Temperatures are coming down and more anglers might be tempted to wet a line this fall. And why not?

Nebraska Game and Parks Fisheries Outreach Program Manager Daryl Bauer says fall is one of his favorite times to be on the water. “The biggest reason is it is one of the best times of the year to catch big fish in a variety of species,” he said.

Fish have one thing on their minds in the fall, eating, and that’s an opportunity waiting for anglers. “There is a long winter coming, and they need to get ready by feeding heavily,” Bauer said. “For many species, they are already beginning to develop next season’s eggs and milt, and they need even more energy reserves for that.”

As waters cool in the fall, fish stay relatively active and feed heavily. They’re looking for prey and putting on weight. Fish generally still can be found shallow in the early fall, especially during stable, warm weather. Later, baitfish and larger sport fish start moving deeper. Still, warm afternoons may see some fish moving shallower again.

For more information on fishing in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska. gov.