Lure Fishing Basics for Fall & Winter: A Practical Beginner’s Guide – ReelUp Fishing

As temperatures drop and baitfish begin their seasonal migrations, predatory fish such as bass, pike, and trout shift into feeding mode to prepare for winter. This makes fall and early winter one of the best times for lure fishing, especially for beginners who want to learn how fish behave in colder months.

In this guide, ReelUp Fishing walks you through the most effective lures, colors, sizes, and retrieval styles for cold-season fishing. Whether you're casting from shore or a kayak, these techniques will help you catch more fish with confidence.

1. Understanding Fall & Winter Fish Behavior

Fall (Mid-Autumn to Early Winter): Feeding Season

• Baitfish move into creeks, coves, and shallow channels.
• Bass and other predators chase them aggressively.
• Fish are active and willing to hit fast-moving lures.

Winter (Cold Water, Low Activity): Slow & Deep

• Fish conserve energy.
• They stay near deeper structure, steep drop-offs, or warm outflows.
• They prefer slow, subtle presentations.

Understanding this seasonal behavior allows you to choose the right lures and techniques for better results.

2. Best Lures for Fall & Winter (Beginner-Friendly)

Soft Plastic Minnow

Ideal for early winter or cooling temperatures. Mimics dying baitfish extremely well.

• Size: 3.5–5 inch
• Rig: jig head or underspin
• Retrieve: slow roll or light twitches

Lipless Crankbait

Perfect for active fall fish. Covers water quickly and triggers reaction bites.

• Size: 1/2 oz
• Colors: shad, silver, blue/black
• Retrieve: steady retrieve, yo-yo, lift-and-drop

Jig

A winter essential. Works in deeper water when fish are less active.

• Weight: 3/8 oz or 1/2 oz
• Trailer: craw-style soft bait
• Retrieve: slow drag on bottom, small hops

Spinnerbait

Shines in windy, stained autumn water.

• Blade: double willow
• Colors: white, chartreuse
• Retrieve: medium or fast retrieve near cover

Soft Plastic Worm

A go-to for slow winter presentations.

• Rig: texas rig or neko rig
• Retrieve: very slow, long pauses

3. Color Selection for Fall & Winter

Fall Colors

• Shad
• Silver
• White
• Chartreuse
• Blue/Black

Winter Colors

• Green pumpkin
• Brown
• Black
• Natural smelt shades

Use brighter colors for stained water and natural tones for clear, cold winter water.

4. Where to Fish in Fall & Winter

Best Fall Locations

• Creek mouths
• Wind-blown banks
• Shallow flats near drop-offs
• Areas with visible baitfish activity

Best Winter Locations

• Deep structure
• Bridge pilings
• Rock piles
• Steep banks
• Warm-water outflows

Look for depth changes and temperature differences — small variations often attract fish.

5. Retrieval Techniques for the Cold Season

Fall Retrieval

• Medium speed
• Cover water quickly
• Add pauses to trigger reaction bites

Winter Retrieval

• Slow roll
• Drag-and-pause
• Small hops
• Longer pauses than you expect

The colder the water, the slower your presentation should be.

6. Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Changing lures too quickly
• Not checking knots, hooks, or soft bait alignment
• Avoiding windy days (which are actually great in fall)
• Fishing too shallow in winter
• Using line that’s too heavy for clear winter water

Conclusion

Fall and winter offer some of the best opportunities for beginner anglers to catch fish with lures. By choosing the right baits, slowing down your retrieve, and understanding seasonal behavior, you'll have a much more successful time on the water.

ReelUp Fishing will continue sharing seasonal tips, lure techniques, and reel recommendations to help every angler fish with confidence — no matter the weather.