September marks a magical time for fishing in Michigan as water temperatures cool and fish become more active. Many species begin their fall feeding patterns, making catches more frequent and often larger than summer months. Whether you’re after trophy salmon, monster walleye, or feisty bass, Michigan’s diverse waterways offer prime fishing opportunities as summer transitions to autumn.
1. Torch Lake’s Crystal Clear Action
Famous for its Caribbean-blue waters, Torch Lake offers September anglers a unique opportunity as lake trout move into shallower depths. Michigan’s longest inland lake reaches depths over 300 feet, but fall brings fish within reach of smaller boats.
Jigging with Swedish Pimples or trolling cowbells near the drop-offs produces both lake trout and the occasional Atlantic salmon. Early mornings provide calm waters and active fish before pleasure boat traffic increases.
The lake’s crystal clarity requires longer leaders and stealthy presentations. Nearby towns of Alden and Eastport offer charming accommodations and restaurants, while multiple public access sites provide launching options for exploring this 19-mile-long natural wonder that consistently ranks among America’s most beautiful lakes.
2. Lake St. Clair’s Trophy Bass Haven
Situated between Michigan and Ontario, Lake St. Clair transforms into smallmouth bass paradise during September. Cooling water temperatures trigger aggressive feeding frenzies as bass bulk up for winter.
Target rocky points and weed edges in 8-15 feet of water using tube jigs or drop shot rigs with goby imitations. Morning and evening provide peak action, especially around Anchor Bay and the Mile Roads area.
Beyond bass, the lake delivers excellent walleye and perch fishing. Public boat launches abound, with Selfridge and Brandenburg Parks offering convenient access points for both shore and boat anglers.
3. Saginaw Bay’s Walleye Wonderland
Walleye anglers, mark your calendars! September brings Saginaw Bay’s famous ‘fall bite’ as schools of trophy walleye cruise predictable patterns in 15-25 foot depths. The bay’s vast expanse becomes more manageable as fish concentrate around river mouths and deepwater structures.
Trolling with crawler harnesses or crankbaits near the shipping channel produces consistent results. Don’t overlook the Charity Islands area where walleye often stack up.
Nearby Linwood and Bay City offer excellent launch facilities, plus experienced guides who can fast-track your success on this 1,143 square mile fishing mecca.
4. Manistee River’s Salmon Spectacle
Nothing matches the heart-pounding thrill of battling a chrome-bright Chinook salmon fresh from Lake Michigan! September marks the peak of the Manistee River’s legendary salmon run as 20+ pound kings surge upstream to spawn.
Below Tippy Dam, anglers wade shoulder-to-shoulder during the height of the run. Skein eggs, yarn flies, and Thunderstick plugs tempt these powerful fish.
Early mornings typically yield the best action before boat traffic increases. Nearby campgrounds and cabins in the Manistee National Forest make multi-day adventures convenient, while local outfitters offer guided float trips for those unfamiliar with the river’s best holding spots.
5. Grand Haven’s Lake Michigan Bonanza
Grand Haven’s stretch of Lake Michigan explodes with fishing action in September. Cooling waters trigger massive baitfish migrations that attract hungry salmon and trout within reach of shore anglers and small boats alike.
The pier heads become hotspots as salmon stage before running up the Grand River. Cast glow spoons or Cleo lures at dawn for best results from shore.
Boaters find success trolling in 30-80 feet with flasher/fly combos or spoons. The town’s charming waterfront, with its iconic red lighthouse, offers excellent amenities, including charter services, fish cleaning stations, and waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy your catch prepared by professional chefs.
6. Au Sable River’s Trout Treasure
Legendary among fly fishers, the Au Sable River’s Holy Water section becomes even more magical in September. Decreased canoe traffic and cooling temperatures revitalize the river’s wild brown trout population.
Morning Trico hatches bring trout to the surface, while evening caddis emergences create spectacular dry fly opportunities. Wade carefully through the river’s sandy stretches or float between access points in a traditional Au Sable riverboat.
The river’s East Branch offers more solitude and equally impressive fishing. Nearby Grayling provides comfortable accommodations and fly shops where local guides share invaluable knowledge about current hatches and productive patterns for this blue-ribbon trout stream.
7. Houghton Lake’s Pan-fishing Paradise
Michigan’s largest inland lake transforms into a crappie and bluegill hunter’s dream come true each
September. Schools of slab-sized panfish gather around Houghton Lake’s deeper weed edges as water temperatures drop.
Target 8-12 foot depths with small jigs tipped with waxworms or micro plastics. The north bay’s fallen timber and the east shore’s drop-offs consistently produce limits of tasty panfish.
Family-friendly resorts dot the shoreline, making this an ideal destination for introducing children to fishing. The lake’s shallow, sandy bottom also makes it perfect for wading anglers who can reach productive areas without a boat, while multiple public access sites accommodate everything from kayaks to larger fishing vessels.
8. Detroit River’s Multispecies Madness
Urban anglers rejoice! September transforms the Detroit River into a multispecies bonanza as walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskie feed aggressively before winter. The river’s international shipping channels create current breaks where predator fish ambush baitfish.
Vertical jigging with blade baits near Belle Isle produces trophy walleye, while the river’s Canadian side offers outstanding smallmouth action on tube jigs. Early mornings before freighter traffic increases provide the most productive fishing windows.
Elizabeth Park and Milliken State Park offer excellent shore fishing opportunities. The revitalized Detroit riverfront features convenient parking, cleaning stations, and nearby restaurants where you can celebrate your catch while enjoying skyline views of both Detroit and Windsor.
9. Keweenaw Peninsula’s Lake Superior Giants
Adventure-seeking anglers willing to brave Lake Superior’s sometimes challenging conditions find September rewards them with trophy lake trout and coho salmon. The Keweenaw Peninsula’s copper-tinted waters hold some of Michigan’s largest lake trout.
Downriggers with large spoons trolled near underwater shelves in 80-150 feet consistently produce fish in the 10-20 pound class. Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor offer protected launching when winds kick up.
The area’s rugged beauty and mining history provide fascinating exploration between fishing sessions. Local motels and cabins offer reasonable off-season rates, while knowledgeable bait shop owners in Houghton and Hancock provide up-to-date fishing reports and can recommend productive areas based on recent weather patterns.
10. Muskegon River’s Steelhead Sanctuary
September marks the beginning of the Muskegon River’s fall steelhead run. Fresh-from-the-lake rainbows chase salmon upstream, feeding voraciously on eggs and providing heart-stopping strikes.
Focus efforts below Croton Dam where deeper holes hold fresh-run fish. Drift fishing with spawn bags or swinging streamers through likely runs produces consistent action. The river’s clear water demands stealthy approaches and lighter line than you might use during spring’s higher flows.
Several quality campgrounds line the river, making multi-day trips convenient. Local outfitters in Newaygo offer guided drift boat trips that access remote sections holding unpressured fish, while the surrounding Manistee National Forest provides scenic hiking trails for when your arms need a break from fighting powerful steelhead.
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