Walleye

Fall time signals a change in the attitude of walleye. With the onset of winter just around the corner, now is the time for walleye to begin gorging on baitfish and other food sources in order to build up fat reserves.

A couple days ago, while fishing a couple backwoods creeks, I spied some color in a few red maple leaves — a sign that fall will be coming soon.

Though the popularity of drop-shot rigging came about as a finesse tactic for pressured bass waters, the notion of suspending a bait above the sinker has found numerous applications when pursuing other species, our favorite glassy-eyed friend included. From natural lakes and reservoirs that feature a combination of rocks and weeds, to large river systems replete with both natural and man-made structure, drop-shot rigs catch walleyes.

Weeds are often underutilized by walleye anglers, but make no mistake that catchable fish frequently lurk in the greenery. Fish may hunker down under the shade of the canopy or prowl along the outside edge. Here are a few top tactics for fishing the green stuff.    

Trolling

Some great fishing for river walleyes can be had right from the bank by fishi

During mid- and late-summer's typically low flow, river walleyes will be found in surprisingly shallow

It’s a scenario that plays out on many walleye waters, particularly large reservoirs: walleyes relating to a shallow break along the old river channel in the upper stretch of the reservoir.