Fall has settled into Devils Lake, North Dakota, but walleye fishing isn't finished just yet! In his final fishing seminar of 2026, local fishing expert Johnnie Candle shared what's happening on the water, why white bass are playing such a big role in the bite, and how anglers can adjust their tactics as temperatures cool.
Water Levels Are Holding Steady
According to Johnnie's October 7 report, Devils Lake measured 1,450.22 feet above mean sea level on October 1, a slight increase from September. Water temperatures were ranging from the upper 50s to lower 60s, with relatively clear water and some lingering algae.
Johnnie expects cooling temperatures to gradually clear the remaining algae and continue shifting walleye feeding patterns as fall progresses.
Why White Is the Color to Watch
One of Johnnie's biggest observations this season has been the incredible number of young white bass throughout Devils Lake.
Large schools of baitfish have been showing up on sonar across the main lake, and Johnnie believes the abundance of food helps explain why fishing became challenging during parts of late summer and early fall.
His advice? Match what the walleyes are eating!
White and silver crankbaits, white soft plastics, and spinner combinations that resemble young white bass have been among his preferred presentations.
As Johnnie puts it, "If it's not white, they won't bite!"
From Summer Patterns to Fall Techniques
While bottom bouncers and spinners were still producing fish during Johnnie's last outing in September, he expects that pattern to gradually give way to traditional fall presentations as the water cools.
Crankbait trolling, vertical jigging, and casting shallow-water structure are all worth considering.
Johnnie recommends focusing on flooded roads, deep rocky shorelines, and submerged timber. He also expects walleyes to become increasingly active around shallow rocks as temperatures drop.
Don't Overlook the Shallow Bite
Think fall walleyes always stay deep? Not necessarily!
Johnnie reported catching several quality walleyes in shallow water during late September, including fish in less than six feet of water.
His approach included white soft-plastic flukes and paddle tails worked slowly around rocky structure. As fall progresses, he also recommends trying shallow-diving jerkbaits and Ned rigs.
One More Trip Before Ice Fishing
From flooded timber to rocky shorelines, Devils Lake offers plenty of opportunities for anglers willing to adjust their approach as the season changes.
Johnnie's message is simple: the fish are still here, the fall bite is developing, and there's still time to get out on the water.
Whether you're planning a final open-water trip or already looking ahead to ice fishing, Devils Lake has another season of adventure waiting.
Watch Johnnie Candle's full October 7 fishing seminar below for additional techniques, tackle recommendations, and fishing insights.