Fall Feeding Frenzy

[OzarkKid07]

We're thinking about coming down with my parents to try and get some of that high-energy fall fishing, but we aren't exactly sure what the best time is for that down there. Anyone have any advice about the best week to make that trip?

Here's a pic from this spring, just for fun.

[focused fishing]

Hey Michael,

Fall is tougher to predict than spring on the rock, if you hit it wrong you'll get here right after the turn over when the oxygen level is the same at 200' as it is at 2' making the fish scatter.

All and I would say the later into October you get the better, even the first week of November can be awsome, it all depends on water temperature and when the turn over hits. This far out I would plan on late October / early November and keep an eye on this site for updates on water temps and fishing patterns.

Not the answer you wanted but it's the best I've got.

EP

[ozarkgunner]

Hey Michael,

Fall is tougher to predict than spring on the rock, if you hit it wrong you'll get here right after the turn over when the oxygen level is the same at 200' as it is at 2' making the fish scatter.

All and I would say the later into October you get the better, even the first week of November can be awsome, it all depends on water temperature and when the turn over hits. This far out I would plan on late October / early November and keep an eye on this site for updates on water temps and fishing patterns.

Not the answer you wanted but it's the best I've got.

EP

Even if (a big if) the fishing is slow, the view is great in late October!!!! Too bad I hunt.

[motoman]

Hey Michael,

Fall is tougher to predict than spring on the rock, if you hit it wrong you'll get here right after the turn over when the oxygen level is the same at 200' as it is at 2' making the fish scatter.

All and I would say the later into October you get the better, even the first week of November can be awsome, it all depends on water temperature and when the turn over hits. This far out I would plan on late October / early November and keep an eye on this site for updates on water temps and fishing patterns.

Not the answer you wanted but it's the best I've got.

EP

-

Hey Eric, is there an average time frame for how long the action lasts when it picks up in the fall? (I know there's a lot of variables to consider, but just an approximation)

[focused fishing]

Depends on which action your talking about.

The Wiggle Wart Bite (Oh I love thinking about the Wiggle Wart Bite..............) errr, sorry about that. The Wiggle Wart / spinnerbait bite tends to last for about 2 - 4 weeks depending on water temp and other factors. If the water temp fall slowly the bite will last a little longer, if it drops quick it will end the bite quick. When the water temps start dropping into the low 70's high 60's the spinnerbait begins to work in the cedar trees, as it drops into the 60's and 50's the wart starts to happen on rocky banks.

The Football jig bite will last the longest of the true "Fall Paterns"; usually starting in early / mid Sept. and lasting through to Nov. but here again, if the water stays warm it will start later.

The deep bite will usually start as a dropshot bite on points and in the trees in Sept. and last into Oct. then as the shad start to school in the middle of the creek arms it will transition into more of a spoon or grub bite. That bite will last though winter and into spring and it can be fantastic if conditions are right.

There's a good dock bite as well in the fall, it usually starts around late September and lasts until early November. Eakins jig / craw combos on big docks on gravel points. Big smallmouth and Largemouth pattern on the mid and lower end.

Kind of all over the map there. The short answer would be on average the fall bite starts in late Sept / early Oct. and lasts through mid Nov. on average.

O.K. clear as mud......

[OzarkKid07]

Eric, I really appreciate all your advice on this and other questions I have asked. Your generosity with information and insight is gratefully received. And that goes for many people on this forum. Do you or does anyone have any experience with Big Cedar that they can share? I promise not to make my decision based on the response to that.

[focused fishing]

Hey Michael,

Big Cedar Lodge is one of the best resorts on the lake, pricey but an awsome full service resort. Great activities for the whole family. Their lodging is first class and dining is four star. You won't be disapointed.

I've only stayed there one time but it was an incredible stay.

[motoman]

Depends on which action your talking about.

The Wiggle Wart Bite (Oh I love thinking about the Wiggle Wart Bite..............) errr, sorry about that. The Wiggle Wart / spinnerbait bite tends to last for about 2 - 4 weeks depending on water temp and other factors. If the water temp fall slowly the bite will last a little longer, if it drops quick it will end the bite quick. When the water temps start dropping into the low 70\'s high 60\'s the spinnerbait begins to work in the cedar trees, as it drops into the 60\'s and 50\'s the wart starts to happen on rocky banks.

The Football jig bite will last the longest of the true \"Fall Paterns\"; usually starting in early / mid Sept. and lasting through to Nov. but here again, if the water stays warm it will start later.

The deep bite will usually start as a dropshot bite on points and in the trees in Sept. and last into Oct. then as the shad start to school in the middle of the creek arms it will transition into more of a spoon or grub bite. That bite will last though winter and into spring and it can be fantastic if conditions are right.

There\'s a good dock bite as well in the fall, it usually starts around late September and lasts until early November. Eakins jig / craw combos on big docks on gravel points. Big smallmouth and Largemouth pattern on the mid and lower end.

Kind of all over the map there. The short answer would be on average the fall bite starts in late Sept / early Oct. and lasts through mid Nov. on average.

O.K. clear as mud......

-

That\'s awesome Eric. That\'s what I was curious about, just a general overview of the fall action.

-

Funny, when you said Wiggle Wart, I thought the same thing (picture Homer Simpson drooling).............."MMmmmmmm...............Wiggle Wart."

[focused fishing]

I know what yo mean Moto. My fishing / radio show partner Kory thinks catching fish on a Wiggle Wart is close to a religous experience

[techo]

Better than sex! Maybe even better than sex with a partner!