Fall bass fishing is upon us here in the Northeast US.

Air temps have dropped and water temps are following, as we head into the fall feeding season for the bass. As the water continues to cool, and we get more and stronger cold fronts, stable fishing will dissipate, but the fish will also begin to binge-feed, fattening up for the winter ahead. It’s during these feeding binges that bass anglers can load the boat!

Timing is everything when it comes to fall feeding binges. because we don’t fish many man-made reservoirs here in the northeast, we don’t worry too much about following shad into coves and tributaries. Instead, we need to let the weather tell us when to fish and when not to fish.

Here’s the deal. This might be tough for people who work a 9 – 5 during the week, but for people with more flexible schedules, there is some great fishing. Watch the weather closely. Fall is not known for weeks and weeks of stable weather, so timing is key.

When we have had several days of warm, stable weather the water will actually start to warm again, especially in shallower areas of the lake and areas with shallow rock cover. Fish these areas late in the afternoons. You might find water temps here that are as much as 5- 7 degrees warmer than the rest of the lake, just because the depth is less.

Here’s another trick. When we’ve had a stable period and there is a front on the way in, get out and fish immediately before the front hits, especially if it begins to cloud up and the wind blows. Fishing can even be good on the day of the front as the bass gorge themselves in the darkening conditions.

If your unfortunate enough to be nailed down to a 9 – 5 job and can’t get out on a flexible schedule, here are some tips for you.

Try not to fish the day after a front. If you have no choice, though, don’t waste your time getting up early and hitting the lake before daylight. Sleep in and head out in the mid-morning time frame.
The bass will wait for you. And they will probably cooperate better later in the day anyway 😉

Remember to fish the windblown points and flats in the afternoon, after the sun has warmed the water back up a bit. Doing this can load the boat if you hit the right spots. Chunk a spinnerbait or Rat-L-Trap along these windy sections and hang on!

Anyway, don’t let the fall cold fronts discourage you. Remember that your chances of bagging a hawg are pretty good this time of year, if you use the weather to your advantage.

Now go bag a hawg!

Curt <><