By Jordan Jenkins.

As the cooler weather comes along, some people may think fishing in Fairfax County is over, but the bite is just getting started! Fall is one of the best times of the year to get out on the water and catch some fish. In the fall, it is common for fish to begin stocking up and feeding more so they can get nice and big before the winter. Before getting out on the water in the fall months, there’s a few tips and tricks to the trade that can help you make fall your favorite fishing season.

First, fall is when temperatures begin dropping so the appropriate wear is important. Find a decent hoodie and long comfy pants, so you can stay warm out on the water; on the windy days I recommend finding a full-face gaiter and a pair of opened-fingered gloves to keep your hands warm and fingers accessible for tying knots.

Some of the better species of fish to target in the Fairfax area include but are not limited to largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, muskellunge (or musky) and perch. All these species can be found in local waters, such as Burke Lake, or in areas such as the Occoquan reservoir and Potomac River. When targeting largemouth bass in the fall, some of my favorite lures to use would be crankbaits or Jigs with some sort of creature-like trailer. Find areas that have steep drop-off, where these fish will stage from shallow to deep. Fishing for crappie and perch is a little bit different; smaller and lighter tackle is recommended so you can use small inline spinner baits and small jig heads down to 1/16th of an ounce. Finding crappie can be challenging; usually they group up together around submerged structure, but when you find one, there is most likely many more hanging around! Larger fish such as musky and walleye can be a bit challenging and take a lot of patience, but part of the fun is finding these deep-water fish. Look for deep points in lakes and steep drops, where these game fish can find great ambush points.

Overall, don’t let the cooler weather stop you from getting out on the water and finding the fish and having some fun. If you keep in mind safety first and keeping yourself and the little ones warm, fall is a great time of year to get outside and observe as the seasons change. While fishing in the fall, don’t forget to immerse yourself in every aspect. Look at the birds that are more common this time of year and which trees change colors. Try learning something new every time you go out for a fishing trip or maybe practicing some new fishing knots.