September in the Valley saw very little rainfall, resulting in low water levels on the Shenandoah River. Also, our local lakes, Lake Laura back at Bryce and Kimsey Run dam in WV are low. It’s hard to even get a boat in the water. But just like me, anglers were still getting out. The section of the river known as Egypt Bend in Luray was as good as any place to go bass fishing. Bass were being caught mainly around wood-grass combinations.
With the arrival of October, outdoorsmen have smiles on their faces with anticipation for the hunting and fishing opportunities that arrive with the falling leaves. What to expect in October? Most likely water levels won’t improve; however, water temperatures will fall into a more desirable range for triggering bass to be in a more aggressive feeding pattern. I consider this month to be the transition from summer pattern to a fall pattern. Cooler nights and shorter days will cause bass to feed-up in preparation for the winter months ahead.
I would begin with reaction lures. Spinnerbaits, chatter baits, square billed crankbaits and topwater lures. Chatter baits work very well around grass in the river. And there are a lot of bass being caught on buzz baits. Remember with the falling water temperatures bass will push up into the shallows, so you will want to focus on shallow flats and along the banks of the river. Square billed crankbaits work very well. They bounce off of wood cover and rocks which trigger hard strikes.
Reaction lures aren’t working? Go to a slower presentation with a jig and chunk trailer. Work jigs along drop-offs that have laydowns, brush piles and rock. Working your jig slowly around cover should put a few more bass in the boat. Most of the big bass will fall to a jig. Try different sizes and colors, just a little change can make a big difference.
Jesus’ disciples were taking him across a lake, and as Jesus slept a fierce storm came up. The disciples were afraid. They thought they were going to die. They woke Jesus and he calmed the storm.
We all go through emotional and spiritual storms in this life. If we put our trust and faith in Jesus, oh how much calmer the trials of this life will be. The storms and trials won’t go away, but what a relief knowing God is right there with us through each and every one. So put your trust and faith in Jesus and watch what he can do.
Psalms 62:8 – “Oh my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”
Have a great fall!
Mike
