Cooling water pushes bass into creeks and grass lines

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was mid-June, so we are relying on seasonal patterns and current weather. Back in the summer, the offshore ledge bite was the main deal, but those fish have long since moved.

This week's outlook With air temperatures dropping from the 70s into the 60s and overnight lows hitting the 40s, expect water temperatures to slide into the low 60s. This cooling trend accelerates the fall migration. Gizzard and threadfin shad are pushing into the creeks and holding around remaining hydrilla and milfoil beds. Bass will be right behind them, using the grass edges and secondary points to ambush bait.

Where to start Focus on the mouths to the middle sections of major creeks and sloughs. Look for green grass lines, secondary points, and shallow flats where bait is flickering. If the TVA is pulling current, the main river grass edges and stump flats on the upper end will also hold feeding fish.

Bait box

• 1/2 oz spinnerbait (white/chartreuse) for windy grass edges
• Squarebill crankbait (shad pattern) for stumps and laydowns
• Walking topwater bait for early morning schooling activity
• Bladed jig (green pumpkin) for working over submerged hydrilla
• Lipless crankbait to rip through dying grass

This weekend A front pushes through today, dropping highs into the mid-60s with north winds. Expect the bite to tighten up slightly post-front on Saturday and Sunday. Slow down your presentation and keep a bladed jig or squarebill tight to cover. Another stronger front arrives Thursday with heavy rain, so take advantage of the stable warming trend early next week before the weather turns.