In smaller rivers, how much do smallmouth really move after the autumnal equinox and how does this influence where you cast?

[Ohioguy25]

I have long heard that within a week of the autumnal equinox, no matter what the water temperature is smallmouth begin making their way to where they are going to be spending the winter. 
 

What puzzles me about this is don’t they need that current they have been feeding near all summer to feed up for fall, or do they relocate to different current nearer to adequate winter habitat (deep, slow water?)

 

Lastly, are there any areas you target during the summer that you stop hitting from this point on?

[Scott F]

I’ve never heard of that autumnal equinox theory. Around here, any movement towards wintering areas happens much later when water temps are a lot colder. I’ve fished well into October when air temps were in the 80’s and the bass were still where we found them during the summer. 

[Ohioguy25]

5 minutes ago, Scott F said:

I’ve never heard of that autumnal equinox theory. Around here, any movement towards wintering areas happens much later when water temps are a lot colder. I’ve fished well into October when air temps were in the 80’s and the bass were still where we found them during the summer. 

That would make the most sense idk why that hypothesis gets so much traction 

[Scott F]

Probably in the same circles as those who believe that bass only spawn on the full moon.