Fall Patterns
Dateline 10/5/98
Fall is one of my favorite times to fish. The bass move back into shallow water where I can catch them on spinnerbaits and crankbaits, and they are feeding getting ready for the coming winter. Crappie feed more actively as the water cools and they will move more shallow after the lake turns over. Other panfish bite well, too, and it may be your last chance to catch some catfish before they become inactive in the cold water or winter. And it is a lot more comfortable fishing here in the south after it cools some.
Fall is also a good time to fish a jig and pig for a lunker bass to hang on the wall. Topwater lures also will catch big bass this time of year. Lunker sows are trying to put on fat and are also growing their eggs to lay the next spring, so they eat a lot more, making them easier to catch.
Even up north bass feed better. Smallmouth become more active just like largemouth do. Although it gets cooler quicker further north, fish go through the same changes all over their range. No matter where you live, you can plan on catching more fish if you watch the patterns and changes in the weather. Be sure you dress for the changing weather and are prepared for a fall fishing trip.
Walleye also move shallow, and they feed actively in the cooler water, just like bass do. You can count on them going on a feeding spree and they are easier to find. Check out your favorite walleye lake before it gets any colder.
Get out and enjoy the fall weather, and catch some fish. Your favorite is likely to be biting right now!.
Links are re-listed below for your convenience.
Tactics
for Shallow Fall "Eyes"
From Fish and Game Finder, good how-to article.
Late Fall’s
Walleye Mayhem
By Norb Wallock and Rick Olson, from Fish and Game Finder, its
easy, just find the fish.
Bass Techniques
for Fall Giants
Catch them on top and many other ways.
The Right
Stuff for Fall Trips
From clothing to tools, how to be ready to take advantage of fall
fishing.
Autumn
Opportunity for Bass
From Fish and Game Finder, Ron Anlauf, a walleye pro, tells how
to catch bass.
Crankbait Techniques - Freshwater Fishing - 09/29/97 Crankbaits can put fish in the boat for you, from your About.com Guide
Slinging Spinnerbaits - Freshwater Fishing - 10/19/97 Spinnerbaits catch fish. Here are some ways to rig and fish them, from your About.com Guide
Jig and Pig Fishing - Freshwater Fishing -11/03/97 A jig and pig is an excellent lure to catch a quality bass. Here are some suggestions, from your Mining Company Guide
Fall Turnover - Freshwater Fishing - 09/15/97 Fall turnover, what it is and how it affects your fishing, from your About.com Guide
Fall Fishing - Freshwater Fishing -10/06/97 Fall is a fantastic time for fishing, from your About.com Guide
Any comments on fall fishing? Tell me about any experiences you have. Do you have a favorite fall pattern? Do you have any stories about it? If so, you can also post information about it for others on my message board - you must register to post but can read the board as a guest. Also, if you have a story about fall fishing, let me know about it at fishing.guide@about.com. for a "Fishtale"or discuss it in the chat room on every night at 8:00 EST. Tell others what you like.
Check out Coming Next Week - Next week's column topic, contest prize and new additions to the resources lists.
