Once the lake starts to cool down, the summer doldrums of slow fishing will quickly vanish. Fall is the time when all fish feed heavily to help survive the coming winter. In the case of walleye, the fish will be moving from the east (central basin) to the west (western basin) and island areas. They will congregate around the islands, shoals and reefs. As the water cools they will move to deeper water in those areas.

To catch them you must know where they are. One way to find out is by following the fishing reports of the charter captains. Another is by getting out on the lake and looking for them. They can be found by slowly moving through the areas mentioned above and observing your fish finder. Another way is to simply observe where the charter captains and other fishermen are fishing. In my mind the sure fire way to locate them is by trolling in areas where you have marked fish with the fish finder. Once you have located the fish you can continue to troll or drift and cast for them.

Fall walleye fishing uses much the same rigs and baits however the depths and speed of the lure may be different. Some days a fast presentation works and some days just the opposite. Find out which radio channel the local fisherman are using and try to glean which lures they are using, what colors are best, what depth they are trolling and what speed they are using.

The weather can be a major factor in the fall. Often September is a great month for fall walleye but not so much this year. September has been marked by several major weather fronts which really kept the fisherman off the lake. Also it has been a month where the algae bloom has been just awful. Many long time fishermen of the Lake Erie Islands say it is the worst they have ever seen. Worst ever or not, it has been a major factor affecting the walleye fisherman. October can also be a great month for walleye on Lake Erie however it is marked by cool if not cold weather. The cool weather means you must dress for it. Layering is the best option. The mornings start out cold and it usually warms as the day goes on. You really have to be prepared for all kinds of weather.

Safety is always a concern but fall brings it’s own problems. Fewer fishermen on the lake means fewer people to help if you get in trouble. Also the water temperatures are low enough that falling overboard or going overboard for repairs can be fatal. As the end of September 2011 approaches, the water temperatures are in the low to mid 60’s. If you have never fished for walleye in the fall, give it a try. Be prepared for the weather extremes and stay safe. Fall walleye from cold water are the best