Cooling temps and rain push Lake LBJ bass toward creek arms

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was from late February, so we are relying on seasonal patterns and current weather to break down the lake this week. With recent air temperatures dropping from the 80s into the 60s, expect water temperatures to be hovering around the upper 60s to low 70s.

This week's outlook Fall cooling is in full swing, which means shad should be migrating into the creek arms. The upcoming week brings a steady dose of rain and a significant cold front arriving by Thursday, bringing heavy north winds. These overcast, rainy conditions leading up to the front should create strong feeding windows as bass push bait against bulkheads and rocky banks.

Where to start Focus your efforts on the mouths and middle sections of creek arms where baitfish are gathering. Target the numerous bulkheads and rocky transitions with moving baits. If the reaction bite slows, shift to skipping soft plastics deep under the walkways of boathouses and docks in 6 to 12 feet of water, which is a year-round staple on this lake.

Bait box

• Squarebill crankbaits (shad patterns for rock)
• Spinnerbaits (white for windy bulkheads)
• Wacky-rigged stickbaits (skipping under docks)
• Texas-rigged craws (pitching to boathouses)
• Jerkbaits (clear water near the dam)

This weekend Expect wet and cooler conditions this weekend with highs in the upper 60s and steady rain. The low light and precipitation should keep bass active and roaming shallower than usual. Cover water quickly along bulkheads with a squarebill or spinnerbait, and keep a wacky rig ready for any docks you pass along the way.