The fall bite brings anticipation from every angler. The salmon seems to be a little late this year, but they are starting to show up and will be ready to run the rivers this fall. The brown trout and steelhead follow. Trolling Grand Traverse Bay along the drop-offs from 60 – 200 foot of water with plugs, spoons, flasher/fly combos and meat rigs will be your best bet for success. Spawn sacks, or cut spawn under a bobber are river fishing favorites.
Anglers can catch walleye trolling, casting, or jigging. 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. Find perch almost anywhere. Use your electronics to locate the schools of fish. This 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 baitfish that begin to move shallow.
Crankbaits, spinner baits, drop shots, and top-water baits will all take their turn in the fall. Some of my favorite choices are Strike King Series 4 or 5 crankbaits, Red Dirt Bait Co. Spinner baits and a Zara Spook. Soft plastic favorites are Poor Boys Erie darters and the Strike King dream shot. Look for flats with scattered cabbage weed, or rock/gravel flats. Smallies will be on the prowl looking for a meal!
Be sure to check with your local tackle shop to get the up-to-date reports. The fall colors will start to show off in September, and that makes for some great scenery out on the water! If you have a chance, get out and take advantage of the great opportunities this area has to offer! Good luck out there!
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