Fall can be a difficult time for anglers pursuing River Largemouth Bass. Before determining what presentations to use, finding the fish should be your first goal. We will break it down further and discuss what presentations, lures, etc., later. But where do you start? Where do largemouth bass position themselves in the river when the leaves are changing colors?
FALL
Location
First step in catching river largemouths in any season is figuring out where the fish are positioned. In lakes, you will most often find largemouth bass up a little shallower in the Fall than they were in the Summer, and usually in the backs of creeks, covers, and up in the rivers. Well, fishing can similar in the river, but just like in the Summer, you have other factors to consider fishing a river than you do in lakes. The most important of these factors are the river level and flow. In the fall, water levels and the speed of the current can effect a largemouth bass' location more than any other time of year. The fall also tends to be a time of year where water levels can fluctuate the most from year to year.High Water Level, Stronger Current
If your river received heavy rains during the summer or in early fall, the water levels will probably be higher than normal and the current will be moving quicker than fish are used to for this time of year. In these conditions, I fish a river like I would fish a lake. You will find bass in the backs of coves and creeks leading into the river.
The reason for this is that, for whatever reason, baitfish (minnows and shad) in rivers will often move into the backs of these tributaries. My feeling is, that in a river during these high water/high current times, the baitfish are seeking calmer water to feed in. In the creeks and coves, the current will be slower, providing an easier opportunity to feed. Rains and high water also open up new areas of water. These newly flooded areas introduce nutrients and activate the food chain. The baitfish have more to eat in these areas, and take advantage of this. It is only natural for the bass to follow.
The reason for this is that, for whatever reason, baitfish (minnows and shad) in rivers will often move into the backs of these tributaries. My feeling is, that in a river during these high water/high current times, the baitfish are seeking calmer water to feed in. In the creeks and coves, the current will be slower, providing an easier opportunity to feed. Rains and high water also open up new areas of water. These newly flooded areas introduce nutrients and activate the food chain. The baitfish have more to eat in these areas, and take advantage of this. It is only natural for the bass to follow.
But, many rivers and stretches of rivers don't have creeks and coves feeding into them. Where do the fish go in these high water/high current Autumns? Well, the bass still follow the baitfish, feeding heavily to "fatten up" for the winter. If you can find the baitfish, you will find the bass. Look for areas where the current slows a little, providing stretches of water that are easy for baitfish to feed. A bend in the river will create waters with strong current on one side, and slower currents on the other. Fish these slower currents. Sand and gravel bars also provide good current breaks that can produce well in these conditions. With high water levels, also look for newly flooded areas. These areas may have flooded grass that provide cover and feeding areas for baitfish.
In high water and swifter currents, focus
on stretches of river with no to slow current typically. Explore areas of new water and look for baitfish. These typically have a slower flow and more baitfish in the fall. Keep your eyes open for areas just out of the main
current, where the flow slows down a little bit or even turns and goes
the opposite direction. Disruptions in the current can also attract
baitfish and bass. Find the baitfish and the bass should be nearby.
Low Water Level, Slow Current
If you had a summer full of drought conditions, with little to no rain, the water levels in your stretch of river will most likely be down. With less water in the river, the current should also be slower than normal. These conditions will have an effect of the location of bass. Just like at high water levels, you need to find where the baitfish are feeding in order to find the bass in the fall.
Under these low water/slow current conditions, you should focus on the main body of river. Creeks and tributaries can produce, but only if they have ample water. Dropping water levels often lowers water levels in these areas to the point of unproductivity. If you can find similar stretches of water on the main river, focus on these. Find and fish places on the main river with relatively shallow water and ample cover. If there is any grass remaining from the summer, these areas can provide good cover and feeding areas for baitfish. Stay out of the strongest currents, and focus on fishing slower, shallow stretches. Sand and gravel bars often provide great areas to fish in these conditions.
Normal Water Level, Normal Current
Sometime, the water level and current speed are just normal in the fall. In these conditions, the key to catching largemouth bass in the fall is the same in any other water conditions--find the baitfish and the bass will be near by. If you find coves or creeks entering the river with a good amount of water, that is where I would start. If there are no creeks entering the river, focus on large current breaks in the main body of the river, like you would in lower water level times.
Those tips should help you find largemouth bass in a river during the fall. Focus on, and fish those areas. Remember, finding baitfish is the key to finding bass in the fall.
Those tips should help you find largemouth bass in a river during the fall. Focus on, and fish those areas. Remember, finding baitfish is the key to finding bass in the fall.
Nice article with some helpful tips.
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