First off I'm new to this board and wanna say hello to everyone, looks to be a great board. So here is the dilemma I fish a small lake about 100 acres or so that is totally absent of any weed or midlake structure max depth about fifteen feet , lots of shad ,and most fish I catch are up real shallow holding tight to shoreline structure . Since the cool Illinois fall weather has moved in, water temps are around mid to upper 40's, and I'm having some difficulty locating fish. So what do you do ? depth? bates ? can I fish to shallow in late fall or to deep? thanks again and glad to be here...................

A lot depends on the habits of the bass in your particular lake; which you will just have to learn. I'd start out shallow and slowly work deeper as the morning progresses. When you catch a fish, remember the depth & conditions. If repeated and you catch a fish, you've now established a pattern. Consistently repeating that pattern will get you the most fish on any particular day.

Water temps have significantly cooled (50 degrees & less), here in MA, to just pre-winter condition and decent LM's are still found shallow. A weightless "Sweet Beaver" drifted down into and along side any cover should produce for you. As will most small (1/4 oz.) smallie-type jigs with short trailers.

If you have a dam on this lake, check that area thoroughly, as it will have the deepest water around it. You might just find a ball of big LM's down there! If you do, try a drop shotted, wacky rigged 4" Senko. Good Luck!

I'd try to get a topo map of the lake to see if there was any off shore structure to target.  Or if you have sonar locate it with that.

If not, I'd look around the dam (if one exists) or any points, bends with deep water near.  I'd start by throwing a carolina rig around just to "feel" around for any deeper cover.  Once I locate deep cover with the C-rig I'd fish it slower with jigs, shakey head, and/or drop shot depending on water clarity.

First off I'm new to this board and wanna say hello to everyone, looks to be a great board. So here is the dilemma I fish a small lake about 100 acres or so that is totally absent of any weed or midlake structure max depth about fifteen feet , lots of shad ,and most fish I catch are up real shallow holding tight to shoreline structure . Since the cool Illinois fall weather has moved in, water temps are around mid to upper 40's, and I'm having some difficulty locating fish. So what do you do ? depth? bates ? can I fish to shallow in late fall or to deep? thanks again and glad to be here...................

Welcome.

From the description your little lake is a reservoir from the lack of weed growth of maybe the weeds have died off from the cold water temperatures. Structure in the from of rocks and man made rock piles or docks and the dam should be your primary targets.

Water colder than 45 degrees the bass tend to be less active, so a slower presentation with smaller lures that stay in front of the bass are good choices.

If the lake has an aeration system, then fish around that area as the DO levels will be good top to bottom. If the lake doesn't have aeration, then fish the wind blown side of the lake in the deepest structure areas.

Structure spoons, tail spinners, underspins, jigs and drop shot or split shot small soft plastics imitating shad and crawdads should work.

If the shad survive, there must be 45 degree water somewhere, look for springs (early morning foggy patches on the water).

Stay warm and fish slow and deep.

WRB

water temps are around mid to upper 40's

I'd hang it up and wait til spring when it reach 50's.