Spillways and dams create some of the most productive fishing in the river—cool, oxygen-rich currents funnel baitfish and trigger big bites from muskies, bass, and more around wing dams, riprap, and deep holes. Go with the flow by targeting the seams and downcurrent edges, then adjust your lure cadence as fish stack up and shift throughout the day.
Devils Lake guide “Zippy” Dahl is loading clients’ coolers with walleye using slip bobber rigs—an easy, depth-controlling setup that’s especially deadly on natural lakes when conditions get tough. From schooling crappie to suspended walleye, a perfectly balanced slip float, the right hook size, and live bait at the strike zone can make your next day on the water feel effortless.
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Fall fishing varies by region, but the pattern is clear: bass key on shad, crawfish, and smaller forage as water cools. Downsized crankbaits, spinnerbaits, tube jigs, and topwater walkers often draw the best strikes when matched to water temperature, depth, and retrieve speed.
Essential Concepts
Smaller lures.
Match forage.
Adjust retrieve.
The Rapala Original Floating Minnow is a timeless, tank-tested lure that replicates the “wounded minnow” action—so trout, walleye, bass, and panfish can’t resist your presentation. Whether you twitch it on top or run it shallow, this iconic balsa minnow delivers that proven wobble every time.
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Meet the Dardevle Spinnie—an easy, all-around lure that grabs bass, pike, walleye, and trout with realistic wiggling, darting action. Attach it with a small snap, use fast rod-tip twitches (not a steady retrieve), and watch those strikes roll in.
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Walleye fishing works best when you read the water, adjust for season and light, and present bait with restraint. Focus on structure, use contrast in low visibility, and rely on jigs, crankbaits, or live bait as conditions change.
Essential Concepts
Structure, season, light, and presentation drive success.
Perch, chartreuse, jigs, spoons, crankbaits, live bait.
Target weed edges, drop-offs, transitions, and deeper water.
