Cooling temperatures push Conroe bass into fall timber patterns

What anglers are reporting Recent reports from early November show Lake Conroe settling into its fall transition. The water level continues a slow, steady decline. Cooler nights are finally pushing baitfish into new areas, and the largemouth are following them as they shift locations across the reservoir.

This week's outlook We have a significant cooling trend arriving this week, with daytime highs dropping from the upper 70s into the 60s and eventually the 50s. Expect water temperatures to fall from the low 70s into the upper 60s. This temperature drop will accelerate the shad migration into the creeks and the standing timber up the river channel. Bass will feed heavily on these baitfish pods before the stronger cold fronts push through later in the week.

Where to start Focus your efforts on the upper lake where the river channel meets standing timber. Look for bends in the channel where shad are staging. In the lower lake, target the deeper boat docks and bulkheads that have brush planted nearby. Skipping baits under these docks will be key as the sun gets higher. Secondary points leading into creeks are also prime ambush spots right now.

Bait box

• Squarebill crankbaits in shad patterns for deflecting off timber
• White and chartreuse spinnerbaits for working through wood cover
• Wacky rigged stickbaits for skipping under docks
• Shaky head jigs with green pumpkin worms for deeper brush piles
• Lipless crankbaits to cover water on flats near creek mouths

This weekend Saturday looks stable with highs in the mid 70s and a moderate northeast breeze, making it the best day to cover water and find active fish. Sunday brings a front with rain and a temperature drop. Fish fast and aggressive ahead of the rain on Sunday morning, then slow down and tight-line jigs around bulkheads or deep brush as the front passes and the bite gets tougher.