Fall is one of my favorite times to chase bass. As the water starts cooling down, everything begins to change for fall fish. Baitfish move and gather in different areas, and bass become more active as they feed heavily before winter.
That means your summer approach may not always work. In fall, I usually focus on lures that help me cover water quickly and imitate the baitfish bass are chasing.
Best Bass Lures for Fall
When fall arrives, bass fishing starts to change. Water temperatures drop. Baitfish become a major target for bass. Bass follow them into shallow flats. They also go into rocky banks, creeks, and other feeding areas. My experience shows the best fall bass lures imitate baitfish. They also help find active fish quickly. Here are four reliable lure types. I like to keep them ready during the fall season.
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Topwater – Where Fall Bass Fishing Begins: September often marks the start of fall bass fishing, making topwater a great choice for active bass near the surface. Walking, popping, and plopping actions can imitate fleeing baitfish around shallow flats, grass, and points.
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Jerkbaits – A Great Match for Fall Baitfish: Jerkbaits imitate injured or fleeing baitfish with an erratic, darting action. They are especially effective when bass are actively chasing schools of baitfish.
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Spinnerbaits – Flash and Vibration: Spinnerbaits work well around shallow cover, using flash and vibration to attract active bass. They are especially useful on windy days or in slightly stained water.
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Swimbaits – A Natural Baitfish Imitation: Realistic swimbaits are hard to beat when bass are feeding on baitfish. Paddle-tail and jointed designs work well around baitfish schools, weed edges, and shallow transition areas.
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Pre-Rigged Soft Lures – A Year-Round Option: Looking for a lure that isn't limited to fall? Pre-rigged soft lures are a versatile choice for every season. Their natural action works for bass in spring, summer, fall, and winter, while the pre-rigged design makes them quick and easy to fish.
Topwater: Where Fall Bass Fishing Begins
September is often great for topwater fishing. The water is still warm. Bass remain active near the surface. In early fall, bass chase baitfish into shallow areas. They prepare for cooler months ahead.
I like using a topwater lure around grass, shallow flats, points, and other areas where baitfish are moving. A walking, popping, or plopping action can imitate a fleeing baitfish and trigger aggressive reaction strikes.
As September progresses, water gradually cools. Bass may spend less time near the surface. I then switch to subsurface lures. Jerkbaits or swimbaits are good choices. For early fall, September is a top month. Keep a topwater lure tied on. Use it in morning, evening, or on cloudy days.
To know more about topwater, check our " Why Bass Explode on Topwater Lures " to view more.
Jerkbaits: Match the Fall Fish Baitfish
Fall bass often key in on schools of shad and other small baitfish. A jerkbait can be a great way to imitate an injured or fleeing fish.
I like using a more aggressive retrieve when bass are actively feeding. Sharp twitches followed by short pauses can trigger strikes from fish that are following nearby bait schools.
Spinnerbaits: Flash and Vibration for Active Bass
A spinnerbait is another solid choice. It works when fall bass move through shallow water. The flash and vibration make it easier for bass to find. This is especially true on windy days. It also helps when water isn't perfectly clear.
You can slowly roll it around cover or speed up your retrieve when fish are actively chasing bait. You can slowly roll it around cover or speed up your retrieve when fish are actively chasing bait.
Not sure when to choose a jig or spinnerbait? Check out our guide to Jig vs Spinnerbait: Which One Should You Throw? See how they compare. Learn when each one makes sense.
Swimbaits: A Natural Fall Option
When bass are focused heavily on baitfish, it's hard to ignore a realistic swimbait. A natural swimming action can closely match the forage bass are already feeding on.
Paddle-tail and jointed swimbaits are both useful options, especially around baitfish schools, weed edges, and shallow transition areas. Matching the size and color of the local baitfish can often make a big difference.
Want to learn more about choosing and fishing swimbaits? Check out our guide to Best Swimbaits for Bass Fishing for tips on swimbait types, sizes, colors, and retrieve techniques.
Pre-Rigged Soft Lures: A Year-Round Choice
Fall has many great lure options. I don't always want to change my tackle. Is there a lure useful all year? For me, a pre-rigged soft lure is dependable.
The soft body provides natural swimming action. The pre-rigged design saves time. It makes fishing easy right away. In fall, I imitate baitfish around shallow cover. It works in transition areas too. It is effective when bass move deeper. It helps when they become less active as water cools.
Pre-rigged soft lures are very useful. They are not tied to one season. Fish in spring, summer, fall, or winter. Adjust your retrieve and presentation. Match how bass are behaving.
Fall Bass Lure Selection Guide
| Fall Conditions | Bass Behavior | Recommended Lure | Fishing Approach |
| Early fall / September | Bass stay active and chase baitfish near the surface | Topwater | Fish around shallow flats, grass, and points with a steady walking, popping, or plopping action |
| Baitfish are schooling | Bass aggressively follow and attack baitfish | Jerkbait / Swimbait | Match the size and color of local baitfish and use an active retrieve |
| Windy or stained water | Bass rely more on flash and vibration to find prey | Spinnerbait | Cover shallow water and work around grass, wood, and other cover |
| Bass moving between depths | Fish transition between shallow and deeper areas | Jerkbait / Swimbait | Target points, drop-offs, weed edges, and other transition zones |
| Changing conditions | Bass become less predictable as water cools | Pre-Rigged Soft Lure | Adjust retrieve speed and depth to match bass activity |
Choosing the Right Fall Bass Lure
There isn't one perfect fall bass lure for every situation. As water temperatures continue to drop, bass can move between shallow areas, cover, and deeper transition zones.
In early fall, I start with a topwater or spinnerbait. This covers water and finds active bass. When bass chase baitfish, I switch to a jerkbait or swimbait. This matches the forage's action and size. The key is to stay mobile. Pay attention to where the bait moves. Find the forage. Choose a lure that matches what bass eat. Adjust your retrieve as conditions change.
In fall, finding the baitfish often puts you one step closer to finding the bass.
