Early and Late Bite Producing as Lake Falls

With water temperatures around 83 degrees and the lake beginning to fall, the best bass fishing has been early in the morning and again late in the evening.

Largemouth, striped & spotted bass are chasing schools of baitfish in open water during these low-light periods. Watch for fish breaking the surface and keep a natural-colored soft-plastic jerkbait ready. The KVD Caffeine Shad has been especially productive.

Once the surface activity ends—often around 7 a.m.—move toward main-lake points and use electronics to locate deeper schools. Medium-diving crankbaits like the Rapala DT10 have worked well, along with jighead minnows presented near the fish.

Crappie have been harder to locate consistently, although a few have been caught on crankbaits while targeting bass. Try checking brush and standing timber approximately 12–18 feet deep, especially in the middle and lower portions of the lake. Minnows or small jigs worked vertically around this cover may be the best option.