Highway Marine's Top Five Fall Fishing Tips

Are you ready to hit the waters this fall? As the weather gets cooler, largemouth bass begin to feed heavily, and that’s when fishing in Quakertown and throughout the Lehigh Valley becomes even more exciting. But before you put your Crestliner on Lake Nockamixon’s waters, it's important to prepare yourself and your boat for the colder conditions.  

In this blog post, we'll cover some essential tips for fall fishing in the Lehigh Valley and hopefully get you landing more fish than ever before.

Fish the Shallows 

As water temperatures drop, bass tend to move to shallower areas in search of prey. This makes fall a prime time to fish in shallow waters and land some serious hogs. Be sure to target areas with vegetation, structure (downed trees, rock ledges, etc...) as these can all provide hiding spots and food for bass.

Use moving baits such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and vibrating jigs to entice bass hiding in shallow waters. Fall can be a great time to throw a topwater lure to mimic injured baitfish, an easy meal for a largemouth. Keep a jig tied up to probe large laydowns and heavy shoreline cover. If you’re still struggling to hook up to a largemouth in the Lehigh Valley this fall, keep reading and we’ll drop a few more tips to help you get more fish over your gunwale.

Ensure Your Boat is Ready for the Weather 

Before heading out, it's important to make sure your boat is equipped for the changing weather conditions. Store a set of insulated rain gear on board in case of unexpected cold temperatures, and a change of clothes in case you take an accidental dip in your local lake. It's also a good idea to bring extra socks and gloves to keep warm if you plan on fishing all day or in rainy weather. 

In addition to making sure you have proper gear for the fall weather, ensuring your vessel is in tip-top shape before you hit Beltzville Lake is an absolute must. While you could always give your boat a once-over at home, at Highway Marine Service we have an 18-bay service department and an expert team of boat technicians dedicated to keeping your boat on the water and out of the shop. Schedule your service appointment or bi-annual inspection online or by calling us at 215-536-4721 today!

Slow Down 

As the water temperatures drops below 50ºF, bass tend to become a bit lethargic in an attempt to save energy. This means you need to slow down your bait retrieval to give those slow-moving Sally’s a chance to take the bait. If you’re like us (and most anglers), your “slow” is still too fast, but that’s nothing that can’t be fixed! Try using slower-moving baits such as jigs, ned rigs, or suspending jerkbaits to entice sluggish bass.

If switching to slower-moving bait presentations like jigs and ned rigs isn’t doing the trick for you, don’t fret. You can always switch to a reel with a lower gear ratio which will naturally slow down your retrieval speed and give you a better chance at landing the largemouth of your dreams.

When the Bite Gets Tough, Size Down 

In fall, using smaller baits and terminal tackle can be extremely effective as fish become more wary and less aggressive. Downsizing your bait can help mimic natural prey and increase your chances of getting a bite.

Keep an Eye on Water Temperature 

Water temperature plays a crucial role in determining where bass will be located. Use your fish finder or sonar to get accurate readings on water temperature and locate areas of warmer or cooler water. This can help you pinpoint where bass are likely to be hiding.

If your fish finder can’t display temperature, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered here at Highway Marine Service. We carry a wide range of fish finders, depth finders and sonar technology from the biggest and best marine brands like Hummingbird, Lowrance and more!

In addition to checking the usual suspects — structure, vegetation, submerged structure — when searching for fish, don’t forget our first tip of searching the shallows. When fishing in the Lehigh Valley during the fall, keep in mind that lower temperatures will cause bass to push up into shallower waters in hopes of finding warmer temperatures. Cover as much water as possible while taking note of the depth and water temps fish bite in. This is a great way at landing a Lehigh Valley largemouth bass during the fall.

Fish the Lehigh Valley Today! 

Don't let the fall weather discourage you from fishing in the Lehigh Valley when the bass are biting most. With these tips, you'll be prepared for a successful day out on the water, whether it’s in the Delaware River, Mauch Chunk Lake or anywhere else in the Lehigh Valley. Grab your gear, bundle up, and enjoy some fantastic fall fishing in the Lehigh Valley!

We hope these tips will help you have a successful fall fishing trip at Highway Marine. Don't forget to also check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before heading out on the water. 

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a successful fishing trip. Always use caution and follow safety guidelines while on the water.