Understand shad movement in the fall “There are several theories as to why shad migrate, but I believe they go shallow to feed. They have a much higher probability of surviving in deeper water, so that tells me they’re obviously up there to feed on plankton and other small organisms.
Where are shad in the fall?
In both cases, the game fish and their primary food source threadfin shad will first move from deep water to shallow water (summer to fall transition) and then from shallow water to deep water (fall to winter transition).
Where do baitfish go in the fall?
As the baitfish move to shallower water in early Autumn, the bass follow. In late Fall, the baitfish slow down and start preparing for the winter. Late Fall is usually when the baitfish will head back into deeper hiding spots where they spend the winter, especially in colder regions where the surface can freeze.
How deep are shad in winter?
In the winter, when the water grows much colder, the shad migrate back out of the creeks and into main lake depths. On some lakes, this can easily be 40 to 60 feet deep.
What do gizzard shad do in the fall?
Gizzard shad, especially larger ones that trophy bass like to eat, are often benthic feeders. That is, they graze on the organic goop that coats the lake bottom or timber, rock or riprap. They don’t need to migrate in the fall to follow plankton.
Why do baitfish move shallow in the fall?
Throughout the fall, catfish will continue to feed on baitfish along the shallow flats until falling water temperatures cause the fish to move towards deeper water.
Do Shad spawn in the fall?
Reproduction Cycles: Threadfin shad can spawn several times per year. It’s not uncommon for threadfin to spawn a second time in mid July, and again in September or early October.
Do fish go deeper in the fall?
They also feed more during the day. Later in the fall when the water temperature begins dropping, they are usually found deeper.
What fish are most active in fall?
Walleye, pike, perch, and trout are popular ice-fishing species and are also the most active this time of year. The reason fish are said to aggressive feed in the fall is because baitfish and other creatures that they usually prey on will go into “Winter Rest” and will become much harder for the predator fish to find.
Are bass shallow or deep in fall?
➤ Fall. As the water cools in the fall, bass move shallower to feed and pack on weight for the lean winter. Once the water drops to 55 degrees, the bite can turn on. Another bonus is that few anglers are still fishing at this time of year.
Do shad bite in the cold?
The bottom line is that you can catch your own shad in the cold water period, you just need to use the right tools to catch them, you need to be in the right location and you need to put forth a little extra effort to catch them.
How do you catch shad in the winter time?
Sometimes the best way to catch them is to hang a light over the side of the boat and just drift in the open water. Afternoons they will move into some coves. Shad move back into the creeks and coves but cold fronts move them out into deeper water. Best bet is to try and get bait before a front hits.
What is the best way to catch shad?
The best bait for American shad are small, artificial lures including jigs, spinners, spoons and similar lures. Shiny or brightly colored lures work best, although shad also are known to bite a shiny bare hook, especially attached to a swivel to give it some swaying action.
Is September good for catfishing?
The Best Time To Catch Flathead Catfish
If I could pick just one time of the year for flatheads it would be September and October. The fish are feeding heavily getting ready for winter and fishing during this time has always produced the most flatheads and the biggest ones as well.
Where are flatheads in the fall?
Prime spots in holes or logjams may be temporarily occupied by a succession of migrating flatheads as they move through the area. Early fall is a nexus for flathead patterns that makes it the best time to catch the biggest flatheads of the year.
How deep are catfish in October?
The depth of this initial transition varies with each fishery, but generally consider drop off areas in the 6- to 15- foot range as the intermediate transition zone for fall channel catfish. Cats start to congregate there and can be caught along the edges of the first major depth change outside shallow flats.
What do you throw during shad spawn?
Here is the list of my top 10 baits to throw during the shad spawn.
- #1 – Spinnerbait. The spinnerbait is the best.
- #2 – Swim Jig. I love a white swim jig here.
- #3 – Swimbait. This is a 4” to 7” size tail thumping swim bait.
- #4 – Finesse Swim Bait.
- #5 – Hollow Frog.
- #6 – Shallow Crankbait.
- #7 – Buzzbait.
- #8 – Chatterbait.
How many weeks does the shad spawn last?
“It spikes on the full moon just like bass,” he observes. “The shad spawn will last two, three, or maybe four weeks. It usually starts in one area of the lake and you might go to the other end of the lake and find nothing, so you have to be moving until you see the activity.”
What triggers the shad spawn?
Threadfin shad generally grow to a size of four to six inches and inhabit a wide range of water depths and temperatures. Typically the shad are triggered to start their spawn when the water temperature ranges between 68-76 degrees. The shad will spawn in various habitats, depending upon the type of lake.
Is fishing in the fall good?
Although many anglers plan their fishing vacations during the spring and summer, fall fishing can be some of the best of the year. The water temperatures have cooled, and your favorite game fish are packing on weight to prepare for the cold winter months ahead.
Why is fishing better in the fall?
Fall marks a period of change for fish and fishermen. The small bite-size forage supply of summer™s salad days is largely gone. Larger minnows and bigger lures come into play until later in the season when colder water temperatures and slower fish metabolisms make smaller baits a better choice.