Cooling temperatures and shortening days signal tougher times ahead for many gamefish, and the result is a final feeding flurry that can translate into great fishing. Late fall also tends to offer smaller crowds of fishermen, which makes things extra nice for those anglers who do opt to get on the water.
Fine opportunities abound in many areas and include numerous species of fresh- and saltwater gamefish. We’ve hand picked some of the best of the best:
Port Mansfield, Texas
Late fall through early spring is Bruce Shuler’s favorite time to wade the Laguna Madre, because that’s when the big speckled trout get active. Shuler, a veteran South Texas angler and owner of Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge, likes a Bomber Long A best this time of year. Hard-fighting redfish are also part of the mix, and tremendous variety of species lies within easy reach, but Shuler finds little reason to target anything else when the big-trout bite is on.
Top Lures: Bomber 14A, YUM Houdini Crab, Heddon Super Spook Jr.
Contact: Get-A-Way Adventures Lodge, www.getawayadventureslodge.com, (956) 944-4000
Allegheny River, Pennsylvania
Jumbo smallmouths are the main attraction in Pennsylvania’s Oil Region during late fall; however, walleyes, pike and muskies are likewise apt to be part of the mix. Conditions can turn harsh, and anglers must adapt to ever-changing water levels, clarity and temperatures to find success; however, those who tough it out and learn the river’s many faces are often rewarded with some of the finest fishing of the year.
Top Lures: YUM Tube, BOOYAH Bed Bug, XCalibur Twitch Bait
Contact: Oil Region Alliance, www.oilregion.org, (800) 483-6264
Lake Mateos, Mexico
Once a favorite lake of anglers traveling South of the Border, Lake Mateos was drawn way down for several years, and the bass fishing dropped off with the water level. However, all reports contend that this mountainous lake is back and is kicking out outstanding action, with plenty of big fish in the mix. Late fall is prime time for walking a Super Spook over a point and hanging on tight.
Top Lures: Heddon Super Spook, Bomber Fat Free Shad, YUM Dinger
Contact: Anglers Inn, www.anglersinn.com, (800) 468-2347
Lake Chabot, California
Only 315 acres, Lake Chabot could be overlooked quite easily, but this small water-supply reservoir in the San Francisco Bay Area produces trout fishing that ought not be ignored. Regular trout plantings keep catch rates high, and the fish grow to heavyweight proportions. The lake record trout, which was caught earlier this year, weighed 22.6 pounds. Fishing turns best during from fall through early spring as the trout move shallower and feed more aggressively.
Top Lures: YUM TroutKrilla, Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue, YUM Craw Papi Contact: Urban Park Concessionaires, http://www.norcalfishing.com
Tennessee River, Alabama
At times Wilson and Pickwick lakes (both impoundments of the Tennessee River) can be tough nut to cracks. However, anglers who have been on these riverine reservoirs when the smallmouth bite is happening know that there are some absolute giants swimming in these fertile waters. Late fall is prime time for slow rolling double willowleaf spinnerbaits, and anglers who do so need to hold on tight!
Top Lures: BOOYAH Tandem Blade Spinnerbait, YUM Muy Grub, Bomber Fat Free Shad Jr.
Contact: www.jandjbassfishing.com, (256) 762-0014
Lake Ouachita, Arkansas
Stripers grow to gargantuan sizes in this deep, clear mountain lake, and when the water cools, the big line-sided fish move up out of their deep summer hideaways. The fishing really gets exciting when voracious schools of stripers push shad to the surface, giving themselves away and opening the door for heart-stopping topwater action.
Top Lures: Cotton Cordell Red-Fin, BOOYAH Bucktail Jig, Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper
Contact: Hugh Albright Guide Service, (501) 767-2171