As fall settles into the Midwest, fly fishing opportunities are peaking across the region. Cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn foliage make this an excellent time to be on the water. Whether you’re chasing trout, smallmouth bass, or steelhead, fall conditions offer some of the best fishing of the year. Here’s what’s happening on some of the top Midwest rivers and lakes.
Michigan – Au Sable River
The Au Sable River is a crown jewel of Midwest fly fishing, and this time of year, it’s all about trout. Browns and rainbows are feeding aggressively in preparation for the winter, making streamer fishing particularly productive. As water temperatures drop, you’ll want to focus on the deeper pools and slower runs. Nymphing with smaller patterns like pheasant tails and
stoneflies is still working well, especially in the middle sections. Be sure to keep an eye out for hatches of Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) and caddis during the warmer afternoons, which can offer good dry fly action.
Best Flies: Streamers (sculpins, woolly buggers), BWOs, pheasant tails, caddis nymphs
Water Temperature: 48°F-52°F
Flow: 1,200 cfs
Wisconsin – Driftless Area
The Driftless Area, with its spring-fed creeks, continues to offer excellent fall trout fishing. The brown trout are getting ready for their spawn, which means they’re more aggressive than usual. Streamer fishing in the early morning or late evening hours can trigger big strikes. For daytime action, nymphing with small scuds, midges, and sowbugs is producing steady results. The fall colors in the Driftless are breathtaking right now, making for a perfect backdrop to a day on the water.
Best Flies: Scuds, zebra midges, sowbugs, small streamers
Water Temperature: 50°F
Flow: Steady and clear
Ohio – Mad River
Ohio’s Mad River is known for its brown trout population, and as we move into October, these fish are becoming more active. Streamer fishing is particularly effective, especially when targeting larger trout hiding in the undercut banks. Anglers are also having success with small nymphs and emergers. If you're fishing during a BWO hatch, which happens sporadically during cloudy days, be ready with small dry flies. The water clarity is good right now, so approach the fish quietly.
Best Flies: Streamers (olive and black), BWOs, hare’s ear nymphs
Water Temperature: 50°F-54°F
Flow: 200 cfs
Indiana – Tippecanoe River
For anglers targeting smallmouth bass, the Tippecanoe River is offering great fishing this fall. Cooler water temperatures have the bass feeding actively, especially during the afternoon hours when the sun warms the shallower sections. Streamers fished along structure or crayfish patterns bounced off the bottom are bringing in good numbers of bass. If you're targeting pike, try larger streamers in deeper pools, where these predators are lurking.
Best Flies: Clouser minnows, crayfish patterns, large streamers for pike
Water Temperature: 55°F
Flow: Moderate
Minnesota – Root River
The Root River in Minnesota is a great option for fly anglers targeting trout, especially as the fall season brings cooler temperatures. The brown trout are getting ready for their fall spawn, which means they are feeding heavily in preparation. Nymphing with stonefly and caddis patterns is proving effective, as well as using streamers in the deeper holes. Afternoon BWO hatches have also been providing some surface action, so keep a few dry flies handy.
Best Flies: Stonefly nymphs, caddis nymphs, streamers, BWOs
Water Temperature: 48°F-52°F
Flow: Clear and steady
Illinois – Kankakee River
The Kankakee River is a great destination for fly anglers targeting smallmouth bass in the fall. The cooler water has increased the bass activity, and they’re feeding on minnows and crayfish along the rocky riverbed. Fishing with streamers and baitfish patterns near structure like rocks and logs is a great way to hook into smallies. If you’re fishing closer to the dams or deeper pools, targeting pike with large streamers is also a good bet. Fall colors are peaking along the river, making this a scenic and productive time to fish.
Best Flies: Baitfish patterns, Clouser minnows, crayfish patterns, large streamers for pike
Water Temperature: 53°F
Flow: Steady
Wisconsin – Bois Brule River
The Bois Brule River is a top destination for steelhead anglers, and the fall run is in full swing. Steelhead are moving up from Lake Superior, and swinging flies or dead-drifting egg patterns has been producing fish. Water levels are good right now, and cooler temperatures have the steelhead active. If you’re targeting the upper sections of the river, you might also run into resident trout, which are still feeding on small nymphs and streamers.
Best Flies: Egg patterns, intruder-style flies, black stoneflies
Water Temperature: 48°F-52°F
Flow: 400 cfs
Overall Tips:
Streamer Season: Fall is one of the best times to fish streamers, as trout, bass, and even steelhead are more aggressive and looking to bulk up for winter.
Nymphs and Eggs: Don’t forget to have some small nymphs and egg patterns in your box, especially when targeting brown trout or steelhead.
Afternoon Action: As temperatures drop, fish are more likely to be active during the warmer parts of the day, so time your fishing around midday for the best action.
Weather Prep: Fall weather in the Midwest can be unpredictable, so make sure to pack layers and rain gear to stay comfortable during changing conditions.
This is a prime time to experience some of the best fishing the Midwest has to offer. Whether you’re chasing aggressive trout in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, swinging flies for steelhead in Michigan, or hunting for smallmouth bass in Indiana, fall offers incredible opportunities for fly anglers. Enjoy the changing colors, cooler temperatures, and the thrill of landing a fish on the fly. Tight lines!
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