If you thought fishing was just a summer thing, think again. Fall is one of the best times of the year to grab your gear, head out, and enjoy some of the most exciting fishing opportunities across the United States. Whether you’re up North chasing steelhead, hitting Southern lakes for bass, or targeting saltwater species along the coasts, fall offers a unique blend of cool weather, stunning scenery, and active fish. Let’s dive into some of the best fall fishing spots and what you can expect to catch!
Northeast: Trout and Striped Bass Bonanza
If you’re fishing in the Northeast, fall is prime time for targeting trout and striped bass. As the temperatures drop, trout become more active, and striped bass make their migratory run along the coast.
Trout Fishing in the Catskills, New York: The Catskills are legendary for trout fishing, especially in the fall. Streams like the Beaverkill and the Delaware River are filled with beautiful brown and rainbow trout eager to strike. Cooler water temps mean trout are on the move, feeding heavily before winter. A light fly rod and a box of streamers or dry flies can make for a perfect day on the water surrounded by fall foliage.
Striped Bass on Cape Cod, Massachusetts: The fall striper run is something every angler should experience at least once. Hit spots like the Cape Cod Canal or the outer beaches of Chatham. Stripers are chasing baitfish close to shore, making for some thrilling surf fishing action. You’ll want to bring your surf rod, some topwater plugs, and swim shads, and prepare for hard-hitting fish that put up a great fight.
Southeast: Bass and Redfish Action
As summer fades in the Southeast, the cooler weather kicks bass and redfish into high gear. Fall is one of the best seasons to fish this region, as fish are feeding aggressively, preparing for the cooler months ahead.
Largemouth Bass in Lake Guntersville, Alabama: Lake Guntersville is a bass fishing mecca, and in the fall, the bass bite is phenomenal. Cooler water temps bring bass into shallower waters, where they hunt shad and other baitfish. This is a great time to throw crankbaits, jerkbaits, or topwater frogs around grass beds and points. The fall bite here is consistent and can produce some of the biggest bass of the year.
Redfish in the Louisiana Marshes: For those who love saltwater fishing, the fall redfish run in Louisiana is unbeatable. Head down to the marshes around Venice or the Biloxi Marsh, where big bull reds are cruising the shallows. Sight fishing for redfish in clear, cool waters is a thrill, and it’s not uncommon to hook up with 30-inch fish. Bring a variety of soft plastics, gold spoons, and topwater lures, and get ready for some hard-hitting action.
Midwest: Steelhead and Walleye Wonderland
The Midwest may not have ocean coastlines, but it more than makes up for it with fantastic fall fishing opportunities in its lakes and rivers. Steelhead and walleye are the stars of the show this time of year.
Steelhead in Michigan’s Pere Marquette River: Michigan rivers like the Pere Marquette, Manistee, and St. Joseph are renowned for their fall steelhead runs. These fish are fresh from the Great Lakes and are full of fight. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing with nymphs and egg patterns or go with spinning gear using spawn sacs or beads. The crisp fall air and stunning autumn colors make it an unforgettable fishing experience.
Walleye on Lake Erie, Ohio: Lake Erie is one of the top walleye fisheries in the world, and the fall bite is legendary. As the water cools, walleye move inshore and become more accessible. Trolling crankbaits or casting jigs tipped with minnows are productive methods. The western basin near Port Clinton and the islands offers some of the best opportunities, with big ‘eyes feeding heavily before winter.
West Coast: Salmon and Trout Treasures
Out West, the fall season brings a bounty of salmon, trout, and other species. From California’s coastal rivers to the majestic lakes of the Rockies, there’s no shortage of fantastic fishing opportunities.
King Salmon in the Sacramento River, California: Fall is the peak season for king salmon in Northern California’s rivers. The Sacramento River is a top spot, where anglers can hook into big, hard-fighting chinook. Back trolling with plugs, bouncing roe, or drifting with cured salmon eggs are all effective methods. The adrenaline rush of battling a big salmon is something every angler should experience.
Cutthroat Trout in Pyramid Lake, Nevada: Just a short drive from Reno, Pyramid Lake is home to some of the largest cutthroat trout in the world. These giants can exceed 20 pounds, and fall is prime time to catch them as they cruise the shoreline. Try using large streamers, spoons, or midges under an indicator. It’s a unique fishery with surreal desert landscapes and the chance to catch a true trophy trout.
Southern Rockies: Big Browns and Bass Bonanza
The Southern Rockies are known for their stunning scenery, but the fishing is just as spectacular, especially in the fall.
Big Brown Trout in the Arkansas River, Colorado: The Arkansas River in Colorado is a fly angler’s paradise during the fall. Big brown trout move into shallow riffles and pocket water, making them accessible to wading anglers. Streamer fishing can be especially productive as browns become more aggressive. The combination of golden aspens and big trout makes for a memorable outing.
Smallmouth Bass in Lake Texoma, Texas/Oklahoma: Lake Texoma is a gem for smallmouth bass anglers, and the fall bite is red hot. Smallmouth bass feed heavily on shad, making this the perfect time to throw jerkbaits, crankbaits, and jigs along rocky points and ledges. Cooler weather and active fish make it an ideal destination for a fun-filled fishing trip.
Wrapping Up Your Fall Fishing Season
Fall is one of the most rewarding times to be on the water, no matter where you live. The cooler temperatures, active fish, and beautiful scenery create the perfect backdrop for memorable fishing adventures. Whether you’re hitting a local stream, a big lake, or a saltwater flat, fall fishing offers something special. So grab your gear, explore these hotspots, and enjoy the season—tight lines!