Fall bass and catfish patterns take shape on South Texas waters

What's biting

What's next

With temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s, expect shad to keep pushing toward creek arms and coves. Texas Fish & Game Magazine notes that anglers after truly big bass should also work main-lake humps and ridges. Plan for the shallow bite early and late, then shift deeper structure once the sun is high.

The First Quarter moon puts decent light in the evening hours. Dawn and dusk are the windows to prioritize, when baitfish activity is most likely to pull bass shallow.

On the cooler end of the readings, flow of 62.3 cfs suggests steady rather than disturbed water. Fish should hold in predictable spots near current breaks and cover.

For catfish, North Texas Catfish Guide described a late-summer bite that had fish barely touching baits, along with plenty of small fish. As water cools, expect that finicky behaviour to ease. Channel Catfish should become more willing feeders on cut bait fished on the bottom.

Context

Mid-October is typically the heart of the fall transition in Texas freshwater. Surface water cools, baitfish migrate toward the backs of creeks, and bass feed up ahead of winter. Fall turnover can scatter fish on some lakes. Field & Stream advises moving to clear, shallow bays or creek arms that haven't turned over yet and covering water with search baits like spinnerbaits to find active fish.

Compared with the heat of late summer, this is a clear improvement. Fish are less pressured as boat traffic thins, and feeding windows widen through the day. Check current state regulations before keeping fish.