When fall arrives, the changing weather signals a shift in fish behavior, and anglers need to adjust their tactics accordingly. As water temperatures drop, bass and other species become more aggressive, feeding heavily in preparation for winter. This makes autumn one of the best times to fish, especially when using the right artificial lures. Whether targeting bass in lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, having the right bait can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of the best artificial lures for fall fishing that will help you bring in more bites this season.
1. Spinnerbaits: The Fall Favorite
Spinnerbaits remain one of the top choices for fall fishing. Their flashy blades and versatile design make them irresistible to bass during this time of year. As the water cools, bass are on the lookout for larger prey, and spinnerbaits imitate baitfish like shad, which are abundant during the fall. These lures work exceptionally well when retrieved at a moderate pace, mimicking the movements of injured or vulnerable fish.
Pro tip: When fishing around cover like weeds or rocks, slow down your retrieve to keep the spinnerbait in the strike zone longer. The key is to make slight contact with the structure, enticing a strike from lurking bass.
2. Crankbaits: Dive Deep for Bigger Fish
As bass begin to transition to deeper waters in the fall, crankbaits become a must-have in any angler’s tackle box. These lures are designed to dive deep, allowing you to target bass that are moving towards submerged structures. Deep-diving crankbaits, in particular, are highly effective when fished along ledges, drop-offs, and creek channels.
Choose crankbaits in natural colors like shad, crawfish, or perch to match the local forage. In murky waters, opt for brighter hues like chartreuse to make your lure stand out. The erratic wobble of a crankbait is what makes it so effective during fall.
3. Jigs: The Big-Bass Magnet
Fall is the perfect season to target trophy bass, and jigs are well known for catching big fish. The bulky profile of a jig paired with a soft plastic trailer mimics larger prey like crayfish or baitfish. In the cooler waters of autumn, bass are looking for meals that provide maximum energy without much effort. This makes jigs, especially when fished slowly, ideal for coaxing bites.
Pro tip: Fish your jig around cover like fallen trees, docks, or submerged rocks. Let the jig sink to the bottom, and then use a slow lift-and-drop technique to keep it in the strike zone. Bass will often hit on the fall, so be ready for that subtle tug on the line.
4. Soft Plastic Swimbaits: Versatility at Its Best
Soft plastic swimbaits offer versatility and can be fished at various depths, making them a great choice during the transition from shallow to deeper waters. Their lifelike appearance and natural swimming action attract bass looking for larger, slower-moving prey. In the fall, when baitfish are abundant, swimbaits shine.
Pro tip: Use swimbaits in both shallow and deep water. In shallower areas, use a weighted swimbait hook to fish around vegetation or stumps. In deeper waters, use a jig head to get the bait down where the fish are holding.
5. Lipless Crankbaits: Perfect for Fall Feeding Frenzies
Lipless crankbaits are perfect for covering large areas of water quickly, making them ideal for fall fishing when bass are actively feeding. These lures work well when fished over grass beds, along creek channels, or across shallow flats. The tight wobble and rattling sound of a lipless crankbait mimic baitfish like shad, triggering predatory strikes from bass.
In cooler waters, a slower retrieve will often produce better results, allowing the lure to stay in the strike zone longer.
Fall fishing can be incredibly rewarding when armed with the right artificial lures. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, soft plastic swimbaits, and lipless crankbaits are all excellent choices for targeting bass during this season. Each of these lures mimics the forage bass are looking for and can be fished in a way that entices strikes. By adjusting your presentation and choosing the best bait for the conditions, you’ll be sure to reel in more fish this fall.
Image: tacticalbassin
