Understand the fall turnover! 🔄
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And I’m not talking about these kind of turn-overs:
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We’re talking what happens when water temps start to drop in the fall. Info is from this throwback Rick Olson write-up. It’s not happening yet, but it’s coming with the cold temps forecasted next week...make sure you understand it!
> As water temps reach their summer high, a layering process occurs...an upper warmer layer and a lower cooler layer – separated by a quickly changing narrow band known as the thermocline.
> This deeper, cooler, bottom layer can quickly become totally void of oxygen.... ...dead water can be a complete waste of time. ...concentrate your efforts at the thermocline and shallower.
> Fish-finders display density of objects.... The upper warmer layer is less dense than the cooler bottom layer – it’s this change in density that will show up on a graph...looks like a constant narrow band.
> Some lakes are so shallow and windswept that they may never thermocline, like Mille Lacs.... The big lake circulates every time you get a decent wind, and the temperature remains relatively consistent from top to bottom....
> It’s not just the fact that a lake will turn over that causes tough fishing conditions...more likely due to the rapidly-dropping water temps. The body temperature of a fish is subject to its environment – rapid changes in water temp can shut fish down...it may take some time for their body to adjust.
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> The turnover usually coincides with the first hard frost of fall, but not always. Some years the change is so gradual that it becomes difficult to pin down. One of the indicators to look for is water temperature.
> When surface temps drop into the lower 60s and upper 50s, you can figure you’re in the turnover zone. Walleye activity can range from bad to good depending on how quickly water temps cool off. A gradual slide can make for better fishing....
> Another option, would be avoiding the negative effects of the turnover by trying to find a lake that hasn’t turned yet, or one that already has and had a week or 2 to settle down. The first ones to go are the shallow lakes as they have less mass and cool quicker.... There may be as much as 2 weeks difference – or more – as to when it all begins and ends.
> Typically you can still find walleyes sticking to deeper summer patterns, but on certain bodies of water there is also a move to shallow water and is where you can expect to find the largest number of active fish.
> The move to shallow water will depend on how much good shallow-water cover is available (shallow weed-choked bays, rocky bars/reefs, as well as larger weed flats). The food [baitfish] that has been hiding out in shallow cover is now getting pushed out into the open where it becomes extremely vulnerable. It’s the very reason why walleyes can be found up tributaries on big reservoirs, schooled up on shallow rocky reefs in natural lakes, or running the edge of weedy flats.
> Late summer and early fall can be one of the best times to work the shallow rocks with Rapala Shad Raps. ...the most effective crankbait for working shallow structure there is. ...perfect fish-attracting wiggle and some great fall colors like ‘fire tiger’ and ‘crawdad.’
> Later in the fall as water temperatures cool off walleyes will quite often change their preference and the longer slimmer baits like the Original Floating Rapala can become more effective.
> Spinners can remain effective until the temps dip below 60 degrees. Spinners, trolled over sparse weed flats, along deep weedlines, and along any potential fish holding structure, can be extremely productive. While spinners are usually associated with a harness and crawler setup, don't overlook a spinner and minnow combo. A spinner, with a single long-shank hook, is the way to go. The longshank can be run through the mouth of the minnow, out the gill, and slid into the tail, along side the anal vent. This technique will help keep the bait alive, and fresher, much longer than other methods.
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Is there science proving that Ned rigs won't catch as many fall walleyes...
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....compared to throwing minnow-profile baits? 🤔 Specifically in the fall
A little nugget from Liam Whetter, who was referring back to his chat with crayfish biologist Tom Brooke Jr:
> Liam: “We all know walleyes love eating crayfish, and dialing in on a crayfish pattern can lead to some of the most action-packed fishing you'll find. However, late Sept brings a fundamental change: crayfish molt and hide in the rocks. This means walleyes have less access to this forage. Keep this in mind, watch this video, and you'll save yourself a lot of frustration when targeting walleyes during this period.”
Liam essentially says that where he’s at, fall walleyes do a 180° flip from eating crayfish to instead focusing on baitfish towards the end of Sept:
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I mean it sort of makes sense! But then also instead of crawling or “bopping” your Ned rig along the bottom like a crayfish...you could fish it higher in the water column and use a more baitfish-y pattern (shinesr, perch, etc):
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Funny enough one of the main reasons “goby” is my favorite all-around CrushCity Ned BLT color is because it can look like a little bit of everything. It has a darker top when fished near bottom ⬇️ and then a lighter belly when walleye are looking up at it. ⬆️
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This walleye has been putting on some miles! 🤯
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From this Head2Head Fishing FB post:
> “Austin Crossman caught this tagged 6-3 walleye in the championship match. His walleye was Fish #2984, it was shocked and tagged on April 2nd, 2015 in the Fox River near the Depere Dam. Austin caught the fish north of Sturgeon Bay, near Horseshoe Point. That means this walleye had traveled roughly 75 miles from where it was tagged 9 years prior! According to the report, this walleye was estimated to be about 19 years old!”
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And imagine how many times that walleye has likely swam back and forth to spawn!
Reminds me of that time back in 2017 when guide Chris Bartsch caught a Great Lakes walleye that just couldn’t sit still:
> “Talk about a trip!! This [21.25″] walleye with the jaw tag was caught on March 15th through the ice south of Little Sturgeon Bay [WI]. The fish was tagged 358 days ago at 20” in the Au Gres River Saginaw Bay [MI].
> “I know walleyes move quite a bit, but to go through Saginaw Bay...through Huron...across Lake Michigan...into Green Bay...to south of Little Sturgeon is crazy.”
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That’s roughly 500 miles by water! Probably more because walleyes swim like your dogs walks. 〰〰〰〰〰〰〰
Been hummin’ a fishy-version of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” ever since reading this story again. Goes something like thi:
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So...now zebra mussels can attach themselves to fish?!
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I came across this FB post from Brad Durick that said:
> “Hmmm today I caught and photographed a zebra mussel latched onto a catfish's whisker. Soooo many questions now.”
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Maybe that explains how they can make their way through systems, up current, etc so quickly....
I also saw a comment under the original post from a local Brainerd, MN guide who said:
> "I had video of a snapper going across Highway 371 north of Brainerd...sent to the DNR to show it’s not just fishermen spreading it....”
You know that snapping turtle was probably all:
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How Australia managed to eradicate its zebra mussel infestation?!
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Had never heard of this before TW reader Charles Butch gave me a heads-up on this Cameron Livingstone write-up on The Maritime Executive on Mar 2, 2023:
> On 27 March 1999, marine biologist divers detected a large population of unfamiliar molluscs in a Darwin marina. These were later identified as Black Striped Mussels, also known as ‘Zebra Molluscs.’ They are native to the Atlantic (Colombia to Mexico) and also found in Asia. Mature zebra molluscs produce 50,000 eggs per incubation. There were now tens of millions of molluscs in Darwin harbour – up to 10,000 per sq meter in Cullen Bay.
> An emergency taskforce was established to eradicate the exploding mollusc population. About 420 vessels were identified as being at risk (either in, or recently in, the infected marinas). Over 280 personnel, 28 divers, support teams, the Australian Defence Force, and fisheries & quarantine agencies were mobilized. Molluscs were found on every single static structure in the marinas. The only cure was a 100% kill.
First the zeebz survived a massive liquid sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) treatment. So next up:
> Scientists determined that copper sulfate might work. Around 6,000 tonnes of copper sulfate were added to the marinas. Vessels were hauled out of the water for treatment. Strict orders were put on masters, including navigation restrictions, cooling water flushing with copper sulfate, and steam cleaning on hardstands for seven days.
> A 100% kill was eventually declared on 23 April, and the taskforce demobilized on 29 April. The operation had cost AU$2.2 mil and taken hundreds of personnel.
The article doesn’t say what, if any, affect the copper sulfate treatment had on any other organisms....
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2. MN: Former Reeds employee charged with stealing $40K
> ...charged with racketeering and theft for allegedly using fraudulent gift cards to steal more than $40,000 of products from the store.
> ...allegedly added funds to unused gift cards in order to buy guns and other merchandise from the store from Sept 2021 thru Dec 2023. Many of the products were then re-sold through her laser engraving business.
3. SD: GF&P introducing walleye into Deerfield Lake
> ...in an effort to reduce the yellow perch population. Anglers introduced the yellow perch into Deerfield as bait, and the GF&P did not authorize the species....
> ...the department has trapped and transferred move than 156K adult perch from the lake to other parts of the state. While that reduces the adult biomass...it does not stop the small perch from recruiting and growing. That’s why biologists believe introducing walleye will help solve the problem.
4. ND: Humphreys/Brandt win Yar-Craft owners tourney
On Lake Sakakawea:
> The team of Dave & Tyler Humphreys (Dakota Dave's Guide Service) and Kelly Brandt squeaked out the win...by a smelt! With a total weight of 22.50 lbs, they were able to beat the team of Shawn Shipman, Chad Halvorson and Aaron Thompson by 0.05 lbs. Chubs were the ticket for the crew and they were able to get their weight in just under an hour this morning during a strong feeding window.
5. MN: DNR wants public input on walleye regz...
...for Saganaga, Seagull, and Gull Lakes. The current experimental regz are expiring = possession limit 3, minimum length 17”, only 1 over 20”.
There’s a meeting to discuss what’s next from 6-8pm tomorrow (9/20) at the Seagull Lake Community Center.
Reminder: This is the area where LeRoy Chiovitte (who passed on Nov 2019 after his third battle with cancer) caught the 17-lb 8-oz MN state record back on May 13, 1979. Fish was 35.75” long with a 21.25” girth! He was specifically targeting monster walleyes with a #4 hook + shiner minnow on 8-lb line...fishing the mouth of the Seagull River – above the rapids – where it enters Saganaga Lake.
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6. OH: Lake Erie Fall Brawl kicks off Oct 19
Costs just $35 to register in the Brawl and fish any time (during Oct 19 – Dec 8) in the OH waters of Lake Erie – from the bank or in a boat – biggest fish wins. Tons of prizes including a fully-rigged 2024 Ranger boat.
7. OH: National Fishing Expo’s ‘Walleye Slam’ starts Oct 18
Costs just $40 to enter. Over $300K in cash + prizes up for grabs, including a $175K Warrior V238 boat package going to the heaviest single walleye caught outta the OH waters of Lake Erie thru Dec 1 🤑 and the 2nd heaviest fish takes home a $52K Toyota Tundra SR5.
Btw you could enter both the Walleye Slam and the Fall Brawl at the same time and double up on prizes.... 🤯
8. MN: Less than 10 spots left in the Walleye Alliance Fall Classic...
...happening on Pelican Lake (just north of Brainerd) Sat, Sept 28.
They’re doing a guaranteed $5K to 1st place again this year! It’s a $300 team entry fee and they’re capping it at 50 boats. Such a fun, well-ran event by a team of folks who work their tails off to better walleye fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area. 🙌 I’m already signed up to fish it with my buddy Christian Hoffman – hope to see you there!
9. MN: MTT Mille Lacs Shootout, Oct 26
Looks like some big-time payouts in this one!
10. MI: U.P. Ice Fishing and Hunting Expo, Sept 20-22
Free show at the Ruth Butler Building on the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds.
11. MN: North Metro Ice Show, Oct 26-27
At the Adrenaline Sports Center in Ramsey. Home of the Modified Portable Ice House Show!
12. SD: Dakota Angler Ice Institute, Nov 8-10
At the Sioux Falls Arena & Convention Center.
13. MN: UPL has a few open spots
That’s the Ultimate Panfish League (ice derby series) filled with local hammers. Been going 20+ yrs strong!
They’ve got more details coming, but did say in the comments that this year’s dates are: Jan 5, Jan 26, Feb 9 and Mar 2.
14. New Fish Hawk Series from Crestliner Boats
> New for Model Year 2025, the series [1750 and 1850] offers Crestliner’s exclusive AP-X Hull for a smooth, dry ride, advanced technology features and ample storage for serious angles and families alike.
15. DuraSafe has a new bracket lock for the Move troller
16. New Garmin inReach Messenger Plus
In case you fish BIG water or backcountry gems:
> ...first satellite communicator with photo and voice messaging in addition to global 2-way texting, location sharing and SOS capabilities.
17. Bob's Machine bought Transducer Shield & Saver
> "We are thrilled to welcome Transducer Shield & Saver to the Bob's Machine family. This addition allows us to expand our expertise into the realm of transducer protection, a key product for today's anglers."
18. Johnny Morris earns Dingell-Young Sportsmen’s Legacy Award
The highest award given at the 35th Annual Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Banquet and Auction.
> ...the Dingell-Young Award was created to celebrate individuals who best exemplify the extraordinary individual and collaborative leadership of the Dingell family and Representative Young, and their shared dedication to the advancement of conservation efforts and our outdoor hunting and angling traditions.
19. MN: Fishing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Sept 27
At Leblanc’s Rice Creek in Little Falls.
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Swimming In Minnesota Lakes? Watch Out For Jellyfish
Yup, this is real life! We legit have freshwater jellyfish in MN – they’ve been spotted in 20-30 lakes, but are likely in more.
Sounds like at their largest stage (medusa) they range from 5 to 25 mm in diameter – the equivalent of a quarter or smaller – and are only around for a few weeks.
Maybe this is why those “fuzzy dice” bass baits work so well.... 👀🤔😂
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Found some more info on them here.
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Have a great + safe weekend 🙌 and thanks SO much for reading!
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FRIENDS OF TARGET WALLEYE
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Target Walleye – walleye during open water and all species during hardwater – is brought to you by Al Lindner, Jay Kumar, Chris Philen, Brett McComas and other diehard fish-heads like you!
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Brett McComas is the main man for Target Walleye He was discovered in Brainerd, MN after years of wondering how in the heck people break into the fishing biz. He's in it now, but still can't answer that question.... Brett is one of those guys who majored in marketing, only because there was no such thing as a "fishing degree" at the time.... Get him at brett@targetwalleye.com
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