Fall shad push continues as a major cold front approaches

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was from August, so we are relying on seasonal patterns and current weather. Late summer had fish deep on the river channel seeking oxygen, but that deep ledge bite is over.

This week's outlook Water temperatures should be dropping into the low 60s with the recent cool nights. Threadfin and gizzard shad are pushing back into the creek channels, and the largemouth are right behind them. The milfoil and hydrilla beds are starting to thin out, creating distinct edges and holes that concentrate feeding fish. Expect a strong pre-front feeding window early in the week before a massive temperature drop hits on Thursday and Friday.

Where to start Look for bait flicking on the surface near the mouths of creeks and along causeways. Target the outside edges of remaining submerged grass with moving baits to locate active schools. If the wind picks up, focus on main-lake points and bridge riprap where bait gets funneled and pinned against the rocks.

Bait box

• White or chartreuse spinnerbait for windy days around grass edges
• Shad pattern squarebill crankbait for banging off riprap
• Buzzbait for early mornings over thinning grass flats
• Lipless crankbait for ripping through submerged milfoil
• 3/4-ounce white swim jig for covering water in the creeks

This weekend A severe cold front arrives Thursday into Friday, dropping daytime highs into the low 40s with rain and wind. The post-front bluebird conditions on Saturday will tighten bass to cover and slow their metabolism. Put away the fast moving baits, pick up a heavy jig, and punch the thickest remaining matted hydrilla or drag a big worm slowly on the deeper creek bends.