Jason reveals his top patterns for targeting walleyes in the fall.

Productive fall locations for big walleyes can be both deep and shallow. Prominent main-lake structure that features quick access to deep water is a classic fall location. Steep structure with a hard bottom is textbook. Large round boulders are often big fish magnets.

Current is another classic fall location. Current created by a causeway or slot between a couple of islands is a prime location. The flow of a feeder creek or the necked-down area of a bridge can be other perennial fall spots for big fish. Rocks or boulders in current can be a magical combo, particularly after dark with a full moon.

Shallow locations can run the gamut, but weeds such as cabbage, wild rice or milfoil can hold a surprising number of big walleyes during the fall until the weeds break down and die. Weeds in the fall hold fish because they provide a consistent and stable environment while everything else in the aquatic world changes quite rapidly. Weeds also seem to retain some heat as the water temperatures cool. These shallow weed bites get better when water temperatures cool after the first major frost. Interestingly, these shallow patterns often mimic springtime patterns in that some of the best fishing occurs in the afternoon when the sun warms up the water a touch.

Other shallow water locations include rock reefs and current locations—and these are often best after dark. Shallow current, for example, has long provided some exceptional after-dark wading opportunities for catching giant walleyes on many fisheries. Typically, nighttime fishing gets better with each consecutive full-moon cycle.

The patterns highlighted above are just classic programs that produce some of the biggest walleyes each season for anglers across the Midwest. These classic fall patterns set up when the water temps begin cooling. The bite often intensifies when the water is progressively cooler each morning.

To learn more about fishing for fall walleyes, check out the September issue of MidWest Outdoors magazine, available now at a newsstand near you, or by subscribing on our website.