As of October 20, 2024, the Charles River in Boston is offering some exciting fishing opportunities despite the cooler autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

### Tidal and Weather Conditions
The tide is expected to be high at around 9:30 AM and low at 3:30 PM, which is ideal for targeting fish in the transition zones. The weather forecast shows partly cloudy skies with a high of 58°F and a low of 45°F, making it a crisp but manageable day for fishing. Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 5:43 PM, giving you ample time to fish during the best light conditions.

### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a decent amount of fish activity, particularly in the early morning and late evening. Striped bass, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel were the main catches. The striped bass are still present, although their numbers are dwindling as they migrate south. However, the cooler water temperatures have made them more active.

### Catches
Several anglers reported catching striped bass in the 20-30 inch range, with a few larger ones spotted but not landed. Largemouth bass were also plentiful, especially near shoreline structures and downed trees. Chain pickerel, as usual, were active throughout the day.

### Best Lures and Bait
For striped bass, soft-plastic baits like creature baits and ribbontail worms on weighted hooks worked well. Topwater baits were effective in the evenings near shoreline structures. Bright-colored shallow-diving crankbaits and spinnerbaits were successful near downed trees, while dark-colored jigs performed better along bridges and pilings.

### Hot Spots
One of the best spots to try is the Lower Basin, especially along the bridge pilings that provide shade and ambush points for feeding fish. Another hot spot is near the underwater holes and ledges where depths change abruptly, often by as much as 30 feet. These areas tend to attract fish seeking deeper water as the surface temperature cools.

In summary, the Charles River is still a great place to fish this time of year, especially during the early morning and late evening when the fish are most active. With the right lures and knowledge of the best spots, you can have a productive and enjoyable day on the water. Just remember to dress warmly and be prepared for the cooler autumn weather.