The Grand Traverse region is a host to several lakes and popular species of fish. Anglers have the opportunity to chase salmon, lake trout, steelhead, brown trout, perch, walleye, and smallmouth just to name a few. Local waters include Grand Traverse Bay, Long Lake, Lake Leelanau, Boardman Lake, Duck Lake, Green Lake, and Silver Lake. These lakes are all within a twenty-minute drive of Traverse City. The diversity of angling opportunities makes this one of the best locations for anglers in the country.
The fall bite brings anticipation from every angler that targets any of the previously mentioned fish. Salmon stage to run the rivers this time of year. The brown trout and steelhead follow. Trolling Grand Traverse Bay along the drop offs from 60’ to 200’ of water with plugs, spoons, and flasher/fly combos will be your best bet for success. Be sure to check with the local tackle store to see what the hot bait has been.
Walleye can be caught trolling or casting. Trolling spinner rigs, or stick baits seem to be the go to this time of year. Try leeches or crawlers on the spinner rigs. Stick baits like Rapalas, or Reef Runners will work for suspended fish. Try casting the five to twelve foot breaks with Countdown Rapalas, or Smithwick Suspending Rouges. Perch can be found almost anywhere. Use your Electronics to locate the schools of fish. It is time of year, they can be anywhere from fifteen feet to fifty feet.
Live bait such as wigglers, leeches, minnows, small crayfish, or leaf worms are your best bet for these tasty little finned critters. Smallmouth continue chasing the schools of bait fish that begin to move shallow. Crank baits, spinner baits, tubes, and top water baits will all take their turn in the fall. Some of my favorite choices are Series 4 or 5 crankbaits from Strike King, Red Dirt Bait Co. Spinner baits and the Rebel pop-r. Look for flats with scattered Cabbage weed, or rock/gravel flats. Smallies will be on the prowl looking for a meal! Be sure to get out and take advantage of the great opportunities this area has to offer! Good luck out there!
Chris Noffsinger
Northern Adventures Fishing
(231) 620-7000
www.northernadventuresfishing.com
[easy-social-share]