I spent a lot of my time this summer attempting to learn how bass will react to cold fronts.  It was a fun challenge to  stay on a good bite through all pahses of a cold front.  Now, I'm curious of the exact opposite. 

 

The fall transition began several weeks ago.  Many days only reaching 60-70 degrees and 50-60 over night.  Water temps have started dropping, and I am catching more bass shallow, on crankbaits and chatterbaits.  They also seem to be bunched up.  If I find one, it seems like I've found a few.  

 

Anyway, this past weekend and into the middle of the current week our highs have been back to the mid-80s, with lows in the upper 60's.  I'm curious what, if any effect this might have on the bass?  

 

I'm hoping for a 101 type response here.  The general rule of thumb, if you will.  Looking forward to hearing your experiences!  

 

All the best,

 

RT

Our recent heat wave has temporarily pushed fish back down towards deep water.  They will often move off the bank and follow a creek to the center of a pocket, or they may slide down a point or a wall, but not for long.  It seems like bass really want to be shallow this time of year.  

Fall is one of the most important times of year to watch the weather forecast.  Cold fronts are your friend in early fall, especially the days after the front.  Once the water moves into the mid-60s and all the way down to 50, you can wreck them on topwater all day.  

I’ve never witnessed a cold front in the summer. For a general rule of thumb to throw out that applies locally for me: this time of year, smallmouth with eat everything they can see or feel or smell

3 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I’ve never witnessed a cold front in the summer 

Thanks for the smiles with my coffee this morning....