Fall Patterns Hold on Lake Marble Falls Before Heavy Weekend Rain

What anglers are reporting The last solid reports from the lake were back in February, so we are relying on seasonal patterns and current conditions this week. With recent cooling trends and some light rain over the past week, water temperatures should be sitting in the mid to upper 60s.

This week's outlook Fall transitions mean shad are pushing up the river channel toward Wirtz Dam. Because Marble Falls fishes like a river, any current generated by LCRA releases will position bass on the upstream side of bridge pilings, bluff points, and isolated boulders. The bite should be steady through the week with stable, mild weather before a major system arrives on Sunday.

Where to start Focus your efforts on the upper half of the lake near the dam tailrace and along steep rock bluffs. Target the shade and structure of residential boathouses by skipping jigs or wacky worms underneath them. If they are pulling water, position your boat to cast upstream at bridge pilings and work baits naturally with the flow.

Bait box

• Squarebill crankbaits in shad patterns for rock banks
• White or chartreuse spinnerbaits for windy points and bridge pilings
• Green pumpkin skipping jigs for boathouse docks
• Wacky rigged stickbaits for isolated boulders and dock ladders

This weekend Saturday looks like the day to be on the water, with highs in the upper 70s and a stiff south breeze ahead of a strong front. Expect a solid pre-front feeding window. Sunday brings a massive weather change with a forecasted four inches of rain and a sharp temperature drop, which will muddy the water and slow the bite. Plan to fish Saturday and stay off the water Sunday.