How to Catch Walleye in the Fall: A Guide for Anglers
To catch walleye in the fall, focus on shallow water near structure early and late in the day, and transition to deeper water near drop-offs and ledges as the water temperature drops. Employ a variety of techniques, including jigging, trolling, and casting crankbaits, adapting your approach to the specific conditions and walleye behavior.
Introduction: The Fall Walleye Frenzy
Fall is a prime time to target walleye. As water temperatures cool, walleye become more active and aggressive, feeding heavily to prepare for the winter months. This “fall feedbag” creates excellent opportunities for anglers to land trophy-sized fish. However, fall walleye fishing can also be challenging. Understanding walleye behavior during this season and adapting your tactics accordingly is crucial for success. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to consistently catch walleye throughout the fall.
Understanding Fall Walleye Behavior
Fall walleye behavior is largely dictated by water temperature and available forage. As water cools, walleye migrate from their summer haunts in search of baitfish congregating in specific areas. Understanding these movements is key to finding and catching fish.
- Temperature Triggers: Walleye become most active when water temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C), triggering increased feeding activity.
- Baitfish Migration: Follow the bait. As baitfish like shad and alewives move towards shallower waters or river mouths to spawn or find warmer refuge, walleye will follow.
- Oxygen Levels: Cooler water holds more oxygen, making walleye more active and less stressed.
Key Locations to Target
Knowing where to fish is half the battle. Focus your efforts on areas that concentrate baitfish and offer walleye ambush points.
- Shallow Flats with Weeds: Early in the fall, walleye will often be found in shallow water near remaining green weeds, especially during low-light periods.
- River Mouths and Inlets: These areas often concentrate baitfish as they move into tributaries, attracting walleye.
- Drop-Offs and Ledges: As the water cools further, walleye will move to deeper water along drop-offs and ledges, staging before winter.
- Points and Humps: These structures often hold baitfish and provide current breaks for walleye.
- Areas with Current: Walleye often congregate in areas with current, waiting for baitfish to be swept past.
Effective Techniques for Fall Walleye
Several techniques can be effective for catching walleye in the fall, depending on the specific conditions and location.
- Jigging: A classic technique, jigging involves vertically presenting a jig tipped with live bait or plastic. It’s effective in both shallow and deep water.
- Use varying jig weights to match the depth and current.
- Experiment with different jig colors and trailers.
- Employ a lift-and-drop or a subtle shaking motion.
- Trolling: Trolling allows you to cover a lot of water and target walleye holding in deeper areas.
- Use crankbaits, spoons, or harnesses behind planer boards or downriggers.
- Vary your trolling speed and depth to find what works.
- Pay attention to your electronics to identify walleye and baitfish schools.
- Casting Crankbaits: Casting crankbaits can be effective in shallow water or along structure.
- Choose crankbaits that dive to the desired depth.
- Experiment with different retrieves, from slow and steady to stop-and-go.
- Use crankbaits with rattles to attract walleye in murky water.
- Live Bait Rigging: Live bait can be incredibly effective, especially when walleye are finicky.
- Use a live bait rig such as a lindy rig or a three-way rig.
- Experiment with different live baits, such as minnows, leeches, or nightcrawlers.
- Adjust your presentation based on the depth and current.
Essential Gear for Fall Walleye Fishing
Having the right gear is crucial for success.
- Rods and Reels:
- Medium-light to medium-action rods with good sensitivity.
- Spinning or baitcasting reels with smooth drags.
- Line:
- Low-stretch lines like braided line or fluorocarbon.
- Vary line size based on technique and water clarity.
- Lures and Baits:
- A selection of jigs, crankbaits, spoons, and harnesses.
- Live bait such as minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers.
- Electronics:
- A fish finder to locate walleye and baitfish schools.
- A GPS unit to mark productive spots.
- Other Essentials:
- A landing net, pliers, line clippers, and a measuring device.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve your success rate.
- Fishing too shallow or too deep: Pay attention to water temperature and walleye behavior to determine the optimal depth.
- Using the wrong lure or bait: Experiment with different presentations until you find what works.
- Ignoring electronics: Use your fish finder to locate walleye and baitfish schools.
- Fishing too fast or too slow: Adjust your retrieve speed to match the activity level of the walleye.
- Not being patient: Walleye fishing can require patience, especially during tough conditions.
Comparing Fall Walleye Techniques
| Technique | Depth | Conditions | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jigging | Variable | Clear to moderately clear water | Precise presentation, versatile | Can be slow, requires boat control |
| Trolling | Variable | Any water clarity | Covers a lot of water, good for deep fish | Can be less precise, requires open water |
| Casting Crankbaits | Shallow | Clear to stained water | Aggressive presentation, covers water | Less effective in deep water |
| Live Bait Rigging | Variable | Any water clarity, finicky fish | Natural presentation, effective for tough bites | Can be slow, requires live bait |
Fall Walleye Fishing Safety
Prioritize safety on the water.
- Wear a life jacket: Always wear a life jacket, regardless of your swimming ability.
- Check the weather forecast: Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid fishing in hazardous weather.
- Tell someone your plans: Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for other boats and hazards in the water.
- Carry a cell phone or marine radio: Have a way to communicate in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What water temperature is ideal for fall walleye fishing?
Walleye activity generally increases when water temperatures fall below 60°F (15°C). The most active feeding often occurs between 50°F and 55°F (10°C and 13°C).
What are the best live baits for fall walleye?
Minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are all effective live baits for fall walleye. Minnows are often preferred as baitfish become a primary food source.
What size jig should I use for fall walleye?
The appropriate jig size depends on the depth and current. Generally, 1/8 to 3/8 ounce jigs are a good starting point. Use heavier jigs in deeper water or when fishing in strong currents.
What colors of crankbaits are most effective in the fall?
Crankbait colors should mimic the natural prey of walleye in your area. Shad patterns, perch patterns, and firetiger colors are often productive.
How deep should I troll for walleye in the fall?
Trolling depth depends on the depth of the walleye and baitfish. Use your fish finder to locate fish and adjust your trolling depth accordingly. Target areas near drop-offs and ledges.
What type of structure should I target in the fall?
Focus on structure that holds baitfish, such as weed edges, drop-offs, points, and humps. Rocky bottoms and areas with current can also be productive.
How important is it to match the hatch in the fall?
Matching the hatch is crucial. Pay attention to the size and type of baitfish that walleye are feeding on and choose lures or live baits that mimic them.
What time of day is best for fall walleye fishing?
Early morning and late evening are often the best times to fish for walleye in the fall, as they tend to move into shallower water during low-light periods. Overcast days can also be productive.
What is the best way to find walleye in a new lake?
Start by using your fish finder to locate structure and baitfish. Focus on areas near drop-offs and ledges, and experiment with different techniques until you find what works.
How should I adjust my presentation if the walleye are finicky?
If walleye are finicky, try using a slower retrieve, smaller lures, or live bait. Experiment with different presentations until you find one that triggers a bite.
What is the role of the thermocline in fall walleye fishing?
As the water cools in the fall, the thermocline disappears, allowing walleye to move more freely throughout the water column. This can make them harder to locate initially, but more accessible once located.
Should I use a leader when fishing for walleye in the fall?
Using a fluorocarbon leader is generally a good idea, as it is nearly invisible underwater and can help prevent line breakage. Especially important if there are toothy fish such as pike or musky in the same waters.