Fall is upon us – the leaves have turned and fallen, the air is crisp, and the bite is just heating up. Fall fishing in northern Michigan can be both a blessing and a curse. When the weather cooperates, anglers willing to brave the chill can be rewarded by some of the best fishing of the year. We have experienced several monsoon-like rainfalls earlier in the fall, and the waters are up in the rivers. Between these deluges, we have had some wonderful sunny fall days that make getting out for some fishing a real pleasure.
On the rivers in northern Michigan, steelhead are in and are hungry. Without as many salmon having run the rivers as we have seen in the past, there aren’t as many salmon eggs to eat, and the steelhead are gulping down anything resembling an egg. Beads and egg fly imitations are keys to getting these acrobatic fish to bite, and anglers fishing these patterns either under a float or bounced along the bottom are in for a treat as these chrome beauties put on a battle fit for a king.
For gear anglers, casting crank baits like Wigglewarts or Hot N Tots can also take steelhead that are actively feeding before the winter sets in. Long casts to laydowns, current seams, and deep holes can lead to heart-stopping grabs from big steelhead. Fly anglers can score with streamers, making for vicious and memorable takes. Both swung and stripped, streamers can be hugely effective this time of year, and are well worth the effort.
Brown trout will be making their way into many of the rivers as well, and those fishing for steelhead shouldn’t be surprised by a big brown on the end of the line. Beads, streamers, and crank baits all work well, as does the usual spawn bag.
Northern Michigan’s many inland lakes can have a bounty waiting for anglers in the form of big smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, perch, and even muskies and Atlantic salmon, if Torch Lake is the target.
For bass and walleyes, crank baits and jerk baits can be the hot item to try, fishing around deep points and underwater humps. Casting is the way to go when targeting bass, and trolling is usually the preferred method for taking walleyes. Jigging soft plastic minnow imitators on the bottom can do well for both bass and walleyes when they aren’t willing to chase moving lures. The fall spinner bait bite is not to be missed when targeting smallies if there is wind in the forecast.
Perch can be gotten in the usual methods using minnows and wigglers if they can be found. Pike will feed aggressively as the cold weather sets in and big spinner baits and jerk baits can be an awesome way to go after these toothy critters. Atlantic salmon on Torch Lake will be found around the Clam River and the Torch River to the south.
Mid-to-late-fall can be a wonderful time to be on the water, especially when so many sportsmen and women are in the woods hunting. Caution must be taken when venturing out on a boat or wading, as the waters are cold, and help isn’t always close at hand this time of year. Dress for the occasion, and make sure to have a way of communicating with others if help is needed. Stay safe and have fun with the fall bite!
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