Fall Bass Fishing Tips For The Lake Ontario Tributaries
As September arrives, many anglers eagerly turn their attention to the fall salmon run in the numerous tributaries of Lake Ontario. This seasonal transition ignites a passion for fishing, transforming ordinary individuals into fervent anglers on the quest for trophy catches.
However, my friends and I take a different approach during this time. Instead of pursuing salmon, we focus our efforts on late-season bass. As the water cools, these fish begin to bulk up, preparing for the long, cold winter ahead. Targeting these hungry bass not only provides exciting fishing opportunities but also allows us to enjoy the tranquility of the tributaries as we wait for our trophy catch.
Fall Bass Behavior
As autumn approaches, bass become increasingly aggressive feeders, actively pursuing baitfish as they migrate into the backs of coves and feeder creeks off the main lake. This time of year, bass also target another seasonal food source: the fall frog migration. With summer water temperatures hovering around 70 degrees beginning to drop, anglers can experience one of the most exhilarating fishing periods of the year. The fall top water bite offers a thrilling opportunity to cast for trophy-sized bass. By locating schools of baitfish, anglers can significantly increase their chances of hooking into quality bass.
Top Water Bass Fishing
The late Jack Wingate, a legendary figure in bass fishing from Lake Seminole, Georgia, famously stated, “If he won’t hit on top, he isn’t worth catching.” This quote embodies the thrill and excitement of top water fishing, and the Lake Ontario region provides some exceptional opportunities to experience this firsthand during the fall.
From Sodus Bay to Chaumont Bay—and every bay in between—Lake Ontario boasts a robust population of both smallmouth and largemouth bass. As the water cools, these fish become increasingly active and are eager to strike at top water lures, providing anglers with hours of exhilarating fishing. The excitement of watching a bass explode on a top water lure is unmatched, making fall an ideal time to target these fish.
Anglers should focus on casting near weed beds, rocky shorelines, and submerged structures where baitfish are likely to congregate. Using poppers, walking baits, or frogs can yield impressive results as bass aggressively chase down these lures.
Top Water Baits
When it comes to catching bass in the early fall, several top water baits have proven effective. Chugger-style plugs, such as the Lucky Craft G-Splash and Rebel Pop-R, create enticing splashes and noise that can attract bass. Cigar-style baits, including the Lucky Craft Sammy and Heddon Spook, are also excellent choices, allowing for smooth, erratic movements that mimic injured prey. However, one lure that stands out as both easy to use and remarkably effective for catching fall bass is the Wake Bait.
About eight years ago, I discovered the Lucky Craft 2.5 Wake, and it has since become my favorite top water plug. This compact-bodied bait features a short square lip, a hinge in the middle for a unique action, and a rear treble hook adorned with feathers. The design allows it to create a subtle wake on the surface, making it irresistible to bass as they feed aggressively during the fall transition.
Casting and retrieving the Lucky Craft 2.5 Wake is straightforward and efficient. Using a 6.3:1 gear ratio reel, anglers can easily cover large areas of water, increasing the chances of finding active feeders. I’ve consistently enjoyed great success targeting bass in the fall with this lure, employing medium or medium-heavy casting tackle rated for 10-20 lb. test line.
Top Water Tackle
For topwater tackle I use a TFO GTS C734-1 medium action rod paired with Bass Pro Shop (BPS) Extreme reel (6.3:1) spooled with 30 lb Excel braid and a five or six foot leader of mono line (17-20 lb.). The braided line allows for better long distance hook sets due to no stretch and the mono leader helps the topwater lure stay on the surface.
Adapting Fall Season Fly Techniques
As fall sets in and fish become more active, adapting your techniques can significantly enhance your success on the water. One valuable tip I’ve adopted from our fly fishing counterparts is to dress the first two or three feet of line coming off the lure’s eyelet. By applying fly line dressing, or even plain old chapstick if you don’t have dressing on hand, you can greatly improve the buoyancy of your lure.
To dress the line, simply rub a small amount of the dressing or chapstick onto the line and work it in with your fingers. This technique helps keep the lure floating on the surface with minimal effort, allowing for a more natural presentation that is crucial during the fall feeding frenzy.
For those who prefer not to use braided lines, I recommend opting for monofilament line in the 12-17 lb. test range. Monofilament offers the stretch and buoyancy that can enhance your lure’s action on the surface. It’s important to avoid using fluorocarbon line in this scenario; while it has its advantages in other fishing situations, fluorocarbon sinks, making it an unsuitable choice when targeting fish with surface lures.
Lucky Craft Lure Speed
The Lucky Craft 2.5 Wake is a versatile topwater lure that performs exceptionally well when retrieved at varying speeds. When cranked at a high rate, this bait dives just beneath the surface, creating a noticeable bulge in the water. This action not only mimics fleeing baitfish but also generates an enticing ripple effect that draws bass in from considerable distances.
On a normal, steady retrieve, the 2.5 Wake glides effortlessly across the surface, leaving a distinct “V” wake behind it. The pressure waves generated by the lure are easily detected by bass and other predatory fish in the vicinity, making it a highly effective choice during the fall fishing season. Interestingly, northern pike are also known to be attracted to this bait, making it a dual-purpose lure for anglers targeting multiple species.
In my experience, I’ve encountered days when fish seem particularly responsive to the disturbance created by the bait. They can come from as far as 15 to 25 feet away, compelled by the vibrations and movement of the lure. The strikes can range from explosive and aggressive to subtle bites where you might only feel a gentle tug on your line as you reel in.
I’ve noticed that the most aggressive strikes often occur when multiple bass are actively feeding in the area. This feeding frenzy can create an exhilarating fishing experience, as the competition among the bass heightens their aggression, leading to more strikes and increased action on the water.
Fall Fishing With Wake Baits
Wake baits tend to shine in calm conditions, although the surface doesn’t need to be completely flat—smoother water generally yields better results. These lures perform exceptionally well in clearer water, ideally with visibility of three feet or more. For optimal success, I recommend starting your casts in depths of 10 feet or less. However, don’t hesitate to try your luck around bass that are actively chasing shad to the surface in deeper waters, as I’ve experienced success even in depths of 25 to 40 feet.
Two key elements in effectively fishing with wake baits are location and presentation. Bass are known to chase baitfish to the surface because this tactic eliminates fifty percent of the bait’s escape routes, making them much easier targets. Therefore, positioning yourself in areas where bass are actively feeding is crucial.
When it comes to presentation, a steady retrieve is typically the most effective technique, as it closely mimics the movement of a fleeing baitfish. However, if you notice that bass in your area are focused on the fall frog migration, a “stop-and-go” retrieve may be more productive. This method allows the lure to mimic the erratic movement of a frog, enticing bass that are keying in on this seasonal food source.
Wake Bait is Worth a Try for Fall Bass
I can confidently say this: if you haven’t experienced the thrill of fishing with a wake bait for fall bass in the Great Lakes, you’re truly missing out on one of the most exhilarating styles of top-water fishing available. Wake bait fishing not only offers excitement but is also an excellent technique for beginners looking to catch bass during the fall months.
The approach is simple yet effective. Just cast your wake bait out, allow the ripples to settle, and then initiate a steady retrieve. This straightforward technique allows anglers of all skill levels to enjoy the action and anticipation of top-water strikes. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible bass fishing adventures.
So, grab your gear and head to the water—autumn is the perfect time to embrace this thrilling fishing method. You might just find that the excitement of chasing bass on the surface becomes your new favorite way to fish.
Original Article By Burnie Haney
About The Author
Burnie Haney is a Pro Staff member for Lucky Craft Lures, TFO Rods, The Rod Glove, and Bass Pro Shops Nitro Boats. Haney holds three fly rod line class world records with the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (Chinook salmon, steelhead, and common carp) and two IGFA NYS line class records (walleye and smallmouth bass). He is a life member of B.A.S.S., FLW Outdoors, and the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Assn. He serves as chairman of Jefferson County Sport Fish Advisories Board and Public Relations Officer for the NY BASS Chapter Federation. Get in touch with Burnie at burniehaney.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
