It looks like the end of this week might be our last chance of warmer fall weather for a while.  And then back to more rain and even snow.  The start of October has no doubt been a frustrating one for anglers with roller coaster weather patterns.  Fish continues to be in a bit of a mood, as they have not had consistent weather to get comfortable with.  Thank goodness we still have some time left to hopefully get these fish into a better routine. 

Many anglers have already conceded fishing and are concentrated on fall hunting and/or casually preparing for ice season.  Retailers in the area are well on their way to stocking ice fishing the supplies.  I would say the good news for those who are still holding out hope for great fall fishing is that bait shops should have plenty of minnows.  The waters in the area should not be very busy at all.  Further meaning fish will hardly be pressured from now, until ice season. 

Area lakes are well into fall transitional periods and anglers will notice falling water temperatures and lots of leaves on the surface.  Casting shorelines with double jointed stick baits or spinnerbaits will turn some northern pike and bass.  Walleyes can be found in typical contour breaks roaming and chasing bait fish.  Same goes for crappies.  Matter of fact, this time of year, one can find success fishing a crappie hole and getting bonus walleyes. 

For the live bait set-ups a fathead minnow or a walleye sucker will do the trick.  While casting or jigging float a musky sucker over the side of the boat or under a float. This is the time of the year for big active predators like musky and trophy size walleye or northern are most active.  Just a note on musky suckers, there is big shortage of suckers in the area.  So if you intend to use them then check on places close to you or stores on the way up north and transport, make sure they have aeration or you might just be bringing dead ones by the time you arrive.  The other alternative is to catch a crappie, walleye or a northern pike and use them as bait, remember that whatever you use for bait it counts against the daily limit for that species.