How do you bass fish Lake Taneycomo in September?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

September on Lake Taneycomo is a classic late-summer to early-fall transition, and the bass will be chasing bait along edges where current and cover concentrate trout-friendly forage. Here’s a practical, bass-focused game plan for Taneycomo this month:

- Start with morning topwater and frog work along weedlines and mats. The shallows around docks and laydowns light the fuse for explosive hits, especially on a warm, sunny morning. Use a hollow-body frog or a soft-plastic frog and walk the dog over the mat edges. If you’re getting follows but no solid takes, switch to a loud, erratic retrieve and be ready to set quickly on a thump. For inspiration, check out topwater blowups on Taneycomo: [Top Water Blow Ups on Taneycomo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIrPPcr21i4).

- Transition into mid-depth structure as the sun climbs. Look for brush piles, dock pilings, and points where current bends—these are classic Taneycomo spots. A mid-range swimbait or a swim jig with a craw trailer excels here; pin it along the edge and work a steady, slow retrieve with occasional pauses to provoke a reaction. Learn from proven techniques: [Techniques on Catching Bass in Lake Taneycomo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6YR9AmXp3Q).

- Lure and gear mix for late summer going into fall. Favor versatile options: **swimbaits** for comfort along shallow to mid-depth structure, **soft plastics** on light jig heads for finesse around cover, and occasional **spinnerbaits** to cover water when the wind kicks up. Practical lure picks you can rotate through today:
  - [Facikono Lures for Bass Jig Head Soft Swimbait, 6-Pack](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQ7H3V3?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [Lilureena 25 Pcs Bass Fishing Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Y8HGMW1?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [Gibtikoy 5 Pcs Soft Plastic Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FFYZQVMW?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  These options give you flexibility as Taneycomo’s water temps hover in the 70s and bait schools move around current seams. If you want classic craw and creature cals for Taneycomo, try Yum Wooly Bug Creature Bait: [Yum Lures Wooly Bug Creature Bait](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6BGJ9K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1).

- Practical technique tip: keep your rig light enough to work around cover but heavy enough to punch through floaty mats. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce swimbait jig head is a solid starting point for mid-range structure; for shallow mats, step down to 1/8 ounce and mix your retrieves with pauses to trigger bites.

- Weather and seasonal nuance (late summer / early fall): With a forecast like sunny skies and around 75°F and a steady 14 mph breeze, fish will crowd shade lines and the first-use water column near current edges. Early and late in the day, expect the best action—topwater first light, then a switch to subsurface and jig-wrapped presentations as the sun climbs. If the dam releases cooler water, you’ll see more active staging near current seams; otherwise Taneycomo’s clear water makes steady, methodical retrieves more productive than brute-force casting.

Weather-specific tip: use the wind to your advantage by fishing along wind-blown shorelines where bait and bass stack near current edges; it concentrates your strikes and reduces the search time. Seasonal weather summary: September stays warm but can flip fast with dam releases and cool nights—keep a lightweight jig and a topwater option handy, and be ready to switch when shade, water depth, or current shifts.

Want more ideas? Check the related clips and gear above, and stay flexible—Taneycomo rewards anglers who mix topwater action with precise structure work. Now get out there, compose a few perfect casts, and enjoy the chase—the bass are ready for their September feed.

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