Water temp: If you are going to make the wart look like a baitfish, anytime. If you want it to immitate a craw which it is best for. Over 50*, under 50* craws are "dormant" or however you want to put it.
Smallies under pressure: Finesse fish, use grubs, finesse worms, shakey heads, drop-shot rigged baits, and tubes as always. -or- Take advantage of a smallies aggressive/curious nature with reaction baits that they dont get a good look at or are moving really fast.