It's time to bust out the fall clothing. Temps in the area have dropped now that we are officially into the fall season. We're starting to see the green shorelines turn into a mixture of browns, reds and oranges. It won't be long until we are in the peak fall color. Fishing success usually is a sure bet throughout this time of year and we look forward to tackling some awesome outings as we close out our open water season. Hopefully the weather cooperates better than last week.
Most Lake Superior anglers in the area have been taking a break from the big lake due to high winds and rough water, and the fish seem to also be taking a break. Best bet to catch a few fish would be to troll meat rigs and spoons off-shore in the 100-foot deep waters of the North Shore. The South Shore is very dirty and fishing came to a screeching halt last week. It will take some time for the water to clear.
Action was not much better on the St. Louis River. Last week's easterly winds pushed water in from the Gitch, causing some big rollers and a rise in river water levels. Some areas have even seen some flooding. Tactics that will work best are going to be live bait in large profiles. I prefer a lively chub or sucker minnow at least 5 inches long. Slow presentations are the best bet. However don't be afraid to cast Salmo Hornets at shoreline and slowly work them through vegetation. This kind of weather can really trigger some nice Pike and an occasional Muskie to come boatside.
Area stream fishing definitely continues to take shape as anglers are showing up more frequently around river bends near deep holes. Flat-fish baits and small spinners over fast current leading into deeper holes are good spots to target.
ADVERTISEMENT
Inland lakes are the best bet to find quantity catches of fish. Casting or trolling weed lines is definitely giving up some pike and bass. Also try pitching small 1/16 oz jigs with plastics near weedlines. Walleyes can still be caught on midlake humps utilizing live bait tactics. Crappies are continuing to hook up on floats over crappie minnows in the 8-12 foot depths. Don't be surprised to catch a bonus walleye or pike/bass fishing for crappies. Trust your electronics.
Reminder that hunting season is in effect so be cautious of duck hunters, deer hunters and upland bird hunters.
Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on Minnesota and Wisconsin inland waters, the St. Louis River and, in winter, on Lake Superior.
