I know it sound like a broken record, but the top-water bite continues to be spectacular on pool 4-5. What has changed is the scenery. The fall colors along the river are near-peak. Hopefully, the wind and rain won’t strip too many leafs. Areas that caught my eye were the stretch from Reeds Landing to LaCouplis and from Minneska to Bass Camp. The picture is off our deck but the photo doesn’t do justice.
The report is based on pre-fishing for a tournament on Sunday. Wing dams and upstream points are holding quality smallmouth. The Fish are schooled tightly and have the feed-bag on. Their bellies are bulging and just about every fish poos on the carpet of the boat Most of the time the fish are so aggressive that a fast-paced walking baits are bringing fish on the run. On most hookups you will see several fish chasing trying to steal the bait. I’ve had several double hookups in the last three weeks. One problem is you pull the schools and it takes time for them to move back on the structure.
The Largemouth are still doing a lot of different things. We found fish on current breaks, shallow grass in current, on banks and deep wood and pads. This morning I found a number of LM on wing dams.
This weekend’s warm temps has the surface temps at 61 degrees so we may be blessed with a long fall and great bass fishing. I have to add that these fish are packing on the fat for winter. From here on out it’s best to release the fish right where you catch them. Avoid the urge to livewell them for a group picture. Moving may burn up all the energy they have stored getting back near their wintering areas.
John
More pictures
Is that a super spook? I heard that is the only bait you can throw for topwater down there now? They won’t take a regular spook?
That’s not true. They will take a Super Spook, regular spook, or Spook Jr., just depends on the day.
I believe the pic is a Super Spook Jr. just by looking at it.
That is a Super Spook jr and Dan is right, they will hit any walking bait right now. I favor the Jr. because it match’s my rod and reel preference. I like a short-handled 6’ rod for all of my top-water baits. I do most of the movement with my wrist and the short handle doesn’t limit my motion. The ½ oz Jr is a little easier to cast accurately than the standard and Super Spook. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than the Sammy and Giant Dog X. Those Mississippi Northerns have good tastes.
John