Cooling trend pushes bait toward canals and creek mouths

What anglers are reporting The last solid reports from the lakes were in early October, when water temperatures were still hovering near 80 degrees and fish were split between shallow cypress trees and offshore brush. Since then, we have had a steady stretch of warm fall weather, but a significant change is on the way this week.

This week's outlook Expect water temperatures to be in the upper 60s before a major cold front pushes through on Thursday. This time of year, threadfin and gizzard shad are migrating toward the creek mouths and into the Diversion and Rediversion canals. Bass will follow them, setting up on hydrilla edges in Moultrie and around cypress knees and pads in Marion. The cooling water should improve the topwater bite over the grass early in the day.

Where to start Focus on the mouths of major creeks like Wyboo and Taw Caw, or the edges of the Diversion Canal. In Marion, pitch to cypress trees and stumps near deeper water. In Moultrie, look for hydrilla edges and hard-bottom flats where bait is schooling. If the wind picks up, the canals offer protected water and current breaks where bass ambush passing bait.

Bait box

• Buzzbaits (white or black)
• Spinnerbaits (willow blades, shad patterns)
• Hollow body frogs
• Swim jigs (white or bluegill)
• Texas-rigged creature baits

This weekend A strong front arrives Thursday with rain and wind, dropping daytime highs into the 50s by Saturday. Expect a strong pre-front feeding window on Wednesday and Thursday morning. By Saturday, post-front conditions will make the bite tough. Slow down, downsize your baits, and flip tight to the base of cypress trees or punch into the thickest matted grass you can find.