Fishing Report: Potential for that big fall catch

NORTHERN WISCONSIN – We’re finally getting the kind of October weather anglers – especially the musky type – have been waiting for.

After that stretch of warmth, the cold has settled in. While water temperatures are slow to respond, this week should drop them significantly. Currently, we’re still seeing upper 50s and low 60s throughout the area. Weeds are fading fast, and with the light angle dropping, many species are making their seasonal move toward deeper structure and more predictable fall patterns.

Walleye action has noticeably improved. The bite has firmed up in deeper water, with 18 to 25 feet still a solid starting point. Look for fish around holes, sharper breaks, and the deeper side of remaining weed edges. Large fatheads and small suckers on jigs or under slip bobbers have been working well. As always this time of year, the best windows are early and late in the day, but you can find some steady activity on overcast afternoons, too.

Bass fishing is tapering off as expected, with smallmouth holding to rocky structure and gravel humps. Slow-moving plastics or live bait presentations are your best bet now. Largemouth are fewer and harder to locate, generally tight to the last patches of green weeds or wood cover.

Northern pike are staying aggressive in this cooling water. Spinnerbaits, spoons and larger jerkbaits are still drawing plenty of attention, especially in shallower bays with remaining weeds. Anglers drifting with suckers are picking up quality fish, too.

Panfish are sliding deeper each week. Crappie are suspending over mid-depth brush and along old weed lines, while perch are showing up in softer-bottomed areas near deeper transitions. Bluegill remain scattered, but you can still pick them up by drifting deeper flats with small jigs tipped with waxies or smaller plastics.

Musky fishing is shifting into late-fall mode. Turnover is late this year, but we’re starting to set the stage for classic October musky action. Trolling larger crankbaits has been productive, and casting rubber baits over deeper structure is paying off. Suckers are hot now – this is the heart of live-bait season. Expect activity to rise steadily through the next couple of weeks, as these fish pack on weight before winter.

The brilliant colors around the lakes are starting to fade a bit with the wind we’ve had, and cooler mornings have made for some truly peaceful hours on the water. It’s a great time to be out – quiet on the water now – crisp, and full of potential for that big fall catch.

 Good luck and good fishin’!