Best Fishing Vacations in September

September is a turning point. Kids are back in school, water starts to cool in the north, and fall fisheries begin. Salmon push into Great Lakes rivers, Alaska coho are running, and on the Atlantic coast red drum return to the Outer Banks. Offshore, billfish and tuna are active on both oceans.

The catch is weather. NOAA’s National Hurricane Center puts the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season on September 10, so coastal trips need flexibility.

Where to go in September

Northern Michigan. Pure Michigan says the fall fishing season generally kicks off by mid-September, with salmon in early fall. Coho fishing peaks in late summer and early fall. Named fall waters include the Manistee and Au Sable rivers and Betsie, Platte and Grand Traverse bays. Smallmouth bass, walleye and lake whitefish are also early-fall targets.

Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Coho season. Fish and Game’s run timing chart lists Kenai River coho from late July through mid-October, Russian River coho through the end of September, and Kasilof River coho through September. Check current emergency orders before you go.

Outer Banks, North Carolina. The visitors bureau says red drum return after Labor Day, white marlin and sailfish are most plentiful in August and September, and September is the best month for pompano from the surf and piers, with Spanish mackerel still around. Brackish largemouth bass have a second peak in September and October.

Cabo San Lucas. Visit Los Cabos lists yellowfin tuna as hitting hard from September through January, with blue and black marlin and dorado still in season.

Florida Keys. Around Marathon, Sport Fishing magazine describes a second tarpon window from September through November. The Keys tourism office lists kingfish as active from September, with mahi-mahi and permit through September.

Also consider: Southwest Montana, where Visit Montana describes fall’s lower water as making wade fishing easier, and the Louisiana Gulf Coast, where the state tourism office lists speckled trout as peaking from spring through fall.

Planning notes for September

• Hurricanes: Build in spare days for coastal trips and consider travel insurance. See safety and weather.
• After summer: With school back in session, you may find more lodging and charter availability than in July and August.
• Run timing: Salmon runs respond to rain and water temperature. Check recent reports before you drive.
• Rules: Check current regulations and licenses. See fishing licenses.

Seasonal patterns are broad and vary every year. Treat the windows above as starting points.

More ideas: fall salmon fishing. The destinations below are those whose season data includes September.