This is the time of year when everyone seems to be getting ready for hunting season.

Bowhunters are already in the woods while duck hunters have just finished teal season and are gearing up for the “big duck” season.  Many have traveled out of state in pursuit of Western Big Game and whitetail season is around the corner.

If you are a hunter then this is your time of year.

As the weather starts to cool down, you may sense yourself getting a little frisky and your neck may even begin to swell.  Not only is this a great time to be a hunter, it can be prime time for fishing as well.

The lakes and bays begin to clear out as hunters head to the woods and the pressure on the fish drops significantly. For bass fishing, fall can lend itself to some of the best action of the year.  Here are a few tips to help you be more productive on the lake as autumn begins her run.

1. Start out on main lake points and gradually work into the coves.  
This is the time of year when the water begins to cool down and baitfish move to shallower water.  At the beginning of fall, always try to start out fishing main lake points.  Many of the bass will migrate from deep water summer patterns.
The first step of this will be the main lake points.  Cranks baits and Carolina rigs are often very effective this time of year.  If you aren’t successful on the main lake, points then move to secondary points.  Eventually you will find the fish.

2. Be on the look out for schooling fish. 
This is the time of year that you are likely to find the bass in large schools.

You will usually see them feeding on the surface, but you still need to watch your fish finder for the underwater schools. Once you find a school, you are likely to catch several fish. Chrome and blue back rattle traps work great as well as the trusty clear tiny torpedo.

3. Follow the water level. 
As I type, the water level is rising at Sam Rayburn.

As the water rises, it will begin to flood into the hay grass and green vegetation that has been on dry ground.  If the water rises high enough, the fish will follow.  This is when a plastic frog is deadly in the hay grass. It is also a great time to fish the edge of the cover with senkos and wacky worms.

4. Fish early and late. 
As the weather starts to cool down it seems that a lot of fishermen sleep a little later or go home sooner. It feels good outside, so the fish will probably bite all day, is their thought process.

While this may be true, there is something that is pure magic about the first and last 30 minutes of daylight. I have had countless trips that would have been a bust until the last 30 minutes. Once this magic moment struck, every cast produced a fish. It was as if the fish wanted to jump in the boat.

5. Don’t be afraid to go to the back of the coves. 
While I suggested that you start on the points to find the fish, if that isn’t effective, I would certainly not hesitate to venture to the back of the coves.  Not only is it beautiful scenery with lots of targets to cast at, sometime the coves load up with bass.

These fish will begin feeding heavy to fatten up for the winter. Spinnerbaits, chatter baits, and soft plastics are my go to baits as I move to the shallows.
If you can take a break from all of the hunting to do a little fishing as well, you will probably be glad you did. It won’t take long until you learn that fall fishing is as good or better than any time of the year.

If you see a red Gambler bass boat on the lake … it could be me. I might not be loading the boat, but I will be having a great time enjoying God’s creation. Something about being on the lake in the fall just feels right. If you are fortunate enough to make a few memories of your own, be sure to thank The Lord for the opportunity.

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I.C. Murrell: 721-2435. Twitter: @ICMurrellPANews