Late fall transition pushes smallmouth to deep rock and causeways

What anglers are reporting The last solid reports were from late summer, so we are relying on seasonal patterns right now. Back then, guys were flipping milfoil in the south end and cranking shallow rock. Now that we are into November, those summer patterns are completely done.

This week's outlook Water temperatures should be falling into the upper 40s to low 50s with the recent cool nights. The largemouth bite is narrowing down to the last remaining green weed edges in the southern end and Missisquoi Bay. Smallmouth are the main draw right now, grouping up heavily on main-lake rock, boulder shoals, and causeway openings to feed on alewives before winter sets in. A strong cold front hits Thursday, which should trigger a solid pre-front feeding window early in the week before fish pull tight to cover and slow down post-front.

Where to start If you want smallmouth, focus on the Alburgh causeways and rocky reefs in the Inland Sea. Look for areas where wind pushes current through the openings. Use your electronics to find bait balls in 15 to 30 feet of water. For largemouth, head down toward Ticonderoga or the backs of sheltered bays and target the steepest drops outside of dying milfoil beds.

Bait box

• Suspending jerkbaits in alewife or smelt patterns
• Silver or gold blade baits for deep rock
• Drop shot rigs with minnow profile plastics
• Heavy football jigs for dragging boulder shoals
• Black and blue pitching jigs for remaining green grass

This weekend Saturday and Sunday bring sustained north and northwest winds blowing over 20 miles per hour. The main lake will be rough. Tuck into sheltered bays around Plattsburgh or Burlington, or hide behind the islands in the Inland Sea to find fishable water. The wind will position feeding smallmouth on the windy side of points, so fish the edges of the chop where you can safely hold the boat.