BY: CHRIS NOFFSINGER
The Grand Traverse region is a host to several lakes and popular species of fish. The diversity of angling opportunities makes this one of the best locations for anglers in the country. 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, all within a twenty minute drive of Traverse City.
If you are not in a tree chasing whitetails, some of the best fishing opportunities for the season happen in November. The fish can sense the ice is coming as the water temperatures cool. They are hungry and are trying to feed up before the long winter ahead.
Surf fishing at the mouths of rivers and creeks that flow into Lake Michigan for steelhead will pick up as the water temperatures cool. Fresh spawn is your best bet for surf fishing. Trolling in front of these creeks and rivers can be productive as well.
Walleye will move to the shallows in several of the local lakes. Casting stick baits from shore, or trolling the shallow flats, can be really productive if you are willing to brave the cold. Slow your baits down as water temperatures cool.
Perch can still be found in the twelve-to-fifty foot depth range. Your best bet for success is shiners and wigglers. Use your electronics to locate the schools of perch. If you are not finding the quality of fish you are looking for, keep moving. The big ones are out there.
Smallmouths are in big schools this time of year. Be sure to check deeper water for the big schools of smallies. Silver buddies, tubes, or jigs worked slow should produce. Some of the biggest smallmouth of the season can be caught in November.
As always be sure to check with your local tackle shops to get the latest hot bite information. Good luck out there!
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