By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
I love a variety of outdoor activities. Of course fishing is near the top of the list, but I also love to hunt, hike, watch wildlife, whatever it may be that gives me an excuse to be outdoors. This time of year, I realize that many maximize their time outdoors hunting. Duh, most hunting seasons open in the fall.
However, I customarily say something this time of year about not not entirely placing the fishing equipment in a corner of the garage. As a matter of fact, in my opinion, fall provides some of the best open-water fishing of the year.
Actually, I do not know why I continue to do this. One of the big reasons I love fall fishing is the lack of activity and competition. Why would I try to convince anyone that they should be out on the water in the fall?
Whatever. Here I go again. . . .
First of all, undisturbed fish are easier to catch. In the autumn, when you find fish, then figure out how to catch them, you likely will reap the rewards mostly by yourself.
Although fall is a time of transition, weather patterns tend to be more stable than the often schizophrenic weather of spring. Like the lack of human activity, stable weather patterns also result in better fishing.
Fish behavior in the fall is dictated largely by the need to feed. This contrasts with spring when spawning behavior can influence fish movement and behavior. In the autumn, fish are more likely to settle into feeding patterns that can remain relatively unchanged for several days. In a typical Nebraska fall, good fishing for many species can be expected to last into November.
Cooling water and shortening day length signals fish to feed in preparation for the long, cold winter. They are also preparing for the rigors of spawning next spring. Development of eggs and milt in many species of fish starts in late summer and fall. Fish feed heavily in fall to take in extra energy needed to survive and develop reproductive products. For most species of fish, they will be in their best body condition, will be their fattest, in the fall. “Fall fatties” are some of the biggest, prettiest fish I catch every year.
In most Nebraska waters, by the time autumn rolls around, prey densities have been reduced from their summer peak. Whenever there are hungry fish actively looking for prey, fishing can be excellent. That becomes more true as fall progresses. Nebraska reservoirs with gizzard shad or alewives can still have an abundance of prey in the fall and fishing can be tougher there. Even on those waters, fish are feeding heavily. Anglers can expect fishing to improve.
Keep in mind when targeting large predator fish in the autumn, that bait fish have been growing all summer. Prey fish are larger in the fall. “Big baits for big fish,” is most true in the fall.
Absolutely, spend as much time as you can in the field hunting this fall! While you are at it, combo up with some fishing. Make it a “cast and blast”.
Or, better yet, leave the fall fishing to me!
