School is back in session: Not just for humans, but also for fish. As water temperatures begin to drop during the month, look for various predatory species to school up as the fall feeding frenzy begins.
On lakes, bass will be busting shad. Crease flies and pencil poppers will entice vicious surface strikes. But in case poppers don’t work, switch to shad flies like the Spooky Shad, the Lunch Money and even Clouser Minnows.
Redears and crappie will move back to the shallows. Fluff Butts and other minnow patterns will work for both. Redears will also fall to Cap Spiders, Hares Ears and Tussel Bugs.
September is the best month for Rio Grande perch around New Orleans and Jefferson Parish. The Rios love tiny poppers, wet flies and Zebra Midges.
This is the last good month for a wide range of pelagic species, such as Spanish, kings, cobia, and jack crevalle. Bull reds will be plentiful on beaches, in passes and interior lakes. For all these denizens, try Deceivers and Seaducers on intermediate or sinking lines.
The white trout run peaks this month. Find a hard bottom with moving water and you can load up on 12-plus-inch fish. Use a long leader and a weighted fly. Let the fly get to the bottom, then prepare for a hard bite on the first few strips.
