The dropping temperatures and diminishing daylight accompanying fall trigger a physiological response that prompts walleye, musky and other game fish to increase their caloric intake to begin bulking up.

This seasonal response is why so many of the heaviest fish caught each year are in the fall.

When picking where to fish this time of year, keep lake turnover in mind. Lake turnover is a natural phenomenon when the lake’s surface water temperature becomes colder than the deeper water below. The turnover causes the water column to flip, often bringing sediment and debris from the bottom along with it. That’s why even the clearest lakes will become murky for a few days in fall. And this can create some tough fishing conditions.

Anglers still can find success by adjusting, such as targeting deep humps, holes and points with live bait and slow, vertical presentations. Another turnover trick is to avoid it altogether by hitting a different lake.

Wisconsin’s 15,000 inland lakes come in all shapes, sizes and depths and they don’t all turn over at the same time. If you’re still looking to find mid-fall patterns and your go-to water has already turned over, there’s likely a lake that hasn’t within driving distance.

However, and wherever, you fish, the fall is a beautiful time to be on the water – and you might just hook into a trophy, too.

Looking for a new place to fish or more information about your favorite fishing hole? Check out the Wisconsin Fishing Finder! This new tool provides anglers with information on regulations, boat launch and shore fishing locations, public lands and easement, fish stocking data, fish consumption advisories and more!