Fall is in the air, we have cooler temps on the way and and the rivers are slowly changing. Here's the latest from the frontlines for the Grand River and other area rivers.
Fishing for smallmouth has been really good. We continue to find fish along the weedlines, and around wood. Both topwater and swimflies have been the ticket for bagging fish. Some of the best smallmouth we've hooked up with have been found where both the weedlines and the wood collide.
As we move more into September, these fish can be a little more challenging to find and leave you feeling like you have no clue what you're doing. It seems one day they're in one spot and the next they're somewhere completely different. Don't give up, stay focused and read what's going on in the river. When you do, it can lead to some bigger fish, as this is the time of year that they start to put the fall feed on.
With the river temps starting to drop, pike activity will pick up. Throwing larger swimflies like Leggy Boi's, Yard Sales, and Sluggo's will produce. Remember the bite guard if you're specifically going to target these fish. Fish the shallower areas and ledges where there's structure.
Salmon are starting to enter the river mouths in some systems but nothing yet in the lower and mid - sections of the rivers we fish. Generally, they start showing up sometime that first week of September. We do have some early lower river dates available if you'd like your chance at a salmon grabbing a crankbait and ripping the rod out of your hands. If you do, Spencer is your guide and be sure to ask for him if you want to book a trip.
Fall can have its challenges but also its rewards, stay focused and if you have questions, we're here to help, so swing on in shop!