When the water temperature rises to about 65F and flows decrease as summer wears on into fall, walleyes become more active and concentrate on large flats and rock reefs. Several of these areas can be found throughout the Lower Columbia, starting with a huge mud- and sandflat just upstream from Skamania Island. "Anglers typically target walleyes in 12 to 20 feet on flats by trolling chartreuse or red spinner rigs downstream, then turn around and troll crankbaits upstream," says Spiess. "Crawdad imitations produce well, with big walleyes caught on Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerks, Deep Tail Dancers, and Luhr-Jensen Baby Hot Lips. Another good lure pattern is anything that imitates a salmon smolt. "

The same spinner and crankbait presentations also excel in key spots downstream, including the expansive flats around Reed Island and Ough Reef near Camas, Washington. Farther downstream try areas around Government Island and the I-5 bridge. "By far, the number-one lures on the Ough rock reefs are bladebaits," says Spiess. "Actually, they're great baits anywhere on the Columbia, catching big fish throughout the year." Critter Gitter (503/257-0553) out of Portland produces custom-made bladebaits popular with Columbia River anglers.

The best bites often coincide with faster downstream currents, says Spiess. When downstream currents pick up with outgoing tides, and when water is released from Bonneville Dam, the bite gets hotter.

Contact: Guide Ed Iman, 541-298-3753; Hook Up Guide Service, 503-666-5370.

RAINY RIVER,
MINNESOTA/ONTARIO
As September passes, the downrigger brigade finally gives up its lip-lock on the deep bite on Grand Traverse Bay, the vast portion of open water in Minnesota's corner of Lake of the Woods. After feeding in deep water mid-September, countless walleyes of all sizes form a conga line as they continue to pursue emerald shiners, wending their way to the mouth of the Rainy River near Baudette, Minnesota, then on up the river to spend the winter. According to Tom Briggs, owner of Wigwam Resort, the first of October typically signals the start of a hot river bite, as fish move into and through "the gap" at the river mouth.

"Savvy anglers anchor on hotspots in the river, typically minor points, corners, and turns in the river channel that nonetheless stack up the fish," Briggs notes. "A jig and minnow is hard to beat, and the river level and flow dictate jig weight, just 1/4- to 3/8-ounce in a typical dry fall, up to 3/4-ounce if there's been a lot of rain."

But other options exist. Another productive way to find fish is to troll upstream, rigged with a 3-way swivel and sinker from 3/4 to 2 ounces, and a #5 or #7 Shad Rap or Cordell CC Shad. If you find a pod of fish, anchor and fish them. If they're scattered, troll on up to Birchdale and then make a controlled drift back downstream, jigging as you go. In the shallower upstream sections, flatline trolling with diving cranks works well, too.

The Rainy run includes some giants, fish from 10 to over 12 pounds, though most are considerably smaller, being males. (If you want to tangle with some real bruisers, bring a flat of nightcrawlers and set out for lake sturgeon. Many fish over 60 pounds have been caught the last couple of years.)

For walleyes, the possession limit is four fish from 19.5 to 28 inches, with one fish over 28, should you want to keep a trophy.

Contact: Wigwam Resort, 800-448-0260; Wheeler's Point Resort, 800-542-2435; Lake of the Woods Chamber of Commerce, 800-382-FISH; Lucky Baitshop, 218-634-2869.

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