Late season smallmouth fishing

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Got the day off Friday and the weather looks to be favorable.  Thinking about taking the boat out one last time.  Considering Lake Geneva in southern WI.  What kind of pattern should I key on?  I've never fished this late in the season and I've got to figure the temps are in the mid 40s.  Should I focus on dropoffs?  The lake is extremely clear.  Would you even go out this late in the season?  Thanks for any advice. 

[LennyB]

I've had some great days in Michigan in November. On the clear water smallmouth lakes I fish, a blade bait like a Vib-e or silver buddy is usually good along the base of the drop offs. For largemouth the blade bait can be good as well as a jig and pig on the weed lines.

Good Luck ~ Len B.

[markgoetsch]

I always like fishing the docks and the weed flat right in down town lake geneva.  That lake always has a dock bite!  Also you can drag out in 20-30' with football jigs or tubes and have some fun as well. 

[bigmojet]

I was out on Crystal Lake in Benzie County perch fishing on Sunday which is a very clear lake and my buddy caught a 5# smallie on a perch minnow rig 25' down. I even caught 2 nice lake trout on the same rig.

[djkimmel]

The best time to go fishing is whenever you can go. I would go. Great way to learn more fishing stuff!

[Mike S.]

Yes, every trip is definitely a good time to learn more fishing stuff. I learn several new things every time I fish with Waterfoul. Whether it has to do with my rod and reel, bait presentation, different techniques, or reading my electronics, always something new. One of these days, I might turn out to be a good fisherman.

Smallie fishing this time of year can be a blast. I have learned that the bite on the northern lakes is different from the bite here on my home lakes, Muskegon and White. I don't struggle to catch fish here, but I have a hard time telling when I'm getting bit up there. It is amazing how things change from one area to another. Anyways, happy fishing. It ain't over yet!

[Dale Bryant]

Try Z-Man chatterbaits, or spoons and blades.  Maybe an Acme Little Cleo?

[Waterfoul]

Hoping to get one or two more trips in this weekend.  Weather looks decent.

[fiker]

Yeah, and now that here in Michigan Thursday is the firearm deer opener, you'll no doubt have the lakes to yourself.

[Waterfoul]

Best time of year to be a fisherman!  Empty ramps.  Empty lakes.  Hungry fish!

[Mike S.]

Hopefully, WE will see some big, hungry fish Sunday.

[Waterfoul]

My bet is I get schooled Sunday.....   

[BIGSHOW]

Wish my boat wasn't already in storage..

[Mike S.]

My bet is I get schooled Sunday.....   

It may just happen. We will see.

[gmetime24]

Wish my boat wasn't already in storage..

My thoughts exactly

[Skulley]

My boat is in storage, but I got a buddy that I will be fishing with a couple of times this week.  Hopefully the weather will hold up and we can get out on Erie.  The bite was pretty good last year at this time, so I hope it is just as good this year. 

BD                 

[Waterfoul]

Fishing tomorrow and Monday!  Sweet!!!

[BIGSHOW]

You guys are making me jealous

[Waterfoul]

You guys are making me jealous

Well then, mission accomplished!

Now... off to the garage to get ready for tomorrow!

[bigjc]

You guys have me thinking that nothing would make me more thankful than fishing Thursday morning!  hmmmm?