September always produces some of the best bass fishing of the year. Especially in the later part of the month, the bass will be close to the surface, feeding on the schools of baitfish to fatten up for the coming coldwater season.

This is when crankbaits and swimming plugs come into their own.

As the fall progresses, live bait will produce better. Live-lining and jigging minnows will take the lion's share of fish.

Liberty Reservoir is an electric-only water. A seasonal permit issued by the City of Baltimore's Reservoir Natural Resources Office is required before you may launch a boat there.

Shoreline fishing is permitted.

OCTOBER
Rainbow Trout
Gunpowder Falls River, Md.
The Gunpowder Falls' tailwater flows through Gunpowder Falls State Park and private property. This small river has a reputation as one of the state's top trout-producing waters and is especially productive in the fall.

One reason why the river is so productive is the minimum-flow release of cold water from Prettyboy Reservoir, which has gates at 10, 55 and 100 feet from which water can be released. This provides the river with steady water flows and relatively stable water temperatures in the summer, enabling the river to hold trout year 'round.

The 7.2 miles of the Gunpowder Falls between Prettyboy Dam and Blue Mount Road are managed for wild trout under catch-and-release regulations. Only flies and other artificial lures are allowed. From Blue Mount Road downstream 4.2 miles to Corbett Road, statewide regulations for wild trout apply: two trout per day, with no size or bait restrictions.

The remaining 6.1 miles -- from Corbett Road downstream to a hiker/biker trail approximately one mile below Phoenix Road -- are stocked with hatchery rainbows in the spring and fall. They provide a popular put-and-take fishery with no bait restrictions. The stream's sheltered nature makes it a top choice for winter trout fishing.

NOVEMBER
Rainbow Trout
Musconetcong River, N.J.
The Musconetcong River is the Garden State's second most heavily stocked trout stream and as such, gets well stocked in October as part of the fall Trophy Trout program.

The "Musky," as it's affectionately known by New Jersey's trout-fishing fraternity, provides miles and miles of excellent quality water from its headwaters at the base of Lake Hopatcong to its confluence with the Delaware River near Mt. Joy.

The river offers excellent access, and over the last several years, the state has added several "fisherman's accesses." One good section lies between SR 31 near Hampton and Asbury Road. If you're a flyfisherman, the Point Lookout Stretch is a Special Regulations Area that's well stocked with trout.

Another well-known section is Saxon Falls. A third good section is the portion of the river flowing downstream from the SR 519 Bridge to the Delaware River.

DECEMBER
Walleyes
Susquehanna River, Md.
Best known for its largemouth, smallmouth and striper fishing, the section of the Susquehanna down from the Conowingo Dam is a real sleeper when it comes to walleye fishing.

However, in recent years, late-season fishermen have been giving the river a lot more attention, since some real trophy fish are being taken during the late-fall and winter season.

Your main access to the river is via Susquehanna State Park, about three miles northwest of Havre de Grace in Harford County. Your main boat launch is the Lapidum Boat Ramp.

Much of the better fishing is in the section of river within the first mile below the dam. Waters in this area are turbulent, being subject to water releases from the dam.

Most of the late-season fishing is with live bait, minnows and worms. But swimming plugs and jig-plastic bait combinations will also take their share of fish.

Angling can be especially productive during years when December's weather is unusually mild.