Fall Transition: Phase 1 · The cold-snap shutdown

What happensEvidence
Triggerthe first front drops nights into the 40s°F (5–9°C); the surface loses 4–6°F (2–3°C) in days[ecology]
Fishmetabolism drops with the water; they do not relocate yet, they stop moving[ecology]
Duration1–2 weeks of a very slow bite until the fish adjust[field]
PositionLargemouthSmallmouthRig
thick green weed, pads, woodburied in it, tight to bottom—Texas-rigged stick worm or jig, dead-sticked 20–40 s between moves
first break below the flats, rock pileson the bottom, not chasingtight to rock, 10–18 ft (3–5.5 m)Ned rig 1/10 oz, drop shot, jig dragged
open water in low light—suspended over the breakjerkbait on overcast or wind only

← The four phases at a glance · Phase 2 · Weeds die in stages →

Fall Transition

From the first hard cool-down to the clear water of October: four phases, where the fish sit in each, what the baitfish do, how the weather changes the call, and why a dead-sticked worm beats a minnow bait while the fish are off-colour. Calendar anchored at 44–46°N (eastern Ontario).

  1. The four phases at a glance
  2. Phase 1 · The cold-snap shutdown
  3. Phase 2 · Weeds die in stages
  4. Phase 3 · Turnover
  5. Phase 4 · Post-turnover clear water
  6. What the baitfish do
  7. Weather adjustments by phase
  8. Why a dead-sticked worm beats a minnow bait now
  9. Line and hooks for a slow bite
  10. Clear water versus off-colour water
  11. Reading the evidence labels

Fall Transition