Fall, transitioning bass

In the spring bass migrate from the main lake into the warming shallow waters of the creeks and flats in search of an ideal spawning bank. During fall baitfish on the main lake move closer to the shore. Bass follow the shad. So where there is baitfish there is bass.

The fall feeding frenzy can last for a couple of months. Many bass anglers, including yours truly, believe that the fall bass fishing season is the best. Even better than spring. During the fall the bass are all about eating. Getting ready for the winter months. Unlike the spring, the bass are not thinking about spawning. It is all about “chowin’ down!”

Here are some fall bass fishing tips that will help you locate and catch transition bass.

When the water temperature drops below 70 degrees, bass follow baitfish to secondary points and will suspend in depths of 35- 40 feet. Personally, when the bass are in this mode. They can be more difficult to catch. The good news is that this pattern will not last long. As the water temperature drops into the lower 60’s the bass will once again follow the baitfish up into even shallower water (4-12 feet ). Great areas to fish are any secondary points, large rocks, stumps, or timber. All are used by the bass as ambush spots.

Weather affects the movement of fall transitioning bass themost. (Barometric pressure) Weather fronts moving in and out. Breeze and clouds affect the lures you choose. A good rule of thumb is to start fishing the shallower water first. If you are not having any luck. Try move out to deeper water. Again, always keep in mind to fish drop offs, points and any wood or rocks.

CLEAR LAKE » Clear Lake still has a couple more large bass tournaments to host for the fall season. The thing about Clear Lake’s bass fishery is that it is so big that you can get away from most of the tournament folks. And, believe me, there are more than enough big bass to go around. As I have said many times ... “I do not know everything about bass fishing.” Every time I am out on the water I try to learn something new. When we are on Clear Lake with all the tournament anglers, I watch where they go at different times of the day. When you see a boat after boat go to the same spot. Ahh,, maybe that is a good spot you should take a look at.. Watch and learn. A day that you didn’t learn something is kind of a waste. LAKEMENDOCINO » No fishin’ pressure on Lake Mendocino. The bass anglers that are fishing from shore have been hooking into some nice bass. The smallmouth bass are especially aggressive right now. Spinner baits, jerk baits and crank baits have been doing the trick. When fishin’ for smallies, concentrate on areas with rocks along the shore line. Both the largemouth and smallmouth are also feeding on shad on the surface. During the early mourning hours, try a top water lure (my favorite, a Bill Dance Spittin’ Image) thrown at them while they are feeding will produce blow-ups. If you still aren’t getting bit, try drop shottin’ the points. The bigger fish are in the deeper water.

Thanks for reading and remember to keep it reel!

The fall feeding frenzy can last for a couple of months. Many bass anglers, including yours truly, believe that the fall bass fishing season is the best.