Oh and just like that fall feeding frenzy is kicked in.   Lately the sauger and walleye I have been cleaning have been absolutely loaded with Shad in their bellies.   Picture a 17 incher with 5 Shad in its belly and it still came up and licked your blade bait.   That should tell you it's on like donkey Kong.   With that being said be careful with these fish ,if you have one bleeding and not planning on keeping it get it back in the river swiftly.   I had a Nancy in my boat the other day and did not even take a picture of a giant sauger so I could get it back in the river quickly so it could survive.  Also don't be afraid to catch and release.   The saugerama this year was a catch, picture,  and release tourney.  I love it that Steve Gnotke and Mike Utley switched it to this format to help the fishery.  Great job gentlemen.  
 

There are several ways the fish are biting right now.   Vertical jig a minnow,  pull three ways with original floaters,  pull the rig, vertical jig or cast blades. Miller rig, or even cast plastics have all been working well.  Each day I have changed and done all these techniques.  Being a guide on the river system you need to do all types of techniques to make clients happy and on a hot bite.  Learning new techniques is what we are here for to help them confuse to be better fishermen themselves.  
 

Water depths I've fished lately depending on what technique I've done have been like this.   Blade baits 8-16 ft.   Miller rigs a little deeper in the 18 ft range.  Three ways with raps have gone from 14-21 foot.   As for colors on my baits every day has been a little different depending on the sun or clouds.  Be willing to adjust.  

I would like to thank the abundance of clients I have had over the last few weeks and I look forward to taking y'all out and showing you a great time on the mighty Mississippi River again in the future.  Y'all make my day when I see you smile having a great time in my boat.  

Good luck out there guys and gals !!!
 

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