This is one of my favorite times of the year. Some call it the “Harvest Moon,” some refer to the moon phase as the “Hunters Moon,” but to those of us who fish, this is a “Walleye Moon.” The air has begun to get a little crispness in it, the leaves are rapidly changing and dropping, and the days are noticeably shorter — all of which make this great for walleye fishing.
The water temperatures are beginning to drop into the 50s, and weeds and other aquatic vegetation are turning brown from the shallow water out to the deep edges in 10 to 12 feet of water. This is the place to find the walleyes putting on the feed bag before the Cold Water Period begins. Two other spots where the ’eyes will be bunching up on some lakes are the base of the mid-lake reefs and the drop-offs into the deep holes. With the Walleye Moon, fishing in the evening, when the bite is better, is a lot easier. The moon provides the light for fishermen to see more of what they are doing and keeps the bait fish in the shallower water longer. Those who take advantage of this rare season should be able to put some walleye on their tables this weekend.
Speaking of the weekend, this is a great time for the family to plan that outing/picnic/fishing trip they have been thinking about. What a great time to head down to Starved Rock State Park and the Illinois River, or Rock Cut State Park and the Rock River, and maybe the Mississippi Palisades and the Mississippi River. All three areas offer great places to see fall colors, do a little hiking, and get a little fishing in. The Illinois River has good white bass fishing, the Rock River has great catfish and pan fish, and the Mississippi has all of that and more. This is the perfect time for the family to get out there and have some fun. Until next time…keep a tight line.
Contact Dick at hookedonfishing@comcast.net.