Fall 2024
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crankbait or white/chartreuse ChatterBait and focus on the windy side of points, or a windy bank.
For the opposite, if it goes windy to flat calm. The main adjustment I would make is to slow my presentation down. This is when I think the dropshot with the long leader really excels. It’s very, very slow. You can almost drop down 25- to 40-feet and eat a sandwich, barely moving your rod then all of a sudden, your rod will load up.
I have done this numerous times in October and November at Camanche and Lake Berryessa. It’s almost like you catch these fish as they are passing by and see an easy meal then “fish on.” I have sat in the same spot all day and slowly caught fish doing this. It can be a mind game sitting in one spot, if you’re on an island top at the right depth, fish can be moving up and down it all day long. You just have to wait.
WB: Any final fall tips to share?
LEYTEM: Fall is the beginning of some major changes in weather and lake conditions. Always check weather conditions prior to going out. I use the windy app. If it’s too windy or a big storm is coming it’s not worth it, the fish will still be there (tomorrow). •
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