Fall Smallmouth Fishing: A Guide to Catching River Smallies

MUSKEGON, Mich. – October 1, 2024 – Pound for pound, smallmouth bass are among the fiercest freshwater fighters in North America. Known for their aggressive, feisty nature, smallmouth bass have long been a favorite target of anglers. While summer months see a peak in smallmouth fishing, many anglers abandon the pursuit of smallies as fall arrives, distracted by hunting seasons or targeting species like muskie, walleye, and salmon. However, fall is one of the best times to catch trophy-sized smallmouth, especially in rivers.

While smallmouth bass are often found in lakes, rivers offer an exciting alternative, where fish will stay year-round, from the mighty Mississippi to small creeks. River smallmouth bass present an intriguing challenge for anglers, and understanding river currents, fish behavior, and seasonal feeding patterns is key to success.

The Fall Shift: Understanding River Smallmouth Behavior

As fall progresses and water temperatures cool, smallmouth bass adjust their behavior, moving into deeper holes with cover such as downed trees. While many will school together in these spots, some larger fish will break away from the pack and extend their summer feeding patterns into fall, hunting actively and aggressively.

Understanding these shifts in behavior is critical to locating and targeting fall smallmouth in rivers. Whether you’re using conventional or fly gear, recognizing where smallmouth gather and what they’re feeding on will lead to more successful fishing trips.

The Baitfish Blitz: Targeting Active Fall Smallmouth

As summer transitions to fall, smallmouth bass go into a feeding frenzy, gorging on large baitfish. In rivers, active smallmouth will often hold near cover, ready to ambush prey, or cruise flats and deeper sections searching for schools of baitfish. It’s not uncommon to see smallies blitzing baitfish on the surface, especially when water temperatures warm slightly midday.

This is the perfect time to throw minnow imitations like jerkbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and even streamer flies. For a versatile option, don’t overlook inline spinners, which are often underrated in these conditions. Depending on the water temperature and the mood of the fish, you can adjust your presentation, slowing down with long pauses to mimic a wounded baitfish or keeping it fast and erratic to trigger aggressive strikes.

When smallmouth are in this baitfish blitz mode, the strikes are often dramatic and powerful – a hallmark of their aggressive nature. Make sure your gear is ready for a fight!

Crayfish: The Old Reliable Fall Feast

Smallmouth bass have an undeniable love for crayfish, and they rarely pass up the opportunity to feast on them in fall. River smallmouth will scour the bottom, especially in areas with rocky substrate, where crayfish are abundant. If the river lacks large rocks and boulders, smallmouth often target vertical structures like seawalls, rip rap, or natural cliffs extending into the water, where crayfish tend to hide.

When fishing crayfish patterns, accuracy is key. Smallmouth holding near these structures may be hyper-focused on their prey, so casting close to the cover increases the chances of getting noticed. Tube jigs, crankbaits, or crayfish imitations are excellent choices for enticing a strike in these areas.

For inactive fish resting in deeper, softer pools, a finesse presentation can be effective. Drop a tube jig or similar lure and watch for subtle line movement as these loafing fish can be quick snipers when they decide to feed.

Surface Strikes: Yes, They Still Happen in Fall!

Even in fall, river smallmouth bass will look up to the surface for feeding opportunities, much like big trout. During warm spells, it’s not uncommon for smallmouth to hit surface lures like poppers, stickbaits, and frog imitations. This topwater action is typically associated with summer fishing, but patience can pay off in the fall too.

When fishing surface lures for smallmouth in fall, slow your presentation. Pop or twitch your lure every few seconds, then wait. The sight of a big smallmouth slowly rising from the depths to smack a motionless popper is one of the most exhilarating moments in fishing.

Choosing the Right Gear for Fall Smallmouth Fishing

Fall smallmouth fishing often calls for tougher gear to handle the hard-fighting nature of these fish. For conventional anglers, a fast-action, medium to medium-heavy spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range is a versatile choice. Lean toward heavier fluorocarbon lines, around 10- to 12-pound test, for its invisibility in clear water and strength to handle tough fights. Braided lines with fluoro leaders are also a solid option.

Fly anglers targeting fall smallmouth should opt for a fast-action 7- or 8-weight rod, with a 10- or 12-pound fluorocarbon tippet. For fishing streamers, a shorter leader with a clear tip intermediate fly line is easier to control, while floating lines and longer leaders work best for surface flies like poppers.

Finding Fall Smallmouth: Focus on Structure

In fall, smallmouth bass move away from fast-flowing sections of the river and congregate in larger pools with ample cover. Look for areas with logs, stumps, boulders, or other structure that breaks the current. Features like wing dams, bridge abutments, and deadfall also attract smallmouth and provide excellent fishing spots.

These locations not only offer cover but serve as ambush points where smallmouth can wait for baitfish, crayfish, and other prey to come by. By focusing your efforts on these areas, you can narrow down large expanses of water and improve your chances of landing a big fall smallmouth.

Timing Is Key: Don’t Miss the Fall Smallmouth Window

As water temperatures begin to drop, smallmouth bass enter a feeding frenzy, preparing for winter. This feeding period may only last a few weeks, making it one of the best times of the year to catch trophy-sized smallmouth. Even though hunting season and other fishing opportunities may be calling, fall smallmouth fishing is an experience not to be missed.

So, before you pack up the rods and head to the gun locker, take advantage of some of the best smallmouth fishing of the year. With the right techniques, gear, and a focus on fall feeding behavior, you can land a trophy-sized smallmouth that will keep you coming back to the river again and again.

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By Jay Anglin