The Best Lure Colors for October Bass Fishing

As water temperatures cool down and the leaves begin to turn, October is one of the best months of the year for bass anglers. Bass are feeding aggressively to bulk up before winter, making them more willing to chase down bigger baits. If you’re looking to maximize your success this fall, the key is to match the hatch with the right lure patterns.

1. Shad Patterns – The Fall Favorite

Every fall, schools of shad migrate into the backs of creeks and coves. Bass follow closely, taking advantage of these baitfish pushes. White, pearl, and chartreuse shad swimbaits are deadly this time of year because they perfectly mimic the forage bass are targeting. Try working a shad-pattern swimbait around creek channels, windblown banks, and points where shad congregate.

2. Bluegill & Sunfish – Panfish Are Prime Forage

While shad dominate in many lakes, don’t overlook bluegill. Bass are opportunistic feeders, and in October they’ll hammer bluegill and sunfish near grass lines, laydowns, and shallow timber. A custom-painted bluegill swimbait is a go-to when you’re fishing in lakes rich with panfish. The natural glide and profile can trigger big bites, especially from trophy-class largemouth.

3. Crawfish Colors – Rock and Cold Water

As water cools further, bass move to rocky banks, riprap, and ledges where crawfish are abundant. Craw patterns in green pumpkin, brown, or orange can be highly effective in October. Whether you’re fishing soft plastics or jointed baits, crawfish tones offer a realistic look that bass can’t resist in rocky cover.

4. Big Baits for Big Bass

Fall is the season when you can get away with throwing bigger swimbaits and glide baits. Trophy hunters know that a 6–8” bait may mean fewer bites—but when you do get hit, it’s usually from the kind of bass that makes your season. If you’re looking to break a personal best, October is one of the best months to size up your bait.

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Tips for October Success

• Follow the forage: Look for birds diving and shad flicking on the surface. That’s where bass will be.

• Fish the afternoons: Cooler nights can make mornings slow—afternoon sun often brings the bite alive.

• Be versatile: Don’t lock into just one pattern. Try shad in open water, bluegill near cover, and craws on rocky banks.

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Final Thoughts

October gives bass anglers some of the most exciting fishing of the year. By choosing the right colors—shad, bluegill, and crawfish patterns—you’ll be ready to match the hatch and stay one step ahead of the fall feeding frenzy.

👉 Check out our lineup of custom-painted swimbaits designed specifically for fall fishing. Whether you’re chasing numbers or hunting trophies, the right pattern makes all the difference.

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