After the Labor Day weekend most anglers will find themselves alone on their favorite lake. Not only are the pleasure boaters and jet skies gone but each week there is noticeably less fishing pressure on the water. In September not only is the fishing good but it is one of the most enjoyable times to fish. While you may see frost in the morning, daytime temperatures are ideal. With the cool mornings there is no need to get out at the crack of dawn so you can even get a few more hours of sleep.

Much has been written through the years of the fall turnover that can occur in mid September on many northern lakes. While many northern natural lakes do experience a turnover most lakes do not. Many anglers will refrain from fishing during this period for fear of encountering the fall turnover. Most lakes that are most effected by the fall turnover are large deep clear natural lakes. Yes these lakes can be difficult during the turnover period and when faced with this dilemma, move to another lake. The average fisherman is better off to avoid the large clear water lakes during September. However most anglers put to much plan on the turnover period if they have a bad day on the water. Often it is poor judgment by the fisherman. A knowledge of fish movements and which presentations to use is what will put fish in the boat.

What makes September fishing in the Northwoods so productive is the variety in the type of water available. By having such a variety of water to choose from anglers will be assured consistent fishing. There are periods in fall when small to mid sized natural lakes will be most productive. Under specific conditions clear water lakes will be most productive while under other conditions stained water is more productive.

Some flowages can also turn on after Labor Day. With countless lakes and flowages available many people pass up rivers. During the early fall period many rivers offer some of the most productive fishing of the year.

Flowages and stained water natural lakes are the first places to see increased fish activity in September. After those first cool nights water temperatures can drop quickly in these shallow lakes. Although they are weed choked in summer weeds will also quickly deteriorate. As the weeds die off baitfish populations can become depleted. Predator fish can go on frenzy as they look for a meal. Any good green patches of weeds will hold a variety of predator fish. In summer, working a bucktail or surface bate over the weeds was a productive pattern but fishing dead weeds won’t produce at this time. Concentrate on the weedlines with either twitch baits or jerk baits. Perch and walleye are top producing color patterns. When working the weedline it is important to run your baits both perpendicular and parallel to the weedline.

Walleye fishing can also be excellent on these lakes in early September. The weedlines are again the key to walleye location since most of these lakes have limited mid lake structure. If the proper conditions prevail try drifting along the weedline until you locate a school of walleyes. Once you located a school, anchoring is most effective. Inside and outside turns within the weeds are prime walleye holding areas. When drifting is not practical look for those inside and outside turns in the weeds and anchor off the edges.

Both jigging along the weedline and working a slip bobber are both effective. Set the slip bobber a few inches off bottom with a fathead or shiner minnow. Gradually change the depth setting until you connect with a school of walleyes. Tip your jig with both a twister tail and fathead minnow

First start ripping the jig over the weed edge trying to trigger a strike from the active walleyes. Once you caught the active walleyes take the twister tail and jig with a plain leadhead jig and a minnow.

Flowages that have good weedgrowth can be fished in the same manor as a shallow stained water lake. If weeds are sparse in the flowage walleyes will relate to the wood. Look for shallow stump flats to hold the highest concentration of walleyes. If trolling is allowed troll crankbaits of nightcrawler harnesses over the flat. Once you locate walleye position yourself over the stumps and cast a crankbait or jig with a jig and minnow. River channels can be holding areas for larger walleyes. On many flowages there is also a walleye run that occurs in the rivers emptying into the flowage.

Clear water natural lakes tend to be most productive towards the end of the month. If the lake has a smallmouth bass population look for them to go on the feed. With weeds being at a premium in these lakes concentrate on either off shore structure or shoreline cover. Smallmouth bass will school up heavily at this time as they look for remaining baitfish. Perch can be important smallmouth forage at this time. Any deep hump or point will attract perch and hungry smallmouth. Nothing beats a crankbait when searching for active smallmouth. Use small or medium sized deep diving crankbaits in perch or black/silver pattern.

Rivers are generally productive throughout the entire month of September. When faced with a cold front or unstable river leave the lakes and flowages and head for the nearest river. Walleyes and smallmouth should both be active and are often found in the same locations. Look for incoming creek channels, dams and bridges to be prime fish holding areas.

This September there is no reason not to have success if you fish the proper water. Don’t get hung up on just one body of water especially if the action slows.

For more information, visit mike at his website at www.mikemladenik.com