Pro Tip of the Week

Autumn River Bass

Benjamin Dockendorf, Royalton, Minn.

Years of guiding experience: 4

Favorite body of water: Mississippi River

Favorite fish to catch: Bass and muskellunge

We guide exclusively on the Mississippi River and the tributaries. The Mississippi is my favorite water body, and choosing between smallmouth and muskies is especially tough in fall. Fall is the time for giants! Smallmouth fishing is one of my favorite ways to spend an autumn day, with opportunities for both numbers and size. My biggest tip is to pay attention to the pause. On recent trips, we’ve caught plenty of bass after letting the bait slow down or briefly stop. It’s easy to get into a steady retrieve, especially when you’re excited, but changing that rhythm can turn a following fish into a bite. Start by looking for places where bass can feed close to a break in the current. Work those areas carefully, and when you catch one, give that stretch a few more casts. We’ve been finding fish grouped together, so a productive spot deserves some extra attention. Ned rigs, Neko rigs, chatterbaits, and tube jigs have been producing for us, and there’s still been some topwater action. Experiment with retrieve speed and pauses, then let the fish tell you what they want that day. Book a trip at evergreenoutfitting.com.