Flipping & Pitching Fishing on Crab Orchard Lake
Crab Orchard Lake · Illinois · Midwest
This expansive impoundment in southern Illinois is defined by its abundant submerged timber, stumps, and a complex network of creek channels. Known primarily for its strong largemouth bass fishery, the lake's water clarity typically ranges from stained to moderately clear, supporting a robust forage base of gizzard shad.
Flipping uses a shortened line for pendulum-style presentations within 15 feet. Pitching covers 15–40 feet with an underhand cast. Both deliver baits silently into docks, laydowns, and grass edges. Big bass in heavy cover are the target — this is where giants live.
Flipping & Pitching Setup for Crab Orchard Lake
| Rod | 7'3"–7'6" heavy or extra-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1–8.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 50–65 lb braid or 20–25 lb fluorocarbon |
| Weight | 3/8–1 oz pegged tungsten, matched to cover density |
| Hook | 4/0–5/0 straight shank flipping hook |
Seasonal Tactics on Crab Orchard Lake
Lake: During spring, largemouth bass migrate to shallower timber and brush, preparing for the spawn. Flipping jigs or creature baits into flooded cover in 2-8 feet of water is highly effective.
Flipping & Pitching: Pitch to buck brush and flooded timber during pre-spawn. Jig or crawfish-colored creature bait.
Lake: As waters warm, bass often move to deeper timber lines and creek channel bends, sometimes suspending. Deep diving crankbaits or football jigs worked along structure in 12-25 feet can yield strong bites.
Flipping & Pitching: Punch through grass mats with 1–1.5 oz weights. Fish the shade under mats where big bass hide from heat.
Lake: Fall sees bass following schools of gizzard shad into coves and along main lake points. Reaction baits like spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits, or topwater lures, are productive in 5-15 feet.
Flipping & Pitching: Target dock ends and remaining grass. Fish move shallower as water cools.
Lake: In winter, bass retreat to the deepest parts of creek channels and timbered holes, often concentrating in 20-35 feet. Slow-rolled Alabama rigs, suspending jerkbaits, or subtle jigging spoons can tempt colder fish.
Flipping & Pitching: Slow flip to deep docks and boat lifts. Swim the bait down slowly on the fall.
Best Conditions
Thick grass mats, laydowns, dock pilings, boat houses, flooded bushes; murky water; spawn and post-spawn; summer shade
Watch the line, not the water. Set the hook the instant the line twitches or moves sideways — bass in cover bite and spit fast.
More Techniques for Crab Orchard Lake
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