Fall Catfishing in St. Louis: How the Big Cool Down Changes the Bite
A couple weeks ago it was pushing 100 degrees out here. I was sweating through my shirt before the first rod was even in the holder. Now the mornings start in the 50s, the highs top out around 70 and I'm digging the hoodie out of the truck. Coming from South Florida, I'll admit this kind of swing still catches me off guard.
The catfish notice it too. Fall is one of the best times of the year to fish the Missouri and Mississippi rivers around St. Louis and St. Charles, as long as you adjust to what the fish are doing. Here's how I change things up when the weather turns.
The water cools slower than the air
A 30-degree drop in air temperature doesn't mean the river dropped 30 degrees overnight. Big water holds its heat, so the river cools a little at a time over a few weeks. That lag works in your favor. The fish are still active and feeding while you're enjoying sweatshirt weather on the bank.
As the water keeps cooling, catfish start eating like they know winter is coming. Blue catfish especially put on the feed bag in the fall, and some of the biggest fish of the year get caught between now and Thanksgiving.
Follow the shad
When the water cools, shad bunch up in big schools and start moving. Wherever the shad go, the catfish follow. If you see bait flipping on the surface or birds working an area, pay attention. That's a dinner bell.
This is also why fresh shad is so deadly in the fall. It's exactly what the fish are already chasing. Fresh dead shad from 319 Bait runs $3 each, and mooneye and skipjack run $6 each when available.
Fish deeper and fish the breaks
In the heat of summer, a lot of fish slide up shallow at night to feed. As things cool down, look for them on the deeper edges, outside bends and current breaks behind wing dikes and rock piles. A deep hole next to a shallow flat is a great spot this time of year, because the fish can sit deep and move up to feed.
Change your hours
Summer catfishing around here is mostly a night game. In the fall, the afternoon gets good. The sun warms the water a little through the day, and that bump can turn on the bite from late morning through sunset. You don't have to stay up until 2 a.m. to put fish in the boat anymore. My wife is a big fan of this part.
Watch the cold fronts
A strong cold front can shut the bite down for a day or two. The day before a front moves through is often the best fishing of the week, so if you see one coming in the forecast, get out ahead of it. After the front passes, slow down, fish deeper and give the fish a little more time to find your bait.
Dress for the swing
- Wear layers. A 50-degree morning turns into a 70-degree afternoon fast, and you'll want to peel off a layer by lunch.
- Bring a dry change of clothes. Wet hands and a cool breeze on the river feel colder than the thermometer says.
- Wear your life jacket. The air may feel nice, but fall water is cooler, and falling in is more dangerous than it was in July.
- Shorter days mean less light. Pack a headlamp even if you plan to be off the water before dark.
Keeping bait fresh gets easier
Good news: your ice lasts a lot longer now. Still bag your shad and keep it out of the meltwater so it stays firm. I wrote up everything I do in how to keep shad fresh all day and rig it for catfish.
Order bait before your fall trip
Call 319 Bait at 314-600-8061 at least 24 to 36 hours ahead, and I'll meet you at a public boat ramp, marina or pick-up spot in St. Charles or St. Louis County. Orders have a $50 minimum, and orders of $100 or more get 10% off plus free delivery. Not sure where to go? Here are bank fishing spots around St. Louis and St. Charles worth a try this fall.
Watch the action
Here's what October on the Mississippi looks like. Watch me bring in a blue catfish this month.
Tight Lines!!