One of my favorite times of the year to enjoy some peaceful time on the water is once again here! Fall fishing has become one of my favorites for several reasons. First off, as the many different hunting seasons begin to open, the number of anglers on the water tapers off greatly. This allows a guy to fish where he wants without worrying about other boats! Another positive to fall fishing is the fact that fish put the feed bag on once water temperatures begin to plummet. As these water temperatures come down, fish generally begin to move back to shallow water, meaning shore opportunities for us boat-less anglers to enjoy! Also, fall provides many different opportunities for trophy size fish from 4 year old Salmon to Walleyes, Muskies, and even Panfish!
The only problem I have found with fishing this time of the year has been deciding what to fish for! There are so many great bites happening simultaneously that a guy really has to make tough decisions on what to do!
Locally, the Salmon run up the Lake Michigan Tributaries draws large numbers of anglers hoping to do battle with 20 plus pound fish in shallow water on light tackle. Once the Salmon run simmers down, the Trout usually aren't far behind! Fall Trout fishing can be nothing short of fantastic if mother nature drops rain in the right places at the right time!
Walleyes are another favorite for me to target in the fall. Afternoon and night fishing becomes the most productive time to catch these actively feeding fish. Crankbaits once again become the prime lure choice, with live bait also taking fish during the daylight hours.
Muskies are the most well know fish to be targeted this time of the year. These fish follow their food source this time of the year and gorge themselves on anything they can get their teeth on in preparation of the winter. Moon phases, weather, water clarity, and bait selection are the key components to catching these fish. Muskies are known to remain inactive for many hours straight before turning on in as little as 15 minute feeding windows to feed. Determining when the fish will feed and being on them when this occurs is key!
Panfish also begin to move back towards the shallows this time of the year, relating to remaining green weeds and shallow rocky areas holding snails and other insects. As the water cools, their bait preference shifts from worms to minnows.
Whether you want to catch some Perch for dinner or chase a trophy Musky this fall, the opportunities are there for those willing to get on the water!
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