Bayfield Fall Fishing

Have a trip planned with my wife for the second weekend in October to Bayfield. Any input on fishing options for that area this time of year. Depending on the weather/wind I could bring my boat (17.5 ft Lund), but have never been on Lake Superior, but have always wanted to. Otherwise we could book a charter for a half day or I could just pack some rods and we could shore fish.

I haven’t done it in years, but late fall smallmouth fishing in the bay can be a hoot

We used to drag medium suckers on rock humps and near the docks with circle hooks and quick strike rigs.

Lake trout in Wisconsin just closed and all of the big cohos are spawning/dying as we speak, if you’re bringing the boat I’d chase smallies.

2nd week of October can be very good for all types of fishing. We need some rain…if that happens…trolling and casting off of all area river mouths should be excellent for cohos, steelhead, browns and splake. The rivers will also have fish in them to fish from shore. Smallmouth bite will only improve from now on with water temps finally falling. Wind is the big factor to bring up your boat and fish. Hiring a guide may be your best decision…but not necessary

I may be Grouse hunting there that weekend.

Casting the islands for browns and splake can be productive in the fall. Mainly an early morning thing but if you get a cloudy day it can be good all day. Look for rock structure along the shore.

Otherwise what bman said. If you hire a guide do Josh tiegen.

Thanks for the input! Going to have to wait till later next week once I have a better idea of the weather to make the call on bringing the boat. Are there special regs for boating on lake superior in Wisconsin?

Be certain to have an up-to-date fire extinguisher on board. Otherwise pretty much like MN regs, but not certain on a marine radio requirement.