TAWAS/AuGRES: Fishing remained slow overall, and windy weather kept boat anglers off the water. Anglers fishing from the pier in Tawas caught rock bass, largemouth bass and an occasional walleye. A few salmon were caught out of the Tawas River, while channel catfish and an occasional walleye were landed in the AuGres River.
ALPENA: High winds hampered angler effort over the past week. When anglers were able to get out, a mixed bag of Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, walleye, and occasional steelhead was caught. The best results were in 30 to 50 feet of water throughout Thunder Bay. Spoons in a variety of colors were productive throughout the water column.
THUNDER BAY RIVER: Anglers had success targeting Chinook salmon while drifting spawn and beads near the 9th Street Dam throughout the day. Casting stickbaits and spoons was also productive in the evening and after dark. Boat anglers had some success trolling deep-diving crankbaits and spoons. A few Atlantic salmon and coho salmon were taken as well.
ROGERS CITY: Adult chinook salmon were present in good numbers in 20 to 30 feet of water off Swan Bay, though the bite was late. Anglers trolled plugs and body baits off planer boards. Outside the bay, up the lake, and straight out from the harbor, anglers caught lake trout, immature Chinook salmon, and an occasional steelhead, coho salmon, or walleye. Successful anglers ran lines throughout the water column near baitfish. Spoons in standard and slim sizes were the most effective lures. Productive colors included white, green, blue, orange, yellow, and glow patterns during early morning and late evening hours.
PRESQUE ISLE: Angling effort was light due to rough, windy weather. When anglers were able to get out, lake trout were caught off Stoneport and between the lighthouses. An occasional Chinook salmon was also caught off Stoneport, False Presque Isle, and off the Grand River outlet north of the marina. Steelhead, coho salmon, and walleye were caught on occasion. The most productive depths were 45 to 80 feet of water, with lines run throughout the water column. Anglers fished a mix of J-plugs and spoons in white, green, blue, orange, and glow patterns early in the morning and late in the day.
Fishing Tip: Go “hunting” for fish this fall
Autumn can be one of the best times of year to seek out your favorite fish species for a day of fun angling. Several species to target this October and November include walleye, perch and trout.
Walleye are thought to be in their best condition in the fall and can often be found in the river mouth areas of larger, inland lakes. They’re gathering there to take advantage of baitfish that like to hang out as the weather cools off. Set your sights on 10 to 12 feet deep to find these guys.
Perch will also populate around these same river-mouths, but these fish will likely be much closer to the river than walleye. Check out depths as shallow as 4 feet to find them.
Trout will be available in some of these larger lakes as well during this time period and can be found in the same areas as the walleye and perch.
Try your luck at some great angling this fall. For more information on the numerous opportunities to fish this autumn, visit Michigan.gov/Fishing.