Best Places for Fall Fishing in the U.S.
Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Boatsetter Team
Why Fall Is the Angler’s Secret Season
As the leaves change, so do the waters. Fall fishing offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the chance to reel in some of the year’s most prized catches. From the Pacific Northwest to the Gulf Coast, fall is when salmon run strong, redfish school in the shallows, and freshwater bass feed aggressively before winter.
With Boatsetter, you can book everything from guided charters to budget-friendly pontoons, making fall fishing accessible whether you’re a seasoned angler or casting for the first time.
Pacific Northwest: Salmon Runs & Bottom Fishing
Species: Fall Chinook and Coho salmon, lingcod, halibut, rockfish
Best Boats: Offshore fishing boats, cruisers with captains
Tips & Tricks: Book a captain-led charter — local guides know the timing and tides of salmon runs, which peak in September–October. Use downriggers or trolling plugs to mimic baitfish. Bonus: you may spot orcas and humpbacks between casts.
Gulf Coast (Florida & Texas): Redfish Heaven
Species: Redfish, speckled trout, flounder, snook
Best Boats: Bay boats, center consoles, skiffs for shallow waters
Tips & Tricks: Fall is prime time for “bull” redfish — large schools gather in estuaries and near jetties. Use live mullet or spoons to trigger aggressive strikes. Consider early mornings or late afternoons for best action as temps cool.
Great Lakes: Freshwater Action
Species: Steelhead, smallmouth bass, walleye, perch
Best Boats: Pontoon boats for families, bass boats for serious anglers
Tips & Tricks: Fall steelhead fishing is strongest in tributary rivers leading into Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Cast spinners or drift spawn sacs for explosive bites. Group trips keep costs low — averaging around $100 per passenger when split.
California Coast: Rockfish & Lingcod Season
Species: Lingcod, rockfish, halibut, yellowtail (Southern California)
Best Boats: Offshore sportfishing boats, walkarounds
Tips & Tricks: Rockfish season extends into December in California. Jigging swimbaits near structure produces steady action. In SoCal, target yellowtail inshore — look for diving birds to locate schools.
Northeast: Striped Bass Migration
Species: Striped bass, bluefish, black sea bass, tautog
Best Boats: Center consoles, small cruisers with experienced captains
Tips & Tricks: Fall is striper season. As water cools, stripers migrate south along the Atlantic. Troll umbrella rigs or cast soft plastics along rocky shorelines. For tautog, anchor over structure and use green crabs for bait.
Quick Tips for a Successful Fall Trip
- Hire a Captain: Over 70% of Boatsetter trips include captains, who know the local hot spots.
- Dress in Layers: Fall mornings can be cold, afternoons warm — be ready for both.
- Bring the Right Tackle: Match your gear to the target species; captains often provide everything.
- Watch the Weather: Fall storms roll in quickly. Booking with Boatsetter ensures vetted boats and licensed guides.
The Takeaway
Fall fishing is about more than just the catch — it’s about experiencing seasonal change on the water. Whether you’re chasing salmon in Seattle, redfish in Texas, or stripers in New York, Boatsetter connects you with the right boats, captains, and gear to make the most of the season.
Ready to cast your line this fall? Book your fishing charter today.
Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.
