Salmon Slammin' on Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan salmon fishing also reaches its peak during the fall season, though for different reasons. During fall, Chinook and Coho start to migrate in from miles offshore to spawn in tributary streams. Chinook are the first to arrive, typically spawning from mid-September into early October, while Coho and brown trout begin spawning in early October and continue to end of that month.
Generally thought of as deep-water fish that only owners of large boats dare target, Lake Michigan salmon become accessible to virtually everyone during September and October and can easily be caught from shore, from piers or from shallower near-shore waters. Not surprisingly, in the last several years state DNR officials have noticed a dramatic rise in out-of-state fishermen coming to Southeastern Wisconsin during this time.
"Fall salmon fishing here is just unbelievable," said Brad Eggold of the Wisconsin DNR. "Though these fish aren't quite as large as coastal salmon, they're still big -- with many in the 20-pound range. And, since their stream migration distance is limited by dams, they are concentrated into a smaller area than in other parts of the country, which translates into very high harvest rates."
Eggold cited a number of river and river mouth areas as fall salmon hotspots, including the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers in Milwaukee County; the Pike River in Kenosha County and the Root River in Racine County. Further to the north, the Sheboygan River in Sheboygan County Manitowoc River in Manitowoc County, the Kewaunee River in Kewaunee County, and the Menominee River in Marinette Co. also attract widespread attention from anglers.
While salmon anglers use a variety of lures and presentations, yarn flies seem to be most popular with wading or shore fishermen (in the steams) while dodger fly rigs and J-plugs are used by most fishermen on the lake. Both resident and non-residents are free to try both techniques by virtue of the two-day trout/salmon stamp (sport license) offered by the Wisconsin DNR. Prospective anglers are encouraged to visit www.dnr.wi.gov/fish/lakemich for more information or to call the Wisconsin DNR fishing hotline at (414) 382-7920.
Other Fall Species to Target in Wisconsin
While musky, Chinook and Coho take most of the limelight during the fall fishing season, several other species are also worth putting on your "fish-for" list. In Lake Michigan, steelhead and brown trout also have seasonal spawning patterns and offer similar opportunities similar to Coho and Chinook. Lake trout are another popular species, as they continue to be very active during this period and make for a delicious feast (not to mention exciting angling!)
On the inland lakes, walleye are a popular fall target. According to Wisconsin DNR creel surveys, walleye catch rates are highest during the fall. What's more, they become much easier to find – as weeds die back and the water temperature cools, they tend to migrate to shallower waters, particularly at twilight.
Working crank baits in the cooler waters near edges and rocky shorelines is often productive during the fall season, as are larger minnows. While walleye can be found throughout Wisconsin, the Lake Winnebago system and northern lakes such as Lac du Flambeau and the Chippewa Flowage are particularly well-known for fall walleye fishing.
