Fall cooling pushes Belton bass toward creek arms and rocky points

What anglers are reporting The last solid reports from Belton were way back in the spring, so we are flying on seasonal patterns and current conditions this week. With the recent mild weather and a cooling trend setting in, the fall transition should be in full swing.

This week's outlook Water temperatures should be sitting in the mid to upper 60s. We have a wet, cooling pattern early in the week, followed by a sharp front on Thursday that brings heavy north winds and a significant temperature drop. Before that front hits, expect bass to be actively pushing shad into the creek arms like Cowhouse and the Leon River. The rain might put a little color in the water up the rivers, but the main lake should remain clear.

Where to start Look for largemouth moving up along rocky banks and secondary points inside the major creek arms. Smallmouth will likely hold on the steeper, rocky shorelines and bluff ends on the lower end near the dam. Use your electronics to find the bait. If you find the shad, the bass will be close by. Wind-blown rocky points will be prime targets early in the week.

Bait box

• Medium-diving crankbaits (shad patterns)
• Spinnerbaits (white/silver willow blades for wind)
• Drop shot with a small natural shad plastic
• Finesse jigs (craw colors for rocky points)

This weekend Thursday's front brings heavy north winds that carry into Friday and Saturday, dropping highs into the 50s. That post-front bluebird sky will tighten fish to cover and push them a bit deeper. Downsize your line, slow down your presentation, and lean on a drop shot or a finesse jig around isolated boulders and bluff walls to scratch out bites.