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E
very fall, after the long summer months, we look
forward to the cooling season ahead. The lake
quiets down, air and water temperatures fall, and two of the most anticipated bites of the year begin to collide.
We can anticipate not just one excellent bite, but two. We don’t often get two of our most sought-after patterns happening during the same short window. That leaves us choosing one or the other or maybe a little of both. It is a cruel yet exciting decision, because making the right choice can mean two completely different days on the water. Let us discuss these polar-opposite, sought-after and anticipated bites. What baits to use, and most importantly, what indicators the lake will provide to guide us to success.
SHAD OR TROUT? These are the two primary forage options that bass will have at the top of the menu during the cooler months of fall.
First on the menu would be the shad. These bite-sized morsels can be viewed as appetizers. For many smaller fish, they are the main course. However, for the bigger bass, there are larger offerings that will satisfy them more.
FINDING THE FALL SHAD BITE
As the water temperatures begin to drop and the days grow shorter, the shad begin to school at the mouths of major creek channels. Throughout the fall, they will work their way toward the back.
I begin my search for bait holding 60- to 80-feet down and then progressively follow it as it works shallower. One of the first clues to look for is dropping water temperatures and cooler nights. We are also looking for grebes, mergansers and herons. Just a quick scout of the lake looking for these feathered friends will tell us a lot – at least which creek channels are in use and which are not.
Also, during this bite, our electronics prove extremely useful. Idling and looking for bait balls in the suspected locations is a must. Between what we see above the water and what our electronics show below it, the lake will begin to point us in the right direction.
Once we have found what we are looking for, we must choose a presentation that is effective. I will most often reach for a vertically fished option first. Jigging spoons, dropshot and spiraling baits are my three go-to options. If our vertical approach doesn’t pan out, we
switch to horizontal. Lures that can be counted down to a desired depth work best. Among these choices are A-rigs, underspins, small swimbaits and spy-baits. Just be sure to try different sizes until you determine the size of the shad the bass are feeding on.
WHEN TROUT BECOMES THE MAIN COURSE FOR BASS
Now on to the main course. Once again, these bites that we anticipate are driven primarily by temperature, both air and water. As the surface temperatures drop, the lake will show signs of turning over. The trout that have been holding in the deep, cold water during the summer months will now have a chance to move toward the surface.
What was once flat, undisturbed water is now littered with tiny dimples. Feeding on insects and small baitfish, the trout show themselves and their desired depth. Another occurrence that often happens around this time of year is fish plants. This is the ultimate dinner bell, and the bass will
Fall 2026
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