How much does a cold front trigger the fall bite?

[6 lb Smallmouth]

Last weekend it was in 70s with water temps in the mid 60s.  In the 60s still on Thursday but it is supposed to drop down into the 40s and 30s on Friday and Friday night with highs in the low 40s on Saturday.  Do you think this will trigger the bite or shut them down?  Gonna be cold with 10-15 mi/hr west winds on Saturday.  Contemplating going out for some Lake Michigan smallies on Saturday but it definitely will not be pleasant conditions.  What do you think? 

[TheFishinPollock]

Water temps up here on spot on. high 50's. Everything is eating throughout the day .

[LennyB]

Its been my experience that when the water temp drops quickly it generally shuts the bite down for a little bit. Then once the fish acclimate to the cooler temps they turn on again. I like to go after it has been cool for a a week or so, not the first day or two after a 10 degree drop in water temp.

[djkimmel]

Good info. First, I say if you can go fishing, go fishing! But when looking for the hottest bite it does pay to target periods of consistency. I've been up north when the water drops 10 degrees over night and the bass seem to have disappeared the next day. Get a few days of the same 'stable' weather in a row after and suddenly they reappear and even want to bite.