I have been out quite a bit in the last week and have found many things that worked at least a little bit. Usually I break things down by trip but will do it by presentation to show how many things can work in this early fall time frame.
Throwing jigs–We have been throwing 1/16th oz. jigs with 2″ tubes in a variety of colors as well as 1/8th oz. bucktails to rip rap shorelines. Crappies were our main target this weekend but found some nice walleyes and a smallmouth or two as well. The crappies we caught wanted black bucktails in about 10 fow while ignoring the smaller jigs with tubes. Now the walleyes and bass took the smaller tubes while ignoring the bucktails. Kind of the opposite of what you might think.
Pulling cranks/jigs–Typically when I pull cranks it’s done simply with a snap and a crank attached directly to the main line. The last few trips we have been mixing in a jig on a three-way swivel ahead of this crank. The set up is simply a Dubuque Rig, but uses the crank bait pulled at normal trolling speeds to controll depth. Chart/green shad bodies or Long Jon minnows have been the best dressing for the jig while blue and firecraw cranks have taken the most fish on the back end. Pulling this rig at normal trolling speeds (1.5 to 2.5 mph) has drawn the most attention.
Dragging jigs–Don’t put the dragging jigs away just yet as this pattern is still alive and well. Tuesday while fishing with Paul and Joey May we put great numbers of 14-18″ walleyes in the boat dragging light jigs with crawlers and minnows. Downstream just ahead of the current was the ticket.
It just seems, more times than not, that current speed is a very key ingredint to this pattern being the most effective. If you find current speeds of .7 to 1.2 mph
success rates for my boat increase dramatically.
Fall patterns are just starting to show. The cool down in water temps seems to have given all the fish a little kick in the butt. Much better than a couple weeks ago when the bite was down right nasty.
I’m sure we’ll have some up and down days in the near future as fish are just starting to transition but we all know that in the not too distant future we will be right in the middle of that great Pool 4 fall bite.
See you on the water!
Thanks for the report Marty, and for the detailed information. It’s nice to be able to get a concise, yet in-depth overview of the patterns that are taking fish down there right now…..all in one report!
Joel
Thanks for the update marty, can’t wait to get back down!!
Great report as usual Marty
Hope to see you out on the water one of these days soon but that would involve me actually getting on the water and that has been a challenge for me this year 
It looks like it is shaping up to be a great Fall bite this year!
Great report! The boys look like they are having a fun time out there.
-J.
Solid report, thanks for the insight!
Great report marty. the 3 way with a crank has me scratching my head, will have to read/reread that a few times!
Jami
Appreciate the volunteering of your latest info Marty.
Good to know they are still biting marty. Heading down to pool 2 this morning to start getting back in the swing of things. Should be some fantastic fall fishing this year with current conditions.
Great Report Marty
thanks marty.. been searching for some info and here it is..
headed to pool 4 bright and early sun morning. been scratching my head for a couple days as of where to fish and presentations!!! thanks a million
Good to see there have been a few cooperating for you Marty. I am going to try and make it out this week if I can get a chance.