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Walleyes in
Rivers  Walleyes are truly a fish for all seasons. This time of year, they are very susceptible in rivers. In fact, when the lakes are frozen over throughout the Midwest, walleyes are still being caught in open water in rivers. Many anglers experience their best walleye action of the year right now in rivers. While other anglers have put their rods and boats in storage, you can be catching lots of walleyes, and some big ones, in rivers.
In the fall and winter months, many anglers head directly to the dam to begin their search for walleyes. While there will probably be some fish in the vicinity of the dam, there are many other areas that will be holding walleyes as well. If you want to go to the dam to start, that's fine. However, don't spend the whole day there if action is slow. There will be plenty of walleyes in other locations if you take the time to look for them. Wingdams are a location that can hold lots of walleyes this time of year. It seems that, as the walleyes move up-river, they use the wingdams as resting areas. A wingdam will hold a bunch of fish for a few days, then will be devoid of fish for a period of time until another group moves in. The wingdams farthest downstream from the dam see the most use early in the fall. As the days shorten and water temps fall, the wingdams farther up-river see more use. Wingdams aren't the only places that hold walleyes this time of year. Any structure that breaks the current will hold fish. They will also be in or along the channel, or on points or rock humps. It pays to check out the various areas to try to establish a pattern. The fish can be in different areas, and they will be susceptible to different types of baits. Jigs are probably the first choice of many anglers. Day-in and day-out, it's just really tough to beat a Fire-ball jig with a Power Grub and minnow. The plastic is added for bulk and color, while the minnow adds visual appeal and more bulk.
Don't spend a lot of time on one spot until the fish reveal their presence. If you catch a fish or two, then you should consider sticking around a while longer and refining your presentation. Once you get some action, try different lure styles, colors, speeds, try to figure out what will really turn the fish on. Now is a great time to be chasing walleyes. You will often have the river to yourself, and the only disturbances will be geese honking and fish tugging on your line. Those are good disturbances to have.
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Another jig that's tough to beat is a Buck-Shot Rattle Jig. The rattles attract walleyes in rivers really well. Sometimes though, I like to slide the rattles off the jig. This exposes a longer collar that holds plastics in place very well. This jig has been winning a place on the line of many walleye anglers.