BLUE MESA, COLORADO
Lake Trout
The prespawn bite for fish that might surpass 30 pounds occurs in September and peaks by late October.
Contact: Gene Taylor Sporting Goods, 970-641-1845; Gunnison Chamber of Commerce, 970-641-1501.
BAY OF QUINTE, ONTARIO
Walleyes
This was the hottest spot in North America last fall for huge walleyes. Catches up to 10 fish per day between 8 and 12 pounds weren't uncommon. The largest fish we know of surpassed 16 pounds. Quinte and the nearby 1000 Island area also produce giant muskies.
Contact: Guide Gary Pyzer, 416-789-2076; Guide Greg Horoky, 519-791-5390; Guide Dave Chatterton, 613-392-7472. Muskies: Guide Greg Reynolds, 613-382-2907.
Tomas Lusk & In-Fisherman
LAKE SIMCOE, ONTARIO
Smallmouths
Lots of fish up to 5 pounds and a fair shot at 6- and 7-pound fish, especially during fall.
Contact: Ministry of Natural Resources, 705-725-7500 (west side), 905-713-7400 (east side); Guide Marc Coratti, 905-989-0090; Guide Dave Tighe, 905-476-4161.
 ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA
Perch
During fall, perch schools -- with many jumbos over 12 inches -- feed on flats 30 to 60 feet deep and two to three miles from shore.
Contact: Erie Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 800-524-3743, VisitEriePa.com; Captain Rick's Perch Excursion, 814-833-9898; B.A.C. Bait Shop, 814-838-2850; Trout Run, 814-474-3992.
BIG HORN RIVER, MONTANA
Brown Trout
One of the most beautiful areas in the country during fall, when fishing for big browns also stands out. Or schedule a "cast and blast" for upland game or waterfowl and brown trout, this option running into December.
Contact: Guides Bob and Clint Krumm, 307-673-1505, bluequillflycompany.com.
PINEVIEW RESERVOIR, UTAH
Hybrid Muskies
Located in Ogden Canyon, this reservoir is one of the top tiger muskie lakes in North America.
Contact: Jim Gunderson, Fish Tech Outfitters, (801) 272-8808.
SNAKE RIVER, WASHINGTON
Smallmouths
The last pool of the Snake River before heading to the Columbia River provides excellent opportunities for smallmouths in the 2- to 4-pound range, with the occasional 5- to 6-pound fish.
Contact: Guide Bob Adkinson, 509-783-6483, adkinsonbass.com.
STICKMARSH, FEELSMERE, FLORIDA
Largemouths
This 6500-acre lake continues as one of the top spots in the country for 10-pound bass. Double-digit bass are caught all winter and into spring, but October and November also are top times.
Contact: Imagination Bassin' Guide Service, 772-370-1606; Captain Gene Holbrook, 863-638-2393.
Kevin Yokum & In-Fisherman
WINNIPEG RIVER, PINE FALLS, MANITOBA
Walleyes
Still one of the most consistent spots in North America for 10-pound walleyes right now, although it doesn't happen to the same extent every year and the timing may vary slightly.
Contact: Papertown Motel, 204-367-2261(lodging and information); Guide Larry Snow, 807-466-2188.
NORFORK, ARKANSAS AREA
Trout & Stripers
Fish the White or Norfork Rivers for trout by day; hit the stripers on Norfork Reservoir at night.
Contact: Gaston's Resort (lodging and guides on the White), 870-431-5202; Peal's Resort (lodging on the Norfork River, near Norfork Reservoir), 870-499-5215. Bink's Guide Service (stripers), 870-499-7384.
|
|
