Early Fall Bass Fishing: How to Capitalize on the Initial Feeding Frenzy

There's a magical time of year when the nights get a little cooler, but the days are still warm and sunny. For a bass angler, this isn't just the start of autumn; it's the flick of a switch that turns the bass's feeding instincts to overdrive. This is the start of the great fall feast.

This guide is my personal playbook for early fall bass fishing, and I'm excited to share it with you here at riversiderelics.com. Forget the slow, patient tactics of late fall. This period is a sprint, a hunt. The bass are chasing their food, and our job is to find that party.

I'm going to give you a detailed plan to locate these aggressive schools of bass and the exact lures I use to capitalize on one of the most exciting bites of the entire year.

Understanding the Early Fall Transition: The Great Shad Migration

To succeed in early fall bass fishing, you must first understand the "why." The driving force behind everything is the annual migration of baitfish, especially shad.

As the water temperature drops from its summer peak into the 70s F (below 26°C), massive schools of shad begin moving from the deep, open water of the main lake into the backs of creeks and coves. This entire process is part of a larger seasonal change that includes the fall lake turnover.

The bass, being opportunistic predators, are right on their tails. During this period, I've found that bass are less concerned with specific structures and are almost entirely focused on one thing: the location of the baitfish.

Location is Everything: Where the Baitfish Go, Bass Will Follow

My approach to early fall bass fishing is simple: I follow the food. Bass will use predictable routes and stopping points as they chase these migrating schools of bait. This is the core principle of where to find bass in autumn.

Main Lake Points & Humps: The First Rest Stops

These are the very first places bass will stop as they begin their migration from their deep summer homes. I focus on long, tapering main-lake points that lead into major creek arms, especially those getting hit by the wind.

Creek Mouths and Major Pockets: The Funnel Points

The mouths of creeks and large coves act like a funnel, concentrating the migrating schools of baitfish. This creates a perfect ambush opportunity for bass. I'll spend a lot of time graphing these areas with my sonar.

Shallow Flats: The Feeding Grounds

Once the baitfish move further back into the creeks, they will often spread out across large, shallow flats. I look for flats in the 3-to-8-foot depth range that are close to the deeper creek channel.

The "Big 3" Lures for Early Fall: Matching Speed and Profile

This isn't the time for finesse. You need lures that can cover water, attract attention, and imitate a fleeing baitfish. These are my confidence baits, and they form the core of my list of the best fall bass fishing lures.

1. The Topwater Lure (Walking Baits & Poppers)

• When to Use: At dawn and dusk, or on overcast days. There is nothing more exciting than a topwater explosion in the fall.

• How to Use: I use a walking bait, like a Zara Spook, to cover large flats quickly. If bass are holding on specific targets like a stump or dock piling, I'll switch to a popper.

2. The Lipless Crankbait

• When to Use: This is my go-to for quickly searching large flats or fishing over the top of submerged grass.

• How to Use: My favorite technique is the "yo-yo." I'll cast it out, let it sink until it ticks the top of the grass, then rip the rod tip up sharply, and let it flutter back down. The bite almost always comes on the fall.

3. The Spinnerbait/Chatterbait

• When to Use: These are perfect for windy days and stained water. The flash and vibration are unmatched for calling in active fish.

• How to Use: I often "burn" the bait—reeling it as fast as I can just beneath the surface. Knowing the best color lures for fall bass fishing, like a bright white or chartreuse, is key for this technique.

The Winning Strategy: Cover Water Quickly and Efficiently

Patience is a virtue, but not in early fall bass fishing. The key is to stay on the move until you find the fish. This is one of the most important fall bass fishing techniques to master for this specific time of year.

I put my trolling motor on high and am constantly moving and casting with the search baits listed above. I rarely spend more than 15-20 minutes in an area if I'm not getting bites or seeing baitfish activity.

Keep your eyes peeled. Look for signs of life: diving birds, baitfish flickering on the surface, or the boils of bass actively chasing shad. When you get that first bite, slow down immediately. Where there is one, there are almost always more.

Don't Overlook: The "Other" Patterns

While the shad migration is the main event, there are a couple of other patterns to keep in mind to avoid common fall bass fishing mistakes.

• Remaining Green Vegetation: The last healthy, green grass beds in the lake are oxygen-rich and hold a variety of prey. A swim jig or a hollow-bodied frog can be deadly in these areas.

• Shade Lines & Docks: On those bright, sunny autumn afternoons, don't forget that shade is still a bass's friend. Docks, laydowns, and bluff walls are some of the best structure for fall bass and can hold quality fish looking for an easy ambush opportunity.