Fall Bass Fishing
Season · water 60–78°F (cooling)
Fall (September–November) turns bass loose to chase shad into the creeks and coves as the water cools. It's run-and-gun schooling fishing — watch for surface activity and throw reaction baits. The fall turnover briefly scatters fish, but on either side of it the feed is fast and fun.
Why: Chase the shad — run-and-gun schooling.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Fayette County · Lake Travis · Bass fishing by season
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
The pattern
Following shad into creeks and coves; schooling on flats and points.
Where the bass are: Creeks, coves, points and flats near shad; schooling in open water.
What they're doing: Grouped up and feeding aggressively on shad; briefly scattered during turnover.
Fall at a glance
- Type
- Season
- Months
- Sep, Oct, Nov
- Water temp
- 60–78°F (cooling)
- Spawn phase
- Fall Transition
How to fish it
Go-to techniques: Walking Topwater, Crankbait Fishing, Spinnerbait, Chatterbait (Bladed Jig), Swimbait Fishing, Squarebill Cranking.
Best lures: Walking Topwater (Spook), Squarebill Crankbait, Spinnerbait, Lipless Crankbait, Swimbait, Underspin.
Colors: shad/pearl/white, chrome, sexy shad.
Best lakes right now
Fayette County · Lake Travis · Lake Austin · Stillhouse Hollow · Canyon Lake
Conditions in play
Cold Front, Post-Frontal / Bluebird, Rain, Wind, Calm / Slick Conditions, Cloud Cover, Rising Barometric Pressure, Falling Barometric Pressure, High Barometric Pressure, Low Barometric Pressure, Water Temperature, Water Clarity, Current / Generation, Falling Water Level, Fall Turnover, Dissolved Oxygen, Solunar Periods.
What to expect
Fast, fun numbers when you find the schools — chase the birds and the bait. Expect a tough stretch mid-fall when the lake turns over.
Common mistakes
- Sitting still instead of running to find the bait
- Fishing through turnover instead of finding stable water
- Overlooking the backs of creeks where shad pile up
Bryan's reasoning
Why run-and-gun in the fall? In the fall it's all about the shad — the bass follow them into the creeks and school up, so instead of grinding one spot I keep the big motor warm and chase the activity, and when you find them it's a fish a cast.
Keep exploring
All seasons & months · Bass fishing calendar · Conditions · Central Texas bass fishing guide
Want to fish Fall with a guide who knows the pattern? See rates and book or call 512-762-0190.