Great Lakes fishing report for the week of October 8, 2026. October is a special time on the Great Lakes. The salmon are running into the tributaries, the steelhead are arriving, and the walleye are feeding on Lake Erie. A new moon this weekend can be good for the nighttime bites.
What’s Hitting
Chinook and coho salmon are running into the tributaries of Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario, steelhead are beginning to arrive, and brown trout are along the harbors. Walleye are feeding on Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay, yellow perch are on the reefs, and smallmouth bass are in the deeper water.
Where to Find Them
The harbors and tributaries at Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee hold salmon and trout. Lake Erie near Port Clinton and the Western Basin holds walleye. The reefs near Sturgeon Bay and the Door Peninsula hold perch and smallmouth. The Lake Ontario tributaries are a draw for steelhead.
Tides & Conditions
The new moon this weekend can bring strong activity. Weather on the Great Lakes can change quickly, so check the marine forecast before heading out. The cooler water temperatures trigger the salmon runs.
Tackle & Tactics
Trolling with spoons and crankbaits works for walleye and trout. Casting spoons and spinners in the harbors catches salmon. Drifting with egg sacs or roe is effective in the rivers. Jigging minnows on the reefs works for perch.
Pier and shore anglers have great options too. The harbor piers at Milwaukee, Chicago and Cleveland produce salmon, trout and perch in the fall, and the tributary mouths see runs of steelhead. Early morning and evening are the best times.
Local Intel This Week
Public access includes the Racine Pugh Marina, the Kenosha Harbor, Port Clinton docks and numerous public ramps. Fish are concentrating in the harbors, the river mouths and the reefs. Check current state regulations and seasons for Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and New York before keeping any fish, as they vary by state and by lake.
This Week’s Tip
Pay attention to the wind. On the Great Lakes, a strong wind from the wrong direction can make the harbor entrances dangerous. If in doubt, wait for a better day.
More Great Lakes Resources
All Great Lakes fishing reports · Seasonal fishing calendars · Submit your own report
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