November gales limit reports but reefs hold late-fall smallmouth

We do not have any fresh reports from the western basin this week. Boat traffic usually drops off a cliff this time of year as the November gales roll in and make the open water tough to fish safely.

If you can find a weather window to get out, the late fall seasonal pattern is in full swing. Smallmouth will be concentrated on the main-lake limestone reefs, island shoals, and points. They are feeding heavily on round gobies, emerald shiners, and gizzard shad before the ice forms. The fish are generally grouped up tight on these structures, so you might have to scan a few different rock piles or boulder fields before you find an active school.

• Blade baits
• Jerkbaits
• Swimbaits

For this weekend, keep a close eye on the wind forecast before heading out. If it is safe to launch, target the main-lake reefs around the islands with a blade bait or a jerkbait to trigger bites from grouped-up smallmouth.