Hey fellas. I'll be going through moose up to knife this thurs sept 2nd. I see there's a significant cold front coming through. How do you think this will affect the fishing? I usually plan on going after the big four- trout, walleye, pike and bass- not in any order. I've read up on the subject of cold-fronts and the effect they have on fishing, but was hoping some of you had some ideas pertaining to the bw. Thanks in advance, Pete

I dont like cold fronts for walleyes, because then I have to use live bait. However for Trout Bass and Pike, cold fronts can be a blessing, because they dont affect the biggest fish like they do smaller fish and thats trophy time. They might not be jumping in the boat, but I use even bigger lures than normal, big spinnerbaits, big mepps spinners, and up to one ounce spoons, and you really have the opportunity to get a wallhanger, preferably Graphite Replica .

I was up a couple of weeks ago and had a cold front come through early in the trip. Fishing was great the day before but seemed to turn off after with the exception of the Largemouth. Big flashy lures tossed into downed logs proved really successful. Biggest issue with the front coming through was the wind. Really wasn't prepared for that since it was my first trip up. We ended up doing ok with a rock and nylon strap but could have used 2 or a drift sock. It was just really, really, really, windy :)

Obviously, there are many factors when fishing changing weather patterns, but here are some thoughts on fishing in strong fronts:

1) Strong fronts mean high barometric pressure and usually clear skies/bright sun. Fish have to go deeper for sun protection (no eye lids) so you can adjust accordingly. However, dark stained water is great to block sun and don't go too deep and fish under them. Noisy rattling lures and spinning blades are perfect for this.

2) Fish seek cover from the sun. Logs, blow downs and weeds are perfect cover. The brighter the light/clearer the water then you should get closer and deeper into the cover as well. Not close to the weeds - IN THE WEEDS. Use weedless spoons/lures/rigs and get where you would want to hide from bright sun.

3) Strong wind (assuming is is safe to paddle) is actually a plus IMO. It aerates the water and stacks food up on the windy shallows. Fish the windy shores (not quiet protected shores) as well as "wind lines" where wind meets quite water. Wind also makes current. Always fish passes and points where wind is pushing water through and making current.

Just before a cold front means big fish. Use big baits as they will be tying on the feed bag. After means fishing slow. Drop shotting is good, either live or artificial, SLLLOOWW jigggin, float fishing or just dead stick half a crawler or a leach in likely spots. Smallies might look the bait over good and long before biting. Walleyes will bite soft.