Casting for cold-water walleye

Casting for coldwater fall walleye allows for precise, controlled presentations with jigs and other sinking baits. You can also reach out to shallow walleye with jerkbaits and crankbaits. Of course, one of the most rewarding reasons for casting in the cold is feeling a big walleye smash your lure — followed by those heavy, determined head shakes as the fight begins. In terms of locations, a few different walleye patterns can unfold in autumn. The three I’ll focus on are healthy weed growth, mid to deep flats, and deep, offshore structure. Here’s how to cast these three key spots: Hit them in the veg Ideal conditions: Overcast late-fall day with a low ceiling Fishing walleye around weeds can be a magical experience. These prime feeding conditions often see fish patrolling along and over weedbeds in search of prey. Cast out with horizontal action lures A suspending five-inch jerkbait can be a top producer. Whether worked with short twitches or slow pulls, its flash and erratic action mimic a wounded baitfish. Pausing the bait occasionally often triggers a strike. Even while motionless, many jerkbaits exhibit subtle movements, such as a nose-down tilt or slight shimmy as they settle, which can tempt curious walleye into biting. Shad-style crankbaits in the 2¾- to 3½-inch range are another solid option, particularly when targeting deep weed edges or isolated cabbage clumps. A slow, steady retrieve with intermittent twitches and pauses is often enough to coax bites. That said, crankbait action matters. Aggressive fish might slam a lure with a wide, rolling tail action, while colder, more lethargic walleye often respond better to a tighter wiggle — like that of a Rapala Shad Rap. Don't shy away from ticking the tops of vegetation either; occasional contact can trigger reaction strikes. While this may mean pulling in a few casts with salad, it also helps you fine-tune your cast angles and retrieve path to avoid snags and stay in the strike zone. Live minnows on a jig are about as foolproof as it gets for late-season walleye, but they can be frustrating in weedy areas where baits easily tear off. Double hooking helps prevent tear-offs: oodmag.com/fishing-with-live-minnow-tips Complementing with jigs Jigging is a great complement to the horizontal movement of crankbaits and jerkbaits, offering a more precise presentation. Ripping a bucktail jig remains a deadly tactic anytime walleye are holding around weeds. A 3/8-ounce hair jig is a