Fall shad push and cooling weather on Lake Austin

What anglers are reporting The last solid report from the state was back in February, so we are leaning on seasonal patterns and current weather to break down the lake this week. Fall transitions are fully underway, and the cooling water will dictate where the fish position.

This week's outlook Fall patterns are setting up nicely across the reservoir. A recent front just knocked daytime highs down into the 60s and 70s, and we have a steady cooling trend with rain in the forecast over the next few days. Threadfin and gizzard shad are pushing toward the mouths of Bull Creek and Bee Creek. Bass will use the watermilfoil and pondweed beds to ambush this bait, especially when the LCRA is generating current from Mansfield Dam.

Where to start Focus on grass points and dock corners facing the flow when the current is moving. The outside edges of the milfoil and pondweed beds in 5 to 12 feet of water are prime ambush spots for feeding fish. If the sun gets high or the bite slows down, skip soft plastics under the deeper boat docks or probe the boulders and rock slides below the limestone bluffs.

Bait box

• White or chartreuse chatterbaits for grass edges
• Topwater walkers for low light and overcast conditions
• Shad pattern swim jigs to mimic threadfin
• Texas-rigged creature baits for pitching to docks
• Squarebill crankbaits for deflecting off rock and wood

This weekend Saturday brings cooler temperatures in the upper 60s with a chance of light rain, and Sunday looks similar with slightly heavier rain expected. These overcast skies and dropping temperatures should extend the topwater and moving bait bite over the grass well into the morning. Keep an eye on the generation schedule and always position your boat to cast up-current for the most natural presentation.