Page 16 - Lady Bass Digital Magazine Classic 2023

FALL FISHING TIPS TO

CONSIDER

One of the first things to consider are the bait-fish migration patterns. During the fall, bait-fish begin
moving back into the creeks and feeders off the main lake. When the bait-fish move, the bass will
follow and so should you.

Next, look for bird activity. Similar to summer, in the fall large fish often heard schools of bait, and
chase them up to the surface. Gulls, terns, and other birds will gather over the action to pick off
injured bait-fish, so when you see them swooping and diving over a spot. That activity let’s you know
there are fish there that you should target.

As water temps begin to drop in the
fall fish will begin to move looking for
more favorable conditions. As such it is
common for fish to position themselves
in areas where there are abrupt contour
changes exist allowing them to have easy
access to both shallow and deep water
throughout the course of the day.

Another consideration is to up-size your
baits as the water cools. Bass have to
eat, but in cooler water temperatures,
they look for meals with higher calorie
values without expending much energy
themselves.

During periods of cooler water temperatures, bass will seek out areas that are warmed by the sun.
While the difference in temperature may only be a few degrees higher than the surrounding waters.
This can include shallow coves and flats with darker colored bottoms. Areas like this soak up UV
rays. Weed beds that haven’t died off yet also hold the heat. During the fall the weed beds begin
to die off and shrink. As a result, the fish that feed around them tend to become more and more
concentrated. Once you catch a fish in an area like this, stop and fish it thoroughly.

In some reservoirs, when the surface temperatures drop, the cooled water sinks down and force
warmer waters below to rise up. You will hear anglers say that the lake is “turning over.” As the
water “turns over,” temperature and oxygen stratification are eliminated. This provides bass a larger
area to forage for food. Additionally, there is a drop in water clarity during this time because as the
waters mix solids on the bottom get stirred up. Fishing can become quite tough during this period
of time. However, bass tend to gather at transition points where they can easily access deep and
shallow water with little effort. Similar to how the dieing weed beds concentrate fish, these transition
zones do as well. The fish are likely to continue in holding in the area until conditions change.

16 Lady Bass Anglers Association
Fall Fishing Tips To Consider