Alexandria – Walleye Report 8-19-11

Over the past month we’ve been experiencing one of the best walleye bites I can remember for the Alexandria area. Throughout the last four weeks I’ve had to move with the fish and adapt my presentations along the way.

A few weeks ago slip bobbers and leeches were producing the most fish. We targeted suspended walleye in the rocks and cabbage on the inside weed edges in 12-15fow. We had our best luck with a 1/32oz jig tipped with a leech. Then, as we neared the end of July, the fish started to transition to the deeper outside weed edges in 18-24fow. In this situation the fish are generally closer to the bottom, so I like to use a lindy rig with a lively leech. During the low light periods, morning and evening, this pattern is still producing the majority of our fish.

We have about a month and half before October is upon us, but don’t rule out the Fall patterns which are already starting to produce. Just last weekend the full moon was as bright as ever and the shallow crank bite was in full swing. We had our best success in 5-10fow with a variety of perch pattern crank baits. I’d like to give a quick congrats to my new little buddy Greg who landed a beast of a walleye on a #7 Yellow Perch Shadling. To say Greg was a little excited would be an understatement. His shear enthusiasm for the sport reminds me why I’m in this business. It was truly an evening to remember.

The next pattern that will start to develop in the Alexandria area will be the infamous “Fall jig and minnow bite”. Last year this bite started in early September so it’s possible this productive pattern is only 2-3 weeks away. With school starting soon for most kids things can get pretty busy, so do your best to slow life down a little and get your kids out to enjoy some family time on the water. With all the great fishing we’ve had so far it’s hard to believe the best is yet to come!