Banks Lake fall walleye

[oneifisher]

Hey guys, I just took my little lip ripping 12 yr old to Banks for some walleye. Unfortunately, all we caught was a big skunk. The water temp was 57, and we were marking some fish in our regular area at around 30 ft., but couldn't get any biters. I did a little research when I got home and found that, in Minn. at least, the fishing gets better closer to 45 degrees right up til the lake freezes over. Does anyone have any experience at Banks Lake for walleye at this time of year? We may make one more trip I can get a day off. Thanks in advance! Oneifisher

[fishinChristian]

The South end usually works better for me in the fall, though the Devil's Punch bowl area works on the
NE flats. I usually target the 17' areas first, then work my way down, or if it's windy, fish the surf near shore, but stay safe doing that. Always have a backup motor or anchor ready. Saw one boat enjoying the heck out of the walleye, and 5 minutes later were wading out of cold water surrounded by fiberglass chunks. Talked to them after, and their Force motor konked. But I digress: You're right, now is a good time for them at Banks.

[oneifisher]

Thanks for the tips! I know the area you are talking about. Have you ever fished above the John Day dam on the Columbia? I have heard it can fish quite well in March. Tight lines!

[fishinChristian]

More for smallmouth than walleye, but yeah, good for both. Where the river comes in for smallmouth and up around Crow Butte for walleye and smallies. Good almost all year actually.