Fall fishing is a great time to change up your fly patterns. Because the prey of fish changes from month to month and week to week, the patterns you need to follow may be different than in spring. Specifically, fly fishermen should target different insects. In addition, weedbeds die off, causing fish near them to become more concentrated. Some weeds, however, are resilient and persist even after the water freezes.
Big baits catch big fish
A popular type of bait that catches big fish during the fall months is the crankbait. Although many anglers prefer using a larger size for this time of year, a small bait can also catch big fish. Big baits also tend to attract more fish, so keep this in mind when you’re choosing a lure.
Big live minnows are the best choice for smallmouth and walleye. Redtails that are only five or six inches long will not last very long on a jig. A larger redtail, such as a four-inch or five-inch bass, will be easier to hook. If you’d like to try a jig for walleyes and smallmouth, try a smaller sized lure. You can also try suckers, which are readily available.
During the fall, the best baits for catching big fish are big and slow-moving. Bass prefer to eat large meals that move slowly, so try to use a slow-moving spinnerbait or jig. This presentation will help you keep your bait in the strike zone longer.
While a smaller bait is better for spring and early summer, big baits will catch bigger fish during the fall. When water temperatures drop in the late fall, the bite will wane. During the summer, high water levels brought in a lot of cover, such as weedy points, willow trees, and grassy points. Even stumps and rocks can provide good ambush points.
When it comes to bass fishing, the best temperature for fall bass fishing is in the 50’s. The bass are still aggressive, but they are now sitting deeper in the water. Using reaction baits such as a slow moving soft plastic will work best during this time of year.
Finding schools of bait
During the Fall fishing season, finding schools of bait is essential for finding bass. Bass around bait are generally aggressive, and if your lure is in their strike zone, they will strike quickly. You can use spinnerbaits or swimbaits around these baits. These lures mimic the movement of shad and are perfect for shallow water.
If you’re looking for bass, look for these baitfish around drop-offs, ledges, and moving water. These schools will be moving toward the backs of creeks, and you can often spot them flipping or swarming together. You can also idle at secondary points, or along the final steep drops in creek arms. Bluff walls off the main lake are another place to look for schools of bait.
When fishing for Bass in the fall, you can use a variety of lures to find bait. A jig rigged with a jig head can be extremely effective for shallow water Bass. You can also use a chatterbait to locate bait in deeper water.
When fishing for largemouth in the fall, look for baitfish that have clustered in large groups. Largemouth fish are attracted to these baitfish, and you can find them hundreds of yards away from structure. If you’re not able to find these baitfish, you can also use sonar to identify where they’re congregating. Many anglers have success fishing long, extended points with crank baits in 5-8 feet of water.
Using a 1/4-ounce spinnerbait
Fall fishing is a great time to use a 1/4-ounce spinnerbait. The water temperatures will start to cool down, and bass will begin to flee from deep-water habitats. Once the water temperature drops below 70°F, a spinnerbait becomes a primary player in the bite.
You should fished your spinnerbait slow to medium-fast to mimic the natural action of a strike. Use a medium-action rod and 14-pound test line. A heavy rod will lead to over-reaction when a strike occurs. Also, try popping your spinnerbait to get the blades moving. If possible, pitch the bait near the surface, so the blades will be close to the water’s surface.
While spinnerbaits are an excellent choice for fall fishing, they are a versatile tool that can be used in many situations. Choose the type of blade, color, and presence of a bait to suit the type of water you’re fishing in. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to increase your success rate as water temperatures decrease.
When using a 1/4-ounce spinnerbait, make sure you select a color that catches the attention of the fish. Bright colors can be a turn-on for bass. Sometimes, these small fish will nibble on your bait and pause to watch the blades. Make sure your bait has a quality hook and ball bearing swivel. You can also choose to cast your spinnerbait from shore for a quieter presentation.
Use a 1/2-ounce spinnerbait if you’re fishing for bass in deep water. This weight is best for fishing in current and in deeper waters. This weight will allow you to burn your bait mid-range and slow-roll it deep into the strike zone.
Using a bluegill-colored crankbait
Using a bluegill-colored lure can be a great way to attract bass to your fishing spot. These fish aren’t as selective as many other species, but they still respond to a variety of colors and patterns. They prefer to feed on baits that have colors they can see in the water. Whether you are fishing for bluegill in a lake or bay, this type of lure can help you catch the fish you want.
When fishing for bluegill during the fall, it’s essential to select a lure with a natural look. This type of lure is best in water that is clear or slightly stained. It’s designed to look like a shad, which is what bluegill feed on. It’s important to choose a crankbait that matches the water color. If it’s stained or clear, it will be difficult for bass to detect it.
Bass are attracted to crawfish-colored crankbaits, especially during the prespawn phase. You can use these baits in staging areas that have hard bottoms. Crawfish-colored crankbaits should constantly be knocked off of the bottom and should entice bass to attack.
If you’re looking to target bluegill in the fall, a bluegill-colored crankbaited will be a great choice. Cast a few inches under the water’s surface and let the bait float. Bluegill are aggressive predators, and if they see a bluegill-colored crankbaiting bait in shallow water, they’ll be more likely to strike it.
Fall fishing patterns are similar to pre-spawn patterns. You should know the forage and cover present in the water, and how fishing pressure affects the bites you catch. You should also be aware of the color, temperature, and current of the water where you plan to fish.
