By Oct. 1, the Eagle River Chain is nothing like the Mardi Gras experience you'll find on this water in the summer. There is a singleness of purpose in boats you'll see out on the water in the fall. Most years, only a hearty few are out there when most folks have picked up the deer gun and orange coat. This is a great time to work the area between Picnic Point and The Flats on Cranberry while stopping to work the Slide Bar due north of the boat ramp on Meta Lake Road on the way out and on the way back -- if it isn't snowing too hard.

There are seldom many rigs parked at this ramp on Cranberry's southwest side, even during tourist season. This is a far cry from the ramp with all the amenities found at the T-Docks Landing on Yellow Birch Lake where the water skinnies down into the Eagle River.

The city of Eagle River turns back into a small northwoods town until snow comes and this burg becomes the Snowmobile Capital of the World. There's not much to do besides fish and bowhunt. Amusement is where you find it once the crowds go home. You may want to cruise past Eagle Sports on Wall Street. If there is a maroon Tahoe parked in front of the bait shop, call (715) 479-8804 and ask a stupid question like, "Are you open?" or go with a question like, "How much do your 2-pound suckers weigh?" For everything else, go to fishing@eaglesportscenter.com. If you want to look like a northwoods muskie guide, don that flannel shirt and strap on a knife. If you want to learn how a real northwoods muskie guide talks, give George Langley a call and ask a stupid question.

Find more about Wisconsin fishing and hunting at: WisconsinSportsmanMag.com.