True fall fishing begins after turnover in waters that stratify, or when water temperatures drop into the 50F range. Turnover, of course, is that mysterious biological flip that gives anglers an excuse for bad catches from the first cool day in September through mid-October. In fact, turnover is an easily determined (with an electronic temperature gauge) as the water cools.

EARLY FALL PATTERNS
The first phase of fall starts when waters stabilize after turnover. Turnover produces unpredictable fishing because productive patterns suddenly fail as cover, water color, temperature, and oxygen profiles rapidly change. We don't know whether this change causes bass and other species to feed less actively following this change or if they feed in places where anglers don't fish. I suspect the turnover slump stems from a combination of these factors.

But within a week after turnover, be ready for the fastest bass bite since prespawn, with the exception of a few hot summer evenings when bass pop anything that splashes. And fall means the biggest average size of the year.

Presentation--Fish big willowleaf spinnerbaits over shallow flats or through pad beds and stickups. Shallow cover near deeper water always produces more fish than similar objects on a shallow flat. Evening is prime time, particularly after a warm afternoon that may raise the water temperature 5 degrees and increase the metabolism of cold-blooded creatures

Fish cabbage with lightly weighted worms, either Texas-style or on a jighead with an exposed hook. Also test weedless jigs weighing 3/16 or 1/4 ounce and dressed with pork or plastic craws. Some days, one type of bait outproduces the other, for no obvious reason.

Light baits fall slowly among the plant stalks, attracting bass that sometimes suspend high in the leaves. Spinning tackle including 6 1/2- to 7-foot medium-action rods and 8-pound-test line, works best with jigworms. Medium-power casting tackle is the choice for jigs and Texas-rigged plastics.

MID-FALL
Once water temperatures fall below 50F, the shifts that began after turnover become more pronounced. Submerged vegetation thins further, and emergent plants like bulrushes, maidencane, cutgrass, and wild rice result in a dry rattle when a jig is pitched through them. Bass congregate in particular spots, producing slow fishing until you find them, then bonanza.

In natural lakes, inside turns that hold green cabbage or coontail concentrate largemouth bass, even more so if they're located on a steep break near a large flat. If a few large rocks are present or a change in bottom content occurs, so much the better.

Steep breaks allow fish to shift depths without long horizontal movements. And shift depths they do. On mild evenings, bass may nose into emergent vegetation or the tattered remains of a lily pad; yes, just one may suffice. Even at dawn, when water temperatures fall a few more precious degrees, bass may move shallow, retreating as the sun rises.

Presentation--Lure selection is refined during this period, with crankbaits and spinnerbaits scoring well in the upper 40F range, but gradually losing effectiveness as temperatures drop. Instead, rig rods with a wider selection of soft plastics and jigs, basic baits for these patterns until freeze-up.

These baits fish effectively at slow to moderate speeds, from a foot deep down to the basin of the lake. Slow retrieves work best once you locate fish and often you can't find bass unless you fish slower than you'd like. Deadsticking always is an option; you may spend four hours in a 3-acre section of a bay.

Fish as light a slipsinker or jig as possible, given wind conditions and the thickness of weed or wood cover. A slow fall attracts bass and the light weight helps when fish barely mouth your offering. Drag lures slowly instead of jigging them. Prey of all sorts are much less active in cold water, and likewise your lures.

Carolina rigs often excel in cold water. The plastic bait falls horizontally and slowly, then lies helpless. A fish feels almost no resistance when it mouths the lure. Give all standard plastics a try on this rig.

Some days, tiny hair jigs with mini craws work best. If you don't usually apply scents or use impregnated baits, give 'em a try in cold water. You'll see a difference in the number of bites and percentage of hookups.

PRE-ICE
Hardy anglers are the only ones left after duck hunters depart. In water less than 40F, bass aggregations are as big as ever, but catches dwindle as digestion time lengthens, causing little need to feed. Add the difficulty of feeling the lightest of ticks on ice-coated line through ski gloves, and you have a fine fishing challenge.

But if you've followed the season's bass bite this far, wouldn't you like to see what happens right up till the lake freezes? I do, and I'm saddled with a circulatory system that leaves my hands numb in an August rainstorm.

Presentation--Pick prime days with light wind and moderating temperatures. Anything over 32F is a plus because you won't have to face freezing guides and lumps of ice on your line. Plastic baits continue to work until lakes freeze.