Silver Bow Fly Shop said that with the big change in weather, fall insects will be on the menu everywhere. Good flies will be October caddis, fall caddis, BWOs, mahogany duns and midges.
Throw nymphs and streamers in the morning and dry flies at midday. Montana rivers are fishing well now.
Fishing has been good this week on the Spokane River. The big Chubby Chernobyl with droppers (Twenty Inchers, Red Darts, Blow Torch and Peeking Caddis) will get it done.
If you want more numbers, just stick to a traditional indicator rig or the Euro rigs with one of the above.
The North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River is moving into fall mode. Most cutthroat are going to be found in the deeper pools and runs.
For dry fly activity look for midday to be the best with caddis, October caddis, BWOs, midges, and mahogany dun mayflies. In the morning, use nymphs or streamers until it warms up.
The deeper pools on the St. Joe will become more important as the cutthroat begin to move out of the traditional summer water, although don’t overlook the riffle runs yet.
Nymphing and streamers will work all day. Take some mahogany duns, BWOs, midges, fall caddis and October caddis.
Trout and kokanee
Lake Coeur d’Alene is still good for kokanee, but you’ll be catching mostly next year’s fish – 10-inchers. The big fish are in spawning mode and turning red. Hayden Lake kokanee are still biting for trollers at about 40 feet. For the most part, these are silver 11- to 13-inchers, but anglers will occasionally haul in a fish over 16 inches in full spawning dress. Loon Lake kokanee have definitely lost their sheen, but they are still several weeks away from spawning and the bite remains good for 11- to 13-inch fish that are still in pretty good shape.
A few of the Washington lakes that remain open through Oct. 31 and still provide decent fishing, mostly for trout, are Clear, Davis, Deer, Liberty, Marshall, Medical, Sacheen and the Skookum. Check your Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for other open waters, and remember that lakes that are not listed, such as Bead and Jump-off Joe, are open year-round.
Waitts Lake is again worth a special mention for trout anglers.
Trolling the middle with a Muddler Minnow and a flasher is pretty close to a guarantee for some nice rainbow and browns.
Salmon and steelhead
WDFW has updated salmon seasons on the Columbia River. Beginning today, from Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam, the daily limit will be six salmon. Up to two may be adult chinook and up to two may be coho. The same updates are for the stretch from Rock Island Dam to Rocky Reach Dam, except anglers there may also retain up to four sockeye in their six-fish limit.
Crab Creek below Wanapum Dam has been giving up some nice chinook salmon lately, and fishing should improve as we move into autumn.
The Grande Ronde River is giving up some steelhead, and they are somewhat bigger than last season. Anglers there say the fish are spread throughout the system and there is no particular concentration in any one area. The Clearwater River is showing some steelhead consistency in many parts of the river.
Icicle River will be open for the retention of coho salmon with a limit of two beginning today.
Spiny ray
Long Lake has been good for nice-sized perch, and the hot fishing should continue at least through mid-October. Don’t settle for just perch, though, as Long can provide a smorgasbord of other species – bass, walleye and trout in addition to some big pike and, most recently, some chinook salmon that evidently worked their way down from Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Pike anglers are catching some decent-sized northerns from Idaho’s Chain Lakes, and Lake Coeur d’Alene gets better every week.
Other species
A limited white sturgeon retention fishery for fish 44-50 inches fork length is offered in Washington on Saturday on the Columbia River from the Wauna Powerline crossing upstream to the Bonneville Dam, and the Cowlitz River. Catch-and-release fishing for sturgeon will continue to be allowed on all non-retention days.
Hunting
The Idaho youth pheasant hunting season runs from Saturday through Oct. 9. Youth ages 17 years and younger with an Idaho hunting license can participate in the hunt if they’re accompanied nonhunting Idaho licensed hunter age 18 years or older. Pheasant hunting at release sites starts at 10 a.m. daily with one exception in the Clearwater Region. Youth hunters do not need an Upland Game Bird Permit to hunt where birds are stocked, but they are required to wear hunter orange above the waist during the pheasant season while hunting at those locations. Fish and Game has recently expanded the statewide pheasant stocking program to include the WMAs of Boundary-Smith Creek and the Coeur d’Alene River-Strobel and Lane Marsh Parcels in the Panhandle Region. For a full list of areas where pheasants will be stocked and number of birds to be stocked, go to the Pheasant Stocking Program webpage and click on each location.
Quail, chukar and gray partridge are open in Idaho and open Saturday in Washington. Quail numbers are up, as are gray partridge, and chukar populations appear to be similar to last year’s. Idaho pheasants open in the Panhandle region Oct. 10.
Reports from the five-day senior pheasant hunt last week in Eastern Washington suggest cover is optimal but bird numbers may be down.
There do appear to be pockets in the Palouse country that saw good second hatches, as a lot of young birds were found.
Eva Register holds up a nice Spanish mackerel caught while fishing out on the bay. Photo courtesy of Eva Register
September and early October are noted for the beautiful and mild sunny days that grace us, so make sure to take advantage of them and enjoy the Maryland outdoors with family and friends.
Please join us as we resume our Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar series Oct. 15 at noon. We will discuss the anticipatedfall trout stocking seasonwith Coldwater Program Manager Marshall Brown. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’sonline calendar.
Forecast Summary: Sept. 30 – Oct. 6:
The upcoming weekwill bring cooler days and breezy conditions through Thursday, with a chance of rain Thursday, Friday, and Monday. Chesapeake Bay surface water temperatures are hovering in the low 70s andwill continue to cool this week.Turnover has occurred, mixing the bay’s water from surface to bottom, providing adequate oxygen for fish at all depths. This will result in cool-water preferring fish being able to move more vertically in many areas and be more scattered until turnover conditions stabilize. As surface waters continue to cool, deeper waters will remain slightly warmer. As a result of the below normal flows from the Susquehanna River, upper bay salinities are slightly higher than normal. As always, best fishing areas could be further refined by intersecting them with underwater points, hard bottom, drop-offs, and large schools of baitfish.
Expect temporary reduced clarity for streams and rivers in Maryland portions of the bay due to recent rains.To see the latest water clarity conditions, checkEyes on the Bay Satellite Maps.
For more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the bay, be sure to check outClick Before You Cast. Get regular updates on Maryland’s waters sent to your inbox with our Eyes on the Bay newsletter.Sign up online
Upper Chesapeake Bay
Michele Harrington caught this nice white perch near Gibson Island. Photo courtesy of Michele Harrington
Most of the striped bass action is occurring south of Pooles Island and tends to be scattered across a wide variety of structural habitat. Striped bass are moving freely throughout the upper bay region and feeding aggressively on bait fish that are beginning to exit the tidal rivers. The mouths of the tidal rivers, shoal areas, and steep channel edges where bait is being swept along by strong currents are prime areas to look for suspended striped bass.
Trolling with bucktails, spoons, and umbrella rigs along channel edges has been popular. Live-lining eels at Pooles Island, the Key Bridge, and the Bay Bridge piers is very productive as well as drifting fresh cut bait, live spot, or soft crab baits. As the fall pattern of striped bass behavior develops, jigging with metal and soft plastics begins to take center stage. Suspended striped bass can be found over shoals and reefs, Love Point Rocks, channel edges, and bridge piers and rocks.
The shallow-water fishery for striped bass has been good in the morning and evening hours. Casting topwater lures, paddle tails, and crankbaits near shoreline structure has been very productive. Most of the action is taking place below Pooles Island. There has been only fair shallow water action around the Susquehanna Flats area and many of the fish are sub-legal in length.
Some of the best fishing for blue and channel catfish is in the lower Susquehanna River, and the Chester River is a close second. Blue catfish can also be found in lesser numbers in all of the tidal rivers in the upper bay. Channel catfish are holding in all of the tidal rivers and many areas in the upper bay near channel edges. Fresh cut bait has been popular, but nightcrawlers, clam snouts, and chicken liver can work well also.
White perch are steadily moving out of their summer season habitat in the many creeks and tidal rivers of the upper bay. They are moving towards the lower sections of the tidal rivers and out into the bay. Right now the largest white perch can be found holding over shoals and reefs, and as water temperatures become colder they will head for deeper waters.
Bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm tend to be the best way to catch them. Jigging with dropper flies or small metal jigs can also be productive near structure. The rock piles at the Bay Bridge are an excellent location to jig for large white perch.
Middle Bay
Photo by Eric Packard
Much of the focus is toward striped bass and their shift into a fall pattern of behavior. Trolling a mix of spoons, tandem-rigged bucktails, and swimshads as well as umbrella rigs is popular along channel edges and near breaking fish. Most will be using inline weights to get lures down to where the fish are holding.
Jigging over suspended striped bass will be popular with light tackle anglers. Depth finders will be very important for locating suspended fish, and binoculars can be very helpful to spot distant diving seagulls. Surface slicks can also be a good indicator of feeding action under the surface of the water. Skirted plastic jigs can offer a larger profile to fish when jigging, and braided line helps with sensitivity. Jigging may even reward you with a speckled sea trout.
Most of the Spanish mackerel have left the middle bay, but a few stragglers will be encountered by those trolling small Drone or Clark spoons behind planers near breaking fish or along channel edges. Bluefish are still roaming the region and mixing it up with 2-year old striped bass out in the main portion of the bay. They will also most likely be moving out of the region within the next week.
White perch are on the move in the region’s tidal rivers and creeks, there seems to be small white perch in the traditional summer habitat areas but the large white perch tend to be found in deeper waters over oyster reefs and similar bottom in the lower sections of the tidal rivers. The most effective way to target them in the deeper waters is with bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm or peeler crab.
Lower Bay
The lower bay is hosting the last of the Spanish mackerel, red drum, bluefish, and cobia. The remaining Spanish mackerel may be gone by the weekend, but there is always the chance of a few stragglers that can be caught by speed reeling metal jigs through breaking fish or trolling small Drone or Clark spoons behind planers along the shipping channel edges.
The bluefish may stick around through the weekend and will be mixing it up with striped bass as they chase bay anchovies and juvenile menhaden along the shipping channel edges. Casting to breaking fish is a fun light-tackle way to catch them. Trolling spoons and hoses are also an effective way to catch them.
Sophia Korin got to go trolling with her dad when she caught this nice Spanish mackerel just north of Point Lookout. Photo by Chris Korin
Fishing for striped bass is good along the shipping channel edges for those trolling umbrella rigs or jigging under breaking fish. The lower Potomac has been a great place to troll along the channel edge between St. George’s Island and Piney Point. Light-tackle jigging has also been a popular and effective way to catch striped bass this week wherever they can be found suspended over structure or under breaking fish.
Fishing for striped bass along the shallower shorelines of the lower Potomac, Patuxent, and bay shores is good this week. Casting topwater lures, paddle tails and similar soft plastics or crankbaits are all effective ways to catch them. In many areas, speckled trout and small to medium-sized red drum can be part of the mix. In Tangier Sound, fishing for speckled trout is very good along marsh edges and creek mouths. Drifting pieces of soft crab in the small marsh creeks on a falling tide can be a very effective way to catch speckled trout and red drum.
The numbers of large red drum and cobia have dwindled in the last week or so, and most have crossed the border into Virginia and continue to head south. Most anglers that are still fishing for the cobia are trolling red hoses behind inline weights. Placing a few large spoons in a trolling spread is always a good idea in the hopes of enticing a large red drum for a little catch and release action.
Bottom fishing for spot remains excellent this week in the lower Potomac and Patuxent rivers as well as Tangier Sound. Depending on the location, white perch, speckled trout, and small red drum can also be part of the mix. Pieces of bloodworm and soft crab are being used on bottom rigs for the best results.
Recreational crabbingfortunes in the tidal rivers has unfortunately dropped off in the past week. Everywhere one looks at commercial docks, the shade roofs are coming off workboats, oyster culling boxes are being set up onboard, and hand tongs are being readied for the upcoming oyster season. The colder water temperatures are driving the crabs deeper as they travel down the tidal rivers towards the bay. Trot liners have been reported crabs dropping off lines as they come up, so collapsible crab traps might be a good idea. Baits are attracting sooks and fortunately there are lots of them, which speaks well for the future of our blue crab resources.
Freshwater Fishing
With lack of substantial rain in the western region, trout management waters are experiencing low flows but cooling temperatures. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will beginfall stockingof thousands of brown, golden, and rainbow trout in select creeks, lakes, and rivers across the state starting in early October. Some streams may be running too low to receive a full stocking and some may have unacceptable water levels, so we will post locations on our website after they are stocked. Anglers cansign upto receive stocking updates by email. Our online map oftrout management areasaround the state can help you explore areas to fish.
Also, join us for our Maryland Fishing Roundtable webinar Oct. 15 at noon as Coldwater Program Manager Marshall Brown discusses trout stocking. Details for joining the webinar are on the department’sonline calendar.
The upper Potomac River is running very low this week with clear water conditions. Grass beds are declining due to shorter daylight hours and falling leaves are now adding to line-fouling headaches. Clear and low water conditions call for light lines and long casts for smallmouth bass fishing. Topwater lures near shoreline structure in the early morning hours can work well and tubes, crankbaits, and anything that looks like a crayfish is a good bet in deeper waters near current breaks and submerged ledges.
Herb Floyd was casting a crankbait in an Eastern Shore lake when this hefty bluegill decided to take on a shad rap lure. Photo by Herb Floyd
Cooler water temperatures are pushing largemouth bass to feed aggressively; one of their favorite feeding patterns this time of year is to intercept baitfish and crayfish retreating to deeper cover as shallow water grass beds decline. They will often hold near drop-offs or any kind of structure they can find in transition areas to the shallower waters. If you’re in a boat, cast towards the shallows and retrieve your bait towards the drop-off, and when you feel you’ve hit the drop-off allow the bait to pause and then slowly descend. Crankbaits and craw-type soft plastics are excellent baits to imitate crayfish heading for deeper water. Casting spinnerbaits around the edges of declining grass beds or spatterdock fields in a falling tide in the tidal rivers is another good bet.
The tidal rivers of the western region and Eastern Shore offer plenty of good fishing for largemouth bass, and the tidal rivers of the middle and lower Eastern Shore have a lot less angling competition and room to spread out. Northern snakeheads will be in the mix in most tidal waters and they are showing a bit of a slowdown in activity due to cooler water temperatures. Buzzbaits, chatterbaits, and white paddle tails will still be at the top of the list for eliciting some response from a snakehead. Cooler waters and less grass will herald in the use of large minnows under a bobber. Casting lip-hooked minnows near submerged wood is also a winning tactic in cooler waters.
The fall months are a great time to fish for channel catfish in just about any tidal river in Maryland. Pesky, bait-stealing blue crabs have moved far downriver and channel catfish are very active. Blue catfish continue to expand their range in the Chesapeake Bay’s tidal rivers. The Potomac, Patuxent, Nanticoke, Choptank, Chester, and Susquehanna rivers all have substantial numbers of blue catfish. They will be found in lesser numbers in just about all of the tidal rivers in Maryland. Fresh cut bait, clam snouts, and nightcrawlers all make good baits.
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays
Surf anglers are catching good numbers of kingfish this week along with spot, croaker on bloodworms and flounder on squid. Those fishing with finger mullet are catching some bluefish. Many have the big surf rods out this week in hopes of some catch and release action with large red drum that usually migrate along the beaches of Ocean City and Assateague Island this time of the year. Cut spot, menhaden or mullet make excellent baits on a fish finder rig for large red drum or striped bass.
Photo by Monty Hawkins
In and around the inlet fishing for sheepshead at the bases of the jetty rocks has been at the top of the list for many, pieces of green crab and sand fleas are popular baits. Bluefish are moving in and out of the inlet on the tides and being caught by casting jigs or drifting cut bait. Flounder are being caught by drifting live spot or mullet and traditional squid and minnow rigs.
The coastal bay waters are clearing up and flounder fishing is improving. Strong, persistent winds will stir the relatively shallow bay waters into cloudy conditions. Flounder are ambush predators and must see the bait anglers are presenting.
The fishing for sea bass at the offshore wreck and reef sites has been very good this week. Limit catches of sea bass are common. A few small dolphin are still being caught along with flounder. Farther offshore at the canyons, boats have finally been able to venture out after days of rough sea conditions. The Washington Canyon is a popular destination where limit catches of small dolphin are being caught. White marlin are being caught and released and a few wahoo are being caught at the Rock Pile.
A reminder to fall swordfish anglers that you are responsible forcompleting a catch cardwhen returning to port for each swordfish, bluefin tuna, or sharks on board the vessel. A tag is provided for each completed catch card and the angler is required to place this tag around the tail of the fish before removing it from the vessel. Trailered boats cannot be pulled from the water until the tag is in place. Please be aware that anglers in Maryland who recreationally land swordfish outside of tournaments must use a catch card. See thecatch card reporting websitefor details on how to use them.
“Soak it up, go into it softly and thoughtfully, with love and understanding, for another year must pass before you can come this way again.” — Gene Hill
Artificial intelligence researchers in Norway are testing AI models designed to cut costs and improve efficiency in raising salmon, one of the country’s major exports.
The models are designed to optimize feeding, keep the fish clean and healthy, and help companies make better decisions regarding farm operations. The AI is being developed in a lab run by Norwegian telecommunications carrier Telenor ASA and other companies. Telenor provides some other technology services, such as testing of 5G mobile connectivity, to salmon...
New state records were set for longest catch and release fish in Long Island Sound, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced. Al Zuppe, of West Haven, set a record for a Cownose Ray measuring 57.75 inches at Sandy Point Beach in West Haven.
New state records were set for longest catch and release fish in Long Island Sound, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced. Al Zuppe, of West Haven, set a record for a Cownose
Photo: Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection Photo
Photo: Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection Photo
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New state records were set for longest catch and release fish in Long Island Sound, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced. Al Zuppe, of West Haven, set a record for a Cownose Ray measuring 57.75 inches at Sandy Point Beach in West Haven.
New state records were set for longest catch and release fish in Long Island Sound, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has announced. Al Zuppe, of West Haven, set a record for a Cownose
Photo: Department Of Energy And Environmental Protection Photo
Anglers win awards for longest fish in Long Island Sound
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New state records were set for longest catch-and-release fish in Long Island Sound, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced this week.
The Fisheries Division said the longest fish in its Trophy Fish Award Program was created last year to recognize anglers who prefer to release their catch.
Unlike other categories in the program, the catch-and-release fish are measured, not weighed.
Evan Kamoen, of Killingworth, caught a 20.75-inch Spanish mackerel, caught and released in Niantic.
Al Zuppe, of West Haven, set with two new records, the first for a Cownose Ray, measuring 57.75 inches at Sandy Point Beach and a “monster” weakfish at 33.75 inches caught and released at the West Haven Breakwall in New Haven Harbor.
Jennifer Zuppe, of West Haven, set a record with a Scup (Porgy), measuring 19 and 7/8 inches caught and released at the New Haven Breakwall.
Among the rules in the program are submitting photos and filling out affidavit.
Other rules require that a witness must be present when the fish's length is measured and a clear photo must accompany the affidavit. This photo must include the angler holding the fish and the fish next to a measuring (yardstick, ruler, or tape measure) device to clearly show length of fish.
The accompanying photo must be taken at the location where the fish was caught and released.
Fish cannot be taken from the site and then transported back and fish must be released alive.
Click here to read about Connecticut’s saltwater state record fish.
BOISE — Here are some highlights beyond the routine fish stocking going on statewide
With so many fish stocked in so many places, it can be hard for anglers to sift through the stocking forecasts and records to identify noteworthy stocking events. To make it easier, Fish and Game hatchery staff have highlighted some stocking events for the month of October. Here’s what they came up with:
Clearwater Region
Deer Creek Reservoir – 2,100 Rainbow Trout. This beautiful mountain reservoir was built specifically for trout fishing. Rainbow trout are stocked from spring through fall in this remote setting for high catch rates from shore or a boat. This is the home of the state record tiger trout!
Deyo Reservoir – 4,800 Rainbow Trout. Nestled amid farms and timber, beautiful Deyo Reservoir provides a great family fishing experience. A maintained trail surrounding the entire reservoir features seven fishing docks and two large fishing peninsulas, making it easy to find a good place to fish. There is also a developed boat ramp, picnic shelter, benches, and two handicap-accessible docks.
Kiwanis Park Pond – 1,500 Rainbow Trout. This convenient community pond is located in Lewiston next to the Snake River within walking distance to picnic shelters and a playground.
Moose Creek Reservoir – 6,500 Rainbow Trout. A shallow lake in rolling timbered hills on Idaho’s Birding Trail, Moose Creek Reservoir is ideal for kayaks and float tubes. A trail surrounds the lake and nine fishing docks provide good shore fishing opportunities. There is a small developed boat ramp but gas motors are not allowed on this lake.
Spring Valley Reservoir – 9,200 Rainbow Trout. A maintained trail surrounds the reservoir and fishing docks and platforms increase shoreline access. Amenities include a picnic shelter, benches, picnic tables, handicap fishing access, and a developed boat ramp, but gas motors are not allowed. This is Stop 35 on the Idaho Birding Trail.
Winchester Lake – 14,400 Rainbow Trout. Located in a beautiful forested setting and offers very easy access. Docks and fishing platforms enhance fishing opportunities for beginners and accomplished anglers. Facilities include a picnic shelter, benches, picnic tables, and a range of camping options. Many facilities are located in Winchester State Park, where an entrance fee applies. Year round, you will find good fishing, plenty of recreation activities and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Southwest Region (McCall)
Horsethief Reservoir – 7,500 Rainbow Trout. This reservoir has everything for a memorable fishing weekend - a beautiful lake in the trees, good fishing and camping.
Southwest Region (Nampa)
Arrowrock Reservoir – 9,000 Rainbow Trout. Be sure to properly identify trout species as bull trout utilize the reservoir.
Crane Falls Reservoir – 1,200 Rainbow Trout. Located alongside the Snake River in the sagebrush south of Mountain Home, this lake is best fished from small boats and float craft, though several fishing docks are available.
Duff Lane Pond – 475 Rainbow Trout. A small ramp is available for launching small boats and float craft, along with two fishing docks. Bass and bluegill are also targeted by anglers.
Esther Simplot Pond – 1,300 Rainbow Trout. Located next to the Boise River, this park offers fishing, walking and biking paths, docks, shelters, playground, and a beach.
Horseshoe Bend Mill Pond – 900 Rainbow Trout. Just north of town, this pond features easy access and productive fishing for bass and trout in a pleasant setting. This pond is one of more than seventy waters designated as Family Fishing Waters in Idaho. These waters have been established to make it easier for families to go and enjoy fishing. The rules are simple and there are lots of fish to catch.
Lucky Peak Reservoir – 4,000 Rainbow Trout. This reservoir is well-known for quality kokanee and rainbow trout fishing, though some anglers choose to focus on smallmouth bass.
Nicholson Pond – 475 Rainbow Trout. This small neighborhood pond offers easily accessible fishing for trout and panfish within Nicholson Park next to Indian Creek in Kuna.
Parkcenter Pond – 750 Rainbow Trout. Conveniently located near downtown Boise, the greenbelt and the BSU campus, this pond is a popular local fishing spot with a paved path alongside docks and tables with maturing trees.
Sawyers Pond – 900 Rainbow Trout. This pond complex offers lots of fishing options. Anglers can launch small boats to access a series of ponds of varying sizes. Numerous docks and shoreline access provide great fishing opportunities.
Magic Valley Region
Blair Trail Pond – 2,000 Rainbow Trout. Located on Little Canyon Creek, this is a remote desert water surrounded by sagebrush solitude.
Burley Pond – 2,000 Rainbow Trout.
Freedom Park Pond – 700 Rainbow Trout. This trout pond was built with young kids in mind!
Lake Walcott – 24,000 Rainbow Trout.
Southeast Region
American Falls Reservoir – 42,000 Rainbow Trout.
Blackfoot Reservoir – 80,000 Rainbow Trout.
Edson Fichter Pond – 1,250 Rainbow Trout. This community pond is located in southwest Pocatello along the Portneuf River at Edson Fichter Nature Area. It features several docks and a trail for access around the pond. Limited development and the Nature Area provide a rural feel. Just minutes from downtown Pocatello, this site offers local anglers a convenient escape close to home.
Snake River – 31,950 Rainbow Trout. Stocking will occur at Tilden, Blackfoot, Firth and Shelley.
Salmon Region
Hayden Creek Pond – 600 Rainbow Trout. Here is a family friendly fishing area in the high desert along Hayden Creek. Anglers will find ample bank fishing opportunities and a dock for anglers with limited mobility.
Hyde Creek Pond – 400 Rainbow Trout. This small pond is surrounded by sagebrush. The open site and level terrain provide ideal bank fishing for beginning anglers and those who want to practice casting techniques.
A Woolworths promotion involving Disney+ Ooshies has become a boon of sorts for an angler in Australia, who says the popular collectibles help him catch fish.
Mark Pace of Queensland posted several photos to Facebook this week showing glow-in-the-dark Ooshies attached near his hooks, to be used as teasers.
The glow from the collectables, Pace implied, helps inspire a strike response from game fish. His post also displayed photos of fish he caught with the help of Ooshies.
“Anyone have any glow-in-the-dark Ooshies they don’t want? Pace asked. “Happy to pay $1 each.”
Apparently, the Wooolworths-Disney+ promotion has been so popular that the supermarket giant has run out of stock in most areas. As part of the promotion, the collectibles were given to customers who spent $30 or more in the stores.
“It’s apparent customers of all ages have loved collecting these Disney+ Ooshies and their popularity completely exceeded our expectations,” Andrew Hicks, Chief Marketing Officer for Woolworths, told 9News Australia.
But as Pace’s Facebook post became widely shared – “Finally, a useful purpose for Ooshies,” one commenter wrote – some viewers expressed concern that if this became a trend it would result in more plastic polluting the oceans.
“Plastic has no place in our oceans in any way or form,” one commenter wrote.
A potential controversy became such that a Woolworths spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia that the collectibles are not intended to be plopped into the ocean.
“While we don’t encourage the use of Ooshies for fishing bait, they can be used in many other ways,” the spokesperson said. “From storytelling, taking care of them as a special collector’s items or popping them on the back of pencils.”
Life on Earth is all about strategies for survival, with every organism developing behaviors and bodies that maximize chances of staying alive and reproducing while minimizing the likelihood of being injured or eaten.
Fish are one such example. For millions of years, many species have evolved a safety-in-numbers strategy that confuses predators and ensures the survival of the maximum number of individuals as they move about in the ocean. According to scientists at UC Santa Barbara, the Santa Fe Institute and the University of Washington, however, thanks to modern industrial fishing practices and technologies, schooling behavior may become less common.
"The findings from our model suggest that industrial fishing can decrease the tendency of fish to form large groups," said UCSB graduate student researcher Ana Sofia Guerra, lead author of a paper published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B. This change in behavior has implications for both the fish and their predators, including humans.
"People have been studying fisheries science for centuries," added marine ecologist and paper co-author Douglas McCauley, an associate professor of ecology, evolution and marine biology at UC Santa Barbara. "But we've never considered: Could modern fishing technology be killing schooling behavior?"
Indeed, the capacity to extract large amounts of fish from the ocean has grown in the past several decades, with ships and fleets able to access and fish from even remote areas of the ocean. Purse-seining and trawling both involve deploying enormous nets that target large groups of fish. Drones and spotter planes increase the efficiency of these mass-capture methods.
"One of the reasons schooling behavior exists is to avoid a predator attack, but by developing technology that can capture entire schools, we have turned the tables on that strategy," Guerra said.
To better understand this effect, Guerra and McCauley, along with colleagues Albert Kao from the Santa Fe Institute and Andrew M. Berdahl from the University of Washington, constructed an evolutionary fission-fusion model to simulate the behavior of individual schooling fish faced with different levels of predation, both natural and human. The model describes changes in fishes' preference to form large schools while subjected to different levels of human fishing pressure and natural predation.
The results show that the larger the prevalence of mass-capture practices relative to natural predation, the more individual fish preferences shift toward smaller group sizes.
"Suddenly the sardine in a big school is a lot more vulnerable to a human predator than one that prefers smaller schools or a solitary lifestyle," Guerra said. Collectively, this change in preference will result in smaller groups and more solitary individuals.
In fact, this change could have several impacts, according to the researchers. For one thing, natural predators that rely on these fish also have evolved hunting methods based on the fishes' tendencies to travel in large groups.
"We are not the only predators who have figured out how to exploit schooling fish," Guerra said. Seabirds and pelagic predators often coordinate their attacks. Humpback whales corral herring using 'bubble nets' before swooping in, although their ability to exploit schools is not as effective or expansive as that of humans. "By altering schooling behavior, we could actually impact marine predators that rely on schooling fish," she said.
It's a socioeconomic issue, too. Foragefish, which include anchovies, herring and sardines, are a large segment of the global fishing industry, valued at $16.9 billion. The economy and efficiency of their capture makes them the basis of thousands of livelihoods. Changes in their schooling behavior might require more time, effort and resources to catch them, which puts the fisheries in a vulnerable position.
Is it reversible? Yes, but only after a lag that would allow the fish to evolve their preferences similar to those observed in the absence of fishing, according to the paper.
"If you wanted to reverse the effects of fishing on a fish population's tendency to school, you would have to reduce fishing to a much lower level than what it took to cause the effect in the first place," Guerra said.
Especially worrying is their finding that it is difficult to see these impacts on schooling until it is too late—data is incomplete at best. For example, data from purse-seining operations will focus on large schools and ignore the smaller schools. "If what happens in these models is actually playing out in the ocean, it means we may keep catching fish schools, thinking everything is fine," McCauley said. "Until we catch the last school. And discover that everything is not fine."
This wouldn't be the first time large-scale fishing has introduced evolutionary pressures into fish populations. For instance, the practice of selecting for the largest individuals, has, generation over generation, produced smaller adults in some species.
"Because we consistently harvest the largest fish in the population, it has become an advantage for them to be smaller—they are less of a target and therefore more likely to survive and reproduce," Guerra explained. "With intense fishing pressure, it is also advantageous to reproduce earlier at a smaller size." This phenomenon has already occurred with salmon in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, in Europe and North America.
This research is an investigation into the area of the behavioral consequences of targeting large schools, a rather underexplored area of fishery science. Most research assumes that fish behaviors do not change.
"Fishery science sometimes tends to treat fish as just numbers on an accounting sheet," McCauley said. "Our work reminds us that fish are not just numbers. They are living animals with behavior.
"We know from many contexts that hunted animals can shift behavior slowly to evade capture—this seems to be possible for fish as well," he continued. "Our models suggest fishing could very easily be changing fish behavior in ways that affect both fish and fishers."
More information: Ana Sofia Guerra et al. Fisheries-induced selection against schooling behavior in marine fishes, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2020). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1752
Citation: New model shows that industrial fishing could promote anti-social fish behavior (2020, September 30) retrieved 30 September 2020 from https://ift.tt/3kZQMBF
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.— The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today designated just over 175 river miles, including 9,924 acres, as protected critical habitat for the threatened trispot darter in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
“The only way to save species like the trispot darter is to protect the places they call home,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This colorful little fish needs something we all need, clean water and healthy streams, so we celebrate this designation of critical habitat.”
The Center for Biological Diversity, Alabama Rivers Alliance and allies petitioned for trispot darter protection in 2010 and sued to have the Service protect it in 2015.
The trispot darter has been lost from 80% of its range. It was thought to be extinct in Alabama for more than 50 years until it was found in Little Canoe Creek in 2008.
The fish is found in the Coosa River watershed in northern Alabama, northern Georgia and southeastern Tennessee. It also lives in the Conasauga River watershed, above the confluence with the Coosawattee River in Georgia and Tennessee.
Of the four waterways where it survives — Little Canoe Creek Basin, Ballplay Creek Basin, Conasauga River Basin and Coosawattee River Basin — only the Little Canoe Creek population is considered to be moderately healthy. The other three populations are in poor condition.
The trispot darter is unique from other darters because it acts like a tiny salmon, migrating upstream annually from the larger rivers where it spends most of its life to small tributaries and seeps to spawn. Culverts, dams and other modifications can block its passage.
The species is threatened by urban sprawl, since stormwater runoff from development degrades the water quality it needs to survive. It’s also threatened by runoff from logging and agriculture, by dams and by drought. The fish’s habitat becomes unsuitable when silt and sediment fill in the spaces between rocks, burying the spaces it needs for shelter and egg-laying.
The proposed critical habitat is in Big Canoe, Ballplay, Mill and Coahulla creeks, and in the Conasauga and Coosawattae rivers in Etowah, Cherokee, Calhoun, St. Clair, Whitfield, Murray, Polk, Bradley and Murray counties. Critical habitat designation requires managers of any federal project to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service to make sure the darter’s habitat is not harmed.
Background
The trispot darter was first identified as needing federal protection in 1982. The Center sued the Service in 2015 to get a legally binding date for a decision on its protection.
The fish grows to about 1.5 inches long and eats midge-fly larvae. It is eaten, in turn, by black bass and other large fish prized by anglers.
Freshwater species are being lost to extinction at 1,000 times the natural background extinction rate due to dams, pollution, climate change and the ever-increasing use of water to meet the demands of human population growth.
The Southeast is home to more kinds of freshwater animals than anywhere else in the country, but the region has recently lost more than 50 of those freshwater species to extinction.
(UPDATE 1) Ken O’Malley’s lakes and Kankakee River reports added)
Lakefront salmon and trout continue to lead the sprawling raw-fie Midwest Fishing Report, but with fall truly arriving this week so does fall fishing around Chicago and early catch-and-release fall trout season opens Saturday at a few spots in Illinois.
SHORELINE SALMON/TROUT
See the Fish of the Week for some examples for shoreline salmon and trout in Illinois.
A.J. Cwiok messaged the photo at the top Wednesday night and this:
There’s still silver to be found in Waukegan.
A mixed bag of reports, both for action and types of fish, including kings, coho and browns come around the southern end of the lake.
Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:
Some nice Kings being caught ,mostly dusk to dawn so predominantly glow spoons & crankbaits. The few caught during the day on anything shiny. Coho & Trout on spoons and various baits. Spawn, Med roaches, crawlers & shrimp.
Waukegan harbor fishing involved greatly this week with many catches of surprisingly relatively silver fish that aren’t yet rotting zombies. The fish have been there for weeks but really inactive. The cooler air and water temperatures the past week likely account for greater activity. Glow cranks in the dark took most fish. Anglers casting during the day did better on smaller spoons. Skein floated under a bobber took some too. Kings, coho and browns were all caught this week casting.
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station, Ind. texted:
Some coho and a few kings being caught in area tributaries #3 and #4 spinners and floating spawn sacks best things to try
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor. Mich. said a couple kings have been caught jigging in the St. Joseph River.
Arden Katz said that Milwaukee Harbor was loaded with jumping salmon Saturday. He lost two kings and his boat went 0-for-5 of them. “One jumped as high as eye level and another snapped the line,” Katz said. They were using rattle baits; some were trolling with Reef Runners inside the harbor and catching fish. “Lots more fish than last week,” he said. “They are in there. They are jumping like mad.”
INLAND TROUT
Early catch-and-release trout season opens Saturday, Oct. 3, at nine sites statewide. In northern Illinois, those are Rock Creek at Kankakee River State Park, Pine Creek at White Pines Forest SP and Apple River at Apple River SP. A fishing license and an inland trout stamp are required for those 16 and older.
Regular season, with some changes and remaining questions, opens Oct. 17. Click here for details.
SALMON SNAGGING
Salmon snagging on the Illinois shoreline of Lake Michigan begins Thursday, Oct. 1, and runs through Dec. 31.
Here are the key details from the IDNR:
4) Snagging for chinook and coho salmon only is permitted from the following Lake Michigan shoreline areas from October 1 through December 31; however, no snagging is allowed at any time within 200 feet of a moored watercraft or as posted:
A) Lincoln Park Lagoon from the Fullerton Avenue Bridge to the southern end of the Lagoon.
B) Waukegan Harbor (in North Harbor basin only).
C) Winnetka Power Plant discharge area.
D) Jackson Harbor (Inner and Outer Harbors).
ILLINOIS FROGGING
Bullfrog-only season runs through Oct. 15 in Illinois. Daily bag is eight.
A couple key notes from the Illinois DNR:
A sport fishing license is required to harvest bullfrogs. Bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, gig, pitchfork, spear, bow and arrow, hand, or landing net.
No person shall harvest bullfrogs or any other reptile or amphibian by commercial fishing devices, including, hoop nets, traps or seines or by the use of firearms, air guns or gas guns or during bowfishing tournaments.
CHICAGO FISHING PARKING PASSES
The parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed.
ILLINOIS RIVER LOCKS
Closures are on for the Dresden Island, Marseilles, Starved Rock, Peoria and LaGrange locks on the Illinois River to facilitate major repairs.
Here are the two lead paragraphs from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:
ROCK ISLAND, Illinois – Beginning July 1, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District is temporarily closing the Dresden Island, Marseilles, Starved Rock, Peoria and LaGrange locks on the Illinois Waterway to facilitate needed repairs and maintenance. The closures, which will be conducted simultaneously to limit impacts to navigation, are scheduled to last through late October.
During the closures, no vessels will be able to pass through the closed locks. Navigation on the rest of the river, between the locks, will be able to continue without impact as water levels will be maintained at a normal level throughout the season.
Click here for details on the timing and other details on the closures.
AREA LAKES
Big changes coming with fall truly arriving. But most anglers are waiting on the Oct. 17 opener for inland trout.
Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed:
Hey Dale,
Here is a recap of this past week’s fishing.
Area lakes-with the warm up, bass, crappie, and bluegill were very active midday and evening hours. Crappie and bluegill could be taken working plastics under a slip float along deep weedlines. Bass were good on senkos worked in the same area.
. . .
TTYL
—
Ken “Husker” O’Malley
Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team
BRAIDWOOD LAKE
The cooling lake in Will County is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset. Final day of fishing is Oct. 13.
CHAIN O’LAKES AREA
Brad Irving at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said crappie are starting to move in, live bait is better than plastics; catfish are doing well on cutbait, stinkbait and crawlers; white bass and a few yellows are being caught on bladebaits and small crankbaits; for walleye, try trolling in 4-8 feet on Marie; for muskies, some are being caught by those trolling lures (Triangle does have muskie suckers).
NOTE: Check updates on water conditions at foxwaterway.com or (847) 587-8540.
NOTE 2: The Stratton Lock and Dam is closed for the season.
DELAVAN LAKE, WISCONSIN
Dave Duwe emailed:
Delavan Lake 9/28/20 through 10/5/20
Overall fishing is slow. It’s the in-between time when the lake turns over and the fall bite is almost here. Last week was a struggle to catch any kind of decent fish. We need some stable weather without so many fronts so the fish can get into their patterns better.
Northern Pike have been sporadic. Some good catches of fish have come in the shallows in 10-12 ft. Either on bobbered suckers or casting large white spinner baits or perch colored jerk baits. The fish I caught last week were all large- over 32 inches. With stable weather we should have some awesome pike fishing within the next week or so. The best location is by the Belvidere condos or by Willow Point. I’ve been lindy rigging off the weed line in 18-25 ft. The fishing however has been quite slow.
Bluegills with the cooler temperatures are again shallow. The best depth is 10 ft. The best approach is slip bobbers with small red worms or wax worms and ice jigs. Look for the fish by Delavan Lake Marina or by the gray condos.
Largemouth bass have been slow. They can be caught most often in the weeds. Look for them under the boat docks or in the 8-10 ft weed flats. They are starting to switch from nightcrawlers to small fat head minnows or suckers. I’ve been casting them in the shallow weeds with very light weight. The larger fish I caught last week were off the weed lines in 16-18 ft. I have been lindy rigging them beneath the boat. Look for the fish by the Village Supper Club or by the Delavan Lake Marina.
Walleye fishing remains very slow. Most of the fish are being caught on small suckers or fat head minnows. The best depth is about 14-16 ft of water. The key seems to be using painted hooks, either chartreuse or orange. Most of the success has come from lindy rigging, however a large split shot rig also produces fish. In the next few weeks, the fish should start suspending and will readily hit jerk baits but for now they are elusive.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050
DES PLAINES RIVER
From what Jonny Pitelka told me while I was doing a column on him for tomorrow, the pike and bass are going on the river around cover, such as sunken logs.
DOWNSTATE
POWERTON: Final day of regular fishing is Oct. 16.
I fished a little bit over the weekend, all close to home.
. . .
In preparation for the upcoming salmon/steelhead/brown trout runs-any significant rain in the coming days will probably push them upstream-I went to the Fox to practice some casting. The water was as low as I’ve ever seen it, which made wading simple. I talked to another angler as he was leaving and he said he was using a shallow running crankbait and still hanging up on the bottom. He also saw a kayak hit a rock in the middle of the river, a rock that is usually under several feet of water. We did get some rain last night, so all of this could’ve changed since I was there.
Pete
GENEVA LAKE, WISCONSIN
Dave Duwe emailed:
Lake Geneva 9/28/20 through 10/5/20
Fishing season is coming to a rapid close, hurry there’s not much time until the water gets very hard! The most consistent bite on the lake are the perch. They can be found anywhere between 8 and 16 ft of water. You want to look for the fish outside the heavy weeds in the light scattered weeds. The best approach has been small fat head minnows fished on slip bobbers. I’ve been anchoring while fishing for them. There is a lot of small fish, so to get a limit you need to sort quite a bit.
Northern Pike fishing has been good in the shallow water. The best depth has been 10-12 ft. The best approach has been anchor fishing them and fishing slip bobbers. The best bait is medium or large golden shiners. The general size of the fish are smaller than the fish found on the thermocline. Look for the fish in Fontana Beach, Rainbow Point and in Geneva Bay.
Largemouth bass are in the shallow waters in the 8-10 ft range in the heavy weeds. I’m getting the fish by drop shotting small finesse worms or sassy shads. Green Pumpkin or White pearl have been producing most of the action. You can catch an occasional fish if the wind cooperates on top water lures. Use either Zara Spooks or Chug bugs.
Bluegills are biting on red worms or leaf worms. The best depth is 20-27 ft. look for the fish by Elgin Club or by Knollwood. Some of the bluegills are in excess of 10 inches.
Smallmouth bass have been caught in 22-24 ft of water. The best bait is lindy rigged nightcrawlers. The leader length should be 18-24 inches fished behind an 1/8 oz or ¼ oz walking sinker depending on the wind. The numbers aren’t all that good however if you put the time in you should catch a few. Look for the fish by Fontana Beach or by Elgin Club.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050
GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN
Mark Tieman, from Winter Garden, Florida, with a nice Green Lake smallmouth caught last Monday with guide Mike Norris.Provided
Guide Mike Norris texted the photo above and emailed this:
Fishing Report 09/26/2020
Mike Norris
Big Green Lake – Fishing normally is a hit or miss proposition this time of year. Falling water temperature spreads fish out and they can be difficult to locate. The good news is lake trout remains excellent. Anglers are jigging them up with Rattling Spoons and Jigging Raps. The bad news is fishing for lake trout closes at the end of the day on Wednesday, September 30th and does not open again until next January. Fishing for both large and smallmouth bass remains mixed. This past weekend I caught both species anywhere from 2 to 24-feet of water with wacky-rigged Senko’s and with drop shot rigs. I am finding more smallmouth relating to weeds than I am rock, but that will change when the water drops beneath 60 degrees. Right now, I am getting readings of 64 degrees. The big perch bite has slowed with the passing of a cold front last weekend and should resume when the weather warms up again.
Little Green Lake – Muskie anglers are out now that the water is cooling down and I have heard of several 36 to 40-inch muskie being caught. I have also heard of one 47-inch muskie which fell to a minnow bait worked over one the rock pile at the north end of the lake. Walleyes are slow but crappies are still biting on a minnow weighted by a split shot while drifting across the lake basin.
Beaver Dam Lake – The north end of the lake and shoreline neckdown areas on both the east and west shorelines remain good for crappies, perch, and a few walleyes. This bite will continue to improve from now to end of year. Anglers are crappie and perch casting from the shoreline with minnows suspended below slip floats.
Fox Lake – Fishing is starting to pick up. Some nice walleyes and bass have been caught this past week. Anglers are still trolling the lake’s basin for walleye but several bass fisherman has also reported catching walleyes near shorelines with jig and plastics.
Phone me at 630-842-8199 to book a guided fishing trip or contact me through my website at www.comecatchsmallmouth.com
The former cooling lake near Morris is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset. Final day of fishing is Tuesday, Oct. 6.
ILLINOIS RIVER
Like other rivers, remains low. Remember the lock closures.
KANKAKEE RIVER
Ken “Husker” O’Malley with a Kankakee River smallmouth bass.Provided
Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photo above and this:
Hey Dale,
Here is a recap of this past week’s fishing.
. . .
Kankakee River- smallmouth were good working TRD rigs along current seams in faster moving water. River is very clear and is still low. The flow rate however was better than what it has been.
TTYL
—
Ken “Husker” O’Malley
Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team
River remains low, as George Peters emailed:
Hi Dale, Kankakee river still low and this weeks rain won’t do much. Colder days and less sunlight will cause weed break up with floating weeds a problem on your line. Fish will still bite in areas not fished too hard. G. Peters
The walleye bounty of Lake Erie.Provided by Joe McCartin
Joe McCartin texted the photo above over the weekend and this:
Averaging 16 5lbs per day A lot coming in buttoned
Deep fish 50’fow 35-40 feet down
Bandits with snap weights
LAKEFRONT
See Lakefront Salmon/Trout and Snagging notes at the top.
The lakefront remains officially closed, but people are doing a lot of things on the lakefront, including fishing by walking or biking in. Fisherman’s parking passes are not being sold while the lakefront remains officially closed.
Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:
Some nice Kings being caught ,mostly dusk to dawn so predominantly glow spoons & crankbaits. The few caught during the day on anything shiny. Coho & Trout on spoons and various baits. Spawn, Med roaches, crawlers & shrimp. Nice Smallmouth and some Northerns caught while targeting Salmon.
Capt. Bob Poteshman of Confusion Charters said the good lake trout off Chicago appear to be edging north, spread out in 110 to 160 feet.
“In my opinion, farther north, more to outside of the R4,” Poteshman said. “There’s plenty of fish, little ones and big. Most of the fish coming off the bottom on big flashers and Spin-N-Glos.”
Out of North Point, best bite is from state line south in 160-200 feet for mostly with a few small coho and kings. Some of the big lakers are working toward the reefs.
“If we get some more light north winds and stable weather, we would see more [small salmon], but we keep getting this wild swings from all directions,” Poteshman said.
Capt. Scott Wolfe emailed:
Hi Dale
Waukegan harbor fishing involved greatly this week with many catches of surprisingly relatively silver fish that aren’t yet rotting zombies. The fish have been there for weeks but really inactive. The cooler air and water temperatures the past week likely account for greater activity. Glow cranks in the dark took most fish. Anglers casting during the day did better on smaller spoons. Skein floated under a bobber took some too. Kings, coho and browns were all caught this week casting. A few northern pike and bass were also caught. If anglers want to target those, spinner baits are better for avoiding the salmon and trout but will work on bass and pike.
Offshore fishing was great this week. For boats targeting lake trout limit catches are coming in 125-145 feet. They are concentrating on the humps and reefs off shore as they are about to spawn. Most of the trout are taken 110 feet to the bottom. Jimmy Fly Mo Rigs in Orange Guy, Gold Goby and Kaitlyn Jenner patterns worked. A few came on Magnum Warrior UV Spoons in blue/green and purple trolled below 90 feet.
For offshore mixed species catches going out to over 200 feet of water yielded some boats good catches of steelhead, lake trout, 3 year old kings, and little 2 year old kings and coho. Smaller size UV spoons like the Warrior XL series 45 to 100 down worked.
The water temp on the Menominee River is 58 degrees and smallmouth are starting to bunch up. A few days ago we hammered the smallmouth with Case Lil Magic Swimbaits. The fall bite is on!!!
As September comes to a close, with plenty of previews of October like weather, anglers’ sights move primarily to Musky, Walleye and Crappies. Cool, windy weather is not always the easiest to fish and we typically see Bass, Bluegill and Perch anglers participate less as the fall progresses.
Musky: Very Good-Good – With surface temps holding in the low 60’s, Musky action remains very good in shallow water. Top-water lures, tailed gliders, twitch baits, spinner baits and jerk baits all producing. Big fish this week caught by some of our guided clients in the upper 40” range weighing in the upper 30# class! This bite should remain hot as temps, though cool, continue to not spike up or down much. Sucker (and Trout) bite also good on quick sets.
Walleye: Good-Fair – Deep gravel humps and mud transition lines of 22-30’ using jig minnow, Lindy rig sucker combos or vertical jigging Raps and shiver minnows. On Flowages edges of river channels best in 14-20’ using small chubs on 1/16 – 1/8 oz weedless jigs to reduce snags in wood.
Northern Pike: Good – As usual, weed based areas producing best with spinner baits and spoons. Musky anglers report being “bothered” by Pike using twitch baits and bucktails meant for “Skies”!
Crappie: Good-Fair – Most reports from Flowages as wind making it hard to hold on the lakes. Even the Flowage bite not as “hot” as it should be. Medium fats over 12-18’ drowned wood. Some fish suspended 8-10’ down, but tough to get bite from.
Largemouth Bass: Good – As mentioned earlier, not as much participation. Bass tucked into heavy weed cover, jig/creature combos, Wacky worming and Texas rigging best.
Smallmouth Bass: Good-Fair – Most on off shore gravel/rock humps of 20-28’. Wind has been big hindrance. A few BIG Smallies on top-water meant for Muskies in shallows.
Bluegill: Fair – Few reports. Best on Flowages where large Gills occasionally being caught by Crappie & Walleye anglers.
Yellow Perch: Fair – Same as with Gills.
With highs in the low 40’s to mid 50’s this week (lows in low to upper 30’s), water temps may slip a little, but we’ve been getting similar weather with little change.
Should be a good October. Shortages on Musky Suckers and red-tailed chubs evident. Redtails almost none coming in, suckers limited and prices rising again due to low supply. Call ahead of your trip to check supplies at your favorite shops.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
Like us on FaceBook
NORTHWEST INDIANA
Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:
Some coho and a few kings being caught in area tributaries #3 and #4 spinners and floating spawn sacks best things to try
Crappie in the evening around the bridges at lake George in Hobart has started it only gets better thru October. C rap pie minnows under a bobber best
All last week perch action was good east of Michigan city in 20 to 35 ft of water in front of the condos xl fatheads best
Slezs bait shop has Rosie red minnows and musky suckers in for the fall season
~Perch: fair; when the lake is calm anglers are catching. Fishing out of the port of St Joseph still remains good; anglers are catching limits in 36-42 FOW north of the harbor.
~Crappie: excellent; most are limiting out with large & jumbos in 2-3 hours or less. Lake George has particularly good action.
~Trout: Trolling has slowed down some in general, w/ good numbers of the catches mainly being lake trout.
~Catfish: great bite; beemoths, stinkbait, weed grubs, & cutbait working very well. Oak Ridge Prairie in Griffith recent local hotspot. Enormous, near-record breakers have been caught recently; definitely worth your time if you’re “Cat Crazy”.
~Salmon: River fishing has picked up with a few salmon being caught in the creek mouths, the lakefront, & at Berrien Springs dam. There are a lot of coho heading to shore on the lakefront & up the St. Joseph River along w/ a few kings. Anglers are using cut salmon, spawn saks & skein.
~Walleye: still a few coming on Nightcrawlers & small crank baits; Wolf Lake remains the go-to spot.
~Bass: a lot of smallmouth are still being caught on small plugs & night crawlers.
ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN
Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said they were getting perch last week in 42 feet, but then the winds came. A couple kings have been caught jigging in the river, which also has some good smallmouth and a few walleye. It is low at Berrien Springs.
SHABBONA LAKE
Staff at Lakeside said with the water in the mid-60s the best bites are largemouth, crappie and catfish.
Site hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lakeside (6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.) is open with boat rentals. Pokanoka’s Cafe is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the weekends. The camp store is open Friday through Sunday.
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT
Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.
Arden Katz said that Milwaukee Harbor was loaded with jumping salmon Saturday. He lost two kings and his boat went 0-for-5 of them. “One jumped as high as eye level and another snapped the line,” Katz said. They were using rattle baits; some were trolling with Reef Runners inside the harbor and catching fish. “Lots more fish than last week,” he said. “They are in there. They are jumping like mad.”
Erik Brztowski with a beautiful late-season sturgeon on the Wisconsin River.Provided
Erik Brztowski messaged the photo above and this:
Lots of fish over 40 in, a few over 50. Also got on a good midday bite. Was super fun getting towed around in a rental boat.
WOLF LAKE
Christina Petrites at Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond, Ind. emailed that Wolf is still the go-to spot for walleye on crawlers and small crankbaits.
WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN
Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:
Cold front just came in yesterday. Water temp was 63.5 . Going to take a few cold nights, maybe by the weekend. Fished yesterday afternoon, 6 crappie, 5 white bass in 1 1/2 hrs. Should get better soon
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