Rods
Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Rod
A long, forgiving trolling rod for downriggers and planer boards.
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Lakes & Reservoirs
Spin, Cast & Bait
Lake Huron (Alpena) Fishing Guide
Michigan
Lake Huron waters at Alpena, where the DNR lists walleye and lake trout in summer and Chinook and coho salmon in fall.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Lake Huron (Alpena) for lake trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon and walleye. In October, chinook salmon and coho salmon are in season, and Suspending Jerkbait, Paddle-Tail Swimbait and Casting Spoon are a good place to start. There are 4 shops within 25 miles; the closest is Clems Bait and Tackle in Alpena, about 1 mi away. Au Sable River is also nearby if you want to make a trip of it.
Season at a Glance
Lake Trout
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Walleye
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What You'll Catch
Lake Huron (Alpena) Species
Lake Trout
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jun to Aug
Chinook Salmon
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Sep to Nov
Coho Salmon
Prime NowJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Sep to Nov
Walleye
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best: Jun to Aug
Images: Timothy Knepp, USFWS; Michael Humling, USFWS. Public domain.
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
5 picks for October. marks species in season in October.
Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye, Lake Trout
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye · After dark.
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Lake Trout · Shallow after ice-out.
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Lake Trout
Fly 8 to 9 wt rod with a full-sink line when fish are shallow after ice-out.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting rod, 20 to 30 lb braid with a fluorocarbon leader, or downrigger trolling gear.
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
Coho Salmon
Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Lake Huron (Alpena)
Spinners
Mepps Aglia Inline Spinner
A classic spinner for trout, bass, and salmon in moving water.
Check PriceCrankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
Check PriceNets & Tools
Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
Check PriceRod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Within 25 Miles
Shops Near Lake Huron (Alpena)
Within 25 Miles
Guides and Charters Near Lake Huron (Alpena)
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Rivers & Streams · Michigan
Au Sable River
Birthplace of Trout Unlimited. Holy Water dries and night-time Hex hatches.
Brown Trout · Brook Trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan · About 78 mi
Little Traverse Bay
The Lake Michigan bay at Harbor Springs and Petoskey, where the DNR lists Chinook and coho salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass in summer.
Chinook Salmon · Coho Salmon · Lake Trout