Come October, a few things change in the Northwoods. The nights get colder, boat traffic is cut in half, resort rentals go down, supper clubs, and stores less crowded. Then wait 1 or 2 weeks and you might find the best Bass fishing of the year. I don’t know if Bass are that hungry or if they just know it’s time to build up their fat reserves for the cold months ahead, either way, when the water temperature starts to drop, Bass know the lake is changing and will take advantage of baitfish, crawfish and larger year class (mostly bluegill) fish being in shallower water.

Knowing that Bass will start to transition (BEFORE TURNOVER) from deeper water to shallower areas like flats, remaining green weeds, stick-ups, shorelines with brush and/or secondary points will help you locate and catch these fish. Two more spots that should not be over looked is coves or bays associated to deeper water (START AT THE DEEPER OPENING AND FISH YOUR WAY SHALLOW) then, any moving water (IN-LETS), are also a good spot to try because these areas will have higher oxygen levels then other parts of the lake, then add green weeds to this location and you could now have your own fall Bass honey hole.

Also, when looking for fall Bass at this time of year, keep in mind that they move up to shallow water using migration routes that are all related to structure. Watching the lakes contour lines on your electronics or looking at a lake map to find sharp drop-offs, old river channels, edges of points and secondary points coming up from deeper water to the spots I mentioned above. Topwater and buzzbaits can work, but I think running crank and spinner baits over the top weeds can produce more Bass. Now in the evening and at night, Bass will come closer to the shoreline, so switching to (SOFT PLASTICS) like frogs, crawfish and 8 to 10-inch worms could trigger strikes, but because of the silhouette effect, use darker or solid-colored baits at night.

Well, good luck if you head out for some fall Bass and if anyone has better ideas or tips on fall Bassing, please contribute.