Expert Shares Late Fall Crankbait Techniques for Bass Fishing
Mike Frisch, host of Fishing the Midwest TV, shares advice on effective late fall crankbait fishing techniques for bass, detailing lure selection, depth targeting, and retrieve speeds, drawing on his experiences in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Rochester Mason City Austin, MN, November 7, 2026 —
As the late fall season brings cooler temperatures, anglers are looking for effective strategies to continue their bass fishing pursuits. Mike Frisch, host of the television program Fishing the Midwest, has shared insights into employing crankbait techniques specifically tailored for this time of year.
Frisch’s advice focuses on several key elements crucial for success when targeting bass in the late fall. These include careful consideration of lure selection, precise depth targeting, and the strategic manipulation of retrieve speeds.
The selection of the right crankbait is paramount, according to Frisch. In late fall, bass may be feeding on different baitfish compared to warmer months, and lure profiles and colors should reflect this. The aim is to mimic the forage available to bass during this transitional period.
Depth targeting is another critical factor. As water temperatures drop, bass tend to move deeper, seeking out more stable environments and congregating near structures like drop-offs, points, and submerged vegetation edges. Frisch emphasizes the importance of getting lures down to these depths where the fish are holding.
Furthermore, retrieve speed plays a significant role in triggering strikes. In colder water, a slower, more deliberate retrieve is often more effective, allowing the lure to present a more natural action and giving sluggish bass sufficient time to react and strike. Varying the retrieve speed, including pauses or occasional twitches, can also entice hesitant fish.
Frisch draws upon his extensive experience, including fishing excursions in both Minnesota and South Dakota, to inform these recommendations. These techniques are designed to help anglers adapt their approach to the changing conditions of late autumn, thereby increasing their chances of a successful catch.
Story summarized from the original created by Mike Frisch on www.postbulletin.com, see more information here.
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