KEWEENAW WATERWAY, MICHIGAN
(INCLUDING OTTER, PORTAGE AND TORCH LAKES)
Stunning scenery abounds in this corner of the world in fall. Autumn colors radiate across an ancient mountain range on the Superior slope of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Most know it as home to the upper Midwest's best downhill skiing. We know it as one of the world's least utilized trophy walleye zones.

The Portage Canal that cuts through Keweenaw Peninsula and its connecting waters comprise walleye heaven. "August and September are the best times to be here for numbers," according to Jamie Markle of Superior Bait and Tackle. "But trophy time comes later -- in October -- and even November.

"It's hard to do things right and not make contact with a few fish in the 10-pound class, no matter what time of year you come. In September walleyes are in 7- to 10-foot depths. Since the water is heavily stained in this system, walleyes bite all day in relatively shallow water. Every year, lots of 10-plus walleyes come out of Otter, Portage, and Torch lakes. Fish the edges of cabbage beds and emergent rushes. Floating minnowbaits and crawler harnesses are the key presentations that time of year -- same as 30 years ago. A 40-walleye day for 2 anglers is common. Most run 3 to 6 pounds, but something in the 8- to 12-pound range comes into the boat every day," says Markle.

"A little later on, walleyes move deeper but remain shallow enough to pitch jigs and minnows to them -- especially in warm, stable weather. The bite slows down, but the average size goes up. Try Gratiot Lake in October."

Contact: Superior Bait & Tackle, 906-523-4944.

BAYS DE NOC, MICHIGAN
The north end of Lake Michigan is a harsh mistress in November. But that's when some of the finest walleye guides flock here from all over the Midwest, because the giant walleyes of the big lake converge on Big and Little Bays de Noc.

Walleyes ghost in from who-knows-where out in Lake Michigan, to winter in the comparatively stable environs of the bays. Many of these fish top 12 pounds. But it's also a numbers game, which attracts lots of anglers to this blustery confrontation with the cold. And it's a trolling game in relatively deep water -- 30 to 50 feet, most of the time. Long, thin, deep-diving crankbaits are key. Favorites here include the Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerk, the Reef Runner Rip Stick, Dave's KA-BOOM! Deep Shiner, and the Bomber B25A. The delivery system: Downriggers or leadcore line. Wire-line rigs with 6-ounce weights and 14-pound mono leaders are popular, too.

Jim Kalkofen, In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail Executive Director, said the fishing slowed down a few years ago, but it's picking up again. "Last year was a good one on Bays de Noc," he said. "This fishery has been a big-fish producer for a long, long time -- which means it can handle pressure and harvest. But today, people are much more likely to return those 12-pounders to the water alive. This might be the year we see some real giants come out of this classic fishery."

Contact: Guide Kim Papineau, 906-786-8977; Guide Marty Papke, 800-708-2347; Delta County Chamber of Commerce, 888-335-8264.