There are so many reasons that an angler would want to go fishing at this time of year: First of all, the open water fishing season is winding down. The landscapes are alive with color. Migrating waterfowl can be a spectacle. But the best reason to go fishing now and until it’s too cold to go fishing is that fish are very susceptible to our lures at this time. In addition to that, the truly big fish of most species in the Midwest and North America are looking for something to eat. The chance to catch the fish of dreams is very good now and for the next few weeks. And, if a trophy is your goal, big baits are the way to achieve that goal.
There are a couple of reasons why big baits are usually more productive in the fall. First, the days are getting shorter and the water temperatures are going down. This signals to the fish that it’s time to put some fat on. Fish would rather eat one large meal instead of several smaller ones. It requires less energy for them to catch and eat one big meal than it does for them to catch several small meals.
Also, the baitfish that were spawned in the spring are at a larger size now, and some baitfish that are fall spawners are more accessible to the predator fish. It seems that the larger predators are more interested in eating the size baitfish that are most abundant.
If walleyes or smallmouth are what you’re after, you can’t beat a redtail chub on a live bait rig. Redtails are expensive, but they’re also pretty tough. You can keep a couple dozen all day if you take care of them. If you can’t get redtails, suckers will usually be an acceptable substitute. Start with a minnow in the four to six inch range. If the bite is on, move up in size.
If you’re looking specifically for walleyes, a redtail on a jig is tough to beat. However, we got on a walleye bite in north central Minnesota a couple of years ago where Salmo Perch and Salmo Sting crankbaits in the largest sizes where what consistently put the larger-than-average walleyes in the net. We were trolling them in areas where fall-spawning baitfish were present.
I so look forward to chasing largemouth bass in the fall. Largemouth are willing biters and there are so many places where the fishing is outstanding. When I’m having trouble deciding where to go bass fishing, I usually head for the Alexandria area of Minnesota. There are lots of outstanding lakes to choose from and lots of techniques that can be employed. When the bass are in the rushes as they will be on warmer, overcast days, I like to throw a spinnerbait or a swim-jig/plastic combo. The key here for big fish is to use a spinnerbait with a big blade. With both the spinnerbait and the swim-jig, use a bulky trailer. Big bass in the fall like bulky baits like a Rage Lizard or Rage Grub. I like the plastic to contrast in color with the skirt on the spinnerbait or jig.
If the bass are deeper or want a slower moving bait, tie on a rubber-legged jig with a big plastic trailer, maybe the just-mentioned Lizard or Rage Craw. Again, use a trailer that contrasts in color with the skirt color. Green Pumpkin Craw and black/blue are good jig colors almost everywhere, but there are local favorites in most places also.
Now and for the next few weeks is a great time to be on the water. If you use the big bait theory(fact), you’ll have the opportunity for an outstanding fishing experience.
To see new and old episodes of the Fishing the Midwest television, fishing video tips and updates, and fishing articles past and present, go to www.fishingthemidwest.com
By Bob Jensen