Fall Bass Fishing

[lovecranking]

I need some advice. I've been fishing a natural lake (that has no cover but very weedy) the past 3 wks and have been having success catching big largemouth bass (3-6 lbs) using Lucky Craft Rick Clunn 3.5 crankbaits throwing towards shore usually finding them in 10-20 fow. Now the last 3 trips the water temp has been naturally dropping a few degrees every few days (now around 59/60). I have had no luck with even getting any fish or even hits. I've tried stick, topwater, senkos, lizards horny toads & worms either Texas or drop shot style towards shore and fishing straight down (up to 35 fow). Does anyone have any advice as to what to try? My strength is in crankbaits. Any advice would be appreciated. I think if I go out 1 more time with the same results, I will probably close it down until spring. Thanks guys...Irishrover.  

[Panamoka_Bassin]

If the fishing has become slow in the shallow waters, mebbe its time to try 'em a little deeper...try a jig or a big worm/grub and work it VERY slowly.  Best I can tell ya...

[basspro48]

Try suspending jerkbaits, like a rogue, around the mouths of creeks and coves. If it's a natural lake I would look for bluff banks and steep rock walls and fish parallel to them with the jerkbait. Also you might be able to find schooling bass in coves.

Hope this helps.

[Guest avid]

this question reminds of a lake I used to fish once in awhile back in New York.  I think your lake is "turning over" meaning that the warmer water that was on the surface is going deeper and the upper water level is now colder.  If you are skilled with electronics you should be able to locate the thermocline, that depth at which the warmer and cooler waters meet.  I'll bet that's where the fish are.  Your crankbait skills could serve you well here.

[lovecranking]

Avid...let's say the lake did turn over. How long does it usually take the fish to adjust? Also, does this mean for the rest of the fall that you have to fish deep? Thanks for the info.

[Guest avid]

As for how long this could take, I will defer that question to others on the forum who can answer that better than I could.  As for always fishing deep//the answer is an emphatic NO>  As the lake cools it will approach the lower comfort zone for the bass.  They will seek the warmest water and that water will be shallow, where the sun hits it.  Coves come to immediately to mind.

[lovecranking]

If you never fish for bass with live bait, is crankbaiting the way to go at this time of year? Do you put the plastics (lizards, worms, horny toads) away because using them is slow and a waste of time?

[lovecranking]

I want to thank all of you for the suggestions. I was out today on my favorite lake and after reading the suggestions, I decided to go deep for the bass. With a Lucky Craft Flat CB D20 (ghost) I found them in 25 fow. I ended up with 2-3lbs. and 1-4lbs. Great way to end this fishing season. Thanks again for all of the help.

[FutureClassicChamp]

ok say im tossing spinnerbaits up on the flats where bass are chasing shad. what kind of blades would be your first choice? colorado to slow it down, indiana, or burning willows?

[lovecranking]

I would like info on lake turnover. It's a natural lake and no deeper than about 50 feet. Now once the lake turns, how long does it take the bass to being active again? Once the lake turns, will bass still come back in shallow to feed or will they stay out deep until winter?