Over the past couple weeks it’s been easy to see the major effects the weather has on the walleye bite. We went from 80-90 deg weather in the first part of October to below freezing in just a few weeks. As I do every year, I eagerly await the first big cold snap. The strong winds and chilling temps are all necessary to turn the bite from decent to outstanding.
We experienced a great shallow trolling bite during the full moon period with #5 and #7 rattling style crank baits. We had our best luck in 5-7fow on the inside edge of the dying weeds. But by the middle of last week the clouds started to roll in and our moon was gone, and the trolling bite fizzled. This was bittersweet for me. On one hand, I want to catch a ton of fish everyday. On the other, I knew the cold weather that was on its way was only going to help the bite later on.
By the end of last week the high pressure front was on its way out and the barometer was starting to fall as fast as the water temps. Sometimes it takes a few days for the bite to explode after the first big cold front, but not this year. Saturday afternoon we hit the water and the walleye were ready. We fished a jig and a minnow up and down a number of steep breaks with great success.
For the past week the bite has been outstanding with both numbers and size coming to the boat. The water temps are at 54 deg and falling. Even though the (steep break/jig bite) usually holds most of the fall for me, this unbelievable bite will only lasts two to three weeks. With the beautiful weather that’s forecasted, if you had one more open water walleye trip on your mind…now is the time!
Here’s a little more evidence the bite is Hot right now in the Alexandria area
wind was tuff! nice fish
Wow! Looks like some really good fishing going on there right now.
Thanks for the report and nice job putting your clients on so many walleyes Joe!
Great Job Joe! Thanks for the report!
Thanks Guys! The bite is still great for the eaters and even a big one here and there. Sure has been fun
I’m still finding fish near deep water on steep breaks. I’ve been working slowly up and down these breaks with pretty decent success. A 1/2oz jig and a minnow in 14-30fow has been working best.
Even though the fishing is still very good I’m getting my big boat ready for winter. My small boat is ready year round just in case we get some nice weather, but for now it’s time to get my ice gear ready!
The ponds froze over last night and the edges of most lakes had skim ice. It won’t be long now
Now thats what I would call a nice hand full! Great pic’s and report. I was just talking to a guy that was fishing that way he said it was ruff with the wind we had. However he did slam fish to.
Great read and pictures Joe
It reminds me of the old show….The plane, The plane….smiles everybody.
You sure did produce them smiles
Joe ,do people fish Christina ice fishing ? You are ALWAYS on fish . You the MAN .
Thanks Fireline
I can’t say I’ve ever fished Christina any time of the year. I know it used to be noted as one of the best places in the state for duck hunting, but as far as fishing I have heard nothing more than a pile of carp.