On deep lakes with a thermocline, such as Gull Lake, Ten Mile Lake and the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, look for schools of fish at the deepest breaklines. Once a school is located, drop a live-bait rig tipped with a minnow, leech or crawler.

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"Fishing throughout central and northwest Minnesota is truly spectacular in September and October," boasts captain Josh Hagemeister, of Minnesota Fishing Guide Service. "The fall equinox triggers all species of fish to feed heavily in preparation for the winter months, and the combination of low fishing and boating pressure and stable weather patterns contribute to the great fishing success in the fall."