Which fish species is best to target in October?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

October is the sweet spot for most temperate-lake bass waters, so the best overall target tends to be bass, with a special emphasis on the two main players: **largemouth bass** and, where conditions allow, **smallmouth bass**. Here’s how to think about it as a bass angler in early fall. 🎣

**Why bass shine in October**: as water cools, bass feed up for winter and become more predictable around key structure—points, weed edges, drop-offs, and shallow flats that warm up first thing in the day. You’ll often see a split bite: a strong, early topwater/soft-plastic bite on warm, sunny mornings, followed by a deeper, finesse-oriented pattern as the sun climbs. This makes October a high-percentage month for both largemouth and smallmouth, depending on your local water. 🐟☀️

• **Largemouth bass** prefer shallow cover and weed edges. In many lakes they fire up on topwater around dawn and dusk, then slide to a secondary point or weedline as the day warms. Good fall lures include the classics: topwater walkers, vibrating jigs, spinnerbaits, and compact swimbaits.

• **Smallmouth bass** lean toward clearer water, rocky structures, and deeper points. They often bite best a bit later in the morning or on overcast days, with long pauses and precise presentations. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and tail-winden swimbaits shine here, especially around ledges or boulder fields.

If you’re targeting a mixed lake, you’ll likely be chasing both species at different times of the day and in different spots. Always have both a shallower pattern and a deeper pattern ready. 🔄

Pro-tick: start with a versatile topwater setup at first light on calm mornings, then transition to a mid-depth crankbait or a swim jig as the sun climbs. This two-step approach captures the early aggressives and the later, more selective feeders.

To get you dialed in for October, here are some trusted resources that have come up in recent season-focused guides:

- [Top 5 Baits For October Bass Fishing!!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m7iKO4QzuI) 🧭
- [The Most Consistent Way To Catch Bass In October…](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyKujaiabWw) 🪝
- [The #1 BASS LURES For FALL (Fall Bass Fishing Tips)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuJl5kPBGxs) 🍂
- [Top 5 October Lures for Bass Fishing and WHY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbbWfYPpYF0) 🔔
- [Jason Christie’s Top 5 EARLY Fall Bass Fishing Lures – Top Picks & Tackle Tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmYhY7Ee_zY) 🎯

If you’re curious about gear that’s proven in October, these Amazon picks have been popular with fall-focused anglers:

- **TRUSCEND Fishing Jigs Lures with Handmade Lead Heads Paddle Tail Spinner Baits** — great for bass, trout, and other species around weedlines and structure: [B08W2Z6VT8](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W2Z6VT8?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🪙
- **YAMAMOTO 4" Fat Ika** soft plastics for a subtle, weedless rig that excels in October chatter near cover: [B00AMQSHV6](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AMQSHV6?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🧪
- **Bass Fishing Lure, Spoons, Topwater Lures** for quick, flashy arrival bites on slick mornings: [B0DRGFN7PG](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRGFN7PG?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🔔
- **YAMAMOTO 4" Fat Ika - Realistic Soft Plastic Fishing Lure Baits** (diverse color options for fall waters): [B00AMQSHV6](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AMQSHV6?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🧩
- **Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits** for gliding subsurface retrieves in cooler water: [B08JJY6G8D](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JJY6G8D?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🌀

Weather-wise, October can be a rollercoaster. A helpful, practical tip is to watch for the daily air-to-water temperature drop; mornings are often cooler than afternoons, so plan your timing around a bright, stable window after first light and before the afternoon wind picks up. If you see clouds or a light southeasterly breeze, expect a nice topwater bite early, followed by a deeper pattern by late morning.

Seasonal weather summary (early fall): days are shortening, water temperatures cool gradually, and bass switch from aggressive topwater to more targeted, structure-based presentations. The fish tend to hold on edges and points where sunlight warms the water, so adjust depth by casting slightly shallower when sun is high and deeper when it’s overcast or windy.

Bottom line: October is your best bet month for big, predictable bass action—focus on largemouth around cover and weed edges, and don’t overlook smallmouth if your water is clear and rocky. With the right patterns and a little persistence, you’ll be hauling some top-notch bass this fall. Stay patient, stay mobile, and stay tuned to those mild mornings—the bite is waiting. 🌅🐟

Final thought: the fish are there; your job is to match the mood and the structure they’re holding on. Have fun out there, and tight lines! 🎣

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