Fishing Report 10-9-19

By Randin Olson of Lock Jaw Guide Service: Fall is in full swing here in Otter Tail Lakes Country.  The leaves have changed and there’s even snow in the forecast!  The fishing has followed suit and typical fall patterns are in place. 
Muskie fishing has always been one of my favorite things to do, especially in the fall.  The fish are strapping on the feed bag and now is a great time to catch a monster!  Casting large plastics, jerk-baits, and slow rolling large buck-tails are raising fish.  Large sucker minnows trolled along the weed edge is a time tested pattern and will continue to produce until ice up.  

Eyeballs are focused on bait.  Find the bait,  find walleyes. Large minnows, cranks, and large plastic swim baits are in my lineup. Focus on steep breaks and remaining deep weed edge. There are fish in the deep holes,  but the mortality rate when fishing this deep is high. Try to focus on depths of 34 or less to help avoid mortality.

Panfish are easy to find and fun to catch.  Use your electronics to locate pods of fish over basin mud areas and vertical jig them. Plastics, hard baits, and live bait are all great choices.
Fall is a great time of year to be on the water,  yes it can be cold but dress warm and full the freezer. So get on the water,  bring your camera and enjoy fall in lakes country!