The smallmouth bite it hot. The cooler weather is dropping water temps and energizing these fish. All of the local streams are in fantastic shape with good flows and clarity. Many anglers are tying up baitfish patterns in white and olive and using these mid-mornings through the afternoon. Good places to target the baitfish patterns are in the seams of riffles, tailouts, and along the banks in the vegetation. We are fully stocked at the shop with these patterns.
The popper bite is on fire and really starts in the mid afternoon especially if you can find some shade. As the evening continues, find open water spots lined with vegetation, rip rap, or any structure along the bank. You should be able to fish right up to 8:30pm. Good popper patterns include the surface seducer, sneak pete, deer hair bugs, and dahlberg divers. If the depth is more than 4-5ft, tie on a hard popper. For shallower depths, use a slider or softer popper.
The weekend and the week ahead should be some of the best smallmouth in recent weeks. Good luck.
-RFR