OVERVIEW: October is usually a great month to fish. Cooling water temperatures bring the baitfish shallow, and the fish feed in preparation for winter. Water temperatures should be in the 60s.

Largemouth bass: Fishing will be good. Jigs fished with plastic trailers are one of the most productive methods to catch bass this month. Try steep shorelines with rocks in 3 to 10 feet of water. Some fish will continue to surface and can be caught on various top-water lures. Look for concentrations of baitfish in the creeks.

Smallmouth bass: This is one of the better times of the year to catch smallmouth. Best lures will be top water, tubes and jigs. Try fishing humps and rocky shorelines near deep water.

Striped bass: Fishing will be good. Most schools of fish will be moving up stream and into the large creeks following the movement of the baitfish. Best lures will be popping plugs, flukes fished weightless, bucktails and flukes fished on ³₈ to ½ oz. leadheads. Live bait and trolling should produce some fish.

Crappie: Fishing is good. Fish can be caught around docks and brush piles in 6 to 15 feet of water. Small minnows, small jigs and tubes will be the best baits.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Water clarity is a big factor when fishing during the daytime this month. Try fishing on overcast days. Fluorocarbon line will increase your catch.