As I sit here reflecting on how the last couple weeks have gone I think of how different the river system has been this fall so far compared to the last two.   In my opinion it seems like our migration is atleast two weeks behind what we have seen the last two years.   With this being said it just shows you that adjustments are a must on the river system each season and figuring out what's the best direction to go is key. 
 

The last couple years jig n raps and or blade baits have put lots of numbers in the boat.  This fall so far if you want numbers trolling the rig is the answer.   Now finding out what colors to use on the rig is gonna be your biggest obstacle but if you find schools of walleye and sauger you may need to switch colors of crank baits to find what they want.   This can also depend on weather it's sunny or cloudy out.  What the wind direction is and a key factor boat speed.   When guys like Marty Hahn,  and myself are out there 5-6 days a week that is more time on the water to figure these thing out.  
 

Another factor is what depth to catch the fish in,  If you want to target the walleye and sauger in shallower depths you can pull cranks with mono, or hard lines.  All depending on crank baits you want to use.   If you want to go deeper than 15 ft then using lead line is probably a better answer.   I have do all these over the last couple weeks.  

Now let's get to the fluctuating water temperatures this fall.  I have seen the water temp as. Low as 55 degrees to yesterday raising back up ro 59 degrees.   With these changes it is a factor on boat speed.  The warmer the temp the quicker I'll troll the rig.   Over the last couple weeks I've been doing speeds ranging from 2.8 upstream to 1.8 when the temps cooled down.   Those adjustments each time out can be key to your success.  

The last week I had several folks in my boat that not only got their first walleye but several had gotten their personal best on the river.   I had a client and his wonderful wife for two days last week and she was due any day to have their third baby.   Lisa got a 24 inch walleye at around 1230 in the afternoon not only to demolish this fish around 230 with a mamouth 28 incher.    We took pictures of both these dandies and let them run free for another angler to tangle with. What a wonder two days with this couple and good luck with the baby soon. 
 

I have at times found myself in depths ranging from 7-15 ft as of late.  I am always paying attention to my Garmins in the boat to let me know where the fish are sitting.   If I had to say most of my fish have run in the 10-11 ft range.   But never get hooked in one depth knowing it only takes the bait to move a little to change where to target you fish.   
 

People ask me all the time why do I use the fishing rods like the Limit creek 8'3 for trolling.  My answer is when using fire line it's like a rope and the 8'3 has the best flexibility in my opinion for this technique.   I do use this rod pulling bait at times too but it's my number one for the rig.  
 

Thank you for all the folks that have chosen my guided fishing service on the mighty Mississippi River.   Be safe and always watch your surroundings with the boat traffic picking up with the fall run.  Be kind to others don't forget not everyone has the same experience as you.  
 

Good luck out there guys and gals!!!

Mississippi River, St. Croix River, Pool 3, Pool 4, Walleye Fishing, Sauger Fishing, Red Wing, Hastings