Topwater bite holds steady before major weekend cold front

What anglers are reporting Recent reports show the lake is clear and sitting about 7 feet below full pool. Water temperatures were around 75 degrees last week but are steadily dropping with the cooler nights. Topwater baits like the Riser have been pulling good numbers of spotted bass as they push bait toward the surface.

This week's outlook A major cold front arrives Thursday into Friday, dropping daytime highs from the 70s into the 50s. Before the front hits, expect the spots to actively chase blueback herring over main-lake humps and long points. As the water temperature falls through the upper 60s, the bait balls should tighten up and move toward the creek mouths.

Where to start Focus on windy points and offshore brush piles in 15 to 25 feet of water. Keep your boat positioned over deep water and cast toward the structure. If you see schooling activity, chase it, but rely on your electronics to find the bait schools holding near the timber and ditches when the surface action slows down.

Bait box

• Walking topwater baits in chrome or bone
• Riser baits for schooling fish
• Soft plastic jerkbaits in pearl or white
• Underspins paired with a small swimbait
• Drop shot with a morning dawn worm

This weekend The post-front conditions on Saturday and Sunday will be tough, with highs in the low 50s and a stiff northwest wind. The topwater bite will likely shut down under the bluebird skies. Downsize your presentation, slow down, and drag a drop shot or a shaky head through the deeper brush piles to scratch out a limit.