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E
ach year we can take a sigh of relief as the
summer months begin to fade into the season
of fall. We welcome this transition as the lakes become less crowded and the air temperature becomes
more comfortable. I feel as if the fish are just as excited to
see this annual switch in conditions. To us it is about air, and
to them it is about water.
As the nights grow longer and the days become
shorter, together we notice this steady decline in water
temperatures. And believe me, the fish understand it in
much greater detail than we do.
First the surface becomes cooler. Then a little deeper
throughout the water column, and so on and so forth. Once
the upper layer of water reaches a comparable temperature
to the water below, it begins to mixed. This may take weeks
to complete, and will happen in different stages throughout
the lake. This transition of molecules is referred to as the fall
turnover.
Temperature can dictate many behavioral patterns
and moods. The heat
can create a sense of
lethargy and decrease
motivation. As anglers
we must use this shift
in momentum to pursue
our big bass dreams.
With a high level of
focus on the larger fish
and their change in
motivation and forage
consumption.
UNDERSTAND TROUT TO CATCH FALL BASS
As big bait fisherman we start to get a little giddy with the anticipation of tossing oversized trout patterns. One might ask, why now for the big swimbaits? Well, it is quite simple, let us first discuss trout behavior. Understanding the trout will help us determine the depth in which we should be targeting.
Trout are a much different species than bass and other sunfish. They do not do well in warm water and require more oxygenated cooler temperatures. It is very uncommon to see trout near the surface during
the summer months. However, once this fall turnover is in motion and the temperatures are mixing the trout begin to find comfort towards the surface and in shallower waters and they lowly transition from their summer locations to their fall locations.
As the bass take notice of this, they will move towards likely ambush areas and position themselves for an easy meal. They build a sense of confidence and arrogance as more trout swim through. Once a large bass gets the taste of a high protein morsel, they become set on that food source and patiently await the next.
There is another magical occurrence that happens when the surface drops to a trout conducive temperature. The stocking of planted trout (planters). These trout are generally a smaller size than the holdover trout and are not to privy to their new home. They often roam and wander into areas that they should not. At this point they disappear.
Fall 2024
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