The 4 Best Bass Lures for Late Fall's Cold Water (And How to Fish Them)

When the water gets cold and the bass get lazy, it's time to simplify your tackle box. This isn't the time for the noisy, fast-moving lures that worked so well in September. Late fall is a season of patience, precision, and a select few lures that have a special kind of cold-water magic.

Over the years, I've learned that success in these tough conditions comes from having extreme confidence in a small group of baits. That’s why, here at riversiderelics.com, we focus on what truly works. This isn't just a list of my favorites; this is my guide to the absolute best bass lures for late fall, including exactly how to fish them and, just as importantly, which lures you should leave at home.

Why Finesse and Subtlety Win in Late Fall

Before we look at the lures, you must understand the mindset of a late-fall bass. As water temperatures dip into the 40s and low 50s F (below 12°C), their metabolism slows to a crawl.

They won't chase a meal very far. They want an easy, high-protein target that they can eat with minimal effort. This is why lures that can be fished slowly are key, a major difference from the patterns of early fall bass fishing.

The 4 Elite Lures for Cold Water Bass

These four lures are my entire game plan when the water gets cold. I know them inside and out, and they consistently produce when nothing else will.

Lure #1: The Suspending Jerkbait - The King of Cold Water

• Why it Works: A suspending jerkbait perfectly mimics a dying baitfish—the easiest possible meal for a lethargic bass. It works best when targeting bass that are suspended around deep, vertical structure like bluff walls and deep points.

• How to Fish It (The Money Maker): The magic is in the pause. My retrieve is a "jerk-jerk-pause." In cold water, I will let the bait sit perfectly still for 10, 15, or even 20 seconds. This is one of the most crucial fall bass fishing techniques to master for cold water.

• Pro-Tip: I always use fluorocarbon line with a jerkbait. Its low-stretch quality lets me feel even the softest bites.

Lure #2: The Football Jig - The Bottom Dweller

• Why it Works: A jig perfectly imitates a crawfish and is ideal for targeting bass relating to the bottom. This is my top choice when fishing the best structure for fall bass like deep rock piles and steep channel swing banks.

• How to Fish It: Forget about hopping the jig. The key retrieve is a slow, steady drag. I cast out, let it hit the bottom, and then use long, sideways sweeps of my rod to drag it.

• Pro-Tip: I switch to a more subtle trailer in late fall. This detail, along with knowing the best color lures for fall bass fishing, can make a huge impact.

Lure #3: The Blade Bait - The Secret Weapon

• Why it Works: A blade bait is a thin piece of metal that produces an intense, high-frequency vibration. It triggers a bass's predatory reaction, making it perfect for generating strikes from inactive, suspended fish.

• How to Fish It: The best technique is a "yo-yo" retrieve. Let the bait fall to the bottom, then lift your rod tip about a foot, just enough to feel the bait vibrate. Let it fall back down on a slack line. The bite will almost always come on the fall.

• Pro-Tip: Always use a small cross-lock snap to attach the blade bait to your line.

Lure #4: The Ned Rig - The Ultimate Finesse Tool

• Why it Works: When the bite is as tough as it gets, nothing gets bit like a Ned rig. Its tiny, non-threatening profile can convince even the most negative bass to eat, helping you avoid common fall bass fishing mistakes like fishing too aggressively.

• How to Fish It: The best way to fish it is often the simplest. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom, and just let it sit there (a technique called "deadsticking").

• Pro-Tip: This technique requires a light spinning rod setup. I use a very sensitive rod and a thin, 6-8lb fluorocarbon leader.

Lures to AVOID When the Water Gets Cold

Knowing what not to throw is just as important as knowing what to throw. I take these lures completely out of my boat in late fall.

• High-Action Topwater Lures: Bass are rarely willing to come to the surface once the water temperature is below the low 50s.

• Fast-Moving Spinnerbaits: The speed required to keep the blades turning is often too fast for a lethargic bass to chase.

• Bulky, High-Action Soft Plastics: Lures with lots of flapping arms and appendages can look unnatural in cold water where nothing moves that fast.