The key to successful fall walleye fishing is to gear your fishing location, lure and technique to the walleye's changing habitat and needs. As water conditions alter in the transition from summer to fall and the temperature grows gradually colder, walleye move slowly into deeper water and seek cover from rocks or logs. The fishing methods used during the summer won't be as effective during the fall. Change a few summertime methods, however, and you'll find good walleye fishing.
Choose Deep River Pools
As fall sets in, river walleye have two goals: move towards warmer water and find enough food to keep them nourished through the winter. The best place for walleye to satisfy both goals at once is in a deep pool in a river that features a current break---a large boulder, a sharp bend in the river's path or any visible or submerged logs or other large obstacles. These current breaks allow the walleye to simultaneously stay warm and sheltered while being able to pick off tasty morsels as they pass by. Locate these current breaks either visually or with sonar and fish them from the bank or in an anchored boat.
Use Large Bait
During the fall, walleye prefer large, obvious bait. This allows them to expend relatively little effort while maximizing the amount of nutrition they receive. You can use this preference to your advantage by switching from the spinner-rigged minnows many river walleye fishermen use while trolling upstream during the spring, to large lures and live bait. Game and Fish Magazine recommends using slip-bobbers, night crawlers or even a bare hook with a leech attached. Leechs and night crawlers are also effective when used with a spinner, such as a Rainbow spinner. Other walleye enthusiasts recommend using a chub-baited slip-sinker rig, a deep running plug, or large lures such as a Rattlin' Fat Rap.
Fish Slowly
River walleye don't want to fight for their food during the fall; using fishing techniques that lure them slowly and steadily is your best tactic. After locating a likely spot, ready your large lure or live bait and cast in upstream, allowing the bait to drift close to the river bottom slowly in the direction of the walleye. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, allowing the bait to move as slowly as you possibly can is essential. Avoid the temptation to troll vigorously or to not allow the lure to sink far enough into the water.
Fish at Night
River walleye prefer to feed at night or on cloudy, overcast days. They will avoid feeding during midday or in bright sunlight because, with the onset of fall, much of the aquatic vegetation they used as cover during the late spring and summer is gone. You will catch many more walleye by scouting out a promising location during the day, then returning at night to fish.
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