The end of summer and start of fall has been tough fishing for me every year. I’m not saying you can’t go out and catch walleyes because you can. You have to adapt every day to weather change. One day it might be 80 degrees and the next is 50 degrees. That’s a major shock to the fish. The key for me in these tough early fall days are fishing in the afternoon work best for me. On this raining foggy afternoon which was a warm soft rain, off and on, no lighting or bowling by the fishing gods walleyes were on an average to slow bite.
Check out the rest of my report to find out what average to slow bite means. 
On this Sunday afternoon I got out with my good friend Matt (aka rancor) just like the last three Sundays
Matt and his dad were out Saturday morning which was very slow until after 9:00AM which Matt’s dad caught a nice 28 inch walleye and CPR it. When I get that picture I will make sure to post it, Matt said it was a nice fat fish. Matt caught a few shorts and a nice 8 # dogfish.
With Matt and his dad not doing the best with there pattern from Saturday Matt said lets just try what has been working for us the last three Sundays. I told Matt here you go, trolling motor yours. Other words I gave Matt control of my boat and let him run the trolling motor. Which all you boat owners no it’s great WHEN YOU CAN JUST KICK BACK AND LET SOMEONE ELSE RUN THE TROLLING MOTOR and catch fish. I’m having a few medical problems right now and in lots of pain lately so it was great for Matt to step up and take over so I could relax and catch nice walleyes like this one. Thank you Matt.
With water temps all most a 10 degree difference Sunday I really thought only one thing, I’m going home empty handed on this raining foggy afternoon? Which I really didn’t care. I was just happy to get out fishing and spend good times with my good friend Matt.
Matt kept us in five foot of water with hard gravel bottom. We were using the old reliable nuckle ball jig by Fin-tech Tackle Company in the orange/chart or green/glow color. Matt used 1/4oz and I used 1/8oz jigs all tipped with half of a crawler.
Here’s a picture of this great stand up jig that has work so well for me. Just click on Fin-Tech pro Staff on the bottom of this report to order or check these awesome jigs out.
All & all Matt and I were kept busy catching small walleye and pike. We had a great time and ended up with a few keepers and lots of shorts to keeps us on our game.
Anglers the fall bite will start getting better with cooler weather staying consistent for days.
This should be a awesome fall this year on the rock. So anglers make sure if you get a chance take advantage of this great fishery.
Oh did I forget to tell you that Matt did manage to catch this nice eater walleye.
Matt and I had lots of bite offs, these eyes on this day won once again but I’ll be back for a victory.
As Jeff said the bite has still remained decent on the Rock but alot of small fish. You sure don’t want to miss when the bigger year class moves in. Then you have plenty of 18-28 inch fish. That bite lasts for a day or two and POOF they are gone(or full).
Welcome to IDA Matt.
Welcome aboard Matt.
What happened Jeff? Every report this year, I see you in a T-Shirt with the Sun shining down or high and dry in the dark, this one you look a little damp.
Thanks for the report!
Here’s a picture of that nice walleye Matt’s dad caught Saturday.
Welcome Matt,
Look for the blue and white mirrocraft on the rock and say hello. I will be the pounding the walleye this fall (I hope).
Practice make perfect on this river.
BTW Nice Eye
Derek
Jeff–dammit! I told you if you waxed the dolphin more than twice a day you would hurt yourself! You ain’t a kid no more! Why don’t you join us down in Grinell Hall in Beloit for “Fish Bingo” on Tuesdays? One thing I learned in 30 years of guiding is NEVER give up your gun…or control of the boat. Guess the world has changed. Welcome to my world. Walmart has $4 off on Depends if you have a coupon!
Another thing Ted you can only use that coupon at walmart one time. Depends has been the best thing since pool 9 started to produce fish
Good to hear you are still on earth Ted.
It’s about time you join me on a crispy cream adventure
Call me
Better let everyone know when you and Ted are on the water! Sounds like it could be dangerous to be near you guys!
Good report Jeff, keep them coming! Three weeks for me before I get back out there!
Just so all you anglers know Ted and I are good friends. We just talk a different language.
Ted