Best Fall Smallmouth Fishing Baits

The days become shorter, brisk mornings are a regular occurrence, and leaves are full of vibrant colors; all are signs that fall is in full affect. With the changes that we see happening on land, there are just as many changes happening under the water’s surface.

Seth Feider of the Bassmaster Elite Series helped us put together the go-to baits for fall smallmouth fishing.

Smallmouth will be grouped up this time of year working together to attack schools of bait. There is a window of time where they will be fattening up as much as possible for the winter ahead. In River systems, look for areas close to backwater eddies that will hold piles of forage but still be in close proximity to the deeper channel. In lakes, smallmouth will pile up in areas with easy access to both deep and shallow water.

It may take some time to get bit but once you locate a school there is a good chance you will catch them cast after cast.

Early fall is still a great time to use topwater for when smallmouths are chasing bait at the surface. As the fall develops jerkbaits provide both a great search bait option as well as a presentation that can be slowed down to entice more lethargic bass to bite. Once a mega-school of fish is found, try targeting specific spots with either a Ned rig, swimbait, Neko rig, or drop shot.