Get ready for a stunning blaze of color around our region in the coming weeks. There will also be a transition of fishing patterns on the Shenandoah River and local lakes. Bass will switch from summer to fall patterns as the water temperatures continue to drop. Cooler nights, shorter days and the changing of the seasons cause fish to feed-up in preparation for the winter months ahead.
This transition will cause bass to push up into shallow water in search of baitfish. Remember, fish can be anywhere this time of year, so covering a lot of water will be the key. Since bass tend to be more active at this time, reaction baits would be a good place to start. I would start with spinnerbaits, chatter baits and shallow diving crankbaits. Start your day fishing shallow structure along the banks of the river with the lures just mentioned.
Fish shallow flats near deeper water that have structure such as grass, rocks or wood. Fish these areas with rattletraps and topwater lures such as buzz baits and poppers. You can cover a lot of water quickly with these lures. Remember one thing, you can’t move a lure so fast that a bass won’t hit it. So, if the reaction bite isn’t on, move to a little deeper water and target these bass with jerk baits, deep diving crankbaits, or a jig with a chunk trailer. Fish a bit slower with these lures.
Fall is a great time of the year to be outdoors, so make time to get on the water. Maybe you have an outdoor hobby you enjoy. All the beauty that we see around us came from the creator himself, that would be our almighty God.
Despite all the confusion and uncertainty the world hands us, God hears and accepts the prayers of his children. Just keep praying! Pray for your church, our country and pray for those you know that need it most. And pray for those that don’t think they do.
Mark 11:24 – I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Whatever situation you find yourself in right now, bring Jesus into it, for Jesus restores hope to the hopeless.
Be safe and have a great time on the water this fall!
Mike
