Now that School is in Session the Fishing Season is Over…NOT!

The final bell rings, the school buses roll away, and a new academic year begins. For many parents, this signals a return to a more structured schedule and a change in pace. The long, lazy days of summer vacations and family trips to the lake or the coast are over, and with them, the seemingly endless opportunities for fishing. It’s easy to think that once the school doors reopen, the doors on our fishing gear close, putting a definitive end to the season. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, for many anglers, the period from late summer through fall is when fishing truly comes alive. It’s a time of transition, opportunity and some of the best fishing of the entire year.

The assumption that fishing is a “summer sport” is a common one, rooted in the idea of school holidays and warm weather. While summer certainly offers its own unique charm, it also presents challenges. The relentless heat can make fish lethargic and push them into deeper, cooler waters. Fishing during midday can be a grueling, sun-soaked affair with limited success. The waterways are often crowded with recreational boaters, swimmers, and other anglers, making it harder to find a quiet spot and concentrate. However, as summer wanes and fall approaches, these challenges begin to fade, replaced by a new set of conditions that are often more favorable for anglers.

One of the most significant changes is the water temperature. As the air cools, so do the lakes, rivers and coastal waters. This drop in temperature has a profound effect on fish behavior. Cold-blooded creatures, fish become more active and energetic as the water becomes more hospitable. They start to move out of their deep-water summer haunts and into shallower areas where they can feed more aggressively.

This is particularly true for popular species such as bass, trout and walleye. They sense the coming winter and know they need to bulk up, so they go on a feeding frenzy. This means they are more willing to chase lures and bait, making them easier to catch.

This seasonal shift also brings about a change in the food sources for fish. As the year progresses, many baitfish and insects reach maturity. For example, in freshwater lakes, schools of young shad, minnows and other forage fish are plentiful. In rivers and streams, hatches of various insects, such as caddisflies and mayflies, can be incredibly strong, providing a buffet for trout. Anglers who use lures that mimic abundant food sources often have incredible success. This makes the fall a prime time to experiment with new techniques and presentations, as the fish are more likely to respond to a wider variety of offerings.

Beyond the biological reasons, there are also practical benefits to fishing in the fall. The crowds thin out dramatically. The pleasure boaters, jet skis, and swimmers have largely packed up for the year, leaving the waterways more open and peaceful. This means you can often have your favorite fishing spots all to yourself, allowing for a more relaxed and focused experience. The air is crisp and comfortable, a welcome relief from the oppressive heat and humidity of August. You can spend a full day on the water without feeling drained, enjoying the vibrant colors of the changing leaves reflected on the water’s surface and flocks of birds winging their way south for the winter. The scenery alone can be a reward, adding a layer of beauty and tranquility to your fishing trip.

For parents, this time of year offers a unique opportunity to reclaim their hobby. With children occupied by school, homework and after-school activities it’s easier to carve out a few hours for yourself. A quick trip to a local pond after work, a Saturday morning on the river or a full day trip to a nearby lake becomes a more manageable reality. It’s a chance to decompress, reconnect with nature and pursue a passion that may have been put on hold during the busy summer months. This solo time can be a form of self-care, a way to recharge your batteries so you can be a better, more present parent.

Of course, the end of the summer doesn’t mean you have to leave the youngsters out of it entirely. Fall fishing trips can be incredibly rewarding for the whole family. The cooler weather makes it a more pleasant experience for children, and the higher catch rates can keep them engaged and excited. A short trip on a Saturday morning, followed by a hot chocolate, can become a cherished family tradition. It’s a way to teach them about the changing seasons, the importance of conservation and the simple joy of being outdoors.

So, as you watch the school bus pull away and the neighborhood becomes quieter, resist the temptation to hang up your fishing rod. Instead, see it as the start of a new, even better season. Check the weather, pack a thermos with something warm and head out to the water. The fish are waiting, and the crowds are gone. This fall, prove that the end of summer vacation is not the end of fishing. It’s just the beginning of a different, and perhaps better, chapter. The season is far from over. It’s just getting good.