Great fishermen know that fall in West Michigan not only brings spectacular color, but some of the greatest fishing around. Due to less boat traffic, your chances of catching a salmon or steelhead this time of year are better than ever. From Big Sable Point down to Little Sable Point, you have your choice of wide open water in which to catch "the big one."

The Hamlin Dam at the Ludington State Park is a great location to try your luck, especially during the fall salmon run. Salmon, steelhead, and trout swim along and below the dam during the fall, providing terrific fishing opportunities. But the DNR Parks and Recreation Division informed the State Park that a portion of the Sable River trail between the boardwalk near the Hamlin Dam and the footbridge near Cedar Campground will be paved, making that area inaccessible until around November 15.

Many fish that are headed north tend to stay around the port of Ludington, so Lake Michigan fishing in the fall is a virtual "gold mine." Pere Marquette Lake is popular for those who like to fish for brown trout and salmon. Fly fishing in the Pere Marquette River yields steelhead and trout, and the sizes of fish caught are outstanding.

So if you love to fish but hate crowds, fall in West Michigan is where you want to be!