On the South End…  Water temperatures are starting to drop into the low 60s, with wave buoys on Big Traverse Bay showing 61 – 63 degrees. This cooling trend combined with shorter days signals the transition period for walleyes, and anglers are finding fish in a variety of places. Walleyes are still holding over deep mud, but schools are also showing up adjacent to shorelines and on the edges of reefs.

As waters cool, more fish are pushing toward the shorelines, and this movement will only increase as the fall progresses. All three primary methods of fishing are producing fish right now:  Jigging with a frozen emerald shiner, pulling spinners with crawlers and trolling crankbaits to cover water.

Each technique has its time and place, and being versatile is paying off for anglers. The shoreline bite will only get stronger in the weeks ahead.

Rainy River…  The first signs of fall are beginning to show on the Rainy River. Emerald shiners are starting to trickle in, and with them comes an uptick in walleye activity. The big run hasn’t started yet, but anglers are finding more fish in the river each day. Four Mile Bay, an area between Big Traverse Bay and the Rainy River, is also giving up some nice walleyes.

A jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner continues to be the go-to approach, a tried-and-true method for tempting these river walleyes.

The lake sturgeon bite has also picked up which is the norm in the fall.  A sturgeon rig with a ball of nightcrawlers and even a frozen shiner or two is the goto bait.  The sturgeon “harvest” season continues through September 30th.  From Oct 1 – April 23, sturgeon fishing continues with catch and release.

Northwest Angle…  Up at the NW Angle, walleye fishing remains excellent. This region is known for its sheer abundance of fish, and right now it’s living up to its reputation. With countless islands and diverse structure, anglers are working areas such as deep mud, neck-down spots with moving water, underwater points and reefs, and transition areas where walleyes are staging.

Not only is this a great environment for walleyes, but it also holds a wide variety of other species, making the Angle a multi-species destination this time of year.  Fall is a go-to time for those fishing big black crappies in this region.  Pike and smallmouth bass are staples and are only more aggressive as the waters are cooling.  Muskie anglers are also reporting good activity with both follows and catches.

Summary

• South End: Walleyes transitioning from mud to shorelines; all methods (jigging, spinners, crankbaits) still working.
• Rainy River: Shiners trickling in, walleye activity increasing; jig and frozen emerald shiner the go-to.  Sturgeon activity is increasing.
• NW Angle: Excellent walleye bite continues, with diverse structure and plenty of fish.

As water temps continue to cool, expect the shoreline and river bite to heat up even more in the coming weeks.