Most of the fall fishing success we have is due to location rather than presentation. Lake smallmouths are naturally deep structurally oriented fish in fall. By late October, 90% of the entire lake’s bass population will be living in 10% of the lake, in and around wintering locations. The best peak period of autumn occurs after the completion of turnover when fish have moved into wintering areas, making them concentrated, easier to locate and catch. These are fall hot spots.  Smallmouths often identify their seasonal locations with pieces of structure. Wintering smallmouth are no different in their habitat preferences than the shallow oriented fish we catch during spring through early summer. Regardless of season, fish are always attracted to the lake’s rocks, boulders, wood, and the unique contours available to them at whatever depths they prefer. Just where to smallmouths winter? It depends on the fishery. Climate plays a role too. Most of the smallmouths we catch are in the 25-to-35-foot depth range. All areas of emphasis should be main-lake structure oriented. A typical inland lake smallmouth fishery will have upwards of 5 or more main overwin