Mark Schram, myfishingpartner.com

As the leaves start to change and the temperatures drop, anglers in the Midwest eagerly await the arrival of fall, a season known for some of the best walleye fishing of the year. One deadly weapon in the angler’s arsenal for fall walleye on Lake Winnebago and the Bay of Green Bay is the Walleye Nation Creations Death Rig.

The Walleye Nation Creations Death Rig

The Death Rig from Walleye Nation Creations is a versatile bait system that combines a live crawler with a jig head and airplane spinner. This unique combination allows anglers to effectively target walleyes in various water conditions and depths. The slow death spinning hook on the back of the rig is lethal for walleyes.

How to Retrieve the Death Rig

The Death Rig’s versatility shines through in its retrieval techniques. Here are a few effective methods to use:

  1. Jigging: The Death Jig can be jigged vertically or with a slow, deliberate lift-and-fall motion. This mimics the natural movement of injured baitfish, attracting walleyes looking for an easy meal. Experiment with different jigging cadences until you find what the walleyes prefer on that given day.
  2. Cast and Retrieve: When fishing shallower areas or when walleyes are in an active feeding mood, cast the Death Jig and retrieve it steadily. The bait can trigger aggressive strikes.
  3. Trolling. The Death jig can also be trolled, similar to a crawler harness.

Best Tactics for Fall Walleye Fishing

  1. Focus on Structure: During the fall, walleyes often congregate near structural elements like points, humps, and submerged vegetation. Use your fishfinder to locate these hotspots and work your Death Rig around them.
  2. Follow the Baitfish: Walleyes in the Lake Winnebago and Bay of Green Bay areas often key in on schools of baitfish during the fall. Pay attention to your electronics and look for baitfish schools. Where the baitfish are, the walleyes are sure to follow.
  3. Change Up Colors: The Death Jig comes in various color combinations. Be ready to experiment with different colors based on water clarity and light conditions. In clearer waters, natural colors like shad or perch can be effective, while in murky waters, brighter colors might work better.

Where to Use the Death Rig

  1. Lake Winnebago: Lake Winnebago offers fantastic fall walleye fishing opportunities. Concentrate your efforts in areas with drop-offs, submerged humps, and points. The east and west shores of the lake are known hotspots. Fish at varying depths to locate the schools of walleyes.
  2. Bay of Green Bay: The Bay of Green Bay is another excellent destination for fall walleye fishing. Target the reefs and rocky structures, such as the famous Bayshore Reef. As the water temperatures cool, walleyes move shallower, so pay attention to depth changes.
  3. River Mouths: Near the mouths of rivers and tributaries, walleyes gather to feed on baitfish moving in and out. Focus your efforts around these areas for the best chance of success.

In conclusion, fall walleye fishing on Lake Winnebago and the Bay of Green Bay can be incredibly rewarding, especially when armed with the Walleye Nation Creations Death Jig. Experiment with different retrieval techniques, tactics, and locations to maximize your chances of landing trophy walleyes during this picturesque season. So, pack your gear and hit the water; fall walleye fishing is calling your name!