It’s on the verge of changing, but until now, “FALL” is the furthest thing from describing the walleye fishing conditions on Lake Winnie and Cutfoot Sioux. Summer like water temperatures, strong algae blooms and warm southerly breezes are persistent this week. Walleye locations, also summer like, have been weedy flats, shoreline rocks and in some areas, mid-lake bars and humps. The weather dictates where, when and how to fish each type of structure.
Bowen Lodge guests enjoying “Fall” fishing weather on Lake Winnie
Surface temperatures remain warm but are again on the decline. Still rising early this week, they crossed above 70 degrees on Tuesday. By late Wednesday afternoon, cloudy conditions and windy conditions drove them back down, into the 68-to-69-degree range. Thunder is clapping this morning, and it’s raining now, so further declines in water temperatures are expected soon.
Until that happens, walleyes remain susceptible to summer trolling patterns. On weedy flats, baitfish and small gamefish are plentiful. Walleyes, perch and northern pike are there feeding heavily and trolling spinners is the most effective presentation for catching them. Timing your fishing trip appears to be important, some of our guests and friends report better catches during the late afternoon and early evening. Fish on the flats have been sluggish in the mornings, maybe because they fed heavily overnight and are gorged? If you see fish on your electronics, like the one pictured here, and they won’t bite, don’t get frustrated. It’s a good idea to make note of the area and return later in the day, that strategy has worked well for some guests this week.
On Lake Winnie, many walleyes are scattered across shallow flats
Some folks prefer searching for walleyes on mid-lake structures. If the breeze is light, and conditions are bright, this may be a better option. The only problem is that you’ll have to do some searching, walleyes are not everywhere. Smaller, isolated humps and bars don’t appear to be holding many fish. Larger bars, especially ones that connect to the shoreline, are more likely to hold fish. Key areas on the main bars, like inside corners, tapering points and feeding ledges hold more fish than long, straight stretches of breakline.
On the bars, there are several presentations that will work. Jigs and minnows, dropshot rigs with night crawlers, or leeches, Lindy Rigs with large minnows and slip floats are all producing some fish right now. Choose the presentation you like best, focus on water depths of 16 to 22 feet as you search for fish using your electronics. Don’t expect to find large schools of fish, singles, doubles and small packs are the rule, not the exception.
Strong wind isn’t a lot of fun for traveling on the big lake, but they are a blessing once you arrive at your destination. As the whitecaps, driven by strong south winds have rolled along the eastern shoreline, walleyes have been on the prowl. Key depths range from 10 to 16 feet and vary with the wind conditions. Jig and minnow combinations, for folks like our guest Hank Milius (pictured) have produced good action. He used ¼ ounce Live Bait Jigs tipped with small-medium golden shiners and fished using a steady hop-drop-hop-drop presentation. Walleyes, along with northern pike are roaming the breaklines all along the east side of the lake. Long drifts or trolling passes will work, just be persistent and keep fishing, you will encounter fish in random locations.
Bowen Lodge guest Hank Milius with nice Winnibigoshish Walleye
Fishing on the rocks is popular during fall, and for some, the north shore rocks have been productive. The south wind has kept folks away from the north shore recently, but when the opportunity presents itself, checking the north side will be a good idea.
Perch fishing has been spotty, but when located, there are some very nice size fish in the system. So far, locating weeds in shallow water has been the best pattern going. Trolling with spinners and minnows, follow the shallow breaklines in water depths of 5 to 8 feet until you locate fish. When you encounter them, switching to jigs and minnows will probably be more efficient for catching fish.
Panfish got fired up for a while during the most recent cold snap. When the water warmed up again, they disappeared from open water territory. It is very likely that you can find sunfish and crappies in vegetation like cabbage, coontail and some pondweed varieties. Trip Tip: Crappies will hit both jigs and spinners, and willingly eat night crawlers. While trolling with spinners and minnows is a good pure play crappie strategy. Tipping your spinner with ½ night crawler will help find sunfish much better than using minnows. Once you locate either species, stop the boat and focus on your target species. Use plastic action tails for crappies, small jigs tipped with cut pieces of night crawlers for sunfish.
Northern pike are on the prowl too, and most folks are catching enough of them while they fish for walleyes. Trolling the shoreline breaks using rattle baits is effective though and is a good way to target larger fish. Focus on weed patches, rocks and steep shoreline breaks.
As you can see, there is a dose of fall weather on the way, and fishing patterns are likely to change. As water temperatures drop, and fish migrations intensify, larger schools of fish should begin building. In the meantime, follow this rule of thumb, there are small groups of fish everywhere, shallow, deep and in the middle. In the words of walleye fishing guide Jeff Sundin, “Be creative, cover water, and just keep fishing. Even when you can’t see it coming, you will eventually encounter a pack of fish in your path. At the end of the day, you will be happy!”
Walleye fishing guide Jeff Sundin with healthy Lake Winnie Walleye
One last thing, be sure to measure your walleyes carefully. There are lots of walleyes from the strong, 2018-year class that have crossed the line into the protected slot. Fish measuring 18.0 to 18.5 inches are plentiful, and not double checking every fish you catch might get you into a jam, and that’s the last thing we want to see happen to you!