We’ve reached the doorstep of September in the Northwoods, and the shift toward fall is unmistakable. We saw some really cool weather last week, with a couple of nights dropping down into the upper 30’s. This has resulted in water temperatures falling from the 70’s into the upper 60’s on most lakes, which tends to improve fishing in general. While it looks like we’re in for a little more warm weather at the beginning of the week, don’t get too comfortable! We all know what’s just around the corner. The crowds have thinned out now that school is back in session, making for quieter landings and less boat traffic—always a welcome change this time of year.

Weed growth remains strong and continues to be the best bet for nearly all species, though fish are starting to move deeper as the nights cool. Anglers should stick with weed edges, timber, or mid-depth structure and use weedless approaches to stay clear of the heavy cover.

Walleye action has remained hit-or-miss, but we should see some increase in activity with the cooling water. The most consistent bite is still in the low-light windows of early morning and evening. Fish are holding on deep weed lines in 10 to 15 feet, or out on sand and mud flats in 18 to 20 feet. Weedless jugs tipped with ½ crawlers or leeches are working on those weed edges. Half crawlers under slip bobbers are great choice for those deep flats. Anglers willing to put in the time and move around are the ones having the most success. Bass fishing is still going strong. Largemouth are being found in the heavy weeds, under docks, and hanging in the downed timber. Topwaters are fun in the mornings and produce some showy and exciting hits, while plastics and creature baits fished slowly will take fish all day. Smallmouth have been favoring deeper rock humps, points, and midlake timber in 12 to 20 feet. Tubes, Ned rigs, and drop-shots are the go-to baits here, especially when fished right along bottom.

Panfish remain a good choice for steady action. Crappies are schooling along weed edges in 8 to 12 feet, with mini-mites and small jigs tipped with plastics or minnows working well. Bluegill are plentiful around docks and shallow weeds, particularly in the evenings. Perch are moving deeper and often found in the same areas as walleye, where small minnows or worms fished near bottom are effective, however we have heard some reports of folks finding them up shallow chasing small minnows.

Musky fishing continues to build momentum as we edge closer to fall. Low-light periods and cloudy days are best, with bucktails, topwater baits, and big rubber all moving fish. Trolling over deeper basins during midday hours is also producing as well. We’re heading into what is traditionally the best musky stretch of the year, and anglers are already reporting some nice, big fish being caught.

The season is turning quickly now, and it’s probably a matter of days, not weeks, until we start seeing and hearing the geese heading south, if we haven’t already at the time of this reading. The woods are really starting to show some color and we’re looking forward to one of the most beautiful times of the year up here. It’s a great time to be on the water, with quieter lakes, comfortable weather, and the start of some of the finest fishing of the year.

Good luck and good fishin’!