Midsummer smallies move to the midlake structures, particularly those in the southern half of the lake. The fish inhabit deep water adjacent to the shoals although they will move into the shallows to feed under low-light conditions. Live crabs are the best bait followed by deep-diving crankbaits, which imitate crayfish. Like the largemouths, smallmouth fishing peaks in the fall. As the water cools, bronzebacks spend more time on top of the shoals where they are more concentrated and more accessible to anglers.
Minnows replace crabs as the best live bait, and shallow-running crankbaits replace the deep divers.
Since panfish thrive throughout Black Lake, seasonal location is not as critical as it is for bass. However, knowledge of location will improve catches on panfish outings. These fish move into bays and other marshy areas in late April through May where they remain until spawning is completed in mid-June. Throughout the summer, bluegill will school near weedlines, rock piles, and other structures. Although bluegill fishing is good throughout most of the year, fall fishing is generally slow.