Fall has its grip on the Northwoods now, but it’s a strange  one. Temps should be in the 50’s and 60’s as an average, yet we’re getting HEAT! Predicted temperatures in the mid and upper 70’s are, and certainly will continue to  slow the water temperature decline.

Walleye fishing has been surprisingly decent on the Eagle River Chain. It’s as if they don’t care about the weather but only pay attention to the season. Fish are holding in deeper holes and along sharper breaks, often in the 18–25 foot range. Jigs tipped with large fatheads are doing well, as are slip bobbers set just off bottom. Evening and night bites are strong, and daytime action is decent when skies stay overcast.

Bass activity is tapering but not gone. Largemouth are sticking close to any remaining weed cover or wood in slightly shallower water, while smallmouth are setting up on deeper gravel, rock humps, and points. Plastics worked slowly or live bait rigs are your best bet now, especially during sunny afternoons.

Northern remain aggressive, especially on darker-water lakes where weed cover holds longer. Spinnerbaits, spoons, and larger minnows all continue to move fish.

Panfish have shifted deeper. Crappie are often suspended 12–20 feet down near brush or deeper structure and are hitting small minnows. Bluegill are less concentrated, but still catchable by drifting over deeper flats with small plastics or worms. Perch remain active near deeper weeds and softer bottoms.

Musky anglers are wishing for some COLD. With weeds beginning to fade, trolling larger cranks along outside edges and breaks has produced consistent fish. Casting big rubber over remaining green weeds is also a solid option. We have also heard of fish being caught really shallow, which is a strange pattern. This is a year when patience and willingness to be flexible could pay off with a true trophy, as fish are building up for winter.

With duck season opening and bow hunters in the woods, many folks are balancing mornings in the blind with afternoons on the water. We’ve seen plenty of duck boats come through for the bait they’ll use later. It’s that classic Northwoods overlap where the biggest question isn’t “should I go?” but “which way should I head first?”

This weather has to be a first for Cranberry Fest – a warm weekend! Unfortunately, it looks to be a bit rainy – but at least it’s not snow! Enjoy this warm weather and the beautiful colors while you can…we all know what’s on the horizon!

Good luck and good fishin’!