As we move into the fall and cooler weather prevails,
many anglers put away their fishing gear in preparation for the fall
hunting seasons. I too enjoy hunting in the fall but I also know
that the fall can mean some of the best bass fishing of the year. In
fact, those who know me know that I fish for bass as long as fishing
season remains open. Here in the 1000 Grand Lakes Area (Grand
Rapids, Minnesota) our lakes begin to freeze over in November and
remain froze until April or May depending on the weather and the
size of the lake. However, we are fortunate to have a section of the
Mississippi River that remains open year round. It is strange to be
standing on the front deck casting for bass while other anglers are
driving over frozen water to get to their ice fishing houses. I have
been known to take my truck and plow down to the landing and open up
the ramp in order to float my Ranger to fish for big bass in the
winter. The key is to fish when the weather warms up to at least 30
degrees or you will be fighting frozen line all day. But lets talk
about fishing the fall season first.
COLD WATER: As in the spring, 55 degrees is a key temperature
for most bass. When the water temperature drops to the low 50’s,
fish activity really slows down. You can still experience some “hot”
bass action in the fall because water temperatures will fluctuate
according to the weather. On warm sunny days, bass will move into
the shallows and become active. When you get two or three days of
warm fall weather, you can experience some dynamite action. On the
other hand, if you experience a cold front or even a cold rain, bass
can be extremely hard to catch. When bass are active, locational
patterns can be different. Some of the bass may be feeding in the
shallows while other bass may be feeding near deep-water drop-offs.
This will be determined by the water temperature available to the
bass in the body of water you are fishing. Bass will instinctually
seek out the warmest water they can find at this time of year.
Remember, a temperature change of one or two degrees can make all
the difference in catching fish or not. If you are fortunate to live
near a warm water discharge, this can be a bass magnet. Other areas
to look for are rock piles near the surface (these draw heat from
the sun), dark bottom bays or dark water bays which warm up during
sunny periods and also look for vegetation which is still green.
LURE CHOICES: Most anglers know, when the water temperature
turns cold, the metabolism of a bass is greatly reduced. They do not
have the energy to chase a fast moving lure as they did during the
summer months when the water was warm. This is the time of year when
you need to slow down your presentation. Some of the techniques I
like to use are slowly retrieving a shallow running crank bait over
vegetation. I like to use a Mann’s Baby Minus 1 if the bass are
feeding in the shallows. I work the lure just fast enough to keep it
moving forward under the water surface. I have had success using
this technique in water as cold as 40 to 45 degrees. Another popular
technique is the jig/pig combination dragged slowly across the
bottom. In dark or stained water, I prefer a rattle jig to attract
the attention of nearby bass. I will also throw a weightless stick
bait rigged weedless or wacky style. If the bass are in a negative
mood, I will let the lure lay motionless on the bottom. Sometimes if
had to let the lure lay motionless for up to 3 or 4 minutes before I
slide it forward an inch or two and then let it sit again. You will
want to watch your line closely as the only detection of a fish is
your line moving as the fish swims off with your lure. For those of
you that prefer live bait, a shiner or sucker suspended under a
float works great. Don’t be afraid to try a leech for bass, as they
may want something besides a minnow. If you do use live bait, try
not to let the bass swallow the bait, as this will increase the
chance of killing the fish. Practice catch and release with the
larger bass (three pounds or more) as these are the prime spawning
fish. The smaller fish make better table fair as they have firmer
meat. Take you camera to photograph the larger fish and release them
for someone else to catch. If you catch a trophy, take a picture as
well as measurements of the girth and length. Have a replica made of
your trophy that you can enjoy for years to come.
SAFETY: Fishing for bass in late fall or even into the winter
months can be great. There are very few if any other anglers on the
water. For this very reason, you must keep safety in mind. If at all
possible, take a fishing partner with you when you venture out.
Remember, the water temperature is extremely cold this time of year
and if you fall in, hypothermia will set in very fast. Wear you life
jacket if you are alone or have it handy if you are fishing with a
partner. Do not have it stored in a locker and not readily
available. I would recommend you wear your life jacket while fishing
if your boat is tippy or if you can not swim. Wear layers of warm
clothing as well as fingerless gloves. Also let someone know where
you are going and when you expect to return.
So when the weather turns cooler in the fall, don’t put your boat
away, put it on standby.
Our open water season is too short as it
is. If you can stretch it out by taking in some fall fishing, you
just might discover you have been missing out on some fantastic bass
action.
Remember, think safety, think comfort and think BIG BASS.
Hope to see you on the water.
Arnie Nichols
classicbass.com Field Staff
