Tips on Fall Bass Fishing
When I was a little tow-headed kid growing up in Goldonna in the 1950s, my introduction to fishing was about as simple as it gets. Go out to the cowbarn with a shovel and Prince Albert tobacco can, flip over some dried cow patties and dig. The result was a can full of big, plump red wiggler earthworms.
Next stop was to take a cane pole from where several hung to dry under the eve of the old cow barn, tie on some black fishing line, a hook, sinker, and cork float, and head for Molido Creek and the Tank Pond. Plenty of goggle-eyes and “perch” were there for the taking, and this kid absolutely loved it.
It was not until later that I discovered other species of fish besides goggle-eyes and perch. My dad took my brother and me with him to Warehouse Hill on Black Lake, slipped his old cypress boat into the water and told us to get ready.
Be watching for the fish to start chasing shad. Once they do,” Dad would tell us, “cast a Tiny Torpedo into where they’re feeding.”
The result was something I had never experienced before and created a thrill that the perch and goggle-eyes on Molido couldn’t touch. Watching a bass attack the lure with such gusto, jump from the surface, and attempt to shake the lure loose was something I fell in love with, and I’ve loved it ever since.
This is the time of year that was always my favorite time to be on the lake after bass. It seems that in fall, when the weather started cooling down, the bass would turn on to an even more frantic tempo.
There is just one problem. It may be Fall, but it certainly hasn’t been feeling like Fall. Hot, dry conditions have put a totally different wrinkle to the bass fishing game.
I visited with bass angler friend from Bossier City, Rex Moncrief, to talk about fishing for bass this time of year and why this year is so different.
“You’re right; we haven’t had much of a cool-down yet, plus the fact that the drought has lowered the water levels of our lakes. However,” said Moncrief, “bass are going to do their seasonal thing, especially now that I have noticed a slight cool down in water temperatures, which will trigger the shad to begin moving and, in turn, create more activity with the bass that feed on shad.”
With lower lake levels caused by the drought, the baitfish will likely begin gathering around channel bends and structure such as isolated stumps, and this is likely where you’ll find the bass, says Moncrief.
“I like to use a Chatter Bait, spinner, or square-billed crankbait to go after bass this time of year. A friend and I fished Bistineau recently, one of the lakes with lower water levels. We used a spinner bait, and although they weren’t big fish, we caught a whole bunch on the spinner. It just depends on what they want on any given day,” Moncrief said.
What are some favorite lakes to catch bass this time of year? “All of them really can be good. Living in Bossier, I like to fish Caddo, but D’Arbonne, with all its creek channels and isolated stumps, is also good. For a deep reservoir-type lake, it’s hard to beat Claiborne, especially now that Tiger bass have been introduced to the lake,” he added.
Fall bass fishing: now is the time to head to your favorite lake to give it a try.
FISHING REPORT
CANEY LAKE – Bass are fair around the grass early on topwaters. Bass are schooling early mornings and late afternoons and hitting shad imitations and soft plastics. Crappie are around the deeper tops and are hitting jigs and shiners. Bream are slow. For information contact Caney Lake Landing at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
BUSSEY BRAKE – Crappie are deep and are fair on shiners or jigs. Some bass are being caught early on topwaters and later using soft plastics and crank baits around deeper brush. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
OUACHITA RIVER – Bass are fair on crank baits and soft plastics. Crappie are fair in the river lakes. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE D’ARBONNE – Bass are overall slow but best on topwaters early. Some are beginning to chase shad and school on the surface. Crappie are in deep water in the channel and fair on jigs and shiners. The bream are slow. Catfish are fair on red wigglers and night crawlers fished just off the banks. For latest information, call Anderson Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.
LAKE CLAIBORNE – Crappie are suspended fairly deep. Bass are in the shallows early hitting topwaters with some schooling. Bream reportedly are slow. For latest information, call Kel’s Cove at 927-2264 or Terzia Tackle at 278-4498.
LAKE YUCATAN – The water is on a slow fall. Catfish are being caught on trotlines and noodles and buffalo caught in nets. No reports yet on crappie and bass. For info call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.