As fall settles over northeast Wisconsin, cooling water temperatures trigger one of the most exciting times of the year for walleye anglers on the Fox River and the Bay of Green Bay. The drop in temperature signals big changes beneath the surface — and understanding these shifts can lead to some of the best fishing of the season.
When surface temps slide from the upper 60s into the low 50s, walleyes begin migrating out of the shallow summer feeding zones of the bay and move toward the river and deeper channel edges. This migration is driven by baitfish movement, shortening daylight, and the instinct to feed heavily before winter. Many of these fish will stage near the river mouth or push into the Fox River itself, following pods of shad, white bass, and perch.
During early fall, crankbaits trolled along weed edges or riprap shorelines with Off Shore boards can produce fast action. As the water cools further, jig-and-minnow combinations, soft plastics, and hair jigs become top producers. In colder water, slower presentations often win — vertical jigging with a subtle lift-drop cadence keeps baits in the strike zone longer for sluggish fish.
On the Bay of Green Bay, targeting transitions from rocky points to mud flats can pay off as fish gather in groups to feed. Meanwhile, in the Fox River, nighttime casting with stickbaits or blade baits can connect anglers with trophy-class walleyes pushing upstream.
Fall on the Fox and Bay is a time of change — crisp mornings, golden shorelines, and the steady thump of a walleye loading up on a well-presented jig. For anglers willing to adapt to the cooling conditions, the rewards can be unforgettable.
