Fall is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The leaves are changing, the mornings are cooler, and it’s hard not to want to be outside. For hunters and anglers, it’s one of the best times of year to explore the Eastern Upper Peninsula’s woods and waters.
From fishing the St. Marys River and nearby waterways to heading into the woods for hunting season, there are plenty of ways to spend a fall day outdoors. Before you head out, here are a few places, tips, and resources to help you plan your trip.
Before You Head Out
Before heading out, make sure you have the proper licenses and are familiar with Michigan’s current hunting and fishing regulations. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is your best resource for purchasing licenses, checking season dates, and reviewing the latest rules and regulations.
Once that’s taken care of, it’s time to get outside and enjoy fall in the Eastern U.P.
Fall Hunting Spots Around Sault Ste. Marie
Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding Eastern U.P. offer plenty of opportunities to get out in the woods during the fall hunting season. Depending on the season, hunters can pursue whitetail deer, grouse, woodcock, waterfowl, and other game throughout the region.
Finding Public Hunting Land: The Michigan DNR’s MiHunt map is a great place to start when looking for land open to public hunting. The interactive map shows approximate property boundaries, land cover, trails, and other information that can help you plan where to hunt. Always pay attention to property lines and get permission before entering private property.
Whitetail Deer: Deer hunting is a longtime fall tradition across the Upper Peninsula, and the forests and rural areas surrounding Sault Ste. Marie provide a variety of habitat to explore. Before heading out, check current season dates, regulations, and Deer Management Unit information through the Michigan DNR.
Upland Birds and Waterfowl: Fall also brings opportunities for grouse, woodcock, and waterfowl hunting throughout the Eastern U.P. Forests, wetlands, and marshes provide a variety of habitat, with areas such as the Munuscong Wildlife Management Area offering public hunting opportunities within Chippewa County.
Fall Fishing in the Sault Ste. Marie Area
Tahquamenon River
Pair a fall fishing trip with one of the Eastern U.P.’s most famous destinations at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Tahquamenon River is home to a variety of fish, including walleye, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and brown trout.
The Lower Falls area offers fishing opportunities below the falls, while anglers can also head toward the Rivermouth for additional shore fishing and boat access. Add in the fall colors and a stop at the falls, and it’s an easy way to make a full day out of your fishing trip.
Pendills Creek
Head west from the Soo along the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway, and you’ll find another fishing option near Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery. Both Pendills Creek and the nearby Lake Superior shoreline are open to fishing, with opportunities for trout, salmon, whitefish, and other species.
Across the road from the hatchery, a public access site includes parking, a pavilion, and a boardwalk leading down to the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s an especially scenic place to spend a fall day, whether fishing is the main event or just one stop along a drive through the area.
Rotary Park
You don’t have to travel far from downtown to find a place to cast a line. Rotary Park sits along the St. Marys River, giving anglers easy access to a waterway known for a wide variety of fish, including northern pike, muskellunge, walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and several species of salmon and trout.
Bring your fishing gear and try your luck from shore, or use Rotary Park as a starting point for exploring the area around Voyageur Island by kayak.
Traveling with younger anglers? The Kids Fishing Pond near Rotary Park is another option for children 16 and under. The pond is typically stocked with trout during its summer season, making it a great place to introduce kids to fishing.
Ashmun Bay
For another fishing option right in Sault Ste. Marie, head to Ashmun Bay near the International Bridge. The bay connects to the St. Marys River and offers anglers a convenient place to spend some time on the water without traveling far from downtown.
With boat access and opportunities to fish from shore, Ashmun Bay can be an easy addition to a fall fishing trip in the Soo. The surrounding St. Marys River supports a wide variety of species, including yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass, and more.
What to Pack for a Fall Day Outdoors
Fall weather in the Upper Peninsula can change quickly, especially when you’re spending time near the water. A little preparation can go a long way toward making your day more comfortable.
Whether you’re heading into the woods or out on the water, dress in layers and bring waterproof outerwear, sturdy footwear, gloves, and an extra warm layer. Hunters should pack any required safety gear for their season, while anglers will want to make sure their tackle and equipment are suited for the species and water they plan to fish.
It’s also a good idea to bring water, snacks, a charged phone, and a map or downloaded directions if you’ll be traveling somewhere with limited cell service. Before leaving, take one last look at the weather and current DNR regulations for the area you plan to visit.
And if you have a favorite hunting or fishing spot around the Soo, we’d love to see where fall takes you. Share your photos with us on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured!
