Fall is an exciting time for walleye anglers in the Pacific Northwest. As the weather cools, walleye start feeding aggressively, and this seasonal shift presents a great opportunity to catch bigger fish. In the Pacific Northwest, rivers and lakes can vary widely in depth and structure, so it’s important to use baits that cater to these specific conditions. In this post, we’ll go over the best baits for targeting fall walleye in this region, focusing on adapting to the unique waterways of the Northwest.
Fall Walleye Fishing in the Pacific Northwest: What You Need to Know
In the Pacific Northwest, walleye are often found in rivers and lakes where varying water currents and depths impact their behavior. During the fall, walleye tend to position themselves near structures like rock piles and eddies, where they can ambush prey. The colder the water gets, the more walleye will seek out slower-moving areas to feed.
Best Baits for Fall Walleye in the Pacific Northwest
Jigs with Night Crawlers
Jigs are a universal favorite for walleye fishing, and they work exceptionally well in the Pacific Northwest when paired with a pinch of night crawler as bait. The cooler water temps means walleye are starting to slow down and live, slow moving baits attract bigger walleye. Cast near structure like rocks or slower-moving waters and use a slow, steady retrieve to trigger strikes. You can also fish Jigs vertically over known underwater structure or seams in the river.
Crankbaits
In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want to use crankbaits with an aggressive action to mimic baitfish moving through the water. Whether you're fishing in rivers or lakes, a well-tuned crankbait can cover more water quickly, allowing you to find where walleye are hiding. Try shallow-diving crankbaits in rivers and deep diving crankbaits in lakes for the best results. In some areas, running a deep diving crankbait in shallower depths can also be effective.
Blade Baits
Blade baits are highly effective in the fall for Pacific Northwest walleye, especially when fishing near deeper structures. These baits create vibration and flash that attract fish even in colder, murkier waters. Use a lift-and-drop technique around rocky structures or deeper pools where walleye are likely to be feeding.
Soft Plastics
In the Pacific Northwest, soft plastics are a go-to bait, particularly when fishing slower-moving water or around structures like logs and rocks. Choose soft plastics that imitate local forage, such as minnows or small bait fish, and fish them slowly to encourage strikes. Vary your retrieve speed depending on the conditions of the water and the activity of the fish.
Spinner Rigs
Spinner rigs paired with live bait, like nightcrawlers or minnows, can be highly productive in the Pacific Northwest during the fall. The flash of the spinner combined with the action of live bait makes it irresistible for walleye. Focus on fishing near eddies and rock piles in rivers, or along weed edges and drop-offs in lakes.
Final Thoughts for Pacific Northwest Walleye Fishing
In the Pacific Northwest, fall walleye fishing is all about adapting to changing water conditions and structure. By choosing the right baits, like crankbaits, blade baits, and live bait rigs, you can maximize your chances of getting strikes from bigger fish, especially as fall turns into winter. Stay flexible with your techniques, and you’ll be in for an exciting and productive season.