WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
September 8, 2005

The geese are now legal game, the tweety birds are grouping up and the leaves are changing colors. This is a sure sign that Fall outdoor activities are here again this season. To me, the best sign that Fall is here is the fact that we caught Walleyes for the first time in a long time on jigs and minnows on Winnie.

Thanks to Doug Pessenda, a customer this week that decided to try the jigs, we found that the Winnie Bena Bar Walleyes were certainly wanting them again. To me, after a long summer of rigging, there is nothing like a jig and minnow bite. So, get ready for that Fall bite, I think she is coming soon, and coming to those jigs.

With all of the Fall common denominators in place, is the fishing what is should be? Yes, water temperatures are getting into the low 60's, most of the Walleyes on Winnie are in the process of making the move to the shallow water feeding areas.

We are still finding Walleyes on the deep structures of Winnie, but a good indicator of the move taking place is where we are finding these schools of fish. Many large points or structure that connect with those shallow water fall areas that gradually drop into deep water located on the main lake of Winnie are holding spread out numbers of fish. Occassionally, you will come across a deep shoreline break that is holding a large school of Walleyes, but more fish are spread out than concentrated at this point.

Presentation such as the jigs and minnows or spinners rigs, which allow faster movements to cover more of the flats, are getting most of the action. The typical Fall holding areas continue to look better and better each day, but one day the fish might be there and the next day they are gone.

The jumbo Perch of Winnie are showing themselves on many of the shallow rock areas through the main lake. Here, a vertical jig and minnow approach will allow for some great action. We are finding some nice schools on the inside edge of weedlines in that 6-8 feet of water. Many areas that have that 2-4 inch sandgrass-type weeds seem to be the areas holding the best numbers.

The Crappie action continues to shine, but this week the better action is coming from the deeper water. Most of the Crappies have pulled out of the weed beds on the area lakes and made that typical Fall move to that deep water. Here, most of the fish are suspending. Look for those closet 20-30 feet holes that hug into a shoreline. Keep a tight eye to that Vexilar as you head over these areas. Most of the fish are schooled up tightly and if you take an eye off that Vexilar you might miss that school. Again the best presentation is a 1/16 oz. jig tipped with either a twister tail or a small minnow and fished vertically.

As the water temps continue to cool, the Fall festivities should get more consistent. That jig bite could hit top speed starting tomorrow. So don't put those rods away yet, those bows and shotguns will be there next week.

See ya out there.

Sean Colter
member of the NMLOG's
www.seancolter.com