We've never had much luck fishing in the BWCA in October. Being a casual fisherman and usually fishing in early June when it is easy to catch fish I'm interested on how to catch them when it cools down. One gentleman even told me "when in the fall, leave the fishing pole on the wall." Is that an accurate statement? I'll be on Alton this weekend. Do I bring the pole?

I would definitely bring it! October can be fantastic for walleyes at night, especially on a clear lake like Alton. Trolling shallow-running crankbaits, like original or jointed rapalas, should work well. Big pike move shallower in October. If you can find green cabbage weeds, they will be there. Otherwise, check out long rock points.

Of course you bring the pole! You ALWAYS bring the pole. If you don't you will be kicking yourself saying "geez, what a dope, why didn't I bring my pole"?

Humongous pike put the feedbag out in October, or so I am told ;-)

I would be throwing a large Williams whitefish spoon, 1/2 gold, 1/2 silver.

quote moosewatcher: "We've never had much luck fishing in the BWCA in October. Being a casual fisherman and usually fishing in early June when it is easy to catch fish I'm interested on how to catch them when it cools down. One gentleman even told me "when in the fall, leave the fishing pole on the wall." Is that an accurate statement? I'll be on Alton this weekend. Do I bring the pole?"

OCTOBER can be the best fishing of the year as long as the turnover has happened, otherwise it can be a dead sea. Not all lakes stratify, but for the ones that do,after the turnover can be incredible !

Try long lining rapalas shallow two to six feet deep just after dark

Why certainly! Bring your pole. I'm further south; but sometimes even topwater can be alot of fun.

Absolutely agree here. Bring the gear. Especially if you happen to hit a warm day, it can be lights out. Slow roll an inline spinner and hold on for multi species action. Huge smallmouth in October and might be stacked up.

This is something to try next time!

quote Basspro69: "

quote moosewatcher: "We've never had much luck fishing in the BWCA in October. Being a casual fisherman and usually fishing in early June when it is easy to catch fish I'm interested on how to catch them when it cools down. One gentleman even told me "when in the fall, leave the fishing pole on the wall." Is that an accurate statement? I'll be on Alton this weekend. Do I bring the pole?"

OCTOBER can be the best fishing of the year as long as the turnover has happened, otherwise it can be a dead sea. Not all lakes stratify, but for the ones that do,after the turnover can be incredible !"

+1 ......bring the rod just in case. If I wasn't fishing, I wouldn't even go.

quote mutz: "Try long lining rapalas shallow two to six feet deep just after dark"

+ 1 million