It’s amazing how fast our Wisconsin summers go! And, as everyone will tell you, the older we get, the faster they go.
We all know that Door County is one of the premier locations in the Midwest where you can view those amazing fall colors. And I can tell you from personal experience, enjoying them from the water is great! So, don’t put your kayak away yet, there’s great kayaking all fall and into November if the weather cooperates. I’ve talked about places to launch in Door County, and in the fall, I’d suggest launching at Peninsula State Park, which will put you on some great water to view the colors on Eagle Bluff. I also enjoy the colors and kayaking in and around Ellison Bay. But there’s not a bad place to kayak and view the colors in Door County!
Two points of caution regarding fall kayaking and fishing from a kayak: Be sure to wear proper cold-weather gear and check the forecast for the wind. I’m only kayaking and fishing close to shore in case of an emergency. Also, always wear your PFD, no matter what time of year you are on the water!
Along with fall being a great time to get out and kayak, it’s also a great time for smallmouth bass fishing. As we got into summer, many smaller smallmouth bass go deeper, which is challenging for anglers in boats or kayaks. However, as the water cools, those smallies return to shallower water. They aren’t as shallow as in the spring, but you’ll find them in that 8 to 15-foot range. For my fall fishing, I’m still using the Ned Rig and the Z-Man Finesse TRD, with the best color being Green Pumpkin Goby. The Keitech 2.8 FAT Swing Impact continues to produce, and I also added a 2.5” tube, a great fall presentation that worked like the Ned Rig, very slowly on the bottom!
It’s been great sharing my thoughts about kayaking and kayak fishing with you again this year, my tenth year doing this for Door County Daily News. As always, if you have any questions or would like to join my smallmouth bass email group, you can email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com. Looking ahead to early 2026, I will be speaking in February and March at the Wisconsin Fishing Expo, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show, and Canoecopia.
