It normally starts in October and runs right into December. Walleye can be found haunting structures and emerging weed beds in early spring. var sc_project=3382831; Don’t necessarily need deep water nearby…. I usually stick with natural colors (shiner, smelt) unless the water is really stirred up, then I’ll switch to something brighter (chartreuse and pinks).”. The first ones to go are the shallow lakes as they have less mass and cool quicker…. > “Baitfish will only stay in weeds as long as they’re very green. When the winter winds die down and the ice begins to recede, walleyes feel the tug of Mother Nature. > “I tape a glow stick to the tip of the rod so I can visually see if the tip moves. River walleye will start moving upstream to favorite spawning beds. | Contact Us |  Layout I actually like fishing more flat-type areas because the fish are cruising at night looking for an easy meal.”. A lot of guys go deep in the fall, but if you can find green weeds (cabbage or coontail) in 4-7′ there’s going to be fish and bait hanging around. Some years the change is so gradual that it becomes difficult to pin down. > “Dress the jig with either an Impulse Core Swimbait or an AuthentX Pulse-R Paddle Tail. After a long winter hiatus, walleye are eager to get back to the thing they like best- eating. It’s a fun way to catch ’em and really good at pulling bigger bites, especially in the fall.I tracked down walleye nut. Seasons change and so do the movement patterns of walleye. Solid info from Brian “Bro” Brosdahl and Mike Gnatkowski in a throwback Game & Fish write-up, few snippets below: Have a great weekend and thx much for reading! Everything is going shallow and putting the feedbag on, including perch this size…. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Walleye can be found haunting structures and emerging weed beds in early spring. Current attracts walleye in the fall especially. Many times, larger jumps will trigger fish but just as often this will pull the lure out of the strike zone. Copyright © Biologists and anglers from Ohio, Michigan, New York and Ontario, have been conducting interagency research on Lake Erie’s walleye movements and migrations. These fish travel into the Bay from the big waters of Lake Ontario during the fall, where they will hunker down for a few months roaming and feeding until eventually spawning in … During the summer daylight hours, walleye will often suspend at or near the bottom of the water. Instead of tying on any ol’ crankbait, did you know you can use water temp to tell you which exact styles to run. They are in key spots in the deepest part of the lake. // Array of month Names Rocks are ideal, but fish will relate to sand and gravel as well.   Home  The fall colors are in full swing and so are the walleye. "August","September","October","November","December"); Many rivers also turn on in the fall. The cooler, quieter waters let them suspend without exerting too much energy. The Bay of Quinte is a tributary of Lake Ontario where a unique walleye migration occurs. > Frigid temps: Original Floaters are tough to beat. Often schools of walleye will suspend just beneath schools of bait fish in hopes of getting another meal. There may be as much as 2 weeks difference — or more — as to when it all begins and ends.”. A lot of times fish won’t be up in the weeds or rocks, but hanging right outside of ’em waiting to ambush.”. As the transition is getting underway, it’s still common to find walleyes in 15′ or less. These cookies do not store any personal information. A simple shore-fishing rig for fall ‘eyes. fall walleye migration In late fall huge numbers of giant walleye migrate from Lake Ontario into the Bay of Quinte, where they stage to spawn in the spring. > “Some of the best areas have clean hard-bottom structure. After the females have done their part, they will head back toward deeper waters. September 14, 2016 By Mike Gnatkowski. A bladebait is one of my favourites. Photo by Ron Sinfelt. Andrew Martinsen Fishing, Home  > Original Jointed Minnows are one of his favorite overlooked fall trolling baits when temps are in the 50-57 range and fish are on the chew. This migration typically happens two weeks before spawning begins. Walleye was the very first species I ever targeted. Often schools of walleye will suspend just beneath schools of bait fish in hopes of getting another meal. They basically bowhunt for walleyes…one rod, one lure, searching for big fish with their electronics before taking their shot: