Best Fall Bass Lures: Top Picks for a Successful Fishing Season

Fall is the perfect time to go bass fishing.

As the water cools down, bass become more active and start to feed heavily in preparation for the winter.

But to catch them, you need the right lures. In this article, I’ll introduce you to the best fall bass fishing lures that will help you hook more fish and have a successful fishing trip.

When choosing bass lures for fall, it’s important to keep in mind that the water temperature begins to cool down and bass start eating to prepare for winter, when they’ll surely eat less.

This means that you need to use lures that mimic the natural prey of the bass and are smaller in size.

How Do Bass Act in Fall

Fall is a transitional period for bass as they prepare for winter.

As the water temperature cools down, bass behavior changes, and they become more lethargic.

However, this doesn’t mean that they stop feeding altogether. In fact, hungry fish will be on the hunt for food, making fall bass fishing a great time to catch some big ones.

To increase your chances of success, it’s important to understand how bass behavior changes in the fall.

As the water temperature drops, bass move from the deep water comfort and they search for baitfish in the upper water layers.

Bass also tend to school up in the fall, making them easier to find. They may be found in large groups near underwater structures like rocks, logs, or drop-offs. Target these areas if you want to catch some nice bass. And remember, structure is key.

When it comes to lures, it’s important to choose smaller lures to mimic the baitfish size, which is around 2 to 5 inches.

For the best results, I recommend you cover the entire water column to see exactly where bass are. Sometimes they feed shallow, other times they move to the deeper areas.

Some effective lures for fall bass fishing include topwater lures, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jigs. Experimenting with different lures and techniques can help you find what works best for the particular body of water you’re fishing in.

I included this section into the article so you can fully understand why are some lures more effective than others. Hope it helped you understand the behaviour of these wonderful fish.

Crankbaits

Fall is an excellent time for bass fishing, and crankbaits are among the most effective lures you can use during this season. As the water cools, bass become more active and start feeding aggressively in preparation for winter. Here are some top crankbaits to consider for fall bass fishing:

1. Jackall Bling 55: This crankbait is known for its tight wobble and ability to mimic shad, which are a primary food source for bass in the fall. Its design allows it to work well in both clear and stained water.
2. SPRO Little John MD 50: A mid-depth crankbait that excels in targeting bass holding in the 5-9 foot range. Its subtle action and unique sound make it a favorite among anglers during the fall transition.
3. Nomad Atlas 55: This crankbait is designed for versatility and can be used effectively around various structures like rocks, wood, and grass lines. Its durability and lifelike action make it a reliable choice for fall fishing.
4. Team Ark MiniDiver: Ideal for reaching deeper fish, the MiniDiver’s compact size and tight action are perfect for enticing bites from bass that are feeding on smaller baitfish. Still catches fish even if it looks like Iron Man.
5. Lipless Crankbaits: A staple in fall fishing, lipless crankbaits like the Strike King Red Eyed Shad are excellent for covering large areas quickly and triggering reaction strikes from aggressive bass. They are particularly effective around grass beds and riprap banks.

Using these crankbaits, you can effectively target bass as they move from deeper summer haunts to shallower feeding areas. Remember to vary your retrieve speeds and experiment with different colors to match the local forage and water conditions.

Worms for Fall Bass Fishing

When it comes to fall bass fishing, worms are a reliable and versatile bait choice. As the water temperature drops, bass often move to deeper waters and become more selective in their feeding habits. Using worms effectively can help you entice these finicky fish. Here are some tips and techniques for using worms in the fall:

1. Stick Worms: Stick worms, like the Yamamoto Senko, are excellent for fall fishing. They can be rigged in various ways, such as Texas rigged, wacky rigged, or even weightless. Their subtle action is perfect for enticing bass that are less aggressive during cooler months. Stick worms are particularly effective when fished slowly around cover and structure.
2. Ribbon Tail Worms: Ribbon tail worms, such as the Zoom Ol’ Monster, provide a larger profile and more movement in the water. These worms are great for targeting bass that are feeding heavily before winter. The tail’s action can provoke strikes even in deeper or murkier waters. Try using a 10-inch ribbon tail worm on a Texas rig to cover more ground and reach deeper bass.
3. Finesse Worms: When the bite is tough, downsizing to finesse worms can make a significant difference. Finesse worms, like the Roboworm, can be rigged on a drop shot or shaky head to present a subtle, lifelike action. This technique is particularly effective in clear water where bass can be more cautious.

In the fall, natural colors such as green pumpkin, watermelon, and black are often the most effective. These colors closely mimic the forage bass are feeding on, such as crawfish and smaller baitfish. In stained or muddy water, consider using brighter colors like junebug or chartreuse to increase visibility.

As the water cools, bass metabolism slows down, making them less likely to chase fast-moving baits. A slow, methodical presentation is key. Let your worm sit longer between movements and use subtle twitches to mimic a struggling prey. This can trigger more strikes from lethargic bass.

Wacky rigs or Carolina rigges, both work well.

Jigs

Jigs are a staple in any bass angler’s tackle box, especially during the fall. As bass transition from their summer patterns to fall feeding frenzies, jigs can be highly effective in targeting them. Here are some key tips and techniques for using jigs in the fall:

1. Types of Jigs:
   • Football Jigs: These are ideal for dragging along rocky bottoms and ledges where bass often congregate in the fall. Their wide head design helps prevent snagging and keeps the bait in contact with the bottom, mimicking crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey.
   • Finesse Jigs: When the bite is tough, finesse jigs can be a game-changer. These smaller, lighter jigs are perfect for clear water and pressured fish. They offer a more subtle presentation that can entice wary bass.
   • Swim Jigs: These are excellent for covering water quickly and targeting bass that are actively chasing baitfish. Swim jigs can be retrieved steadily or with varied cadences to mimic the erratic movement of fleeing prey.
2. Trailer Selection:
   • Craw Trailers: Pairing your jig with a crawfish trailer can add bulk and action, making it more enticing to bass. In the fall, crawfish are a primary food source for bass, so this combination can be particularly effective.
   • Swimbait Trailers: For swim jigs, using a swimbait trailer can enhance the lifelike appearance and swimming action, making it more attractive to bass hunting in open water.

Tips for Successful Fall Bass Fishing

Here are some tips to help you catch more bass during the fall season:

Experiment with Retrieve Speed

Bass can be very picky during the fall season, so it’s important to experiment with retrieve speed until you find what works best.

Some bass prefer a slow and steady retrieve, while others like a more erratic retrieve. Try hopping your lure along the bottom to entice a bite.

Target Schooling Bass

During the fall season, bass tend to school up in large groups.

Look for areas where baitfish are present, as this is where you’re most likely to find schooling bass. Try casting into pockets of baitfish and retrieve your lure back through the school.

Use Wind to Your Advantage

Wind can be your friend when it comes to bass fishing.

Windy conditions can create a chop on the water’s surface, which can help to conceal your lure and make it more enticing to bass.

Look for areas where the wind is blowing into a bank or a point, as this is where bass are likely to be feeding.

Choose Lures Based on Water Clarity

Water clarity can have a big impact on fall bass fishing.

In clear water, try using lures that mimic natural baitfish, such as white or silver crankbaits. In murky water, opt for lures with more vibration and noise, such as spinnerbaits or chatterbaits.

Target Mid-Depth Areas

During the fall season, bass tend to move out of the deep water and into mid-depth areas.

Look for areas with structure, such as drop-offs, points, or weed beds, and target these areas with your lures.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to catching more bass during the fall season. Remember to stay patient and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective fall bass fishing lures?

Some effective fall bass fishing lures include jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Jigs are great for fishing in deep water, while spinnerbaits are better suited for shallow water. Crankbaits are also a popular choice for fall bass fishing because they can mimic the movements of baitfish.

What colors should I use for fall bass fishing?

When it comes to fall bass fishing, natural colors such as brown, green, and black tend to work best. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with brighter colors like chartreuse or orange, especially in murky water.

What are the best types of crankbaits for fall bass fishing?

The best types of crankbaits for fall bass fishing are those that can dive deep and imitate the movements of baitfish. Some popular choices include square-billed crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, and deep-diving crankbaits.

What live bait works best for fall bass fishing?

Live bait can be effective for fall bass fishing, especially if you’re targeting larger fish. Some popular live baits include shiners, minnows, and nightcrawlers.

What are the top freshwater bass lures for fall?

Some of the top freshwater bass lures for fall include jigs, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Other effective lures include topwater baits, swimbaits, and soft plastic worms.

What are the most productive fall bass fishing techniques?

Some of the most productive fall bass fishing techniques include fishing in transition areas, targeting shallow water, and using slow and steady retrieves. It’s also important to pay attention to water temperature and adjust your fishing techniques accordingly.