Fall Shad Migration Drives the Grand Lake Bite

What anglers are reporting There have been no solid reports from the lake over the last few weeks. With the recent rain and dropping temperatures, expect the fall transition to be in full swing as shad push further back into the creeks.

This week's outlook A cold front just pushed through, dropping air temperatures into the 50s. Expect water temperatures to be hovering in the upper 50s to low 60s. The bite might be a little tight to cover initially, but a warming trend early next week will get fish active again before a strong front arrives on Thursday with heavy north winds. Look for bass to be actively feeding on shad in the creeks and around secondary points ahead of that Thursday front.

Where to start Focus on the middle to backs of creeks where shad are schooling. Target the shade lines and cable posts of boat docks with jigs, and work squarebills or spinnerbaits around rocky secondary points and laydowns. If the water is stained from recent runoff, focus on shallower cover.

Bait box

• Squarebill crankbaits in shad patterns
• Heavy willow-leaf spinnerbaits
• Flipping jigs in craw colors
• Suspending jerkbaits for clearer lower lake water

This weekend Saturday will be cool and post-frontal, so slow down and pitch jigs tight to dock posts or brush. Sunday brings a shift to southwest winds and warmer air, which should improve the reaction bite on squarebills and spinnerbaits around rocky points and creek channel swings.