As summer gives way to autumn, many anglers may mistakenly believe that their prime fishing days are behind them. However, for those who know where to look, the fall season presents some of the best fishing opportunities of the year.
"Once Labor Day comes and goes, I see a lot of anglers packing up their gear for the season. They shift their focus to hunting or other activities, but they really miss out on some fantastic fishing," said Randy Gardinier, chairman of the Great Sacandaga Lake Fishing Federation. With the cooling waters, the fish become increasingly active, especially in the stunning Adirondack regions of New York.
As the water temperature drops, fish like bass, walleye, and northern pike begin to ramp up their feeding, making fall an exciting time to hit the water. "When I head out in the fall, I always find more fish congregating around structures that were previously submerged when the water levels were higher," Gardinier noted. Smaller boats can be advantageous here, as many state-operated launches remain accessible, allowing anglers to navigate less crowded waters.
The seasonal drawdown of lakes reveals new underwater structures, such as shoals and old stone walls that were once hidden beneath the surface. These formations create prime habitats for fish. "The fish tend to gather around these new structures. It’s a bit like a treasure hunt for the anglers who know what to look for," said Gardinier.
In particular, it's essential to target species that thrive in this cooler season. "Items like crayfish or small minnows can be effective bait for attracting strikes from walleye and pike. With bass, using small Mepps spinners or jigs will help you get the attention of these aggressive predators," he explained. The fall clearly brings a unique feeding behavior from fish, responding to the shortening days and cooler waters.
Targeting trophy-sized smallmouth bass can be particularly thrilling during this time. Anglers are encouraged to focus on feeder streams and the mouths of lakes. Gardinier mentioned, "For smallmouths, you really want to concentrate your efforts on main-lake fishing with jigs and deep-running crankbaits. As the water cools further into October, shore fishing can yield impressive results as bass move closer to the banks."
Natural baits such as hellgrammites and crayfish are strong contenders for luring these fish, although artificial lures, especially 1/4 to 1/2-ounce spinners and small crankbaits, also remain effective. Night fishing during September and October is particularly fruitful around structures like bridge abutments, yielding some great catches for both walleye and bass enthusiasts.
The best times to fish are during dawn, dusk, and cloudier days as northern pike become more active in shallower waters. "This seasonal behavior makes fall ideal for targeting pike. Use lures that mimic minnows, especially in darker colors that blend well with the autumn lakes. When you find the right spot, you’re in for an exhilarating fishing experience," Gardinier advised.
Also of note is the potential for encountering walleye while pursuing northern pike. "If you’re looking for walleye specifically, depths between 15 to 25 feet are optimal. Techniques like drift fishing with a Lake Clear Wabbler or downrigging with minnow-like lures are perfect to keep the bait close to the bottom, where many of the fish are," said Gardinier.
Fall fishing is more than just about catching fish; it encapsulates the thrill of the hunt and the serenity of the season. As anglers enjoy the colors of fall and the calm of the lakes, they can find tremendous success by employing the right techniques and being strategic about their locations.
With colder weather on the horizon, pushing outdoor activities to the forefront, the fall offers a unique opportunity for anglers to have one last productive season on the water. As Gardinier put it, "Don’t let the summer go without giving fall fishing a shot; the rewards can be well worth it." As we transition into this exciting season, it’s a reminder that the angling adventure still has much to offer well into autumn.