Ah, fall. The time of year when the air gets crisp, the leaves change color, football is on, and fall smallmouth fly fishing kicks into high gear as these fish realize it’s time to hit the snooze button for the winter. But before they settle into their lazy, slow-motion hibernation, smallmouth bass are on a mission: to eat everything in sight. Think of it like a Thanksgiving dinner where the turkey is a crayfish, and the stuffing is a bunch of minnows.

In this post, we’re going to help you get tight with those fish in their fall frenzy, so grab your fly rod and let’s get ready to catch smallmouth before they decide it’s to hunker down and at the bottom of the river.

Where do River Smallmouth Go in the Fall?

As temperatures cool in the fall, river smallmouth bass begin their migration to more stable environments. Typically, they move from fast, shallow summer habitats into deeper pools with slower currents. These pools offer more stable temperatures and shelter as they prepare for winter. They can often be found in deeper holes near shallow water and structure such as rocks, submerged logs, or deep ledges that provide cover and easy access to prey.

Smallies know that winter is coming, and they’ll want to fatten up. Fly fishing for smallmouth in the fall is some of the best times to catch into a lunker.

Smallmouth will also crash the shallows to feed on baitfish. Areas with access to both deeper water and shallow flats are prime areas to target smallies. This way, they’ll have the option to either hang in the deeper, more stable water or come to the shallows to attack prey. Just like your girlfriend packing 14 pairs of clothes for a weekend trip, smallies like options.

How to Fish for Smallmouth in the Fall?

Fly fishing for smallmouth in the fall requires a shift in tactics compared to the summer months. Here are some tips to get hooked up:

Focus on Transition Areas

Target areas where shallow water meets deep pools, especially around structure. These spots offer ambush opportunities for smallmouth as they feed on baitfish making their fall migrations.

These transition areas are essential for fall smallmouth. They aren’t as comfortable in the shallows as the water gets cold, but they know that prey is there. In general, they’ll hang in the deeper areas and then come to the shallows to put the feed bags on.

Identify these areas and you’ll be sure to find fall smallies!

Fish the Shallows Aggressively

When smallies are in the shallows, they’re there to eat. The water temps aren’t the most comfortable, but that’s where baitfish and crayfish can be found. They will begin to feed aggressively to fatten up for the winter, which means they’ll be more willing than usual to take down a fly. 

When targeting the shallows, cover as much water as you can. Aggressive retrieves while targeting different types of structure can help you hone in what fish are relating to. Don’t be afraid to move around!

Slow Down Your Presentation when the Temps Drop

As the water cools, smallmouth become less aggressive and more selective about expending energy. Use slower retrieves with streamers and nymphs, especially when targeting deeper water. 

Contrary to fishing shallow areas aggressively, fish deeper areas more methodically. The fish in these areas are there to slow down and aren’t as willing to chase down prey as they are in the shallows. 

Use Weighted Flies or Sink-Tip Lines

Since smallmouth move to deeper water, getting your fly down to where they’re holding is key. Using weighted flies or a sink-tip line helps your presentation stay in the strike zone longer.

Getting down deep is crucial to catch fish, especially as fall progresses towards winter. Nymphing becomes an option too for when you need a deep, slow presentation for those cold, lethargic fish.

What is the Best Water Temperature for Smallmouth in the Fall? 

The ideal water temperature for fall smallmouth bass fishing is between 55°F and 65°F. Anything under 70 degrees is generally considered to be Fall.

During this range, smallmouth remain active and will continue feeding heavily before winter. As temperatures drop below 50°F, their activity begins to slow.

When fishing in the fall, explore each depth of the water column. Depending on the conditions and what part of the season it is, fish could be feeding in the shallows, prepping themselves for the winter, or suspending in the middle. It takes a little experimentation, but know that once you find one, you likely found a pack of them.

In general, if the water temps are in the upper 60’s, fish more shallow water and as winter arrives and the temps drop, so do the fish. Target deeper water as it gets colder!

What are the Best Smallmouth Flies for Fall?

In the fall, smallmouth shift their diet toward larger prey as they fatten up for winter. This makes streamer patterns, which mimic baitfish, an excellent choice. Some top flies include:

Baitfish Patterns

A staple for smallmouth, flies like the Clouser Minnow, Kreelex, or any of your favorite batifish flies that imitates a wide range of swimming prey and can be fished at various depths.

Crayfish Patterns

Crayfish are abundant in rivers and become a prime target for smallmouth in the fall.

These are especially effective in shallow rocky areas where crayfish tend to live. They’re also a great pattern to dunk deep into holes.

Wooly Buggers

You knew this one was coming! The versatile Wooly Bugger can imitate everything from minnows to leeches and crayfish.

If you were gonna pick one fly to fish in the fall (or anytime for that matter), it would be the Wooly Bugger. Buggers cover all your bases and can be fished at any depth.

Popper Flies (for warmer fall days)

On warmer afternoons, topwater action can still be productive, and smallmouth will rise to hit a well-presented popper.

When you get the warmer fall day, smallies are willing to attack the surface. Though not a primary pattern to have in your box, it’s always a good idea to have a few handy in case you see some surface action. 

How Deep are Smallmouth Bass in Fall?

Smallmouth bass tend to hold in depths ranging from 8 to 15 feet in the fall, depending on water conditions and structure. 

As the season progresses and water temperatures drop, they may move even deeper, often settling in deeper pools with little current. Be sure to fish near the bottom, as smallmouth will be less likely to chase flies up in the water column as they prepare for winter.

On warmer days and early in the fall, they’ll also be in the shallows from 1-5 feet deep. As we’ve mentioned before, areas that have access to several different water depths are prime areas to catch smallies. It takes some experimentation, but as you explore the different depths you’ll soon figure out what depth they’re in.

Where Can I Find Late Fall Smallmouth?

As fall transitions into winter, smallmouth bass will continue to seek out deeper, slower-moving water. 

In late fall, focus on deep pools and back eddies where the current is minimal, and the water is warmer. Look for areas with large rocks or submerged logs, which provide both cover and warmth as the water cools. These areas also allow smallmouth to conserve energy while waiting for prey to come by.

Areas with access to both shallow water and deeper water are prime targets for smallmouth in the fall. These “transition” areas provide shallow waters to feed and thicker water where they will eventually set up for winter. Dropoffs, ledges, and points of your waters are key during this time. Keep in mind that the later we get into the fall and more towards winter, the deeper the fish will be!

What Temperature Do Smallmouth Bass Stop Biting?

Smallmouth bass feeding activity starts to taper off when water temperatures drop below 50°F. They become very sluggish as the water approaches 45°F, and by the time the temperature dips below 40°F, they enter a near-hibernation state and stop feeding almost entirely. 

For the best fall fishing, aim to fish during those peak mid-fall temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 65°F.

Now that’s not to say you should just hang up your stuff and go into hibernation as well. Winter can still be productive, but it will be tough. You’ll need to really slow down your presentations and get your fly in the fish’s face, which does require a ton of patience. At these temps, maybe it’s time to tie up some flies and warm up until the spring.

Conclusion

So there you have it—everything you need to know to conquer fall smallmouth fly fishing before these bass decide to pack it in for the winter. You’re now armed with the knowledge to find them in their favorite fall hangouts, tempt them with the right flies, and outwit them while they’re still awake enough to care.

But remember, once the water drops below 50°F, they’re basically the aquatic version of that friend who says, “I’ll be right there,” and then falls asleep on the couch. So, get out there, make the most of their pre-winter buffet frenzy, and show those smallmouth who’s boss—before they snooze till spring!