As the temperature drops vegetation begins to die. However, there’s plenty of forage for fish to eat. Largemouth takes advantage of this situation to gain weight for winter and prepare for next year’s spawn. Largemouth bass anglers who are savvy and know how to exploit these situations can be very successful. Read through this article to get the best fishing experience this fall.
FACTOR 1: COOLING WATER
As summer turns to fall, temperatures drop below their peak and into the 70s or 60s. This temperature change causes fish and summer patterns to shift. Anglers should move around the lake looking for fish when the temperature drops.
You should move if you don’t catch fish within the first half hour of being in an area. As temperatures fall to the 50s, fish remain active. However, they slow down as the temperatures drop into the 40s. Active baits such as topwaters, spinnerbaits or rattlebaits will work as long as the temperature is above 55 degrees. Below 55 degrees, however, you might need to reduce your speed.
FACTOR 2: TURNOVER
Sometimes, turnover is used to excuse bad fishing days that occur between September’s first cool day and December’s first snowfall. Turnover occurs in a very short time period, usually when the water temperature drops to the lower 60s or upper 50s.
It occurs when the top of the water column cools down and becomes denser. The water eventually sinks and mixes with the water at its bottom. It is usually devoid of oxygen, full of nutrients, and can lead to water quality problems. Fish can become stressed if conditions are not stable and the mixing is completed. In about a week to two weeks, turnover will resolve.
You can find areas of lakes that are not deep (6′) if you’re in a turnover area. This is because shallow water doesn’t tend to stratify and is less likely to be affected by turnover. These creeks also have fresh water sources, making them more stable. If you can find an area that isn’t affected by turnover, you will be able to do well. My favorite tactic is throwing a soft stickbait on a spinning rod at shallow targets.
FACTOR 3: CHANGING HABITATS
Other than turnover, significant changes take place in the vegetation and repositioning of fish. In September, vegetation like hydrilla and water willow begins to thin and die. Thinning has two effects. It reduces the number of forage fish that can be found, which makes them more accessible to bass and triggers the fall feed. It reduces the hiding places of largemouths, which allows them to concentrate on remaining vegetation.
Keep hunting for the remaining vegetation as it thins and fish will be found. As temperatures dip into the 30s, largemouth will keep vegetation in check. I have had wonderful days fishing in 4′ of water and 45 degrees water. Use a shallow crankbait or suspending jerkbait to catch fish.
FACTOR 4: FOOD AVAILABILITY
There is plenty of forage in the fall. The spring-born fish are now much larger than their predecessors. Largemouth and smallmouth will be able to recognize these large-sized fish as they grow into protein-rich, 3- to 4-inch fish. There is a lot of shad in most reservoirs. Bass will love shad. This encourages them to keep hunting and rewards anglers who stay mobile and look for fish.
Topwaters and rattlebaits, which are fast-moving baits, are excellent for finding fish related to shad. A soft plastic swimbait attached to a jighead is not something you should underestimate. With the many swimbait options available, it’s possible to match the forage almost exactly. Feast and famine are the two sides of foraging, but a good day is worth it.
FACTOR 5 – PREPARING FOR WINTER
Largemouth can prepare for winter by foraging in the fall. Largemouth gain weight and bass can be caught in the late fall. This is especially true if the water temperature drops to the lower 50s or upper 40s. This is trophy season. Fish will be attracted to the remaining vegetation and hardcover near their fall foraging areas. Large fish can be caught on steep shorelines or points beyond coves, especially if there is a hard bottom. These areas are ideal for a jig or pig. Although you may not get many bites, it is likely that you will get a good one.
IT ALL COMES TOGETHER
Largemouth fishing is at its best in fall, which offers great opportunities and dynamic times of the year. You can be successful if you have good cover and food. Keep moving in the first part of the fall and use shad imitations. As the fall progresses, look for flats and areas that have vegetation or other covers. Check deeper and steeper areas as they cool. For the best fishing in Myrtle Beach experience, contact Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC.
Are you prepared to go out for fall fishing? Call Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC. now and we’ll make your fishing experience memorable.
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Captain Smiley Fishing Charters LLC.
4495 Baker St
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 361-7445
https://www.captainsmileyfishingcharters.com
catch@captainsmileyfishingcharters.com
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