The Grand Traverse region is 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.
The salmon bite in Grand Traverse Bay is winding down for the season. There are still opportunities in the rivers with a few late run salmon. Steelhead and brown trout will also start to filter in to the local rivers. Spawn bags, single egg, or fly imitations will be your best bet to land these feisty river fish.
The inland lake bite will heat up as the waters begin to cool. Walleye will begin to move shallow in search of baitfish. Casting or trolling stick baits along five to twelve break lines should be productive.
Smallmouth will be moving shallow in search of bait as well, but you will still be able to find fish deep. You can target smallies from three feet all the way to fifty plus feet in the fall. Tubes, spinner baits, and jerk baits are good shallow presentations. Try heavier football jigs and blade baits for the deeper smallmouth.
Perch can be found from twenty to fifty feet this time of year. Look for the schools of fish near the bottom with your electronics. Wigglers and minnows are usually the ticket for putting perch in the boat in the fall.
If your not to busy chasing whitetails, be sure to get out and enjoy some of the great fall fishing that the Grand Traverse area has to offer! Always check with your local bait shop to see what the hot bite is before heading out. Good luck out there!
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