A change in the weather = bad fishing!

N.Y. hasn't had rain for a month and little rain before that. The 50 degree swings in air temperature haven't helped with nighttime temperatures in the upper 20's last week to 80 degrees yesterday. The drought has lowered the water levels in all bodies of water leaving good areas abandoned by fish that don't have the pads in shallow water to stay under. Bright sun makes things worse.

Yesterday I was lucky to catch a few 4" bass but no panfish. The wind wasn't too bad like last week with 25mph gusts, but casting light lures with accuracy a 50/50 proposition. I hate getting snagged on pad stems every 5th cast because of the wind! Finding fish that would bite like those seen on the FF screen was frustrating with no hits to confirm the species in small schools.

I can't remember a worst day much less in fall when the bite gets good like in spring, but weather and drought dictate - period! All I can do now is :pray for rain - especially for my pond that is down to 3' / normally 8' with many generations of fish that could end up dead in a winterkill.

I find fall fishing challenging, especially during drought periods.
I started keeping records of my catches a couple years ago and with the exception of last year, my best trips were fishing th town pond and that was usually after the sun warmed the shallow flats up a little.
Last year the pond looked stagnant and was green with algae.
I usually had my best luck with the float n jig or drop shot , both fished very slowly.
Good luck , we’re heading into a warming trend . Back into the 80’s , 50’s at night.
Time to adjust my tactics again. :)

Drought conditions make for some tough fishing. We've been dealing with drought for the last few years here as well. You can hear grass crunch under your feet when you walk across it. Last measurable rain was back in July. Fish seem like their waiting for rain as well to get them moving. Eventually we'll get some.

We love drought , fish in a barrel scenario , you just need to shorten up your jig under your float and find them fisheez ….
Full water scenario ketchn is way tougher, spreading fish all over the place….
Just saying