True enough, the jig is the favorite bait of many fishermen in fall. But, if downstream tactics fail, go upstream with your trolling motor using three-way rigs.
The basic rig is simple. A three-way swivel is tied to the main line, normally 10-pound mono and Stren Sensor works great for this. Its lower stretch properties increase your feel, yet lends some shock-absorbing qualities so fish can’t pull free. Tie a pencil weight to a 6-inch to 8-inch dropper or substitute a Jumbo Fuzz-E-Grub on the dropper to double your chances. On a leader of about 3 feet to 4 feet, try a hook and colored bead with live bait or a floating jighead and livebait. Add sound with a Lindy Rattlin’ Rig or use a Floating Rapala on the long leader. In spots with lots of submerged wood, shun the dropper line completely. Tie a swivel to the main line and thread on a Lindy NO-SNAGG Sinker to avoid hang-ups.
Avoid line twist by substituting two swivels for the three-way swivel. To do it, thread one on the main line for the dropper and tie another swivel to the main line for the leader.
Ted Takasaki
You also can double your chances by using a Dubuque rig. You can use a pencil weight for the dropper. Tie one Floating Rapala to a 2-foot leader and then tie a second 2-foot leader to the back eye of the first lure and add a second Floating Rapala. Vary colors and sizes to give the fish more choices. Check state laws to be certain the Dubuque rig is legal before using it.
Baitcasting rods and reels are best for trolling three-way rigs. Reels with flipping switches are great. You can let out more line with a simple press of the thumb bar. Set the speed of your electric trolling motor so you travel slowly upstream at the speed of a stroll. Let out enough line to bounce the rig on the bottom and to keep a 45-degree angle between the line and the water’s surface. Then make lazy S-turns as you travel upstream to check various depths. Once you catch a fish or two, focus there.
Three-ways can be the right way for river walleyes in fall.
Please read the conclusion of this series in Part 4.
Discover a fine assortment of fishing gear at Sportsman’s Guide.
Ted Takasaki has many fishing achievements, including a victory at the 1993 Mercury Nationals and the 1995 Professional Walleye Trail Top Gun award. He reached the pinnacle of both angling and business when he was named PWT Champion in 1998 and president of Lindy Little Joe, Inc., of Brainerd, Minn., a year later. He writes weekly for sportsmansguide.com
(Ted’s sponsors include Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Pinnacle Rods and Reels, Bottom Line Electronics, Minn Kota, Stren, Normark, Flambeau, Master Lock, Gamakatsu, Aqua Vu and Nautamatic TR 1.)
(Ted’s sponsors include Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Pinnacle Rods and Reels, Bottom Line Electronics, Minn Kota, Stren, Normark, Flambeau, Master Lock, Gamakatsu, Aqua Vu and Nautamatic TR 1.)