FreeFishFall walleye fishing: where they go and what to throw
Cooling water triggers some of the best walleye fishing of the year. Here's where to find fall walleye in lakes and rivers, and how to catch them.
As water cools in the fall, walleye feed heavily to build reserves for winter. Many anglers catch their biggest walleye of the year between late September and ice-up. The fish are often more concentrated and more predictable than in summer, especially at low light. Here is how to find and catch them.
What changes in the fall
- Baitfish move, and walleye follow. Young-of-the-year perch, shiners and shad gather on shallow flats, points and rocky shorelines.
- Low light gets longer. Shorter days and more overcast weather extend the hours when walleye roam shallow to feed.
- Cooling water spreads fish out at first, then concentrates them on steep structure as water gets colder.
- Turnover can disrupt deep lakes for a week or two. If your lake has turned, see our fall turnover guide.
Where to find fall walleye in lakes
Rocky points and shorelines at dusk
Rocky points and rip-rap shorelines next to deep water are classic fall spots. Walleye often move shallow, sometimes into just a few feet of water, after sunset to feed. Wind blowing into these areas makes them even better.
Steep breaks during the day
During bright daytime hours, look for walleye along the steepest drop-offs near those shallow feeding areas, often in the 15 to 35 foot range depending on the lake. Where the contours on a depth map pinch together next to a shallow flat or point, you have a prime spot.
Remaining green weeds
In weedy lakes, green weed edges hold baitfish and walleye well into fall. As weeds die, the last healthy beds become even more important.
Mud-to-rock transitions
Spots where soft bottom changes to rock or gravel often hold fish all fall, especially in the late season.
Where to find fall walleye in rivers
Rivers can be outstanding in the fall. Walleye often move upstream and concentrate in predictable places:
- Deep holes and wintering areas, especially near dams.
- Current breaks such as wing dams, eddies and the slower water behind bridge pilings.
- Seams where fast and slow water meet. Our river guide explains how to read them.
Always obey restricted areas posted near dams.
Presentations that work
Jig and minnow
The fall classic. A 1/8 to 3/8 oz jig tipped with a fathead or shiner minnow, worked slowly along breaks and rocky points. In rivers, use just enough weight to stay near the bottom. As the water gets colder, slow down further and use longer pauses.
Minnow-shaped stickbaits after dark
Casting or slowly trolling long, slender minnow baits along shallow rocky shorelines and points at night is one of the best ways to catch big fall walleye. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses is usually enough.
Crankbaits and trolling
Trolling crankbaits along breaklines covers lots of water to find active fish. Match the diving depth to where fish are holding, and try speeds slower than you would in summer as the water cools.
Live bait rigs
A slip-sinker rig with a large minnow, dragged slowly along a break, is a great option when walleye are less aggressive.
Blade baits and jigging spoons
Late in the fall, as walleye stack up on deep structure, vertical jigging with blade baits or spoons can be very effective.
Tip: Fall walleye bites in cold water are often very light. Watch your line and set the hook on anything that feels "heavy" or different, not just a sharp tap.
A simple fall game plan
- Afternoon: fish steep breaks near shallow feeding flats with a jig and minnow, or troll crankbaits along the break to find fish.
- Sunset into dark: move to rocky points and shorelines where wind is blowing in, and cast stickbaits slowly.
- Late fall: concentrate on deeper structure and river wintering holes, and slow way down.
Stay safe in cold water
Fall nights are cold and the water is colder. Falling into cold water can cause gasping and loss of muscle control within minutes. Always wear a life jacket, especially when fishing after dark, and bring a headlamp, warm layers and a charged phone. Fish with a partner when you can.
Check the rules
Walleye regulations, including seasons, size limits and bag limits, vary by state and by water, and some waters have special fall rules. Check your state's current regulations before keeping fish. See how to find your local rules.