Summer smallmouth bite is on

The bite is on for summer smallies near Buffalo NY. With one of the warmest winters in the history of this area everyone was wondering when things would be normal, that time is now. Lake Eire did not freeze at all this winter and it made the spring fishing as different as I have ever seen in my 34 years of guiding. The smallies were already spawning by the 3rd week of may which is at least 2 weeks ahead of the norm. Even with the early spawn the bass didn't get onto their summer patterns until the last week or so. The pattern now is to look for schools of smallies on drops that fall from 25 to 35 feet with the wind blowing into the drop if possible. Work your baits from deep to shallow, both tubes and live bait, and consentrate on the lip of the drop. If the wind is blowing to fast for a good presentation, use your drift sock to slow you down. Fish in the 2 to 5 lb class are eating big time after a rigorous spawn. Be aware that the canadians are looking make some money by harassing boaters for not reporting when crossing over the line. A fine of 1000 is the punishment. Be careful