Fall warming trend pushes bass to weed lines and rock

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was late September, when water temperatures were in the low 70s and the fall transition was just starting. Back then, early morning reaction bites on rocky points gave way to a slower jig and drop shot bite in 10 to 20 feet of water.

This week's outlook With air temperatures warming into the mid-70s and stable weather settling in, expect water temperatures to hover around the 60-degree mark. The recent cold front from earlier in the week is in the rearview mirror. Bass should be actively feeding on threadfin shad and silversides along the remaining offshore weed lines and deeper docks. The warming trend will keep fish moving and feeding aggressively before winter sets in.

Where to start Focus on the deeper edges of the tules and offshore grass lines in the Upper Arm early in the day. As the sun gets higher, shift your attention to rocky points and deeper boat docks in the Lower and Oaks Arms. Look for bait balls on your electronics near these structures. If the wind picks up, target the windblown tules and rocky banks.

Bait box

• Ripbaits in shad patterns for working over grass and points
• Medium diving crankbaits in baitfish colors
• Swimbaits to match hitch or shad along tule edges
• Football jigs in brown and purple for deeper rock piles
• Drop shot rigs with finesse worms for suspended fish under docks

This weekend Expect excellent fishing conditions with highs in the upper 70s and light winds. The stable, warm weather should create a strong morning reaction bite. Start fast with moving baits around grass and tules, then slow down with jigs and drop shots around deeper rock and docks as the day progresses.