Time is right for steady action

The anglers I've met and spoke with are saying this has been the best late summer/early fall bite they can remember. Several areas in particular are hot, including the Fox Chain, Silver and Powers Lakes (Wis.), and Bangs Lake in Wauconda.

So - here's what's happening on the water:

Fox Chain: If muskies are your game, check Lake Catherine before sunrise or at night for decent action right over the weeds. Topwater prop baits appear to be good to trigger strikes. Channel Lake bluegills seem to be a tad larger right now. The walleye activity has slowed, but Petite lake anglers appear to have found small schools of fish in 12-foot areas.

Fox River: Smallmouth bass action has slowed a bit, but fish have been taken near Algonquin and Geneva.

Lake Michigan: Chinook and coho action is greatly improved at Montrose and Belmont Harbors, just outside from the the rocks. To the north, salmon activity has picked up, even for shore and pier anglers in Waukegan.

Northwoods: Chicago-area angler Rick Kleifer reports a very good walleye bite around the Crivitz, Wis., area, especially on the Peshtigo River.

• Mike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler@mikejacksonoutdoors.com, and you can catch his radio program 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.