Just after ice out, water temps were rising quickly to around 48 degrees. The bite was on once the water reached 45 or so. Water was clear and low. Fish were shallow near channel swings in as little as 3 feet of water, and I was catching them on jerkbaits and jigs. Since that we have had multiple cold fronts come through about every three days that were accompanied by heavy rainfall. All of my productive spots are muddy and cold. I have always had trouble when water temps are falling. Should I move back to clearer water on the main lake or just crank rattletraps or drag jigs in the muddy water? I appreciate the hep fellas.

LOL we just got 18" on new snow here...

Yeah, it sounds like they retreated. Even if the water stayed warm, the bite would have been tougher because of the muddy water, but they still would be catchable.

If you can reach them on the same channels but in deeper water and hopefully near some cover or structure, you may be back in business.

JMHO

LOL we just got 18" on new snow here...

Didn't mean to rub it in ;D

Love fishing in muddy water in the summer, hate it when water temps are 44 degrees.

The bass will not abandon a potential spawn area, they will however move 2 or 3 breaklines deeper. 

I would find the clear water closest to the spot you were catching em before the front. 

i cannot wiat for this colder weather to pass in illinois. looks like its finally getting warmer!!

It wont stop freaking raining over here