Use These Effective Fall Fishing Patterns for Bass

If you're looking for tips for fall fishing that will help you catch more largemouth bass, some of the best advice is to learn how to identify seasonal fishing patterns. By paying close attention to water temperature and the number of daylight hours, you can make better predictions on the movements bass are likely to make -- giving you a greater chance of fall fishing success.

When fishing lakes or reservoirs, there are three fall fishing patterns for bass that can give you clues as far as where to find fish when water temperature start to drop. Keep in mind that these patterns can vary from region to region, but will provide you with a starting point for how to fish in fall for largemouth bass.

• During the early fall, work crankbaits around creek mouths in lakes and reservoirs. Cooling water will send baitfish migrating up toward creek arms, with the bass following close behind. In early fall, focus on depth changes or drop-offs around creek mouths. When choosing baits, match your lure size to baitfish size. Shallow to medium running crankbaits can be a good choice during the fall season. When fishing for bass in clear lakes, use natural color patterns. In murky lakes or reservoirs, go for brighter colors, such as chartreuse.
• When mid-fall arrives, focus your bass fishing efforts farther up in any creeks and coves. Bass will be holding close to any type of cover in an attempt to ambush any unsuspecting shad or baitfish that happens to swim by. Lipless crankbaits in chrome or shad-imitating colors or spinnerbaits with willow leaf blades can work well while fishing farther up in the creeks, casting around coves, and on the flats.
• During late fall, bass will start moving back toward deeper holes and channels. If you are fishing lakes in the northern or mid-range states, one of the best tips for fall fishing during the later fall months is to focus on working around these transitional zones with a jerkbait, deep diving crankbait, or a swimbait.

Boost your catch rates by remembering these tips on how to identify fall fishing patterns for bass. The change in season brings cooler temperatures, but plenty of opportunities to find fish that are feeding and on the move toward their winter haunts -- just be sure to renew your freshwater fishing license before you go!