The Highs and Lows of Fall Fishing: Stay Versatile

Fall fishing has been a roller coaster here in the Northwoods. As of October 15, inconsistent temperatures and lakes on the verge of turnover have made the bite tough to predict. There have been highs and lows, sometimes within the same day.

Have a plan B—and a plan C

The key to success this time of year is being versatile. If plan A doesn’t work out, have a plan B or plan C ready to rock. Some days, we’ve been changing target species by the hour to find our best bite instead of sticking with fish that just won’t cooperate.

What’s biting: panfish, pike, and largemouth bass

The walleye bite has been inconsistent at best, but panfish, northern pike, and largemouth bass have been fairly aggressive. Being willing to switch species has helped us make the most of changing conditions and keep finding action on otherwise challenging days.

Watch for falling lake temperatures

With colder nights and some much-needed rain in the outlook for the week of this October 15 report, watch for lake temperatures to fall fast. As lakes approach turnover, keep an open mind and be ready to adjust your game plan to the conditions in front of you.

There’s still time to make the most of fall

Don’t let an uneven bite keep you off the water. Stay flexible, keep a backup plan ready, and enjoy the fall fishing we still have ahead of us. Good luck on the water!