When the dog days of summer finally give way to cool September mornings, bass fishing begins to shift into an exciting new phase. Early fall is a time of transition. Water temperatures begin to drop, baitfish move closer to shore, and bass leave their deep summer haunts in search of easy meals. For anglers, this seasonal change opens up incredible opportunities—if you know where to look and how to adapt.
In this guide, we’ll break down the early fall bass fishing secrets that will help you stay ahead of the game, with tips on locations, lure choices, and techniques tailored to cooler water.
Why Bass Behavior Changes in Early Fall
Bass are highly sensitive to water temperature. During summer’s peak heat, largemouth and smallmouth often retreat to deeper, cooler water where oxygen levels are stable. But as soon as temperatures dip into the high 60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, they start roaming again.
Two key changes drive their movement:
- Baitfish migration: Shad, shiners, and other forage species begin pushing toward the shallows. Bass follow.
- Comfort zone: Dropping water temps create a more comfortable environment in mid-depths and shallows, making bass more active and aggressive.
This is why fall is often compared to spring—it’s another feeding frenzy period, only this time bass are fattening up for winter.
Best Locations to Find Bass in Early Fall
Early fall bass aren’t locked into one spot. They’re on the move, and successful anglers know how to follow them.
- Main-lake points and secondary points: These act as highways for bass moving from summer depths into shallow flats.
- Creek mouths and feeder streams: Inflowing water brings oxygen and baitfish, drawing bass like magnets.
- Shallow flats near cover: Weed edges, laydowns, and riprap provide ambush points for feeding bass.
- Shoreline transitions: Areas where sand meets rock, or grass meets open water, are hotspots in cooling conditions.
Pro tip: If you spot schools of baitfish flickering on the surface, bass are rarely far behind.
Lure Choices for Dropping Water Temps
When water temps cool, bass become more willing to chase moving baits. Here are proven lure options:
- Topwater plugs (poppers, walking baits): Early mornings and evenings are prime for explosive surface strikes.
- Lipless crankbaits: Perfect for covering water quickly and mimicking schools of baitfish.
- Spinnerbaits: The flash and vibration trigger reaction strikes when bass are actively feeding.
- Soft plastic swimbaits: Excellent for imitating shad and other forage in clear water.
- Jigs: As temperatures continue to drop, slower presentations near cover become increasingly effective.
Vary your retrieves. Sometimes bass want an erratic, fast-moving bait; other times a steady, slow roll does the trick.
Techniques for Success
- Follow the bait: If you see birds diving or baitfish flickering near the surface, work your lures through those areas.
- Cover water: Early fall bass spread out. Use moving baits first to locate active fish before slowing down with finesse lures.
- Adjust to weather: Overcast days often extend feeding activity; sunny days may push bass tighter to cover.
- Mind the wind: Wind-blown banks concentrate baitfish, and bass stack up there to feed.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Fishing too deep: Many anglers stay in summer patterns too long. Bass often slide shallower than expected in early fall.
- Ignoring baitfish size: Match the hatch. If forage is small, downsize your lures for more strikes.
- Overlooking midday bites: Unlike summer, fall bass can remain active throughout the day, not just dawn and dusk.
Final Thoughts
Early fall is one of the most rewarding times to chase bass. As water temps drop, fish become more predictable, more aggressive, and more accessible in shallower water. By focusing on baitfish movement, choosing the right lures, and adapting your tactics to changing conditions, you can consistently connect with quality bass.
If you’re looking to extend your season and take advantage of this transition, now is the time to hit the water. Pack your topwaters, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits—and get ready for action.
