Opening Cast – Oct 2022

Just as each season of the year has its own characteristics so do the different timetables within each season.  They all have phases – beginning, middle and end. Since we are entering into the fall season, I’ll use it to help you decide on how and where to fish in a given waterway or lake.

The Beginning – September to Mid-October.

The early part of this fall phase is the transition from hot, humid days and nights to the first cool fronts. These progressively get stronger cooler air pushes with more wind and bright sunny days as the days click away into October.  Just like humans, or probably better, fish recognize dropping water temperatures which make them feel more energized.  Their food sources also get more active.

Keys to success for this phase?

• Pay attention to water surface temps. In the South, drops from the 80s to the 70s signal the fish to get moving.  By late October, they should be in the upper 60s to low 70s, maybe much cooler in northern climates.
• The 60s are the bomb. That is the predators’ favorite temps.
• The fish will follow and stay close to the shad and food base. Watch for schools of shad and minnows on the surface or on your electronics.
• Fish ditches that lead from the summer haunts to shallow flats.
• All techniques will work as the temperatures reach in the 60s.

The Middle – Late October to Mid-November.

This can be the best fishing time of the year, but flexibility is the key.  The following are “best” practices:

• Again, watch surface temps. Middle 60s to 50s will become more prominent.  The cool fronts become stronger and stronger with more wind and colder temperatures at times.
• Really pay a lot of attention to the bait fish balls and schools. As temps drop into the 50s, the fish will be really stacked on ledges around food.  Ledges can be shallow drops of even one foot.  I like north and north west wind protected creeks and banks which protect the water more from the wind, waves and cooler water temperatures.
• For crappie, this is a great time for casting, jigging and spider rigging or live imaging sonar.
• Fishing days before major fronts can be really awesome.

The End – Late November to End of December.

Fishing in this phase can be hit or miss depending on the weather.  Here are a few tips:

• Really look for the warmest water you can find during this phase. As water temps reach the 40s, fishing will slow a lot.  Slow down your presentations and be patient.
• Fish deeper ledges on north, northwest banks and creeks. Probably more near the mouths of the creeks in deeper water.
• Pay attention to the depth of the bait fish and fish under the bait fish’s depths.
• Fish towards the end of warming trends before major fronts arrive.

My experience is reflected in this timetable depicted above.  I have caught some of my biggest crappie in the fall.  Have fun, catch some for the skillet and always be safe by wearing life jackets if in a boat.

Good fishing and God Bless,

Dan Dannenmueller, Publisher