Fall shad migration dictates the early November bite

Fresh reports from Grand Lake are pretty thin this week, so we have to rely on the standard early November playbook. Right now, the fall transition should be the main factor. This time of year is all about the shad migration. As the bait pushes up into the feeder creeks like Honey, Duck, Horse, and Drowning Creek, the largemouth follow right behind them into shallower water. You will want to focus your search on the backs of these creeks and the secondary points leading into them.\n\nSince we do not have current water temperatures or clarity readings, a good starting approach is to cover water to find the baitfish. Squarebill crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the standard tools for this, especially around shallow docks and laydowns. If the water in the upper river is stained, a spinnerbait will help them track it. Down on the clearer lower end, you might find some smallmouth and spotted bass around the rockier points.\n\nFor this weekend, keep it simple and follow the bait. Start by throwing a squarebill or spinnerbait around creek laydowns to locate active fish, then slow down and pick apart the nearby docks with a jig.