Targeting Smallmouth Bass In Chilly Autumn Waters

The greatest debate between bass anglers is largemouth or small mouth? Well here in PA, there are largemouth but we're known better for our smallmouth and river fishing. MLF has some great information about targeting just small mouth in the colder months.

Here are some of the tips I find most helpful when looking for small mouth in fall waters. 

• Baitfish - (locating where the baitfish are schooled up is key to gathering an idea of where the smallies might be)
• Places such as, backwaters, islands, and good structures are a place to start.
• In northern states our typical baitfish are blue gill, sunfish, etc.. Each of the species of bait fish prefer different depths in the water column. It is important to research this before going out to give you an idea of where the big guys might be. 
• Water temperature - (typically as the temperature decreases fish move deeper.)

My bait recommendations:

• Crankbaits Medium Divers
• Swimbait
• Tubes

My importantly, get out at this time of the year and go fishing. Bass fishing isn't over in the northern states. It's only just begun.