TAWAS/AuGRES: Walleye fishing slowed, with boat anglers averaging zero to five fish. Other anglers targeting yellow perch had mixed success. A few boat anglers caught larger perch off AuGres in approximately 40 feet of water. Perch were also caught off Standish, though most were undersized.
ALPENA: Anglers reported walleye remained scattered in 20 to 40 feet of water. Near Sulphur Island, anglers had some success trolling crawler harnesses on leadcore line, as well as deep-diving crankbaits. Anglers also reported success targeting walleye in 30 to 50 feet of water near North Point using crankbaits and leadcore line. A few Chinook salmon and coho salmon were caught while trolling spoons in 30 to 50 feet of water. The best results came from medium-sized spoons in green and white, chartreuse, and black patterns.
THUNDER BAY RIVER: Anglers reported a few Chinook salmon were caught near the 9th Street Dam while casting crankbaits. A few walleye were also caught on crankbaits and small spinners. Boat anglers reported slow action, with only a few northern pike and smallmouth bass caught.
ROGERS CITY: S]Salmon staged off Swan Bay, providing a variable bite. Overall catch rates remained low, though fish were present in the area. The most productive fishing occurred before sunrise, after sunset, or on overcast days. Productive depths ranged from 30 to 90 feet of water depending on conditions, with salmon holding shallower in low-light hours. Spreading lines throughout the water column produced the best results. Anglers trolled standard spoons and magnum spoons, J-plugs, and meat rigs. Flasher-fly combinations and squids were also successful. Effective colors included green, blue, chartreuse, orange, white, black, and UV patterns, with glow presentations working best early and late in the day. Walleye were occasionally caught as incidental catches. Anglers venturing outside the Swan Bay area caught lake trout, along with a few steelhead and coho salmon. Lake trout were caught near the bottom in colder water, while steelhead and coho salmon held higher in the water column.
PRESQUE ISLE: Fishing improved though angler effort remained low. Anglers fishing between the lighthouses or south toward Stoneport caught a mixed bag of lake trout, along with the occasional salmon and walleye. Productive depths ranged from 45 to 90 feet of water, with fish caught throughout the water column. Both standard and magnum spoons produced fish. Anglers also had success running flasher-fly and flasher-squid combinations. Effective colors included green, blue, orange, chartreuse, black, purple, white, UV, and glow patterns early and late in the day.
ROCKPORT: Anglers reported walleye fishing as variable. Anglers that had success used deep-diving crankbaits and crawler harnesses in 20 to 50 feet of water. Anglers targeting salmon reported abundant baitfish in the area, though only a few Chinook salmon were caught. Lake trout were caught in 80 to 130 feet of water. Spin-N-Glos and spoons were effective when trolled near the bottom.
Fishing Tip: Looking for some fun? Go fishing this fall!
Targeting walleye in the fall can offer some of the best fishing of the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you target this sportfish in the near future.
• In early fall, walleye can be found in a variety of locations within the water body, including deep, shallow or anywhere in between. Keep that in mind and don’t stick to one depth range.
• If you’re out in the morning, check the areas where deep water meets the shallow spots.
• As the day progresses start heading deeper, as walleye can be photosensitive.
• Don’t forget to try your luck during the nighttime hours! This can be a very productive time during the fall, especially along rock points and flat areas.
Learn more about fishing for walleye in Michigan at Michigan.gov/Walleye.