Bass are unaware of Daylight Savings Time. They don’t have an emotional response to the first frost or “sweater weather.” They certainly aren’t swayed by the pumpkin spice-ification of the world. This does not mean that bass, like any other fish out there, are not impacted by the temperature shifts that accompany the change of seasons. What it does mean is that these fish might not be as seasonally sensitive as we are.

The action isn’t going to be the same as post-spawn and summer fishing. The days are shorter and the water may very well be lower. The thermal fluctuations of the water will have an influence on the metabolism of fish: which, in turn, influences the way in which they feed. But they will still feed. And, depending on where you live, there might actually be an uptick in action on warm(er) fall days.

So while trout streams may become more active and attractive in the fall, don’t sleep on your local bass water. The fish are there, are active, and are willing to chase a fly. Here are four things to consider as you bundle up for bass this autumn:

Where’s the bait?

The location of baitfish is going to be one of the most important, if not the most important, variables in finding bass. Look in warmer, shallower edges with dark bottoms. Areas that might look sterile (mud, leaves, etc.) have thermal value and forage species will gravitate towards them as temperatures drop. Bass might not be holding in those locations, but they will be patrolling the perimeters.

Make it big & meaty.

Deep, cold, winter fishing is when you want to opt for finesse. Those flies will catch bass in the fall, too. But now is the time to get the articulated streamers or the deer hair-faced divers out. When the sun is high or on the way down, pull these flies along cover or structure. Intermediate lines or poly leaders help in putting these bugs in front of fish suspended in four or six feet of water.

Early & late drop offs.

Ledges are always good spots to target all species of warmwater bass. But they’re essential for early spring and late fall fishing. Not only are they baitfish highways; they are a gateway between water with shifting temperatures. Once you locate a ledge or a drop off, vary your retrieve at different depths to see where bass are holding.

You’re not in July, anymore.

Although this article started off with the premise that you need to eschew the idea bass are unwilling to play ball in autumn, it is still necessary to adjust to their seasonal behavior. Flies, retrieves, and locations that worked in the summer aren’t surefire techniques in the fall. If we’re honest, what worked in June wasn’t the same pattern that worked in August, either. Long story short: don’t fish today like you fished yesterday. Figure out what is working now. Because something is.