Fishing is one of the best reasons to get out on a boat, especially up here in Canada. In fact, fishing for freshwater fish could be at the top of your list of ways to get outdoors in the Fall.
We believe September to late November is one of the best times of year for catching a variety of species. Plus, exceptional surroundings and peaceful waters make this hobby even more worthy of your free time.
So, as you think ahead to your fall fishing trip this year, grab your lures and gear, and let us walk you through what to expect and how to maximize your haul!
Three Prime Times to Fish in the Fall
The fall fishing season can be broken down into small “seasons” or times to get out on your boat at this time of year.
These are:
- Early Fall: The early part of the fall season is when you’ll experience dropping temperatures and cooler waters. You’ll also notice the days getting shorter with fewer daylight hours. These changes in the temperature and amount of daylight stimulate fish to move from their summer home to their winter hideouts.
- Mid-Autumn: As you move further into the fall fishing season, the water cools even more. Cooler water increases oxygen levels, which stimulates fish. You’ll notice them becoming more active.
- Late Autumn: As you get later into the season, you see fish begin to get slower.
As winter approaches, fish will already have gorged earlier in the season. They get lazier and swim less to strike a lure. Toward the end of your fall fishing season, you’ll need to go deeper and think more strategically.
What Can You Expect to Catch in the Fall?
As we mentioned, you can catch a wide variety of fish in the fall. It’s an excellent time to get out on the water and see what you can haul in!
You’re most likely to reel in small and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, salmon, and lake trout and salmon. The best tactics to catch these fish depend on where in the county you are and what you’d like to catch.
Go Deep
However, it can often be productive to make your way to greener pastures. Look for healthy and deep weeds near tributaries and bays — most likely found in fertile rivers and lakes. Pike and a few other species look for cover. So, they’ll move away from the shorelines and into the rich vegetation and deeper waters.
Go Shallow
However, unlike pike, walleye and largemouth bass are more likely to migrate towards shallow waters in an attempt to keep warm closer to the shoreline’s vegetation.
To determine if you should go deep or shallow, look for baitfish where the natural action is and increase your chances of reeling in more fish.
How to Catch Different Types of Fish When Fall Fishing
Let’s dig into some quick tips on catching some of the top fall fish this season.
Walleye
Dusk is the best time to reel in a walleye, as this is the time these fish begin to feed before nightfall. They become much more active as night approaches than during peak daylight hours.
Salmon
Choose your hooks carefully when fishing for salmon. They have thick, strong jaws requiring razor-sharp hooks to successfully land one in your boat.
Then, head out for your fishing adventure on an overcast day for the best success. Sunshine encourages salmon to go into deeper waters while becoming a little less active. So, if your fishing day is planned for a sunny day, head out at dawn or dusk to find them more active.
If you fish with live bait, choose roe. However, if you prefer an artificial lure, go for a spinner.
Trout
You’ll find plenty of trout in the lakes of practically every province throughout Canada. Lakes from coast to coast are stocked with brook trout, browns, rainbow trout, and splake.
Remember that these fish can be very active and aggressive in the fall. This can make for a thrilling catch that’s worth getting out on your fishing boat at this time of year.
Stick to the shorelines, as cooler waters incentivize trout to cruise those spots. However, your best chances for catching trout are near woods, shoals, and rocky points. You can also choose fishing spots near submerged wood and overhanging trees and use live bait where possible.
Fall Pike
Much like trout and salmon, pike react to fluctuating water temperatures in the fall. Those large northern pike can be a little tricky to catch!
With that being said, fall is the perfect season to grab one of these trophy fish. You’ll have more success in fresh green vegetation than in the browning weeds. In those spots, you’ll also find many of the other species we’ve mentioned today.
To bring in a pike, use large or regular bass-size spinners, swim baits, and minnows to lure them in.
Be Safe and Enjoy Plenty of Fall Fishing This Year
Remember, if you want to take advantage of some of the best fishing of the year, keep the boat out on the water throughout fall! To do that legally and safely, make sure you’ve taken a boater education course.
Canada requires all boat operators to have a boater education card. The best way to do that is to take the online boating education course through BOATsmart! for Canadians. Then, pass the exam and get your card.
You’ll be ready to fish in time for fall!
Published originally in February 2019. Content most recently reviewed for accuracy and relevancy October 23, 2024.
