Outdoor Chat > fall season smallies and muskies
I'm not exactly sure which river you're referring to, but as a rough rule of thumb, I think smallmouth bass run a little deeper late in the summer when river water levels tend to drop and the fish look to find some cool water. I haven't been on the Mississippi River in two weeks, but last few times out, those fish sat in the deepest runs. Keep in mind, as air temps and water temps drop, those fish will come shallow again and they'll put on the feed bags before winter sets in. Be ready for some of your best bass action of the year in the coming weeks. I'm no muskie expert on the rivers, but I suspect those fish will also get a bit more active. Good Luck!
Bill Sherck
You hit it right on the nail Bill, those fish should start to put the feedbag on very soon if they aren't already. I would expect them to move up shallow behind any current breaks and be very active. The muskies will tend to do the same things, however if you can find a current break that is a little bit deeper, you have hit the money. Pick a muskie bait that you like, and stick with it. A couple of favorites are the Big bladed bucktails such as a cowgirl. Silver and black is a great one! Also you can't go wrong with a topwater bait such as a topraider. Any color will work as long as it is black! Good luck!
Travis Frank
Bill, what do you think is the best way to target smallies and muskies on the river in the fall season? I always find smallies in the shallows during the summer in the evenings but cant seem to find them in the fall in the skinny waters.