The fall reposition for smallmouth bass in our river systems is a period of significant change in the behavior, location, and feeding habits of these fish as they respond to environmental cues such as changing water temperatures, photoperiod (day length), and food availability. This transition typically occurs as summer moves into autumn and water temperatures begin to drop. This will not happen to all rivers at once within a region due to the influencing factors like how the river itself is geographically aligned.
For example a river like the James River flowing west to east will not see the same conditions as say the Shenandoah ,the Upper Potomac or even the New River.
Here's a breakdown of the fall behavior for smallmouth bass in our river systems:
Temperature Change: As the days get shorter and the sun's angle changes, water temperatures start to decrease. Smallmouth bass are ectothermic animals, meaning their body temperature is influenced by their environment. Cooler water temperatures signal to the bass that it's time to prepare for the upcoming colder months hence they change behavior and begin to search for areas that will provide higher levels of oxygen and forage to feed on.
Feeding Behavior: During the summer, smallmouth bass are often more active and will feed aggressively on a variety of prey items such as baitfish, insects, and crayfish. However, as the water temperatures start to drop during the fall transition, their metabolism slows down. This can lead to a decrease in their feeding activity as we get further into the fall months, and they may become more selective about their food choices after feeding up preparing for colder months ahead.
Migration: The fall migration or reposition often triggers smallmouth bass to migrate from their summer habitats to new locations that offer more suitable conditions for the coming winter. They might move from deeper sections of the river to shallower areas, such as gravel bars, rocky points, and areas with structure like fallen trees or submerged vegetation. These areas provide better cover and access to prey. Ultimately the key to locating smallies during this period is locating forage species.
Cover and Structure: As water temperatures cool, smallmouth bass seek out areas with cover and structure that provide protection from predators and changing water conditions. Rocky areas, submerged vegetation, and other underwater structures offer hiding places where bass can conserve energy and find shelter. Unlike most lakes and reservoirs, many inland river systems have far fewer docks and man made structure so target the larger rock and timber that may have been brought down river during the spring or summer high water periods.
Bait Selection: Due to the change in feeding behavior, the types of baits that are effective for catching smallmouth bass during the fall reposition/transition might change. Slower-moving lures such as jigs, soft plastic crawfish imitations, and jerkbaits become more appealing as the bass become less willing to chase down fast-moving prey.
Fishing Techniques: Anglers need to adjust their fishing techniques to match the bass's behavior during the changeover to fall . Working lures more slowly and deliberately, and focusing on precision casting to cover and structure-rich areas, can increase the chances of enticing a strike from a less-active bass.
Weather Patterns: Weather changes also play a role in the fall transition. Cold fronts, rain, and wind can influence water temperatures and bass behavior. Following weather patterns and adjusting your fishing strategy accordingly can improve your success rate.
It's important to note that the specifics of the fall repositioning can vary based on the particular river system, geographic location, and local environmental factors. Therefore, anglers should always pay attention to local fishing reports, consult with experienced fishermen/guides/content providers in the area, and adapt their strategies based on the observed behavior of smallmouth bass in their specific river system.
Lets talk weather. We all know that our region has sub regions within it that in terms of weather are very different often at the very same times. Some will get much more rain for example.
Weather patterns, air temperature, and water temperature all have significant impacts on the behavior of smallmouth bass. These factors interact to influence the fish's feeding activity, movement, and overall behavior. Here's how each of these factors affects our smallies behavior:
Weather Patterns:
Cold Fronts: A sudden drop in temperature due to a cold front can slow down smallie activity. They might become less willing to feed and more lethargic during and immediately after a cold front.
Warm Fronts: Conversely, a warm front can lead to increased bass activity. Rising temperatures can stimulate their metabolism and encourage them to feed more actively.
Stable Weather: Consistently stable weather conditions are generally favorable for bass fishing. Bass can predictably position themselves and continue feeding without being disrupted by abrupt temperature changes or shifts in barometric pressure.
*NOTE—- last few weeks have been consistently low water levels
Air Temperature:
Warm Temperatures: Warmer air temperatures often lead to increased water temperatures. This can stimulate bass activity, making them more likely to feed and move around in search of prey.
Cool Temperatures: Cooler air temperatures can lead to a decrease in water temperature, which might slow down bass metabolism and feeding. However, gradual cooling is generally better tolerated than sudden drops in temperature.
Water Temperature:
Optimal Range: Smallmouth bass have a preferred temperature range for activity and feeding. In general, they are most active and responsive to feeding cues when the water temperature is between around 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C).——- this is why you see smallies feed up as soon as they recognize a drop in the water temperature they have experienced for most of the summer. It does not have to be extreme to trigger smallies
Feeding Patterns: As the water temperature rises within the optimal range, bass become more active and may actively chase down prey. In colder water, their metabolism slows, and they might become more selective or even lethargic in their feeding. We see this with largemouth especially.
Spawning and Pre-Spawn: In spring, as water temperatures rise into the 50s°F (10-15°C) range, smallmouth bass move into shallower areas to spawn. Pre-spawn behavior involves feeding more voraciously to build energy reserves for the spawning process. Fall feeding is similar to prepare for much colder water and forage come winter months.
Fall “Transition”: As water temperatures drop in the fall, smallmouth bass prepare for winter by moving to deeper, more stable areas and becoming less aggressive in their feeding. Smallies will reposition themselves typially middle river in most systems adjaent or “relating” to rock which provide thermals for them as the water and weather turns colder.
Understanding these relationships and how they interact in a specific fishing location is essential for successful bass fishing. Monitoring the weather forecast, noting temperature trends, and using this information to adapt your fishing techniques, bait selection, and presentation can greatly improve your chances of catching smallmouth bass.
Keep in mind that local conditions and the specific behavior of bass in your chosen waterbody might vary, so paying attention to local fishing reports and angler experiences is invaluable.
What to know about the FEED Migration?
The feeding behavior of smallmouth bass in our river systems during the fall, particularly in relation to moon cycles, can be influenced by various factors including light levels, water temperature, and their own biological rhythms. While the exact impact of moon cycles on fish behavior is still debated among anglers and researchers, some general observations can be made:
Full Moon:
Increased Activity: During a full moon, the increased light at night might lead to more active feeding behavior among smallmouth bass. They might take advantage of the enhanced visibility to hunt for prey.
Night Feeding: Smallmouth bass are known to be more nocturnal feeders during the full moon. They might venture into shallower areas to hunt under the moonlight.
Ambush Predation: The increased light can benefit bass that use ambush tactics to catch prey. Bass might position themselves near structures, waiting to strike at passing prey illuminated by the moon.
New Moon:
Reduced Light: The reduced light during a new moon might lead to slightly decreased feeding activity among smallmouth bass at night. Bass could be less active and less inclined to venture into shallower waters under the cover of darkness.
Daytime Activity: Smallmouth bass might compensate for the reduced nighttime feeding activity by being more active during the daytime around structures and cover.
Transitional Phases (Waxing and Waning):
Varied Behavior: The periods leading up to the full moon (waxing) and immediately after (waning) can exhibit varying behavior. Bass might gradually increase or decrease their feeding activity during these transitional phases.
It's important to note that the impact of moon cycles on fish behavior can vary based on several factors:
Location: The effect of moon cycles can differ between various geographic regions and river systems. Local conditions and the availability of natural prey can play a significant role.
Water Clarity: In clear water, moonlight penetrates deeper and can potentially influence bass behavior more than in murky water.
Weather: Other weather factors, such as cloud cover and changes in barometric pressure, can also interact with moon cycles to affect bass behavior.
Individual Variation: Not all smallmouth bass may respond to moon cycles in the same way. Individual fish might have their own preferences and tendencies.
Ultimately, while moon cycles might play a role in the feeding behavior of smallmouth bass, it's just one piece of the puzzle.
Ever simply just had that short window in the morning hours between 6am and 8:30am and then the smallie bite basically just shut down?
In large part its because our baits are the dessert course for them having likely been feeding much of the overnight and then with the rise of the sun replacing the moon dominance they shut down.
Successful fishing entering and during the fall requires considering a combination of factors including water temperature, weather conditions, bait selection, presentation techniques, and local knowledge. As with any fishing strategy, observing patterns, experimenting, and adapting to the specific conditions of the river system you're fishing in will increase your chances of a successful angling experiences.
In terms of baits.
Fishing for smallmouth bass in our river systems during September requires considering the changeover from late summer to early fall conditions. As the water temperature cools down, the bass's behavior and feeding preferences may change as we have covered. Here are some effective bait options in no particular order to consider for targeting smallmouth bass in river during September:
Crayfish Imitations: (Squarebills/Lipless)
Crayfish are a staple in the diet of smallmouth bass, and they become more important as water temperatures drop.
Jigs either stand alone with skirts only in non tidal or trailered with soft plastic crayfish imitations in tidal can be highly effective. Use natural colors that mimic the appearance of live crayfish. Crayfish or Garlic/Anise Scent spray as well.
Soft Plastic Creature Baits:
Soft plastic creature baits with multiple appendages create vibrations and movements that can attract smallmouth bass.
Rig them Texas-style or Carolina-style with a bullet weight to target various depths and cover as well as Ned Rig combinations.
Jerkbaits: ( Include Flukes in your arsenal as well)
Jerkbaits can be effective for mimicking injured baitfish and triggering strikes from smallmouth bass.
Work the jerkbait with a twitch-pause-retrieve pattern to imitate a wounded fish.
Crankbaits:
Crankbaits that imitate smaller baitfish can be productive, especially in areas with deeper pockets and drop-offs. I prefer 1.5’s in the skinnier river systems non tidal and 2.5 for tidal.
Choose lures that dive to the appropriate depth and retrieve them with varying speeds to find the bass's preference depending upon your river depth.
Spinnerbaits: ( too many are sleeping on Spinnerbiats these days opting for Chatters)
Spinnerbaits with willow leaf or Colorado blades can produce vibrations and flash that attract bass. I prefer smaller compact spinnerbaits or Top Spins and even Beetle Spins of old that smallies love.
Use spinnerbaits around cover and retrieve them at a pace that matches the bass's activity level but specifically rising water conditions where most effective. Colorations will depend in large part on your water clarity.
Topwater Lures:
Early mornings and evenings can still offer topwater action in September as bass continue to feed near the surface. Spooks are effective but opt for the smaller size. Ploppers 90 mm and 110mm very effective.
Consider using poppers, walking baits, and buzzbaits to entice topwater strikes. Here I would opt for frog baits.
Tube Baits:
Tube baits are versatile and can still be fished effectively in a variety of conditions in Fall just like summer.
Rig them on a tube jig head and work them along the bottom, particularly in rocky areas. Slower presentations as the water begins to get colder.
Swimbaits:
Paddle-tail or boot-tail swimbaits can mimic larger prey items like baitfish.
Retrieve them steadily or with intermittent twitches to simulate a swimming motion.
When choosing bait colors, consider using more natural and subdued colors as the water clears up due to decreased summer runoff. However, it's essential to adapt your bait choice and presentation based on the specific river system you're fishing, local conditions, and the behavior of the smallmouth bass in that area. Shiners are a great pattern:
Forage specie colorations are vital given the feeding up that will go down come September but remember bait fish will themselves begin to struggle with the colder water temp which many specie do not like. Use this to your advantage with selection jerkbaits and hard baits that reflect distressed forage.
You can follow me on Facebook and JOIN the Smallmouth Army group on Facebook as well where we cover the water conditions and the baits routinely that are working throughout the seasons.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1322144201945490
Picture credits- Jigs (Battle Baits) Crankbaits (Lake Edge Lures)
If you have any questions about rivers, forage, baits etc or sections of the river that are performing well feel free to message me on Facebook or Instagram!
You Tube— J.L. Scott Fishing
https://www.youtube.com/@J.L.ScottFishing