When fish scatter across lakes and rivers in the fall, traditional spot-casting can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. This is when trolling shines. By steadily moving your boat and presenting baits at different depths and speeds, trolling helps you cover water efficiently and find active fish that are otherwise difficult to target. Whether you’re chasing walleye, salmon, lake trout, or stripers, mastering trolling techniques can be the difference between long hours of frustration and a full livewell.
Why Trolling Works When Fish Are Scattered
As water temperatures cool and baitfish transition between summer and winter patterns, gamefish often disperse. Instead of tightly packed schools, you’ll find them suspended in the mid-column, holding on offshore structure, or roaming vast basins.
Trolling solves this problem because it:
- Covers More Water – Instead of fishing one spot, you can explore miles of shoreline, basins, or river channels.
- Presents Multiple Lures – Using planer boards or downriggers, you can run several baits at different depths and distances simultaneously.
- Triggers Reaction Strikes – Constant lure movement often entices fish that might not otherwise commit.
Essential Gear for Effective Trolling
Before heading out, make sure your setup matches the conditions and target species.
- Rods and Reels – Medium to medium-heavy trolling rods with line-counter reels help maintain precise lure depth.
- Line – Braided line for sensitivity and depth control; fluorocarbon leaders for clear water.
- Downriggers – Key for reaching suspended fish 20–100 feet deep.
- Planer Boards – Spread lines out horizontally, allowing more coverage without tangling.
- Electronics – Sonar and GPS mapping are crucial to track baitfish schools and fish-holding structure.
Depth Control: The Heart of Trolling Success
Fish location often changes by the hour in fall. That’s why depth control matters more than lure selection.
- Counting Down – With lead-core or weighted line, you can estimate depth by color segments or line length.
- Using Downriggers – Precisely set lures to target specific depths where fish mark on sonar.
- Flat-Lining – In shallower water, simply let out line behind the boat to achieve natural running depths.
Speed Adjustments That Make a Difference
Boat speed can be just as important as lure choice.
- Slow Trolling (1.2–1.8 mph) – Effective for walleye or trout that prefer a subtle presentation.
- Medium Speed (2–2.5 mph) – Great for salmon or stripers actively chasing bait.
- High Speed (3–4 mph) – Used when targeting aggressive predators like muskies.
Pro Tip: Always make S-turns while trolling. The inside lines slow down while the outside lines speed up, helping you determine what speed the fish prefer.
Lure Selection for Scattered Fish
Since trolling is about covering water, versatility is key. Popular trolling options include:
- Crankbaits – Mimic baitfish; best for covering different depths.
- Spoons – Flash and vibration attract salmon, trout, and pike.
- Spinners and Harness Rigs – Classic choices for walleye.
- Soft Plastics on Jig Heads – Run behind a planer board to imitate natural forage.
Match lure colors to water clarity: natural shades for clear water, bold patterns like firetiger or chartreuse in stained water.
Reading Seasonal Cues
- Early Fall – Fish may hold near weed edges or points. Troll medium-depth crankbaits and spinners.
- Mid-Fall – Look for suspended schools following bait in open water. Use downriggers and spoons.
- Late Fall – Cold fronts push fish deeper. Slow-troll jigs or stickbaits along channel edges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Sonar – Trolling blind wastes time; always track bait and depth changes.
- Trolling Too Fast – Many species in fall prefer slower presentations.
- Running Too Few Lines – When allowed, spread multiple lines to maximize coverage.
- Neglecting Boat Control – Wind and current can push you off productive paths.
Conservation Matters
Trolling often leads to catching larger, mature fish. Practice catch-and-release when possible, especially for trophy species. Use barbless hooks or crimp barbs to minimize injury, and handle fish quickly to ensure healthy release.
Final Thoughts
When fish are spread out, trolling is not just a method—it’s a strategy for success. By adjusting your depth, speed, and lure selection, you can efficiently locate active fish and maximize your chances of a productive day.
As the season progresses and fish scatter across vast water, trolling gives you the upper hand, turning uncertainty into consistent action.
