle section of the lake and the dam. A 3/4 oz. to 1 oz. jigging spoon, 3/4 oz. blade baits, 1 oz. to 2 oz. spinnerbaits, deep diving crankbaits, and dropshot rigs with a 3- to 5-inch plastic minnow are the best baits during the hot summer days. Mornings and evenings will sometimes bring wipers to the surface to feed on shad. Use topwater baits and presentations to get in on this fast and fun action.

Anglers can also use live bait such as large shiners, bluegills, and gizzard shad. However, shad can be used only during these months, and they must be netted and used in the same lake. Consult the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's fishing regulations for specific information on the capture and use of shad.

Fall

In September and October fish the same general locations as summer patterns, but move into slightly shallower water where wipers can often be found ambushing schools of shad between the surface and mid-depths. Wipers won't relate to cover and structure as much, and they'll suspend along flats adjacent to channels where shad schools often pass by. Watch for seagulls feeding on shad near the surface to locate baitfish and wipers. Topwater lures, 3/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. Strike King Rocket Shad, crankbaits, 1/2 oz. to 3/4 oz. blade baits, and 1 oz. slab-tail spinners are the best lure choices.

Late Fall

From November to ice-up wipers will follow shad into the deepest lake sections. Look for wipers using humps, ridges and deep points along channels. Vertical jigging with spoons, blade baits and a dropshot rig with live or plastic minnows will be most productive. Look for shad and wipers in depths of 25 to 45 feet.