Continue to fish areas close to docks, bridges and other heavily protected areas. While they do wonder away from their normal grounds, they don’t go too far.

Roanoke Bass autumn techniques carry on into late September and early October, but as the weather changes and becomes colder, the Roanoke Bass slow down, eat less and move into deeper water. In late autumn, bass enter deeper water and enter a state of semi-hybernation. While they don’t actually hibernate, they slow down significantly and appear to sit near the bottom not moving. They still eat, but they don’t go on binges and eat infrequently. Even night fishing does not resurrect them.

In the early part of fall, the Roanoke Bass can still be found in the same spots as summer, eating the same baits, and eating frequently, though they have already begun to slow down. Night fishing still offers great fun even while the outside temperature at night is dropping into the 50°Fs/10°C.

They still run from direct sunlight and seek the cover of shade that comes from docks, piers, bridges and other heavily shaded areas. It is not until late October that they can be found moving to deep water. Once they have moved to deep water, catching them can be very difficult. All techniques used in the spring and summer fail to work in late fall.

Once They go Deep

Once the Roanoke Bass reside themselves to deep water, enticing them to eat requires skill and knowledge of where they are located. All bass species are predators and as such, they are quick to defend their territory. When they are in this semi-hybernation state, fish the baits with in two feet of them, acting like a wounded fish, sometimes acting like an assertive bait. We recommend a fathead minnow for these occasions. Try each method back and forth until successful.

Is it worth it?

Fishing for Roanoke bass in the winter is something so few people attempt. These are small fish and rarely used for food. Most people that seek out the Roanoke Bass are children. While they can be caught in the winter, they are often not the desired fish. So, is fishing for Roanoke Bass worthwhile? We think not. Save your effort for other fish during this time unless you are simply after a challenge.

Early Fall

All popular baits that work in spring and summer work in autumn and the same techniques used in spring and summer work in fall. Roanoke Bass will go after crayfish, fathead minnows, golden shiners, gizzard shad, worms, leeches and insects. However, the best bait to use is the worm. Worms as easy to get, cheap to buy and don’t require any special gear, which makes it the ideal bait and fish combination for children.

Spoons, spinners, crankbaits all work very well, but they are overkill. It’s like taking a formula one car to work. Other than because you can, why do it and would you do it every time? Sometime, they don’t seem to be interested in worms. For these occasions, switch to leeches.

Casting

The best method is to cast off the shore to their popular hiding spots which include shoreline overhangs, docks, rocky outcrops, weed beds and sunken debris. Use bobbers when casting a distance in order to keep the bait about 12 inches off the bottom. The bobber should be big enough to just barely float. Too big and you won’t even know if you have a fish on the hook.

Another technique is to cast your bait towards traditional bass cover and let the bait fall to the bottom. Where the bottom is free from logs and other items that cause snags, run your bait across the bottom, allowing it to jump from time to time. Weedless hooks are recommended if there are weeds in the area.

For those who prefer using lures, please try light spincasting tackle as this is a tiny fish. Use your regular tackle and you won’t know you have a fish on the line! Popular lures include tiny jigs, doll flies, streamers, small crank baits that imitate minnows, small spoons and spinners.

Fishing Locales

Continue to fish areas close to docks, bridges and other heavily protected areas. While they do wonder away from their normal grounds, they don’t go too far. For those who prefer using lures, try light spincasting tackle. Popular lures include tiny jigs, doll flies, streamers, minnows and spinners.