Thin reports mean relying on fall shad patterns in the creeks

We do not have many fresh reports off the water right now, with the last reliable updates coming from late summer. Back in August, the severe heat had fish pushed out to offshore grass in 12 to 15 feet, and anglers were dragging big worms or working swim jigs early in the morning. Since we are now into early November, you will need to leave that summer pattern behind and rely on the typical fall transition for Guntersville.

Right now, the focus should be entirely on the shad migration. Baitfish will be moving back into the creeks, and the bass will follow them. You will want to target the thinning beds of milfoil, hydrilla, and eelgrass near creek mouths and inside the creeks themselves. As the grass starts to die off before the first hard cold snaps, finding the greenest remaining patches is usually the key to locating active fish.

• Spinnerbaits
• Squarebill crankbaits
• Buzzbaits

For this weekend, keep a moving bait tied on and cover water in the creeks to find the baitfish. If you locate the shad around the remaining green grass, you will find the bass.