With cooler nights, shorter days, and dropping water temps, the fall bite in South Dakota is heating up. Fish are shallow, deep, and everywhere in between. We’ve been targeting the shallow fish and finding lots of hungry walleyes. Big fish are few and far between but still around. Most of the action has been on great eating size walleyes in the 15″-19″ range. There are also some bonus perch and other panfish to be had depending on the body of water.
Best success had been casting crankbaits such as Rapala Shad Raps, Minnow Raps, X-Raps and Husky Jerks. Colors like Hot Tiger, Hot Steel, Yellow Perch, and Olive have been my choices. We’ve also been pitching VMC Mooneye jig/plastic combos as a follow up bait with good numbers. The Mooneye jig has a wire plastic/bait retainer collar that holds better than lead while fishing them around weeds, rock, and timber. Don’t overlook the Jigging Rap bite this time of year either. Working them in mid to deep lake structure has proven to be a winner for many out here the past couple seasons.
With Waterfowl season underway and Pheasant opener this weekend, You’ll see a lot less pressure on some of the more notable bodies of water. That means non-crowded boat ramps and good fishing to those who love to dress warm for a good fall walleye trip.
