Guide Insight
Autumn Is in the Air: The Shallow Fall Bite
With water temperatures in the low 60s, fish are pushing into 5–15 feet of water. Here’s what’s getting bites before turnover and why the musky sucker bite is picking up.
Autumn is in the air. Leaves are changing color quickly, the geese are heading south, and water temperatures are falling. There is still time to enjoy some beautiful fall weather on the water!
Look shallow before turnover
With water temperatures hovering in the low 60s, most fish are really starting to push shallow, into 5–15 feet of water. Look for this shallow bite to continue until turnover.
What’s getting bites
Bucktails, chatterbaits, and largemouth swimbaits have been getting the bites for us. We have been starting to see some action on musky suckers as well. This bite will only get better as water temperatures cool.
There is still time to enjoy the fall season. See you on the water!
LOCAL GUIDE NOTES
Planning a day on the Northwoods water
Every trip is shaped around the season, the fish we’re after, and the people in the boat. Heindls Fishtails Guide Service works the waters around Minocqua, Rhinelander, St. Germain, Eagle River, and the surrounding Northwoods—whether you’re chasing a first fish with the family, dialing in a summer walleye bite, or settling into a warm day on the ice.
Have a question about timing, licenses, gear, weather, or what to bring? Reach out before your trip. A quick conversation helps us set up the right plan and gives everyone a better day on the water.
TROPHY ROOM
More Wisconsin client catches
Alec’s Big Fall Pike on Lake Minocqua
Alec landed a big northern pike on a Mepps #5 on October 3, powering it out of the weeds on Lake Minocqua with a St. Croix rod and 20-pound FINS Braid.
Ladies’ Pike Morning in Minocqua
Deb and Susan enjoyed a beautiful fall morning in Minocqua, keeping the St. Croix rods bent with northern pike on a silver-blade Mepps #5.
Big Northern Pike Near Minocqua
A Texas angler landed a big northern pike on a Mepps #5 while fishing 8 feet of water on an overcast September day near Minocqua, Wisconsin.
THE CATCH LOG
Recent trips and moments from the water.
Photo Gallery
Alec’s Big Fall Pike on Lake Minocqua
Alec landed a big northern pike on a Mepps #5 on October 3, powering it out of the weeds on Lake Minocqua with a St. Croix rod and 20-pound FINS Braid.
Photo Gallery
Ladies’ Pike Morning in Minocqua
Deb and Susan enjoyed a beautiful fall morning in Minocqua, keeping the St. Croix rods bent with northern pike on a silver-blade Mepps #5.
Latest from the water.
Fresh footage, caught and shared from the Northwoods.
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