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The weather in Arkansas during the fall season can be a bit of a roller coaster. It’s not uncommon to have a ninety-degree day followed by a day that barely reaches beyond sixty degrees. A long period of drought is often ended by a day or two of torrential rains. Then with back-to-school activities, football season and taking the kids from one activity to another, going fishing may not top your list of priorities. But perhaps it should be.
Fall fishing in Arkansas is an exciting season. Gamefish, like most wildlife that winter in Arkansas, spend the autumn months eating heavily and bulking up for winter. This makes autumn the perfect time to reel in some big catches.
Choose Cloudy Days – Warm, sunny fall days might have you thinking about hitting the water but it’s the cool, overcast and drizzly fall days that often bring the best fishing action. Cloud cover can make fish feel more protected from predators so they may spend more time in open waters. This is especially true for bass.
Target Cooler Times – Fish are more active during cooler parts of the day in the fall, so early morning and late afternoon are prime fishing times. This can also mean fewer crowds and a serene experience on the water, especially if you enjoy kayak fishing.
Keep an Eye on Weather Patterns – You already know the weather is constantly changing in the fall, but did you know that fish are especially responsive to changes in temperature and pressure? Fishing right before a cold front can lead to big catches as fish actively feed in anticipation.
Consider Night Fishing – Night fishing, especially for catfish, is a unique experience and can lead to some great results. Arkansas lakes and rivers provide plenty of options for night fishing, but make sure to bring proper lighting and gear for safe navigation.
Where to Fish
Follow the Baitfish – Small baitfish move closer to the water’s surface when air and water temperatures begin to drop. They may also move to transition areas like ledges and shallow pools. Bass, crappie, and other game fish will move to where the food is. Look for signs like jumping fish or birds diving, as these often indicate high baitfish activity which may mean more sportfish.
Try Deeper Waters – While baitfish move closer to the surface, larger fish might still linger in deeper areas, especially early in the season. Use electronics to locate fish and vary your depths until you find success.
Check Out Rivers and Streams – Many fish will migrate from large bodies of water to rivers and creeks in the fall. Arkansas has an abundance of rivers, making this a good time to explore new spots in search of bass, trout, and catfish.
Cotter, AR – June 7: Fly fishing in Cotter, AR on June 7, 2024. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)
Gear to Use
Change Up Your Lures – In the fall, fish tend to go for bigger meals to bulk up for winter. Larger lures, like crankbaits and swimbaits, can mimic the baitfish they’re after, making them more enticing. As underwater grasses and vegetation die off, water can be clearer so choosing lure with muted colors will make it appear more lifelike. Natural colors like silver, green, and brown work well in the fall.
Rod Selection – A fast-action medium-heavy rod can handle a range of lure sizes and depths, allowing you to get where the fish are.
Line Selection – Clearer water in the fall can also make your line more visible to fish. Choosing a low-visibility line can be beneficial. Fluorocarbon line is nearly invisible underwater and ideal for clearer conditions, while braided line offers strength and sensitivity for detecting subtle bites, especially when fish are slower to strike.
Reels – Fish are becoming less aggressive in the fall and often need more time to commit to a bite. A reel with a slower retrieval rate will help you control the pace and make your selected bait more appealing to selective fish.
Fish Finders and Depth Finders – A fish finder can be invaluable for locating fish as they move to different depths in the fall. Some can also provide accurate depth and temperature data which can be beneficial to finding certain species.
Clothing – Dress in layers so you can adjust as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day and the season. Waterproof outer layers are also helpful for rainy days and waterproof shoes make navigating riverbanks and lake shores more comfortable.
Unpredictable Weather – Arkansas weather is so trippy in the fall! It may feel like winter in the morning, summer in the afternoon and it could rain or snow in between! Be prepared for the constant changes.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures – Cooler temperatures can make fish less active or send them to deeper waters. This can be especially true if the temperature drops suddenly. Finding fish requires a bit more patience and experimentation with depth and bait presentations.
Seasonal Vegetation Changes – As underwater vegetation dies off, fish will move and may not be where you found them a few days ago. Fall fishing requires flexibility.
Low Water Levels – Late summer and early fall drought can lead to lower water levels. In bodies of water controlled by dams, seasonal management practices may also lead to lower levels.
Fish Migration – Fish are on the move looking for vegetation, baitfish and deeper water. Learn the migration patterns of your favorite sportfish species.
Fall fishing in Arkansas is all about embracing the season’s shifts but it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Cooler days that make fish eager to bulk up and the seasonal beauty of autumn make this an exceptional time to explore Arkansas’s lakes, rivers, and streams. So, grab your rod, bundle up, and head outdoors to experience the excitement that fall fishing in Arkansas can bring!
Julie Kohl works from home as a writer and teaches art part-time at a local private school. A former Yankee who was "converted" to the south by her husband, Julie has grasped on to rural life in a sleepy, blink-your-eyes-and-you'll-miss-it town in central Arkansas where they raise chickens, farm hay and bake bread. Julie loves adventure and sharing it with her husband and son. They frequent the trails, campgrounds and parks of Arkansas, always on the hunt for new adventures and new stories to share. Learn more on her blog
Seek Adventures Media.
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