Fishing the Midwest Host Details Effective ‘Plain Rig’ Walleye Technique

Rochester Mason City Austin, MN, October 3, 2026 — Mike Frisch, the familiar host of the television series “Fishing the Midwest,” has shared insights into a fishing method he terms the “plain rig.” This technique is specifically designed for catching walleyes and has proven its effectiveness across a range of aquatic environments.

The core of the plain rig involves two primary components: a bottom bouncer weight and a nightcrawler bait. The bottom bouncer is a type of weight designed to keep the bait near the bottom of the water body, allowing anglers to troll or drift effectively while maintaining contact with the lake or riverbed.

Frisch highlights the versatility of this rig, noting its efficacy in different water depths and during various seasons. For instance, the technique is suitable for summer fishing targeting structure. During these months, it can be employed in depths ranging from 12 to 28 feet, where walleyes often congregate around submerged structures like reefs or drop-offs.

As the seasons change, particularly into the fall, the plain rig’s adaptability continues. Frisch indicates that the method remains productive for fall fishing, extending into deeper waters. Anglers can utilize this rig in depths exceeding 40 feet, focusing on areas with steep breaks in the underwater terrain. These deeper zones often become havens for walleyes seeking cooler water or different food sources as temperatures drop.

The combination of the bottom bouncer’s ability to probe depths and the natural appeal of a nightcrawler makes this a consistently effective strategy for anglers pursuing walleye. The specifics of the rig, including the exact type of bottom bouncer or rigging of the nightcrawler, were detailed by Frisch in his discussion of the technique.

Story summarized from the original created by Mike Frisch on www.postbulletin.com, see more information here.

Media gallery