Pre-spawn staging begins as a strong weekend cold front approaches

What anglers are reporting The last solid report was late September, so we are relying on seasonal patterns and weather this week. At that time, water levels were slowly rising and fish were setting up on the outer emergent grass lines and eelgrass patches.

This week's outlook November on Okeechobee means the first wave of pre-spawners is starting to stage near the marsh openings. Water temperatures should be in the mid to upper 70s right now. We have a major cold front pushing through late Thursday into Friday, dropping daytime highs from the 80s down into the 60s. The days leading up to that front should trigger a solid feeding window as fish push toward the outer grass lines to intercept shad and shiners.

Where to start Focus on the outer edges where two types of vegetation meet, like reeds mixing with hydrilla or eelgrass. With strong northwest and north winds hitting 18 to 19 mph on Thursday and Friday, you will need to find the lee side of the lake to find fishable, clean water. Look for the south and east shorelines to offer the best protection and clarity. Target the points and cuts in the grass line.

Bait box

• Topwater prop baits for early mornings and pre-front feeding
• Swim jigs in white or bluegill patterns around grass edges
• Speed worms fished slowly through eelgrass
• Live golden shiners for staging pre-spawn fish
• Heavy tungsten and dark plastics for punching post-front mats

This weekend Saturday and Sunday will be classic post-front conditions. Highs in the 60s to low 70s, north winds, and bluebird skies. The bite will slow down significantly. Bass will bury up in the thickest cover they can find. Put down the moving baits and pick up a heavy flipping stick to punch mats, or slow down completely with dead-sticked soft plastics in protected pockets.