There’s something special about fall fishing. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the water comes alive with hungry fish feeding before winter. For many anglers, this season offers some of the best action of the year—if you know how to approach it.
I still remember one late September evening on the Elk River. The sun dipped low, the valley turned gold, and the trout seemed to know the season was changing. Cast after cast, the strikes came fast and heavy, and it was one of those rare days where you feel completely in sync with the water. Fall can give you days like that—if you’re ready.
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you take advantage of the season:
1. Timing Is Everything
Fish sense the shift in seasons, and their feeding windows can be short. Early mornings and evenings are classic times, but fall often rewards mid-day anglers too. As the water cools, fish move shallower to feed, especially on sunny afternoons. Don’t overlook that 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. window—it can be prime time.
2. Lure Choices That Work in Fall
In the fall, fish are aggressive but picky. Matching their forage makes a big difference:
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Spinners and spoons: Perfect for trout in rivers and lakes, especially in faster currents where the flash draws attention.
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Crankbaits: Smaller shad or perch-colored cranks work wonders for bass and walleye feeding up for winter.
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Soft plastics: A jig and combo can be deadly when fish are hugging bottom.
Pro tip: Go a size larger than you would in summer. Fish are trying to bulk up and won’t hesitate to chase a bigger meal.
3. Target Species & Where to Find Them
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Trout: Look for riffles and seams in rivers where oxygen levels are higher. In lakes, trout cruise the shallows more as the water cools.
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Bass: Smallmouth often push into rocky shorelines in fall, while largemouth patrol weed edges.
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Walleye: A favorite in fall—look for them staging near drop-offs or current breaks. Evening is their prime feeding time.
4. Explore New Water
Fall is the perfect time to wander. Cooler temps mean less boat traffic, quieter trails, and fish spreading out. That little creek you passed by in summer? Chances are it’s holding fish now. Bring gear that’s light, portable, and easy to carry so you can cover ground without hassle.
5. Mind the Conditions
Windy? Use it to your advantage. Chop on the water stirs up baitfish and makes predators more active. Overcast days often outfish bluebird skies. And don’t shy away from a little rain—some of the best fall bites happen in a drizzle.
Final Cast
Fall fishing rewards those who get outside and make the most of the season. The days are shorter, the windows are narrower, but the payoffs are worth it. Whether it’s chasing trout in a mountain stream or landing a big walleye at dusk, autumn is the time to slow down, breathe the cool air, and fish hard.
If you’re gearing up for fall, check out our travel-ready fishing gear designed to go anywhere. Lightweight, compact, and built for the angler who wants to make the most of every season.
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