歪歪漫画

ALEXANDRIA 鈥� October has a reputation for being one of the best months of the entire year for fishing as most fish species, walleyes included, are actively feeding during this time.

While big, deep lakes are usually thought of as 鈥渃lassic鈥� walleye waters, small, shallow lakes often harbor good walleye populations that often go on the bite now, too. Plus, the bite in these lakes often stays good into November. Great news for those of us who haven鈥檛 winterized our boats yet.

Typically, I target fall walleyes in shallow, weedy lakes by searching along the lake鈥檚 first drop-off, that area where the flat that typically extends out from shore starts to drop to deeper depths. On many of the small, shallow lakes I fish this drop-off occurs in depths from 5- to 10-feet deep.

Searching along subtle points and turns or finding bottom content changes along these drop-offs is often a good starting point. These areas are often good spots during the spring bite on these lakes and produce again during fall. As fall progresses, I start looking for still living, green weeds which often occur up on the flat and then extend down the drop off as well. In fact, an area of green weeds will often be the 鈥渟pot on the spot鈥� where numbers of walleyes of all sizes gather.

Incidentally, the areas where 鈥済ood weeds鈥� are present one fall are often areas that will harbor weeds and fish in future falls as well. These areas are also often top winter ice fishing spots, particularly during early ice.

The classic jig and minnow combination slowly trolled or drifted along a lake鈥檚 first drop-off is one way to find the subtle differences and/or living weeds that may host fall walleyes in good numbers. Simply drifting with the wind and swimming a light jig and minnow combination on a long line behind the boat is, in fact, my favorite fishing method on these waters because it helps me eliminate unproductive water and find walleye schools.

Once a school of marble-eyed fish is found along the drop-off, the catch can often be maximized by anchoring, I use my Power-Pole shallow water anchors, and pitching jigs and minnows repeatedly to the fish. Shallow water pitching is a great way to work over a spot and catch a bunch of fish from a small area.

Jigs in the 1/16 or 1/8-ounce size range get the nod when drifting or pitching to shallow walleyes. The classic round head jig with a sharp hook in a bright color pattern like chartreuse is preferred in off-colored waters. Various minnows will produce fall walleyes, but a scoop of fatheads or a dozen small suckers is often all that is needed. On flat, calm days or in very shallow water, the 1/16-ounce size jig gets the nod, though I鈥檒l go to the 1/8-ounce size if the wind kicks up.

Small jigs and minnows fish well on light lines and spinning rods and reels. A quality reel loaded with a 6-pound test and fished on a medium light rod in the 6 陆- 7-foot size range works well whether trolling/drifting or pitching. I have been pairing the new Custom Lite SS (shallow spool) spinning reel on a 6鈥� 10鈥� Speed Stick rod with outstanding success. This rod features a premium graphite blank, a cork handle, and an action/power designed for walleyes. The reel has a reduced line capacity to reduce line waste and eliminate line twists. It also features a silky-smooth retrieve and top drag system. A six-pound test of the CONTRA fluorocarbon line, with its low memory and low visibility, completes the setup.

If you are looking for some top fall fishing fun yet this year, consider heading to a small, shallow lake right now. Tie on a jig and minnow and look for the spots just described. You might land on walleye gold this season.

Good luck with your fall fishing, and, as always, remember to include a youngster in your next outdoors adventure.

Mike Frisch is a western Minnesota fishing guide and co-host of the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series.  Visit or follow Fishing the Midwest on Facebook for more 鈥渇ishy鈥� stuff.