Fall Power Fishing Tips for Western Bass with Brent Ehrler
When fall arrives, bass behavior shifts dramatically. Bass Pro Tour angler Brent Ehrler breaks down how to maximize your fall fishing success with power fishing techniques, covering both the early and late fall transition periods. Whether you’re chasing largemouth in the Southeast, smallmouth in northern lakes, or spotted bass in reservoirs, these tips will help you locate and catch more fish.
Early Fall Transition: Where and How to Find Western Bass
As summer ends, bass move out of their deep, lethargic patterns and start chasing bait again. Here’s what to look for in early fall:
Prime Spots
Focus on shallow flats, creek arms, and transition banks where baitfish gather.
Feeding Windows
Bass may still feed heavily at night but are becoming more active in the morning and evening.
Best Tackle
Brent recommends crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures to cover water quickly and imitate baitfish schools.
Pro Tip
Keep moving until you find active fish. Early fall is about efficiency — if they aren’t biting in 15–20 minutes, change locations.
Late Fall Transition: Adjusting as the Water Cools
When water temperatures drop further, bass feeding behavior shifts again:
Key Locations
Look for main lake points, channel swings, and deeper structure where fish follow shad migrations.
Slow Down (But Stay Efficient)
While power fishing is still key, downsizing baits or switching to a suspending jerkbait can trigger strikes.
Behavioral Change
Bass group up more tightly, making electronics an essential tool to locate schools.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on water clarity. In clear lakes, finesse presentations shine in late fall. In stained water, stick with moving baits that push vibration.
Power Fishing Tactics to Cover Water
Brent Ehrler emphasizes power fishing as the most effective way to find bass in the fall:
- Use reaction baits like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and topwaters.
- Cover shoreline quickly, hitting shallow cover, riprap, and grass edges.
- Pay attention to baitfish movement — bass rarely stray far from forage in the fall.
This style of fishing allows you to eliminate dead water and zero in on high-percentage areas.
Brent Ehrler’s Top Fall Power Fishing Gear
Shop Brent’s recommended tackle and gear for the fall season:
👉 Shop Brent Ehrler’s Fall Fishing Gear at Bass Pro Shops
Quick Checklist: Fall Power Fishing Essentials
- ✔️ Medium-heavy casting rod & fast reel
- ✔️ Crankbaits (shad & crawfish colors)
- ✔️ Spinnerbaits & bladed jigs
- ✔️ Topwater walking bait
- ✔️ Jerkbaits for late fall
- ✔️ Electronics for locating bait schools
Download this checklist, print it, or save it to your phone before your next fall trip.
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