Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 34

Fall Smallmouth Bass-Season of Giants
by Nathan Woleslagle
photos by the author
When summer transitions into fall and the temperatures
begin to drop, Smallmouth Bass fishing also transitions
into a new season, one of giants. The months of September
through late November are known to many bass anglers as
one of the best time periods to catch big Smallmouth Bass
and sometimes several in a single outing. Pennsylvania offers
a plethora of destinations to fish for fall Smallmouth Bass
across both rivers and lakes.
Pennsylvania is home to many productive Smallmouth
Bass rivers. The Susquehanna and Juniata rivers are two of
the most established and well-known fisheries, but many
others hold giant Smallmouth Bass in the fall. Stretches of
the Delaware River, Pine Creek, and even the lower stretch of
Penns Creek offers anglers opportunity. The rivers and large
creeks around Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania are also
notable Smallmouth Bass fisheries.
As far as lakes and reservoirs, you are not short of options.
Lake Erie, Erie County, is renowned as a world-class fall
Smallmouth destination. Lake Wallenpaupack, Pike and

34

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2020	

Wayne counties, and Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County,
are both great large lakes with established Smallmouth Bass
populations. For further potential fishing locations, a great
resource to utilize can be found on the Pennsylvania Fish
and Boat Commission's website at www.fishandboat.com
under the "Best Fishing Waters" section for Largemouth and
Smallmouth bass.
Once you have a location narrowed down, it is time to
rig a rod and start casting. Techniques for fall Smallmouth
Bass vary, but there are some key techniques that prove
productive for myself every fall. In September and into early
October, a small popper or walking bait can prove deadly
on aggressive large Smallmouth Bass. In the mornings and
evenings, Smallmouth Bass can be seen actively chasing
baitfish. A topwater lure in this situation can prove the best
bait of choice.
When November and colder temperatures stay
consistent, the topwater bite begins to slow down.
Two additional techniques that excel in colder water
temperatures are jigs and jerkbaits. Curly tail grubs,
especially larger 3-inch grubs, fished on ¼- to 1/8-ounce
jig heads imitate numerous types of prey for Smallmouth
Bass and draw bites from big bass. Jerkbaits are a great lure
choice to cover water to initially locate fish, as Smallmouth
Bass in the fall can often be found schooled up. Jerkbait
www.fishandboat.com



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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020

Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - Contents
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 4
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 5
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - 6
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2020 - Cover4
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