OCTOBER
Lac Vieux Desert Muskies
Lac Vieux Desert muskies turn on as fall sets in.

Autumn is when muskies patrol the weed edges off Duck, Near and Draper islands. Anglers toss jerkbaits and bucktail spinners. Soaking a sucker under a bobber works, too. The lake contains both northern and tiger muskies.

Skegemog Lake Smallmouths
Most anglers think of Skegemog's muskies and jumbo perch, but the lake produces some great fall bassin'. The best fishing is from about mid-October through November. Try the stumpfields off the mouth of the Torch River. Spinnerbaits are hard to beat. The bass will push 6 pounds. For details, contact Jack's Sport Shop at (231) 258-8892.

White Lake Walleyes
White Lake walleyes put on the feedbag in October. Gizzard shad, alewives and native baitfish become vulnerable as the weeds die. Walleyes pig out on the baitfish. Anchor and cast body baits along the weed edges, or you can stealth-troll the 10- to 20- foot contours. The fishing remains hot right up until ice-up.

NOVEMBER
Pere Marquette River Steelhead
Rains and cool weather trigger steelhead runs in the P.M. River. Steelhead also stage in P.M. Lake, where trollers and anglers fishing with spawn do well. Anglers catch steelhead on spawn, plugs and spinners in the river itself. Near Custer and Scottville can be very good. The river is wadeable upstream of Walhalla.

For information, contact Baldwin Bait & Tackle at (231) 745-3529.

Saginaw Bay Perch
Marinas, ditches and rivers that feed Saginaw Bay stack up with perch in the fall. Look for north and east winds that raise water levels in the channels. Use minnows or tiny jigs for perch averaging 8 inches.

Frankfort Menominee
Menominee move shallow in November off the Frankfort breakwalls. Try using worms and salmon eggs. Menominee are light biters. They also are great fighters and good eating. Use an egg-sinker and a No. 10 Aberdeen hook.

DECEMBER
Hamlin Lake Bluegills
Hamlin Lake has safe ice by Christmas, and first ice produces hot bluegill action.

Try off Wilson Park in 5 to 10 feet of water. In December, panfish will eat anything, so wax worms, spikes and mousies all work. Chartreuse, green and orange teardrops are hot. Keep hole-hopping until you find a productive area.

For more info, contact Gnat's Charters at (231) 845-8400, or online at www.gnatscharters.com.

Brevoort Lake Potpourri
Variety describes Brevoort Lake at first ice. The Mackinac County lake is known for producing walleyes, pike and panfish. Boedne Bay is good for panfish and pike. Structure and weeds right off the public access is prime. Try the central portion of the lake for walleyes. Use tip-ups or slip-bobbers during the day, and actively jig in the evening. The walleyes are usually good-sized.

Thousand Island Lake Walleyes
Thousand Island Lake has plenty of walleye structure. Try the 5- to 25-foot depths off Boy Scout Island. Keep moving and punch plenty of holes. Tip-ups baited with shiner minnows work, as do jigging spoons.

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Regardless of the season, there's certainly no shortage of angling opportunities in Michigan. Enjoy!

Find more about Michigan fishing and hunting at: MichiganSportsmanMag.com