Fall transition pushes bass into Lake Fork creeks

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was early October. Back then, low water had fish concentrated, with a strong early topwater bite on points and a deep Carolina rig bite on humps and roadbeds. With a month of cooling weather since then, the lake has shifted fully into its fall pattern.

This week's outlook We have a cooling trend with a front pushing through today and a stronger one lined up for Thursday. Water temperatures should be dropping into the mid to upper 60s. Shad are moving back into the creeks, and the bass are following them. The incoming weather means you will see distinct pre-front feeding windows followed by fish pulling tight to cover once the wind shifts and the skies clear.

Where to start Focus on the creeks. Look for secondary points, hydrilla edges, and boathouses in two to ten feet of water where bait is present. If the grass is thin, rely on standing timber and brush piles along the creek channel swings. Let the wind dictate your approach, using it to your advantage on wind-blown points and banks.

Bait box

• Squarebill crankbaits in shad patterns
• White spinnerbaits for windy points
• Topwater walkers for early mornings
• Texas-rigged creature baits for tight cover

This weekend Today brings a front with a high of 67 and northeast winds. Expect the bite to tighten up as the temperature drops. Sunday looks stable but cool with a high of 72 and a light north wind. If the reaction bite slows down under post-front bluebird skies, slow your presentation and pick apart the timber and docks with soft plastics.