The water is still warm, and the air is cool. The leaves turning colors help to frame the water like a beautiful, serene painting. This is a great visual. Summer vacations are behind us. Fall is the time that we slow back down from the summer. Fishing isn’t always catching – but it is a way to commune with nature, meditate and appreciate the world around us. It still is fun to hook a fish!

Here are the “why” and “when.”

Why Fall Fishing

As the water gets cooler, it triggers the fish to prepare for Winter. A metabolic change takes place so that the fish can survive the Winter. Fish start to gain the weight that they will need to survive the cold Winter with less food. This all leads to bigger, fatter fish for the anglers to catch.

The sun is now lower in the morning, so it cannot penetrate the water as much. The water stays cooler. This keeps the fish sleeping in and gaining weight. Sunrise and early morning, the fish are not biting. The benefit of fishing is that there is no need to get up early to go fishing! Be like a fish – sleep in.

As the Fall sun rises late morning, the fish slowly start to become active. The water warms up quicker by the shore and in the shallows. This is where you will find some fish. The main body of the water stays cooler longer. Remind us, and the fish, that Winter is on its way.

The Best Time to Fall Fish

The best time of day for fishing in the Fall is lunchtime until evening. The Fall sun is directly overhead in the afternoon to evening. Direct sunlight warms the water. The fish come up for food so they can continue to gain more weight for the Winter. That is unless you snag them on your line!

Do check with your local and state authorities for specific fishing rules and regulations. Rules for limits, sizes, and catch and release are essential to keep our waterways and fish species thriving. There are plenty of fishing apps available to help you with your local fishing.

Happy Fall Fishing, yall!