Fall Bass Fishing Tips from Expert Anglers

Mastering Fall Bass

Fishing

As leaves fall, things start to get really exciting in the world of bass fishing. The dropping water temps create optimal conditions starting in September and peaking around mid-October, making it a great time for the avid angler who knows where to look and what strategies to employ to increase the catch. 

Understanding Fall Bass Behavior

With the onset of cooler temperatures and increased wind, bass begin to shift their habits. The decreasing water temperatures and shorter days signal bass to move from their deep, stable summer haunts into mid-depth and shallow waters in search of food. This period coincides with the maturation of summer-born baitfish such as bluegill, shiners, and shad, which now present an ideal meal size for hungry bass. 

Locating Fall Bass: Key Transition Areas

To maximize your fall fishing success, focus on two main steps: identifying largemouth and smallmouth transition areas and following the bait.

Identifying Transition Areas

During the summer, bass typically inhabit deep, cool waters such as reservoirs, channels, or pits. As fall approaches, they start migrating towards shallower waters, making stops at various transition zones. These zones can include ledges, humps, and ditches, which serve as intermediary points between deep and shallow waters. Additionally, submerged timber, points, and troughs in your lake might also be productive.

• Ledges and Humps: These underwater features provide structural changes that bass use during their transition.
• Ditches and Channels: These serve as underwater highways for bass moving between depths.
• Submerged Timber and Points: These areas offer cover and feeding opportunities for transitioning bass. 

Following the Bait

During the fall season, bass are voracious feeders, preparing for leaner winter months. They'll follow schools of baitfish, also on the move during this season. Use quality electronics to detect these schools beneath the surface and watch for diving birds or surface disturbances that indicate baitfish presence. Don't overlook shallow areas with sandy spots, as these can be prime ambush locations for bass. 

Prime Fishing Locations for Fall Bass

Shallow Flats (Pre-Spawn Areas)

As water temperatures drop, bass will push into shallow flats in either freshwater or saltwater depending on the species, in search of baitfish. Systematically break down these areas, starting from deeper zones and working your way shallow until you find bites. Familiarity with typical spawning grounds can guide you to theright spots. 

Creek Mouths

Creek mouths are ideal transition habitats, offering a gradient from deep to shallow water. Bass can stage in deep water coves at the entrance of creeks or venture further into the creeks themselves. Cover the water with fast-moving baits to locate fish, then refine your focus based on where you get bites. 

Flowing Water

Flowing water such as spillways, tidal influences, and culverts can be goldmines for fall bass fishing. Bass use the current to ambush passing baitfish, so pay attention to how water moves around structures, looking for eddies and overflow areas. 

Structure

Structures like long boathouses or docks extending into deeper water are excellent bass habitats. These provide cover and attract baitfish, which in turn lure bass. Structures adjacent to deep water refuges used by bass during the summer are particularly productive. 

Effective Baits and Lures for Fall Bass Fishing 

Live Bait

Live bait like shad, shiners, or bluegill are highly effective during the fall. Rig a golden shiner on a 3/0 circle hook under a cork, using just enough weight to keep the bait from surfacing. Slowly paddle or troll to locate bass, then switch to artificial lures for more action. Anything aggressive that move like live bait are all fantastic options: crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits are good for creating those reaction bites. 

Top Artificial Lures

• Senko Worm: Versatile and effective, the Senko worm can be rigged weedless for shallow water or on a Carolina rig for deeper areas. Its natural colors, like black/purple or white/sunfish, perform well in fall. 
• Swimbaits: These lures mimic large baitfish and are perfect for targeting big bass. Use them in areas where bass are holding, like shallow coves. 
• Jerkbaits: Designed to mimic an injured baitfish, and great for cooler water temperatures (even in winter). Choose the size lure according to the depth you're targeting. 
• Crankbaits: Ideal for covering large areas, crankbaits come in various sizes for different depths. Systematically use them from deep to shallow to find fish, adjusting your retrieve speed as needed. 
• Flukes: Weedless split-tail flukes are great for fishing around structures like docks and stumps. They excel in mimicking baitfish, especially when using a "twitch-twitch-pause" retrieve. 
• Chatterbaits: These aggressive lures work well in mid-to-shallow waters. They are particularly effective in early fall, especially when fished at night. 
• Buzzbaits: Use where loads of active offshore bass spread out across shallow flats to feed. 

Maximizing Success: Tips and Techniques

• Locate Transition Areas: Identify likely transition zones adjacent to deep summer habitats.
• Find the Bait: Look for schools of baitfish, submerged bait pods, and signs like diving birds.
• Target Ambush Areas: Focus on structures and features where baitfish are at a disadvantage. 

Maximizing Your Boat's Potential

Your choice of boat can significantly impact your experience fishing bass in the fall. If you own a versatile rig like the Lowe FM 1775 WT with multiple livewells and ample bait fish capacity, you gain a significant advantage in live bait fisheries. On the other hand, a boat like the Stinger 175C, with its elevated casting decks, lends itself well to tactics involving casting lures near shoreline structures. Tailor your fishing strategy to match the capabilities of your boat, gear, and knowledge.

To get started on finding your new boat, visit a Lowe Boats Dealer near you, or take our online quiz to find your perfect fishing boat.