Many outdoorsmen are gearing up for fall hunting seasons. However, those that aren't big hunters, or realize how good fall fishing can be, are still chasing many species that swim. Fall fishing can be some of the best of the year.
Crappie are popular now. These fish start to school up and concentrate on areas like dams and rocky rip-rap or in brush piles. Minnows can still catch fish but jigs, 1/8 or 1/4-ounce, often work just as well. Many crappie are caught in 12-20 feet of water. As the water gets colder, fishing often gets better. The most important advice is not to spend too long on unproductive water. Keep looking until a pattern develops and then duplicate it.
Channel cat fishing is still going strong and often does well into November. Many reservoirs have a tradition of baiting or chumming and this technique works even when waters cool. Cut baits drifted across mud flats work, too.
Other species such as walleye, white bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass are all strapping on the feed bag getting ready for winter. Lots of shad are still available and baits that resemble dead or dying shad often elicit strikes from any number of species of predatory fish.
Fall is a great time to fish. Keep safety in mind as a solo fall into chilly water can turn deadly. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. The weather is cool and the pleasure boats and jet skis have been stowed away for the winter so it's often a solitary experience. On some days the only company you might have are all the gulls and pelicans that inhabit our reservoirs in the fall on their migration.
Good luck!
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