Fall bass and trout season settles in across the Hudson Valley

What's biting

What's next

Expect the bite to keep building as water temperatures slide through the 50s over the coming week. Smallmouth and largemouth should stay shallow and aggressive through the warmest part of the afternoon, then slow once the sun drops. Matt at Tactical Bassin suggests slowing down and covering rock, wood and dock structure with jigs when fish are tight to cover, and Tactical Bassin also highlights finesse presentations for the tough days after cold fronts.

A waxing crescent moon means darker evenings, so midday and early afternoon are the practical windows. Moving water at roughly 2,300 to 3,300 cfs on the upper river gauges is a solid, fishable range, but check conditions before wading and watch for changes if rain moves through.

For trout anglers, NY DEC's Fishing Line issue from October 9th includes a reminder about trout season regulations starting October 16, so review the current rules before heading out. Walleye anglers can look to the bottom-bouncer plain rig Fishing the Midwest describes as a go-to for cooler fall water, with a nightcrawler on a plain snell.

Context

Mid-October is typically the peak of the fall transition in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes. Surface temperatures have dropped out of summer ranges, baitfish are moving toward shallower flats and creek mouths, and bass feed hard ahead of winter. Weeds begin dying back, which concentrates fish on remaining green cover and hard structure. Brown trout and lake trout in the deeper Finger Lakes begin their own fall movements, and many anglers shift their attention from open-water structure to tributaries and shorelines. Crowds thin as hunting season begins, which tends to make October one of the quieter and more productive months on the water. Always check state regulations before harvesting.