Fall Fishing Patterns

Some of the best bass fishing occurs during the fall of the year. Depending on where you live, mid September to late November is the time to be fishing.
Look for shad schooling in small pockets or creeks off the main lake that contain cover like stumps or grass beds. If the water is clear my first choice for this type of fishing is a white Blue Fox spinnerbait, fished on 15lb line, about a foot under the surface. Buzzbaits can also be productive in this type of situation. I'll sometimes fish 25 to 30 areas like this in a day, then go back to the most productive ones and start over.

In colored water switch to a chartreuse spinnerbait and heavier line, or try flipping a jig or plastic worm into brush at the back of shoreline pockets and creek channels.

Rip-rap is also a frequent holding spot for fall bass and shouldn't be ignored. I usually fish rip-rap with crankbaits on 15lb line to search for fish and try to bump the rocks on every cast. Depending on water clarity, the same color patterns apply as with spinnerbaits. Change lures as often as necessary in order to keep your bait in contact with the bottom.

Keep a positive attitude, keep casting and keep Fishing.