Not sure whats happening at S.M. Lake, but it could be that the bass are in spawn and lock jawed?? If thats true, most people will find the beds and lay a lure on them. The bass will pick it up and move it off there bed and thats when they set the hook. I dont like to bug the bass when I see them on the bed.

At the ponds, they too could be bedding down. I would just toss a spinnerbait and try for reaction bites.

The fish that you are seeing at the surface could be 'gills feeding on hatch, but I am sure they are bullheads (catfish). Never seen trout in those waters.

Good luck,