Fall Fishing on Lake Somerville: Focusing on Points and Drop-Offs
As the temperatures start to drop in the fall, the behavior of bass and other game fish on Lake Somerville begins to change. Understanding these changes and knowing where to focus your efforts can make the difference between a successful day on the water and coming up empty-handed. One of the most productive strategies during this time of year is targeting key structures like points and drop-offs. Here's how you can use these areas to your advantage during the fall season.
Why Points and Drop-Offs?
In the fall, fish are transitioning from their summer haunts to areas where they can easily ambush baitfish that are moving into shallower waters. Points and drop-offs serve as natural feeding grounds and travel routes for bass. These structures provide depth changes that attract both baitfish and predators, making them prime locations for fall fishing.
Points:
Points are areas where the shoreline juts out into the lake, creating a variety of depths and cover. Fish often use points as staging areas during the fall, particularly when they are moving from deeper summer locations to shallower waters. Points with quick access to deep water are especially productive, as fish can move up and down the water column depending on the weather and water conditions.
Drop-Offs:
Drop-offs, where the lakebed suddenly slopes into deeper water, are another critical structure to target during the fall. These areas provide a quick escape route for fish and are often loaded with baitfish that seek refuge near the structure. Bass will patrol these drop-offs, ambushing prey as they move along the slope. Drop-offs that are adjacent to points or near creek channels can be especially fruitful.
How to Fish Points and Drop-Offs on Lake Somerville
1. Identify Productive Areas:
Using Fishing Map Cards can greatly simplify the process of finding productive points and drop-offs on Lake Somerville. The pre-loaded waypoints and detailed maps highlight these structures, saving you time and effort on the water.
2. Choose the Right Lure:
In the fall, baitfish like shad are a primary food source for bass. Consider using lures that mimic shad, such as crankbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits. These lures work well when fished along points and drop-offs, where bass are actively feeding.
3. Work the Depths:
Start by casting your lure into the shallows of the point or drop-off, then slowly work it down into deeper water. This approach mimics the natural movement of baitfish and can entice strikes from bass lurking in the depths. Pay attention to where you get bites, as this will give you clues about the depth range the fish are targeting.
4. Vary Your Retrieve:
Bass can be finicky in the fall, so it's essential to experiment with your retrieve. Try a steady retrieve, a stop-and-go retrieve, or even a yo-yo retrieve where you lift and drop your lure along the bottom. Changing your retrieve can trigger a reaction strike from bass that might otherwise ignore a lure.
5. Consider Wind and Sun Position:
Wind can push baitfish onto points, making these areas even more attractive to bass. Focus on the windward side of points, where baitfish are likely to be concentrated. Additionally, the position of the sun can influence where fish hold. In the morning or late afternoon, fish might be closer to the surface, while midday they may retreat to deeper areas along the drop-off.
Final Thoughts
Fall fishing on Lake Somerville can be incredibly rewarding if you know where to look and how to fish effectively. By focusing on points and drop-offs, you can capitalize on the natural behavior of bass during this transitional season. Use your Fishing Map Cards to locate these key structures and adapt your techniques to match the conditions. With the right approach, you'll be well on your way to a successful fall fishing season on Lake Somerville. Access the best Lake somerville fishing spots here.
