Cold Front Questions

[Lara]

I've been reading this forum and trying to learn from the experts on this site for a couple of years now, but it's my first time posting. Just wondered what thoughts everyone had (especially Mr. B and anyone else that fishes the Shell Knob area often) on the upcoming cold snap. I am coming down this afternoon and staying through Sunday. Wondered if I should brave the cold on Fri/Sat or settle in with a hot drink and watch my Jayhawks get smashed again...

More specifically, will the first big cold snap of fall push shad/bass into shallower pockets and up creek arms, or will it drive them deeper and turn them off?? Will the ideal presentation be slow, slow, and slower....or will they be in a "feed up for fall" mode and gorging aggressively?

Finally, I owe two years of thanks to everyone that posts on the site and offers specific instruction on the how, when, and where to catch 'em. Thank you all ( X 2 years) !!

[Guest]

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[riverfish]

i had my best day for quality fish on march 1st of 2010 i believe and it was during a cold front and it was snowing like a mother it was a little slow but it was worth it for me the only thing that pushed me off the lake was when i almost slipped on my snow and ice covered deck i decided it was time to go in. one thing i can give you a heads up on is that the homer sloan derby will be on saturday that usually draws 60 to 90 boats range. and also there is a derby out of indian so there is a good possibility of a busy boat traffic day in the shell knob area good luck on whatever you decide

[Champ188]

Fish are very unpredictable when it comes to fall cold fronts. Last I saw, Saturday is supposed to be cloudy, windy and cold. The longer the clouds and wind stay around, the more apt the fish are to be active. Undoubtedly, there should be some shallow. Seek out windblown banks — particularly those transition areas where bluff rock moderates to chunk rock, or where chunk rock turns to gravel — and throw small crank baits (Bandit 200 in craw-orange or rootbeer thrown on 8-pound or 10-pound line is a killer) or your favorite spinnerbait. A topwater like a Zara Spook Jr. can work too, provided the waves are no bigger than a light chop.

If the fish won't chase moving baits, slow down and throw a finesse jig (can't beat PBJ with a green pumpkin Zoom Lil Critter Craw) or a green pumpkin shaky head worm. Don't pass up a good point or bluff end either, provided there's not a tournament boat sitting on every one of them.

Have fun out there and let us know how you do. I'll be in the James myself Saturday and will post my results, although maybe not in complete detail since Donna and I are fishing that Champion owners derby up there the following Saturday.

[CBOWEN]

Champ, when did they start having the Champion Derby again. Where can I find details for it. Thanks Chris

[Champ188]

Here's a link to a page here on this site. It's not the old factory tournament but it sounds like fun.

[Feathers and Fins]

I have been seeing more and more shad moving into mudflats look for fish in and around them. Start out shallow and work deeper.