Fishing Report for October 15, 2009

• By JOE MACALUSO
• Advocate Outdoors writer
• Published: Oct 15, 2009 - Page: 10C

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We’ve asked for it and it looks like we’re going to get the most dramatic weather change since fall fell on us nearly a month ago — and there’s going to be an equally dramatic shift in freshwater and saltwater action.

After more than three weeks of east and south winds, today’s strong west winds are predicted to be followed by even stronger north winds. That’s enough to throw the fish “off their feed” for a couple of days.

Combine that with three weeks of rain and the results are muddy bayous and extra-high rivers. While the barometric pressure will rise, water temperatures and falling water brought on by the north winds should keep feeding activity high.

Sure thing

A small-craft advisory throughout the weekend is a sure bet. Expect rough to very rough for inside areas with seas building to 5-to-7 feet out to 20 miles, and up to 8 feet offshore into Sunday.

Weather

Downright chilly: The cold front will push weekend lows into the mid-40s with afternoon highs around 70. Expect winds and temperatures to moderate Tuesday.

North winds will push water from the Atchafalaya Spillway and the marshes Friday and Saturday, but the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers are predicted for a continued rise for the next 10 days. The Mississippi’s gauge at Baton Rouge will hit 26 feet Sunday — 11 feet over the stage for water to move into Old River — with the Atchafalaya predicted for a 3.6-foot reading at Morgan City today, 3.8 Friday, 3.5 Saturday, then 3.7 Sunday.

Freshwater

Most areas remain muddy after recent heavy rains. Look for run-outs in the middle of the Atchafalaya Spillway to be productive. A wide range of lures should produce bass strikes. Look for sac-a-lait around dense vegetation. When water falls, sac-a-lait will hit baits like Roadrunners and small in-line spinners equally as well as tube jigs and shiners.

Old River action on sac-a-lait has slumped on the rising water. The best place to look for them will be around flooded walkways and piers. Bream are still hiding under houseboats on the island side.

Wait until the sun gets high , then use crickets on a weighted hook about 10 feet down in the shade under the houseboats.

The north wind will push enough water from the marshes south of U.S. 90 to yield bass and bluegill in The Wax and canal systems in the Bayou Black and Bayou Penchant areas.