Fall Transitions
With fall foliage at peak color across northern Michigan, it’s time to switch gears and embrace the changes of the season. Most of the fall-run Chinook salmon have made their way to their spawning grounds in the headwaters of our rivers. The fall 2025 run was exceptional to say the least. Fantastic numbers of fish returned in waves throughout the last couple months. While some days the bite was better than others, overall it was a season of consistently good angling.
Jed with his personal best chinook salmon
After a long period of warm weather and water temps, fall finally kicked into gear with a solid cold front. This ushered in the final push of fresh kings. Catching dime-bright fish with vibrant fall color in the background was a real treat, but could easily be the new normal as the last several falls have held similar patterns. Extremely warm water temperatures in Lake Michigan lingered, delaying the entry of thousands of king salmon into October.
Eric drove all the way from Virginia to battle kings for a few days
An enormous hen en route to the spawning grounds upstream
I spent time on a variety of river systems, including the Pere Marquette, Big Manistee, Betsie and Platte Rivers. Being mobile and having a diverse array of waterways to choose from kept us on great opportunities all season long.
By and large, the majority of our Chinook fishing was with heavy spinning equipment. Drifting beads and skein under floats was by far the most effective technique at getting grabs. Throwing crankbaits like thundersticks, jointed rapalas, and other shallow-diving lures made for incredible eats some days. The suspense and anticipation is thick when we’re waiting for floats to disappear, but the explosive tug of a king grabbing a crankbait is hard to beat.
From the small streams to our biggest rivers, kings showed up in great numbers this fall
Double on jack kings made for a dicey net job
As salmon season wraps up, we’re switching gears to chasing fall steelhead and brown trout. Early pushes of steelhead are already in our rivers, with more on the way as temperatures drop and we continue to receive much-needed rain. Brown trout have been gorging on the abundant salmon eggs, and a portion of their own population will be spawning throughout the month. Especially the post-spawn individuals will be hunting for meals as they replenish energy. Streamer-fishing should remain really good as the fall progresses.
Looking Forward
My fall steelhead guide season kicks off towards the end of October. Although we have fishable numbers around as I write this entry, I prefer to wait just a bit longer to ensure opportunities are abundant. Fall angling for steelhead will persist well into December. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming months. I have a number of streamer fishing trips booked for trout on our smaller waterways and those will be especially fun. Stripping streamers this time of year could result in anything from a king, coho, steelhead, or big brown trout.
Beyond angling, fall in Michigan is ripe with outdoor opportunities. It’s a season of not slowing down. On the days we’re not on the water I’ll be climbing into pre-dawn tree stands bow hunting whitetails, or setting up decoy spreads for migrating waterfowl. Next fall is never promised, I encourage everyone to get out and soak up the days of this spectacular time of year wherever you call home.
Guide Trips
Full Day Trip for 1 or 2 Anglers (8-9 Hours) ~ $450.00
Half Day Trip for 1 or 2 Anglers (4-5 Hours) ~ $325.00
As always, all equipment is provided, as well as a prepared lunch on full-day trips.
Fall Packages
“Best of the Northwest” ~ Three Days, Three Different Rivers - $1,275.00
A unique opportunity to explore steelhead fishing in a trio of river systems in Northwest Michigan over the course of 3 days. One day on a large river system in our jetboat. A second day floating a medium-sized remote river in a drift boat. And a third day traversing a small and intimate river only accessible via raft. Experience the full spectrum of steelhead fishing in NW Michigan.
“Best of the Northwest” is also available as an all-inclusive option, with lodging and all meals provided. Call or email for details and pricing.
Thanks for following along,
Cole DeVault