As the leaves start to turn vibrant hues of red and orange, and the air begins to cool, avid anglers know that the autumn season is upon us – an ideal time for fall bass fishing in ponds and small lakes.
SUMMARY: Effective fall bass fishing begins with a solid understanding of bass behavior in the fall, emphasizing the three phases of the fall transition and related transitioning zones. Strategically using topwater lures, slow presentations, and jerkbaits can enhance your success during this season.
This is not so much about the calendar, as we discuss in our breakdown of the fishing “seasons.” Instead, it’s more about dropping temperatures, shorter days, etc., which can happen in different months in different locales.
In any case, while many anglers focus on spring and summer fishing, fall offers a unique opportunity to reel in some impressive bass. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best fall bass fishing techniques and reveal the top fall bass fishing lures to help you make the most of this underrated fishing season.
Three Phases of the Fall Transition
Fall marks a period of significant transition for bass as they move from their summer haunts to wintering areas. During this time, they are likely to be found in shallower water, actively feeding to store up energy for the colder months ahead.
For maximum success, focus your efforts on transition zones, such as points, ledges, drop-offs, and shallow flats adjacent to deeper water. These spots are bass magnets during the fall, making them ideal starting points for your fishing adventure.
Bass fishing pro Mike Iaconelli identifies three phases of fall fishing in this excellent Majorleaguefishing.com post. In general, keep in mind that fall bass are more concerned with finding food than finding cover to hide, and that means they’ll be wherever baitfish are. However, that location will change, as explained at the link above and the summary below.
- Early Transition (water temps in mid- to low 70s) – Bass are leaving their summer patterns, heading shallow along with the baitfish and stopping along the way at points, stumps, and large laydowns. Look for areas where you can slide your lure past an ambush point, ideally in moving water flowing past any vegetation, structure, or point.
- The Fall Feed (noticeable colder days) – Bass are in the shallowest water with baitfish, feeding heavily in anticipation of the winter. Look for fish feeding on the surface, then make your move. It’s a great time to catch your fill of bass.
- The Late Migration (really cold days) – Bass are about done feeding and are heading back out to winter holding patterns, stopping at the same locations they visited in the early transition.
Targeting Transition Zones
When you and your family head off on a lengthy trip, you’re probably not going straight there and back with no pitstops. I imagine, like my family, you’re stopping at Stuckey’s and Buc-ee’s every chance you get for some satisfying eats, clean bathrooms, and all the “necessary” trinkets and stuffed beavers that you’ll be bringing home to toss in a closet and eventually throw away.
Now that we know bass are coming to the bank for the fall feed, we need to remember that they’ll be making some pitstops along the way – sidling up to that fallen tree jutting out from the bank, hanging out in the grass beds, lounging by the ledges, or whatever. That’s a great time to entice them with some “trinkets” in the form of top-water, middle-depth, and bottom-dwelling lures.
You’ll want to catch them at those stopping points both coming and going. And of course, we’ll be fishing the shallow water in the in-between.
Fall Bass Fishing Lures
In general, the fall is a good time to use moving baits to cover a lot of water, either parallel to the bank (spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, or topwater baits) or out in the middle of the pond, where the shad schools may be active. Read that last part again. While we’ll be talking about lots of lure options and colors, remember that if you’re tying on a lure that imitates a shad, you’re likely going to do fine. A lipless crankbait in a shad color, for example. Or a jerkbait.
Embrace Topwater Action
Though fall is associated with slower fishing, there are still moments of excitement, especially during warmer parts of the day. As bass actively feed on schools of baitfish, topwater lures can yield explosive strikes. Buzzbaits, walking baits, and poppers are excellent choices for triggering surface strikes. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for bass chasing baitfish near the water’s surface!
Slow Down the Presentation
As the water temperature drops, bass become less active and more selective in their feeding. Sure, we’re using some moving baits, but “slow and steady” is the catchphrase during fall bass fishing. Techniques like slow-rolling spinnerbaits and dragging jigs along the bottom are effective ways to entice sluggish bass. If using soft plastics, work them slowly with a subtle twitch. Patience and finesse will be rewarded during this season.
Experiment with Jerkbaits
Jerkbaits can be incredibly effective during the fall, imitating the movements of injured or fleeing baitfish. Work these lures with sharp, erratic twitches, and pauses to mimic the erratic behavior of prey. Bass are often unable to resist this enticing display, making jerkbaits a go-to choice during the fall months.
Fall Bass Fishing Techniques
Choose Vibrant Lure Colors
During the fall, the water starts to get stained due to decaying vegetation, which can reduce visibility. Many fishermen will be trying to match the hatch in color and size. Not a bad idea. But on the other hand, to ensure your lures stand out, you might want to opt for vibrant colors that can grab the bass’s attention. Chartreuse, orange, and red are great choices for lures such as crankbaits, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits. However, always be prepared to adjust your lure color based on the water clarity and weather conditions.
Match the Hatch?
The fall is about baitfish, and every bass-fishing article ever written will tell you to “match the hatch.” And sure, that makes sense; feed fish what they’re already eating. But do we really know what bass are eating?
I’ve seen suggestions to leave bass in a live well until they spit up their last meal. Gross (and tough to do while bank fishing). Or catch the hatch with a net to get a closer look at ’em. Hmmm.
Of course, it’s true that a lot of your success will depend on species of bait that populate your pond or small lake. If the pond contains crawfish and bluegill, experts tell us squarebill crankbaits and jigs will do well. If the pond is full of shad, they say spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jerkbaits should do well.
Or Scratch the Hatch?
We know certain species of bait appear in pretty much every body of water in the U.S. So, for those of us weekend bank fishermen who don’t have the luxury of examining fish vomit, wouldn’t it be a pretty good strategy to assume bass are eating those primary species? In general, we would focus on:
- Crawfish, which are everywhere (though figuring out the color of your particular crawfish would be helpful). Crankbaits in reds, browns, and greens will usually do the job of imitating these crustaceans, as well as skirted jigs.
- Bluegill, also everywhere, are wide-bodied and 5 or so inches in length. Vibrating jigs, swim jigs, and swim baits (green pumpkin?) are great for fooling bluegill-craving bass.
- Silver Shad, 2 to 12 inches long and usually in large schools, most often in the central and southern states. They tend to die off in the winter due to falling water temperatures, but still a viable candidate for imitation in the fall. There are lots of shad-pattern crankbait options, as well as jigs, jerk baits, and topwater baits. If you can determine the size of the shad in your pond, try to match that, too.
- Frogs, which are likely living in a lily pad field near you, or in other aquatic vegetation, which will still be in play early in the fall before dying back. Of course, there’s an endless supply of both hollow-bodied frogs and soft-plastic toads available to try, again matching the color of the little hoppers in your waters if you can figure that out.
A Note About Wind
When it comes to fall bass fishing, wind is your friend. Wind can create movement in the water, which in turn stirs up the prey bass are targeting. Concentrate your efforts in wind-blown areas, as this is where baitfish and other forage gather, attracting bass in search of an easy meal.
Conclusion
As summer gives way to autumn, don’t miss out on the incredible bass fishing opportunities that await in ponds and small lakes. By understanding the fish’s behavior during this season and employing the right fall fishing techniques and lures, you can enjoy a rewarding and memorable fishing experience. Remember to adapt to changing conditions, be patient, and most importantly, savor the beauty of fall as you embark on your bass fishing journey. Happy angling!
FAQ
CLICK EACH QUESTION TO REVEAL ANSWER
➤ Is fall a good time to bass fish?
Absolutely! Fall is considered one of the best times to catch bass. As temperatures cool down, bass become more aggressive in their feeding habits, making them more likely to strike your bait. The fall season provides a unique opportunity for anglers to land some impressive catches.
➤ How do you fish for bass in the fall?
Fishing for bass in the fall requires a different approach compared to other seasons. As water temperatures drop, bass become more active, following schools of baitfish. Target areas with cover like rocks, fallen trees, and submerged vegetation. Cast your bait around these structures and vary your retrieve speed. It’s important to keep a keen eye on your fishing line for any subtle movements, as fall bass can be more finicky.
➤ What is the best bait for bass in the fall?
When it comes to fall bass fishing, your choice of bait can make all the difference. While there are various options, some of the most effective baits for fall bass fishing include soft plastic lures, jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. Soft plastic lures in natural colors or with some flash can imitate the forage bass are targeting during this season. Try different baits and pay attention to what the bass in your area are responding to.
➤ What color bait for fall bass fishing?
Choosing the right bait color for fall bass fishing can be a game-changer. Stick to natural and subtle colors like green pumpkin, watermelon, and shad patterns. These colors mimic the local forage and can entice bass to strike. Experiment with different colors until you find what works best in your area.
➤ What time of day do bass bite in the fall?
Bass in the fall tend to be more active during specific times of the day. Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for fall bass fishing. During these periods, the water is cooler, and bass are more likely to be actively chasing prey. However, it’s not uncommon to catch bass throughout the day, especially in cloudy or overcast conditions.
➤ What depth is bass fishing in the fall?
In the early fall transition or late fall migration to deep-water winter haunts, bass may be hanging out at cover off the shore, where they can sit in wait to ambush baitfish. In between, they’ll follow their prey to the shallowest areas, feeding heavily in anticipation of the winter.
➤ Do bass bite topwater in fall?
Topwater lures can still be effective in the fall, especially early in the season when the water is slightly warmer. As the season progresses and water temperatures drop, bass may move deeper, making topwater lures less effective. However, don’t rule them out entirely. Try topwater lures during the early morning and late afternoon when bass are more likely to strike near the surface.
Sources
- Best Baits and Lures for Fall Bass Pond Fishing
- How To Properly “Match The Hatch” To Catch More Bass
- The Guide To Fishing For Fall Bass
