Why Fall Is Walleye Time
Salmon get most of the attention in October, but on the big rivers of south-central Washington, walleye anglers have their own reasons to be on the water.
WDFW’s walleye page describes the seasonal pattern clearly. Fishing peaks before and after the April spawn. Summer can be excellent, with a lull during the heat. Then fall brings an improvement as waters cool, vegetation dies back and prey becomes easier for walleye to find. Winter is tougher but still fair, with fish caught in deeper water.
In other words, October sits right in the part of the year when things start to turn in the angler’s favor.
Where Anglers Look
WDFW’s South Central Washington outlook names several of the state’s best-known walleye waters in the region:
- Wallula Junction on the Columbia
- The Snake River below Ice Harbor Dam
- The Columbia River from Boardman upstream to McNary Dam
These are big-water fisheries. Wind, current and barge traffic are part of the picture, so a seaworthy boat and a plan for changing weather matter as much as tackle. Our Columbia and Snake walleye fishery page has more background on the area.
How Walleye Are Typically Fished
WDFW sums up walleye fishing with a few simple ideas: fish on the bottom, fish slowly, and consider night crawlers. Walleye hold close to the bottom and don’t spend much energy chasing food, so slow, deep presentations are the rule.
Popular tactics WDFW lists for the region include:
- Trolling worm harnesses behind bottom walkers, keeping the bait just off the bottom.
- Trolling deep-diving plugs, often in bright colors that show up in deeper water.
- Jigging blade baits along structure.
- Plastic baits on jig heads, worked slowly near the bottom.
A few habits help on any of these:
- Watch the bottom: Rocky areas near a depth change, or “break-line,” are classic walleye spots.
- Slow down: If you think you’re going slowly enough, try slower.
- Stay put after a fish: Where there’s one walleye, there are often more. Note the depth and bottom type and look for similar spots.
- Keep hooks sharp: Walleye have bony mouths, and a dull hook costs fish.
For more on trolling and jigging, see our trolling and jigging guide lists.
Smallmouth in the Same Water
WDFW notes that smallmouth bass share habitat with walleye and that smallmouth fishing tends to improve in September and carry on through October, until cold water pushes them deeper for winter. On a slow walleye day, it’s a good backup. See our bass page.
Check the Rules First
Columbia and Snake River rules for walleye, bass and other species can differ from the rest of the state, and they change. Check the current WDFW fishing regulations and emergency rules before you launch.
If you’re new to this water, a local guide who knows the current and the structure can shorten the learning curve. Browse walleye guides or the full guide directory.
Cool mornings, slow trolling and a cooler full of walleye: fall on the big rivers is worth a look.
— The Salish Guide