October is my favorite time of year to target the smallmouth bass in the river. This time of year the fish congregate in the deepest holes of the river. This congregation of fish creates more competition between the bigger fish and the smaller fish to grab that soft plastic that mimics a crayfish. We see more quality fish come during the month of October than any other month. The scenery this time of year is second to none and we never see another boat on the water because everyone is trout fishing.
French Broad River in October.
Monster smallmouth caught on October 21.
October is a great month to catch quality river smallmouth.
17 inch river smallmouth fights as well as any other freshwater fish in NC.
Great Fall Colors. Great Smallmouth Fishing.
French Broad River Smallmouth. October 2020.
Smallmouth River Fishing in October.
October Smallmouth.
This time of year we will throw bigger baits because it does mean bigger fish. A big smallmouth is more willing to eat a bigger bait than a small one. Instead of throwing a 2.75 inch bait throw a 5 inch bait. If you are looking for your personal best smallmouth then bigger baits are a must. We normally stop running smallmouth trips when the water temperatures drop below 50 degrees because at this temperature I see a big change in appetite from the fish. In years past we normally hit the 50 degree mark around the second week of November. This doesn’t mean big smallmouth won’t feed in the winter, but one must be willing to fish slow.