Trolling crankbaits is a popular way to target walleye especially in the summer months, but as the leaves begin to change and the brisk fall air takes hold don’t put those crankbaits away quite yet! Indeed, crankbaits can play a major part of your success especially in the early and mid-fall.
In the fall, walleyes on the Missouri River reservoirs such as Lake Sharpe and Lake Francis Case will be moving back upriver from the lower ⅓ of the reservoir towards the upper ⅓. As this transition takes place, fish will be using large flats as staging areas to stop and enjoy a few meals. These large expansive flats can hold great numbers of fish, but finding fish across flats that could be a mile or two long can present itself as a challenge.
Trolling crankbaits allows you to target these large areas and contact the most fish possible. This technique is not about coaxing biters, but rather contacting active fish and picking them up quickly and then keeping on the move to the next pod. As you pick up active fish, you can put together a quality bag relatively quickly.
In eastern South Dakota, walleyes in the Glacial Lakes region will be moving up and staging along breaklines. These long breaklines, such as the ones on Lake Poinsett and Lake Thompson, can hold a great number of fish but finding the active fish can be a challenge. Once again, trolling crankbaits allows you to cover as much water as possible and contact active fish.
In the fall, the Glacial Lakes region can also produce some spectacular yellow perch fishing!
Other large, shallow basin type water bodies such as Lake Whitewood or Hipple Lake on Lake Sharpe can hold fish anywhere. Trolling crankbaits allows you to cover as much of this main basin as possible and let the active fish reveal themselves to you.
While scattered fish are a common situation in the fall, another common trend that impacts fishing is the abundance of bait. In the fall, the ecosystem of the waterbody has experienced a full growing season and there is no shortage of food. This results in plenty of options for fish and in turn, very well-fed walleyes.
On the Missouri River reservoirs such as Lake Sharpe or Lake Francis Case, gizzard shad will likely be the primary forage base. Gizzard shad can produce a great number of eggs and young as they spawn numerous times over a summer. This results in a great deal of various sized gizzard shad in the system by the time fall comes around.
In eastern South Dakota, white bass and yellow perch are an extremely common forage base. Like gizzard shad, white bass also have incredible fecundity-meaning they can produce a great number of eggs and young. Trophy caliber walleyes will often be keying on these fish and where there are 3-4 inch white bass, there are often trophy walleyes.
When there is this much forage in the system, the crankbait you select is key for finding success. In areas you are finding small shad or white bass, a #5 Rapala Shad Rap or Berkley Flicker Shad can be a good option. Where larger bait is prevalent, bump up your baits to a #7 or even a #9. Remember, walleyes may be keying on large meals right now and they won’t hesitate to take one of those larger offerings.
The other important factor to consider is your crankbait profile. If you are in an eastern South Dakota lake where yellow perch are abundant, a minnow profile will likely be your best option. Likewise, water bodies that may have an abundance of minnows, shiners, smelt, or other cylindrical shaped bait a Rapala Husky Jerk, Tail Dancer, or Berkley Flicker Minnow will be your best choice. Once again, matching your bait’s size is going to be key.
As the leaves change and the roosters begin to cackle, one of the best bites of the year is just taking shape in South Dakota. Matching the forage in the system and covering water will lead to a collision course with active fish and put a pile of walleyes in the boat! Good fishing!
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Photo Credit for This Article
Photo credit for this article goes to Allie Ellingson Photography + Design. Allie is the official photographer for Lip Ripper Fishing and specializes in family photos and branding photos. Contact Allie to learn more about how she can assist you!
