We’re seeing typical late-fall weather here in the Northwoods, and we must say we don’t hate it – it’s about time! The leaves are mostly down and the mornings have a bite. Water temperatures on area lakes are hovering in the upper 40’s to low 50’s, which is still warm for this time of the year, but they’re heading downward. We’re firmly into that transition window—turnover on many lakes is finally done, weeds have collapsed or are nearing their end and the fish are settling into their late-fall patters in preparation for what’s to come.

The walleye bite has been solid, but it’s getting more refined. The last couple of weeks they’ve ranged all over; now we’re finally seeing them move more predictably toward deeper water and sharper breaks. On the Chain we’re seeing best activity in 18–28 feet, especially along steep transitions or on the deep side of what remains of weed edges. Fatheads and small suckers on jigs or under slip-bobbers are still the go-to. With the water cooling and clouds becoming more frequent ahead of rain fronts, the bite windows are narrowing—early morning and late afternoon are your best bets.

Time is about finished for bass. Smallmouth are now generally hugging rock structure or gravel humps in the deeper portions of bays or lake arms. They’re not nearly as aggressive as early- fall, so use subtle presentations if you’re going to try for them: tubes, finesse plastics, or a good old crawler. Largemouth are tougher to locate—they’re tucked in the last bits of remaining weeds or shallow wood where the water is slightly warmer, and not moving much.

Northern are still feeding aggressively, as they most always are. Look to shallower bays where there’s a tiny bit of green weeds left. If you find a bay with a lingering fringe of weeds, try running spinnerbaits, spoons or large crankbaits. Keep in mind that as the week progresses and the weather turns cooler with possible rain, they’ll likely migrate to deeper water.

Crappie are moving deeper and reports have them suspending about 5-6’ off the bottom, depending on lake turnover. You can also look at mid-depth brush or along old weed lines. Perch have remained a strong bet around soft-bottom transitions near deeper water. Bluegill are more scattered but still being found on deeper flats.  Small jjigs tipped with waxies or plastics are a good way to approach crappie and bluegill, with crappie minnows or fatheads a good choice for perch.

For musky anglers the door is still wide open. Last week was a good one, and lakes that have already turned over are offering some of the best late-season opportunities of the fall now. Trolling large crankbaits over deep structure or casting big rubber near drop-offs is a good bet. With water temps dropping, now is the time for suckers, too. We’ll see muskies become increasingly predictable in their haunts and feeding zones for this time of the year – finally. We’re at the point in the season where soon it will only be the hard-core hunters left on the water, but with the strange fall we’ve had we’re only just now getting to the water temperatures that musky anglers really like.

Many anglers have already put their boats away for the season and the next couple of weeks is the last gasp on the water for the remainder of this year. Soon we hope to get serious about ice fishing.  It’s a quiet time out there now, providing a lot of solitude. With the leaves out of the trees and what looks to be some colder weather approaching, we’re gearing up for a great hunting season up here, too. Enjoy!

Good luck and good fishin’!