Tips for Fall Fishing – Tom Brunz | October 19, 2016

With all the rain southern Minnesota has been experiencing this late summer and early fall, all of the creeks, streams and small rivers are producing strong currents entering our area lakes. This has been a great fishing opportunity for anglers to cash in on some hot bites late in the year.

These feeder areas have been running water for some time now and in some cases “making a ditch” that will be a little deeper than the shoreline, making for a great ambush spot for game fish. Most species are shallow this time of year, as they are putting the feed bag on for winter.

Everything is drawn to running water. Walleyes are no exception. Using your Minn Kota  Terrova or  Ulterra trolling motor to stay along shore, casting these shallow areas with shallow diving crank baits, jig and twister or jig and minnow combinations is a good approach. Very similar to spring fishing, you’re looking for active feeding fish; 6′-8” and shallower in most cases. Look for running water into the lake, shallow rock or wood structure or even green weeds as well. Once you locate these areas, put your motor into Spot-Lock or deploy your Talon and fan cast those areas. In most cases the fish are schooled up, and if you hook up, you will find more.

Remember: the fish are shallow to eat so they will be aggressive. Early mornings and right before dark are good times to target these areas. Don’t forget to waypoint these areas on your Humminbird Helix as well. These will be key areas for you to look at next year, or even later this year when the water ices over, as the fish will be most likely be in those same areas. Transfer those waypoints from your boat to your Helix Ice unit for winter fishing.

While some guys are out heading to a deer stand or a duck blind this is a beautiful time to get out on the lake. The fall colors are prime right now and most of the lakes are very quiet so get out and enjoy the weather.