Fall Largemouth Bass Fishing
Hey there, fellow anglers! As the leaves start to turn and the crisp fall air arrives, largemouth bass fishing ramps up before winter arrives. Fall is one of the best times to be out on the water, and offers an opportunity for a trophy-sized bass. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced angler, the thrill of fall largemouth bass fishing is unmatched. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks to make the most of the fall season and up your chances for success on your next outing.
Table of Contents:
- Fall Bass Behavior
- Fall Bass Fishing Gear
- Lures For Fall Largemouth Bass
- Fall Location
- Fall Fishing Techniques
- Conservation
Understanding Fall Bass Behavior
Fall bass behavior takes a dramatic shift as the water temperatures begin to cool down. Largemouth bass become more active and aggressive, eagerly searching for food to prepare for the upcoming winter. Baitfish is key in the fall. During this time, largemouth bass tend to migrate to specific areas in search of large baitfish schools. Understanding these behavioral changes is crucial for successful fall bass fishing.
Essential Fall Bass Fishing Gear
To maximize your chances of landing that monster bass, having the right gear is essential.
Rod and Reel
The rod and reel can get a little complicated when it comes to bass fishing. If your an advanced angler, I recommend choosing a technique specific rod based on the lure you plan on using. For more beginner anglers, start with a rod around 7′ in length and a medium power. This is about as versatile as it gets when it comes to bass fishing. Spinning rods are also much more beginner friendly compared to baitcasters as well.
Fishing Line
Determining which type of line to use for bass fishing can get a little complex as well. The three main fishing line options are braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. I tend to use a braided main line when fishing bottom contact lures due to the increased sensitivity of braid. If fishing clear water, I’ll add a fluorocarbon leader to my set up to prevent the bass from seeing the line. For topwater lures or lures with treble hooks, I generally favor a monofilament line since it has more stretch and forgiveness when it comes to fighting fish.
Best Lures For Fall Largemouth
When it comes to bait and lures, make adjustments for the fall. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs that imitate the prevalent forage in your fishing area are excellent choices for largemouth bass this time of year.
Crankbaits
One of my favorite lures to cover water and locate actively feeding largemouth bass during the fall is a crankbait. There are several different types of bass crankbaits currently on the market which are tailored to different depths and conditions. Crankbaits do a great job of mimicking baitfish, which is critical this time of year. Learn what type of baitfish your bass are feeding on, and select the color and profile of your crankbait accordingly.
Spinnerbaits
Like crankbaits, spinnerbaits allow you to cover water during the fall. However, spinnerbaits are extremely effective when slow-rolling near bottom in deeper water as well. Opt for a spinnerbait when you have stained water or if it is cloudy and windy. The flash of the spinnerbait blade excels under either of these situations. If fishing shallow (under 10′), use a faster retrieve to trigger bites from actively feeding largemouth. If fishing deeper than this, try slow rolling a spinnerbait to effectively target those fish.
Bass Jigs
I know I’ve been saying that baitfish is everything when it comes to fishing for largemouth bass in the fall. The one exception to this is early in the fall, when crayfish are the preferred meal of bass in many lakes for a short period of time. If you can time this right, a bass jig can do some damage. Look for rip rap banks, rock bars, or other hard bottom areas that are most likely to hold crayfish. Choose a dark bass jig as crayfish tend to be a darker color during the fall.
Walking Baits
Topwater is a great option at certain times during the fall. If you see any activity on the surface from bass or baitfish, topwater is the way to go. My preferred topwater lure for the fall is a walking bait. This bait is aggressive and allows you the fish quickly which is crucial this time of year. Take advantage of this and fish this lure aggressively with a walk-the-dog retrieve. You want your lure to stand out from the rest of the baitfish school and make a big commotion on the surface.
As always, experiment with different lures and retrieves to find what the largemouth want on a given day. Keep in mind that their preferences can change depending on water clarity, barometric pressure, and other weather factors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different sizes and colors to match the prevalent forage. In stained or murky waters, brighter or contrasting colors can enhance visibility. Keep in mind that bass can be honed in on one specific pattern this time of year, so be prepared to switch baits if you’re not getting any bites.
Bass Location in The Fall
Knowing where to cast your line is half the battle. During fall, largemouth bass tend to abandon the deep water and concentrate around shallow structures and cover that provide easy access to food. During the fall, largemouth bass love to corral large schools of baitfish in these areas. Keep this in mind when trying to locate bass in the fall, and think of good places where bass can trap baitfish. The backs of bays, channels, river arms, and marinas are all great spots in the fall for this very reason. Pay close attention to visible signs of bass activity like topwater strikes and diving birds to help shorten your search.
Techniques For Fall Bass Fishing Success
Each fall bass lure requires a slightly different technique to maximize its effectiveness. Here are three good techniques to start with, but don’t be afraid to add your own slight variations to each one.
Constant Retrieve
Use a constant retrieve when fishing baitfish imitators such as crankbaits or spinnerbaits. Reel your handle at a steady pace with minimal twitches of the rod tip. Vary the speed at which you reel it until you find what works.
Bottom Hopping
The bottom hopping technique works best when fishing crayfish imitators such as bass jigs. Give your rod tip a 1′-2′ pull going from about 10 o-clock to 12 o-clock. Let the bait reach bottom again before moving your rod tip. A lot of the bites will occur on the fall when fishing with this technique.
Topwater
Topwater fishing is another great technique to use in the fall when bass are actively feeding on the surface. To maximize your chances of success, focus on topwater early in the morning or towards evening. Topwater fishing at nighttime can be another good option when searching for a trophy during the fall. Topwater lures excel when you’ve already located large schools of baitfish and bass.
Conservation and Ethical Fishing Practices
As responsible anglers, it’s crucial to prioritize conservation and practice ethical fishing
Catch and Release
Adhere to catch-and-release guidelines whenever possible to preserve the bass population for future generations. Handle fish with care, use barbless hooks to minimize injury, and return them to the water as quickly and gently as possible.
Regulations and Limits
Stay informed about local fishing regulations and adhere to size and bag limits. These limits are in place to ensure sustainable fish populations and healthy ecosystems. Ignorance is no excuse, so take the time to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in the areas you fish.
Leave No Trace
Respect fish and wildlife habitats by minimizing your impact and leaving the environment as pristine as you found it. Dispose of any trash properly and consider participating in organized shoreline cleanups. Respecting nature and its resources is crucial for future generations of anglers to enjoy.
With these fall largemouth bass fishing secrets revealed, you’re armed with the knowledge to have a successful fall bass fishing angling adventure. Remember, whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, patience, persistence, and adaptability are key. So gear up, head to your favorite largemouth bass waters, and embrace the excitement of fall fishing. Tight lines and happy angling!
