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If I was asked, when is my favorite season to fish for eye’s, I wouldn’t hesitate to say FALL. I’ll be the first one to admit, walleye fishing hasn’t been great this past summer. Matter of fact, I would say it hasn’t even been good. Sure, Walleye’s have been caught but most were under the legal (15 inches) size limit. Some anglers may argue with me, but I believe it was because of the water temperatures rising and lowering on a weekly basis.

I also believe there was never a summer pattern for catching walleye. Was it the strange weather starting in May and June? I do not know. I will tell you I never had anglers coming in the bait shop telling me they caught Walleyes on deeper rock bars or mid-lake humps during the summer months. But I did have many people tell me they were catching walleye (even keepers) while fishing for perch in 6 to 10 feet vegetation.

With that being said, it’s early October and the water temperature is holding in the upper 50s, (for now) so I’m thinking things should be picking up and I’m hearing walleye are being caught in deeper water. But I will be the first to admit, this time of year weather conditions can be challenging. It could be 65 degrees with no wind, or 45 degrees with 10 to 20 mph wind. We can have rain or even light snow flurries, but those days just might be the best fishing of the year.

For those anglers that only fish a few weeks a year or are new to fishing, if you still have your boat in the water and are looking for one last time to fish before ice, this could be your chance to catch more Walleye and bigger fish. When the water temperature starts to drop, Walleye instinctively know winter is coming and not only are they actively feeding but their location can be more predictable. I’ve written many times, follow the prey and you will find their predators.

During the fall transition period you should find more walleye in one area then you did in the summer. Why? As I mentioned above, when the water cools, baitfish will head to shallower water and so will Walleye. Know that weather can/will influence their locations also, because overcast days can be better than high sun.

As far as the best time to fish, the most consistent fishing for Walleye can be a half hour before and after sunrises. Then right before and just after sunset, but walleye can still be caught all day. How about areas to fish? When anglers are thinking about fall Walleye locations, most say it’s more about structure, but I’m here to tell you, most will still be related to cover. Remember, if fishing shallow, windblown shorelines will hold the most fish.

Shoreline with rock/gravel, shoreline breaks, points and mid-lake humps can be great locations during evenings and early light. On sunny days, deeper green weeds that are still there can attract fish. Weed edges and/or weed lines that drop-off to deeper water should not be overlooked. If you are a night angler, or on cloudy days, trolling weed flats can be very productive.

Everyone has secret baits to use come fall, but Walleye might become picky so here’s a few tips. If fishing rock structure, some say casting crankbaits that mimic baitfish can work well. This technique can be used on mid-lake humps along with glide baits that MIMIC baitfish also. Casting blade baits that MIMIC baitfish in deeper water can be effective. There are many other lures that mimic wounded prey that can be bought, so it’s a personal choice when fall fishing for Walleye.

Did you notice the word MIMIC baitfish when it comes to lures. How could you not, because they are highlighted, LOL. There is a reason most lures resemble the real thing. I strongly believe NOTHING will out fish live bait. Why? Live bait is what predators’ prey on all year. The reason Walleyes are in their fall locations, is because they are following baitfish. At least that’s why I think they are there.