Reports coming from the area lakes are that the Fall bite is on! Yes, it’s that time of year when the Fall colors start to appear, the mornings temps are cooler, the portages are quieter, and the fish are starting to forage.
The walleye bite on Fall Lake and Basswood has been heating up. While we aren’t seeing a whole lot for size, it’s the numbers that have improved since mid-August. Anglers have been using primarily crawlers to catch the bulk of the walleye but trolling with crankbaits has produced a few golden fillets as well.
Smallmouth Bass are still biting but are starting to pool up. It can be more difficult to find them this time of year, but once you are on to them, you are really on to them. Again, I believe crawlers are the best bait to be targeting the big boys, but fisherman have been catching them on top water as well.
Packsack Anglers have been having the best success lately with the northern pike. Many reports of fish 35-inches and above have been caught on Basswood lake, while smaller fish have been crushing lures on Fall Lake too. Trolling with spoons, shallow crankbaits, and inline spinners should call the giant water wolves up, if that doesn’t work, try using large sucker minnows on a slip bobber set up. This is a great time of year to be targeting pike as they are becoming more aggressive as the water temps begin to cool.
Pan fishing is still a great way to spend the day. Crappies are starting to pool up in the shallows at night and move to deeper water during the day. Crappie minnows on a small jig can be exciting this time of year.
Every season in the BWCA offers something special and Fall is no exception. It’s a great time of year to experience the fishing, the colors, the lack of mosquitos, and the great people of the Ely area! We hope to see you soon!