Mother Nature Dressed as Winter for Halloween
By Ross Hagemeister, meisterguideservice.com
Winter has arrived in October this year! Most of us in the north country used a lot of energy wishing away a 3rd consecutive cold fall, but all the wishing, hoping, and praying didn’t help. Winter came early! Ouch! What about all of the fishing left to do? I wanted to get the kids out for one more try. My boat is standing by, eagerly, waiting for another chance at boating a few more walleye–enough for one last fish fry before the ice comes on. But at this point…..at this moment, imagining sitting in the boat on 40 degree water, in the wind, in 20 degree temps and a near zero wind chill doesn’t appeal to me (especially to my fingers!). There’s something about seeing the 10 inches of snow standing on our outdoor furniture and flower pots–that we hadn’t had a chance to winterize yet—that doesn’t make sense. We were having such a wonderful, beautiful fall—and now it’s white. What to do? I’m waiting for warm air, and better days. The snow will melt away and while fall’s colors will have given way to earthy browns, it will be better than white. White works in December. There are still fish to catch this fall.
In fact, launching a boat is not necessary. Like fishing in mid-May, there are fish to catch from current areas and shallow water. Expecting a bunch of walleye from a random dock or shoreline might be asking a lot, but to catch a few for dinner is not out of the question. What to use? Try slip bobbers tipped with a chunky feisty minnow. Or try 1/6 oz jigs tipped with a fathead or sucker minnow and just jig it back to shore—and repeat. Snagging and losing tackle in shallow water is part of the sport, so bring extras. I also like throwing shallow diving Rapalas in shallow current areas, especially at dusk and in the dark. For casting crank baits from shore, it’s best to wear chest waders (and a life jacket) to get into some deeper water—it helps complete the retrieve. It’s not uncommon to catch a fish right at your wader boots!
When temps are cold, it’s warmer fishing from shore than in the boat. If you do get in the boat one more time this fall, dress like your climbing mount Everest or you won’t last long. Enjoy the smell of the water, and the sounds of gulls and splashing waves while you’re out, because (soon) it’ll be some time before you get to experience boat fishing; whether we defrost from the present pre-winter or not, winter has it’s eye on Lakes Country and we’re destined for winter.
Have a good fall and enjoy all the great outdoor activities that it brings. Whether you’re a deer hunter, duck hunter, muskie angler, upland bird hunter, a hiking and camping enthusiast or horse back rider, mountain biker or marathoner—there’s always something to do outside in the fall! Happy Halloween!
