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Walleye Fishing in The Fall, a Wonderful but Short Time of Year By Fishing Guide Charlie Worrath

With the fall season fast approaching. There’s so much we all would like to do and so many things that can be done at this time of year. It’s hard to decide what we want to do first. With fall colors and cool air makes fishing in the fall one of prettiest and relaxing times and can be some of the best action of the year. As like all other game, they to are trying to fatten up for the coming winter. Along with females are developing eggs and need added protein. As the water cools the fish lose a lot of there food sources and the young fry of the year have grown out of the food source range. Leaving a lot less food available. Which for us fisherman and fisherwomen makes for some of hottest fishing of the year.

Fishing for fall walleyes is real similar to spring time fishing with exception of the water temp. Which is dropping. Starting out with warmer water, your choice of baits can be your favorite choice. From crank baits, jig for them or if you prefer you can rig them.

Crank baits come in all sizes colors and shapes, but I prefer the #5, second choice #7 deep running shade raps. (Colors may vary to the forged of the lake being fished) You should run about 100 to 120 feet of line behind the boat. The heaver the line weight the higher the bait will run. So I like to use fire line because you have less bite offs from northern, run deeper with larger pound test line and less stretch for better hook sets, Snake troll the shorelines to locate fish.

When jigging them in first part with warmer water temps. You can use a lot action on your jig and it can be tip with any type of bait from a piece of crawler to minnow, but as the water temps drops you want to lessen the amount of action on the jig, and minnow start be the bait of choice. The other nice thing about jig minnow combo, it’s a catchall presentation, meaning any fish specie in area will bite it. Which adds to the fun. The fall if you locate a school of fish, instead of trolling over again, which a lot of times will spook them off, mark the spot, angor off on the deep side and pitch a jig and minnow up into the school. These fish have been pressured all spring and summer long and are a lot more boat shy.

Rigging will work till the lakes freeze over and work well. When rigging in fall in shallow waters, use a short leader about 3 to 4 ft. One reason I like use a rig in the fall is the fish are a lot spookier after being pressure all summer. You want to long line them, which means fishing way behind the boat. The fish will move off the spot when the boat moves over them. They will return but in the fall it takes more time for them to go back. With a lot of line out gives the fish the extra time to go back before the bait get past. The rig can be tip with either crawler or leech, both will work equality well.

I like nothing better then going out on a beautiful fall day catch a few fish of your choice. Go to shore cook them up and enjoy the wonderful sites and sounds of fall.

Have fun but most of all be safe.

Guided Fishing Trip Rates

Rates for a full day or half day guided fishing trip are reasonable and include bait, fish cleaning and packaging services as well as use of pro’s boat, fuel, fishing equipment and safety gear. Clients need only bring their valid Minnesota fishing license, rain and/or cold weather gear and food & beverage.

2010 Guided Fishing Trip Rates
Number of Anglers	Full Day Trip	Half Day Trip
1 - 2 people	$340	$270
3 people	$420	$315
Tag Boats	$100 per boat
Shore Lunch or Shore Dinner	$25 per boat
A $100 deposit ($100 per boat for group trips) is required to hold your reservation for a guided fishing trip with a MN Fishing Pro. Please send check or money order to the guide with whom you have booked your trip. The date of your full or half day fishing trip is not guaranteed until your deposit is received.

2010 Fishing Opener Dates

Walleye & Northern Opener - May 15, 2010
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Opener - May 29, 2010
Muskie Opener - June 5, 2010

2010 Fishing Regulations

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