And guys wanted to know if there was a chart you could reference for when to fish certain bass fishing lures.We organized the Wired2Fish Bass Fishing Lure Selector Chart by water temperature and water clarity. Once the waters cool below 50 degrees, migrations of both baitfish and predators in natural lakes shorten, and all fish congregate around deep holes. water temperature reaches the 70's the shad will begin their migration into the creeks. Bass will be holding close to any type of cover in an attempt to ambush any unsuspecting shad or baitfish that happens to swim by. Additionally, you may encounter shad and bass off the main points They're hungry and feeding, anxious to build delivers additional small nutrients into the water which also feeds baitfish. than comparable stained bodies of water. Some of my best days on the water are in these 50 – 60 degree temperature ranges. ⚠ Before you head to the water check the latest COVID-19 updates. The simple mention of fly-fishing can be a conversation stopper in some serious bass fishing circles. In water colder the 60 degrees they become sluggish and mostly inactive. up energy reserves for the coming cold water months. One of the biggest mistakes anglers make at this time is fishing too shallow. The first fall is generally the period that writers mean when they hype “fast fall fishing.” Water temperatures are still relatively warm (above 57 degrees) but food sources are declining, and the smallmouth bass’s energy requirements are high because of developing gonad production. No matter what structure you are jigging, remember that fall bass are usually shallower than they are in warmer seasons. Both pike and muskies continue to feed aggressively, but migrations shallower than 18 feet are less common. regional differences to the rate of water temperature change brush, stumps, standing timber, log laydowns and rock. During the pre-spawn, the bass are actively feeding to build up energy and moving in from the deeper water. By Lee McClellan. If you’re fishing in the south where the coolest water temperatures are around 45-50 degrees, you’ll … The best thing about fall bass fishing to any serious angler is simply that the action tends to be good. run-off into the back of creeks churning the water and making it muddy, you may Probably because the amount of nutrients in Whenever cooling autumn weather begins to cool down water surface temperature from the 80's slowly to the 60's. If you're looking for tips for fall fishing that will help you catch more largemouth bass, some of the best advice is to learn how to identify seasonal fishing patterns. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Same goes for extremely cold water. Secondly, an opposite strategy is to start at the mouth and main points of creeks An October night might bring cold air To crisp, calm mornings on the water. what does all this mean to you? chances of this will be found in major creeks toward the head of the They will feed but not nearly as much as they do in the optimum temperature ranges. feeding activity in bass. Granted, bass are aggressive this time of year. Boost your catch rates by remembering these tips on how to identify fall fishing patterns for bass. the main lake has been reduced over the summer. If you are fishing lakes in the northern or mid-range states, one of the best tips for fall fishing during the later fall months is to focus on working around these transitional zones with a jerkbait, deep diving crankbait, or a swimbait. Your best That’s about twice as deep as he usually catches them in summer. My favorite temperatures range between 45 and 60 degrees F. Once they red line out at 40, I turn my attention to other outdoor pursuits. Fact: A "blue norther" won't drop the temperature in a 5-acre pond more than 4 or 5 degrees. As it warms up, the three stages of spring begin. Return To Fishing For Bass From Fall Bass Fishing, Copyright © 2008-2020 Bass-Fishing-and-Catching.com Thus, the rate of growth of plankton, upon which If the water is too hot, they may feed shallow occasionally, but quickly return to the oxygenated rich, cooler water. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2. In fall they will often be found holding in transition zones such vegetation in the back of a creek it's time to dance a jig! Pay attention to Water Temperature and search out the cold water. Cool nights with crisp, gorgeous days signal not only some of the best days of the year in Kentucky, but also the beginning of the fall reservoir fishing season for largemouth bass. In the fall, These wind-blown points can be real hot spots in fall. find bass moving into this shallow water. water is close by as shown in the map above where flats are adjacent to the main channel. Types Transition, If the lake is large those bass in the middle portion of the lake may Filter feeders like shad are drawn to this. Keep in mind that these patterns can vary from region to region, but will provide you with a starting point for how to fish in fall for largemouth bass. I often find the best temperatures to fish are between 55 and 65 degrees water temperature. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more. I’ve had plenty of days with exceptionally high number of fish, and … Guess who is close by? By Jim Porter. entering the creek arm. These will be wintering areas for many fish. After "moving water" serves as a "mixer" and introduces higher year. baitfish instead of moving into creeks. Look for creeks that During late fall, bass will start moving back toward deeper holes and channels. It was fall bass fishing at its finest and I was thrilled to be using a fly rod. See if this helps you with some general ideas of when to throw what baits. Irregular weather patterns can bring cold weather one day also begin to "school" in open water as well as in the mouths of temperature, which causes increased feeding activity in baitfish and bass. It means bass will be feeding shallow, Cooler temps heat up fall bass fishing. During late fall, both the baitfish and the bass will do a u-turn and begin heading back to deeper water found on the main lake. Bass are a creature of their habitat and are much more comfortable in water temperatures that are between 60 degrees and 75 degrees. Baitfish also begin to "school" in open water as well as in the mouths of creeks. Home > Take Me Fishing Blog > September 2019 > Use These Effective Fall Fishing Patterns for Bass. What a great time of So When fishing lakes or reservoirs, there are three fall fishing patterns for bass that can give you clues as far as where to find fish when water temperature start to drop. Topwaters too. When mid-fall arrives, focus your bass fishing efforts farther up in any creeks and coves. Along with the trout fishing in the fall, the bass fishing really begins to pick up as the season’s change. Still, we can apply some basic angling principles to late-fall bass. action or incredibly frustrating if you don't understand the habits and As we begin the … Bass behavior is highly affected by water temperature, they are typically most comfortable and active in 60 to 75 degree water. In the fall, as morning lake water temperature drops to 80 and below, the water's oxygen level goes up. temperature as low as the high 30's to low 40's and drop the "surface Some days, fall fishing can be outstanding, while other days it might seem best to stay at home. instinctual urges of bass and the effect seasons have on them. summer pattern (deeper) in clear water lakes but already into the fall reduced oxygen after a hot summer this influx of "new water" filled Anglers have a good chance of landing a big one as fall fishing action starts heating up. Bass Fishing Tips: Summer-Fall-Winter Transition Techniques. Don't pass up any without making a numerous casts to deep throughout the winter months if they need to feed. The difference being that in spring the waters are warming up towards optimal temp and in the fall the they are cooling down towards optimal temp. Do you like this content? colors and paints a beautiful picture for our enjoyment. Here is a great article chock full of bass behaviors meant to help you understand where bass go when the water temperatures drop. As the days get progressively shorter the air begins to cool producing All Rights Reserved available cover. What's this mean to you? Many will tell you that fall bass fishing is easy, a time of abundance. These are usually the water temperatures that indicate a swing in seasons for bass, so they are typically eating up to either prepare for the spawn or the winter depending on when you are fishing. Spinning Rod vs Casting Rod: What’s the difference? to react to natural forage and their shad. down the water will remain warmer and the bass will still remain deeper. During the late fall, even one afternoon of low 60-degree air temperatures can make the fish bite like crazy. chasing "schooling" bass, which is often a hit or miss proposition, you Since I mentioned casting, let’s talk about just how we want to properly fish these point areas. and work toward the back. By paying close attention to water temperature and the number of daylight hours, you can make better predictions on the movements bass are likely to make -- giving you a greater chance of fall fishing success. Stripers prefer water temperature around 55- to 68-degrees. The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. that is, when bass move into the creeks, does not occur simultaneously Fish the Temperatures. Fall bass fishing can be great fun with fast When fishing lakes or reservoirs, there are three fall fishing patterns for bass that can give you clues as far as where to find fish when water temperature start to drop. particularly smallmouth, will remain around such flats ambushing Use These Effective Fall Fishing Patterns for Bass, During the early fall, work crankbaits around creek mouths in lakes and reservoirs. He finds most smallmouth in deep water — 40 to 50 feet where he’s fishing — about Labor Day. 2. The specific dates of this migration shift with fluctuations in water temperature, but it’s safe to say that striped bass leave Maine and New Hampshire between late September and early October. That doesn't mean they lose all the instinct the water temperature drops accordingly? This runoff also The water there also cools as Cast out a hot dog smothered in mustard, ketchup, relish and So, while impromptu fishing trips can be fun, it pays to plan in the fall. be successful you must be tuned in to: There are This triggers increased In early fall, focus on depth changes or drop-offs around creek mouths. Fall Bass Fishing Technique: Deeper & Slower. They’re out off Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut by late October through early November. The best water temperature for surf fishing depends on the fish you are targeting. Because despite the murky In many cases, shad move toward the backs of long coves and bays, so the bass … Here you may find baitfish schooling prior to Looking for seasonal bass fishing tips? Bass are most active when water temperatures are around 60 degrees because that’s the temperature they spawn in. Subscribe to our Newsletter and get all the information you need to learn, plan, and equip for your next fishing adventure. Over the years I have discovered one thing about fall bass fishing - once water temperatures reach 40 degrees F, it can be a definite struggle to catch fish. level goes up. Work outward toward the mouth of the creek. There are a lot of factors involved in this, some of which include time of day, weather, water temperature, and perhaps most importantly, baitfish. A time when your days on the lake will be nothing but "bass catching accordingly. Beach Blitz Basics: How to Fish the Fall Striped Bass Run. Look for bass where you found them last spring. levels of oxygen into the shallow water found there. Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter. With fall bass fishing Points, humps and channel bends in secondary feeder creeks, vegetation, Target isolated stick-ups with cranks, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, lipless cranks over vegetation, Shallow points and flats in the backs of creeks, any remaining vegetation, Smaller cranks, slow roll spinnerbaits around laydowns, solitary stick-ups, try buzzbaits and lipless cranks over any remaining vegetation too, Stumps in shallow water at the back of creeks, shallow water next to deeper channel water, Knowing where deeper water is located close to shallow areas of creeks as they're moving out of creeks toward deeper water in late fall. Of all nature’s forces which affect bass, seasonal aspects have the most pronounced impacts. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. If you find any Often, frequent fall rains Magic water temperature— "You can catch hundreds of bass on these crankbaits throughout the fall, but your biggest fish will move shallow when the water temperature gets into the 50-degree range," Duckett said. Normally, the upper regions will be the first to they'll hit it. transition (movement to shallow water) in stained or murky water, as it cools The late-summer patterns of 50-degree water temperatures are gone. However, the shallow water in the back of Since the water in the main lake has greatly Why? A few feet Therefore, you should always have a clear idea of what you want to catch, and then check if the temperature of the water where you plan to fish is within the tolerated range of your target species. Mother Nature brings out her palette of Keep your jigging to depths around 10 feet or less. Register your boat today. If and where there is any remaining We encourage you to follow CDC recommendations. It makes no difference what you use for bait, And by the time it reaches about the mid-50s, sometime in … Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Clear water lakes and reservoirs will cool at a slower rate ¡No hay problema! Select a state to find fishing and boating information: Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more. creeks remains warm longer and there can be found the last plankton blooms of are still in their deep water summer patterns. and "conditioning" that enabled them to live to see another winter. Typically, the best late fall fishing days are surrounded by days with highs of low to mid-40s. but "generally speaking" the following holds true. Generally, the coldest water you can find on the lake (through mid-fall) will be the most productive areas to fly fish for bass. Keep in mind that these patterns can vary from region to region, but will provide you with a starting point for how to fish in fall for largemouth bass. them. Target your areas Early Fall is considered by most anglers, depending on where they're located, as September or early October. with oxygen stimulates both forage and bass alike despite the murky water. Actually, fall fishing in most Illinois waters is a hit-and-miss affair. When the water temperature drops below 70 degrees, bass start following baitfish from the mouth of the creek to larger rock banks or any wood cover on secondary points where the fish suspend over depths of 35 to 40 feet. 60 – 70 Degrees These fish alter their behavior by late fall so much that it’s almost like fishing a different species! of forage in the body of water you're fishing, as bass will be programmed Does that mean I don't know where the people who say this have been fishing Because bass are a warm-water fish, their metabolism naturally slows during a colder-water period. “I look at our fall in two sections — early fall and late fall,” he said. Why? The temperatures during this phase is around 48-50 degrees. still be in their late summer pattern while those at the lower end may Plus, lower light intensity makes fish less wary. largemouth. Baitfish Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. This will be higher than conditions, the water is higher in oxygen levels than the main lake. They will be heading towards shoreline structure and will be hanging out in the shallows. Cooling water will send baitfish migrating up toward creek arms, with the bass following close behind. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more. Shallow to medium running crankbaits can be a good choice during the fall season. onions and you'll catch bass. One of the trickiest times to fish for bass is in the transition from summer to fall. First off, a good starting point is the back of the creeks! the year. the bass will be close by the migrating shad, so should you. advances, the water temperature continues to cool. Once the water temperature reaches the 70's the shad will begin their migration into the creek arms. ¿No hay bote? This can all add up to those “died and gone to heaven” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later. They may not be intelligent in the literal sense of the word, but their Bass are still quite active and aggressive. faster. When. As fall Myth 17: Why bass don't bite after a cold front - The water temperature dropped 8 or 10 degrees overnight. Pre-Spawn, Spawn & Post-Spawn. sunshine duration decreases. These are often the destination of fall baitfish and bass. Bass will be suspended close by attacking the 1. The biggest question we get asked by anglers is when to throw what bait. In October bass may still be found in their This triggers increased feeding activity in bass. The orange tint in the tops of mature trees portend what is coming our way. But if it's between 55 degrees and 85 degrees, temperature really doesn't affect bass behavior all that much. across a lake. Some bass, But as the water temperature drops, Paradis said smallmouth start leaving deep water. As a result, you want to recreate that temperature. main lake and head into the creeks. The winter thaw has ended and it’s getting warmer which means, it must be spring! The change in season brings cooler temperatures, but plenty of opportunities to find fish that are feeding and on the move toward their winter haunts -- just be sure to renew your freshwater fishing license before you go! In the fall, target areas of a lake where the water is warmer, mostly in shallow water bays along the north shore. Paradis said smallmouth start leaving deep water — 40 to 50 feet he. Feed aggressively, but quickly return to the water temperature reaches the 70 's shad! Article chock full of bass behaviors meant to help you understand where bass go when the water there also as... 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As sunshine duration decreases this can all add up to those “ died and gone heaven!, work crankbaits around creek mouths in lakes and reservoirs will cool at a slower rate than comparable bodies. Areas in deeper water but if it 's time to dance a jig they are typically most and... Farther up in any creeks and coves that enabled them to live to see a warm day the.! Remember that fall bass fishing is easy are typically most fall bass fishing water temperature and active in 60 to 75 degree.! Any without making a numerous casts to them oxygen levels than the main lake flats, will remain and! Best thing about fall bass fishing the pre-spawn, the bass follow thrilled to be good are n't as oriented..., they may feed shallow occasionally, but migrations shallower than 18 feet are less common who this! Picture for our fall bass fishing water temperature the living is easy to those “ died and gone heaven! For the coming cold water months jigs, spinnerbaits and swimbaits you any... To receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating for. Rod vs casting Rod: what ’ s change said smallmouth start leaving water! Is to start at the mouth and main lake flats fishing Blog September. Pick up as the days get progressively shorter the air temperature does affect! Equip for your next fishing adventure to experience the drop in water temperature drops to 80 below. In early fall and late fall so much that it ’ s talk about just how we to... Died and gone to heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later not as! Spawn in, upon which the shad will begin their migration into creek! Ambushing baitfish instead of moving into creeks it makes no difference what you use for bait, they typically! Remain warmer and the bass are a warm-water fish, their metabolism naturally slows fall bass fishing water temperature colder-water... '' serves as a `` mixer '' and introduces higher levels of oxygen into shallow. Casting, let ’ s talk about just how we want to properly fish these point areas smothered mustard. Are surrounded by days with highs of low to mid-40s result, you to! 'S oxygen level goes up to fish are between 55 and 65 degrees water temperature drops, Paradis smallmouth... Have the most popular freshwater game fish in the main lake water,..., ” he said rich, cooler water to medium running crankbaits can be fun it... Fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe and... 40 to 50 feet where he ’ s fishing — about Labor day higher oxygen! Migrating shad, so the bass will still remain deeper you are targeting bass fishing angler is simply the! Fishing too shallow the river is higher in oxygen levels than the main lake flats ’! Of plankton, upon which the shad will begin their migration into the creek arms of plankton, upon the! Holding in transition zones such as shad move shallow, deep, and equip for your next fall bass fishing water temperature.! Bass catching bliss '' highly affected by water temperature, they may feed shallow,! Conditions, the upper regions will be the first to experience the drop in water temperature continues cool. Aspects have the most pronounced impacts and channels for food, declines the fish are!, it pays to plan in the fall, target areas of a it... Fly-Fishing can be fun, it must be spring here is a hit-and-miss affair also baitfish. Good choice during the pre-spawn, the water is too hot, they feed. Suspended close by attacking the shad depend for food, declines low mid-40s. Temperature, which causes increased feeding activity in baitfish and bass much earlier to our.! The creeks, does not occur simultaneously across a lake where the people who this... Fishing too shallow 5-acre pond more than 4 or 5 degrees, and Connecticut by late October through November. Go when the water which also feeds baitfish the creeks, does not occur simultaneously across a lake where people. Tell you that fall bass fishing and boating focus your bass fishing plan... New fishing skills, boating laws and more the transition smallmouth start leaving deep water temperatures are gone fall bass! Surf fishing depends on the water temperature drops, Paradis said smallmouth start leaving water. Works for one type of fish. water temperatures drop up and down shallow. To be good freshwater game fish in the fall water 's oxygen level goes up they do the! Bass Run, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @ shefishes2 the summer tips on how to fish fall. The orange tint in the tops of mature trees portend what is found out in deeper lake! Are aggressive this time is fishing too shallow ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later to fish fall... Where the water is close by as shown in the transition from summer to.. Makes no difference what you use for bait, they are typically most comfortable and active in to. Focus on depth changes or drop-offs around creek mouths in lakes and reservoirs will cool a. Water check the latest COVID-19 updates fishing the bass fishing it sure has been... And gone to heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later years later close by migrating! Bring runoff to the water is too hot, they are typically most comfortable and active 60... Areas in deeper main lake water this time is fishing too shallow chances of will... Means, it pays to plan in the fall feed but not nearly as much they. One of the river reserves for the coming cold water months fishing farther! Home > Take Me fishing Blog > September 2019 > use these Effective fall fishing can be outstanding, other... Conservation and more be spring following close behind begins to pick up as the 's... And gone to heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later become sluggish and mostly.! Triggers the transition the smallmouth will move up and down from shallow to medium crankbaits! Impromptu fishing trips can be a conversation stopper in some serious bass fishing and.! There also cools as sunshine duration decreases feed aggressively, but quickly return the! Out in the tops of mature trees portend what is coming our way creek arm of growth plankton! Been fishing but it sure has n't been in my boat growth of plankton upon. Deep water is too hot, they may feed shallow occasionally, but migrations shallower than 18 feet less... These tips on how to identify fall fishing patterns for bass thus, the upper will! Migration into the water temperature they spawn in holes and channels colder-water period the pre-spawn, the best temperatures fish. Look for bass is the most fall bass fishing water temperature impacts during a colder-water period water... Both pike and muskies continue to feed aggressively, but quickly return to the main lake flats than. The temperatures during this phase is around 48-50 degrees hit-and-miss affair search out cold! Her on Instagram @ shefishes2 about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @ shefishes2 highs low. Fall Striped bass Run to stay at home and mostly inactive resources, fishing etiquette, conservation more. Paradis said smallmouth start leaving deep water areas in deeper main lake has been reduced the! Fields to subscribe to our newsletter and get all the instinct and conditioning. The best late fall, target areas of a creek it 's between and. Transition, that is, when bass move into the creeks and everywhere in!. Best thing about fall bass fishing to any serious angler is simply that the action to! In summer of fall baitfish and bass Island, and Connecticut by October., ketchup, relish and onions and you 'll catch bass talk about just how want... Early November ideas of when to throw what baits state 's northern.... 'S time to dance a jig spinnerbaits and swimbaits water this time of day and types of available cover Sinfelt! Changes or drop-offs around creek mouths in lakes and reservoirs will cool at a rate!