Fall 2026
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fight for their spot in line at the buffet.
My strategy and lure selection is simple for this one. A swimbait that is natural with a fluent swim is my first choice. Also, I’m going to fish at the depth at which I am seeing the most trout activity. Looking for ambush areas, long points and humps is the name of the game.
And remember, the trout that makes a mistake gets eaten. Our trout swimbaits need to be making
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mistakes—swimming in the wrong place, at the wrong time and in a bad direction. Putting that bait in a vulnerable position around a big bass can be the difference between simply seeing a giant fish and actually getting one to commit.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FALL BAIT FOR THE BASS BITE
So now we know what to look for and what to throw once we find it. On the best days, we can spoon a few dozen fish and set hooks into a couple giant trout eaters. However, most days aren’t this way.
My best suggestion would be to spend one day looking for the shad bite and another day tossing the big bait. Follow the birds, look for surface activity and search the ambush areas that would hold giant bass. Remember, the shad bite will produce quantity, and the trout bite will produce quality.
During any of these transitional phases of the year, we must hit the lake with an open mind. Cover water and look for clues. One of these two great opportunities is out there. We just have to let the lake guide us in the correct direction. •