Go deep for West Lake Okoboji ‘eyes
If you have the time to chase fall walleyes in November, make sure to head to West Lake Okoboji near Okoboji, Iowa. This lake is part of what is known as the Iowa Great Lakes. It is full of walleyes, and the fall is when anglers can have a field day catching them with very little company from other anglers.
“Fishing for walleyes on the Iowa Great Lakes can be excellent in November,” said Ranger pro Eric Naig of Cylinder, Iowa. “Whether you want to catch numbers of fish or big fish, they are available here, especially out of West Lake Okoboji.”
Naig suggests locating sharp drop-offs to find higher concentrations of fall walleyes.
“Look for sharp drops – there are many – close to the basin of the lake,” said Naig. “Manhattan Point, Gull Point, Eagleharve Point are prime fall areas.”
To catch big walleyes, fish the deep water around these areas. Naig suggests fishing with a bottom bouncer and a Berkley Vanish leader baited with a large creek chub. Trolling a Berkley Frenzy crankbait and lead-core line over the deep flats near the north end of the lake also produces large fish in the fall.
Hit the remaining weeds for numbers of fish.
“To catch larger numbers of walleyes, work the weedlines in Emerson and Millers Bay in 18 to 22 feet with live-bait rigs and jigs baited with 4-inch Berkley Power Minnows,” said Naig. “Other areas to fish for numbers are under the Highway 71 Bridge to East Okoboji and fish the area around the narrows.”
For those of you who don’t mind a little cold weather, the night bite is always an option at Okoboji.
“Shore fishing necked down areas – such as bridges – at night is another popular method for hooking walleyes at Okoboji,” said Naig. “Casting shallow-diving minnow plugs is your best bet.
“I like to use Fireline so I can feel the lure wiggling,” he said. “There are plenty of leaves and weeds floating in the water this time of year. With the Fireline you can feel when you have any of this material on your lure.”
Other options for night-fishing are trolling crankbaits along the shallow flats or using a lighted bobber and creek chub. Make sure you dress appropriately when venturing out at night. Wear a life vest just in case sleep overcomes you and you take a tumble. Always fish with a partner after dark to avoid any mishaps.
For more information about the Iowa Great Lakes and the Okoboji area, visit www.vacationokoboji.com.