Check out these five hot fishing spots in the United States and Canada during July, August, and September.

Ancient Diamondbacks  /  Oregon
Umpqua River, OR—The Umpqua is known best for its great smallmouth bass, steelhead and king salmon fisheries, but the lower river and estuary also has sleeper populations of white and green sturgeon. Anglers fish sand shrimp, herring and other baits on bottom to entice these ancient behemoths. Oregon Department of Wildlife, (800) 720-ODFW.—Dan Bacher
 

Summer Trolling Illinois
Lake Michigan, IL/WI—July through August is prime time from the Chicago Harbor north past the Wisconsin line. Troll spoons and dodgers for sag-bellied brown trout and king salmon averaging 12- to 16-pounds. Trophies to 25 pounds are possible. Capt. Bob Poteshman at Confusion Charters, (888) 929-FISH.—Dan Johnson

Diversity Training Minnesota
Cass Lake Chain, MN—Summer is a time of plenty on 15,957-acre Cass Lake and the other interconnected waters of this Mississippi River system—including Andrusia, Kitchi, Buck and Big Wolf lakes. Target walleyes, perch, pike, crappies, muskies and largemouth bass. Stony Point Resort, (800) 332-6311; Bro’s Guide Service, (218) 340-3026.—Dan Johnson


Pelican Power Manitoba
Pelican Lake, MB—Arguably southern Manitoba’s most vital multi-species fishery, Pelican has good populations of northern pike, walleyes and perch. Fish jigs tipped with plastics or troll spinner rigs for ‘eyes; cast Len Thompson spoons, Suick jerkbaits and 1-ounce white spinnerbaits for pike. Travel Manitoba, (800) 665-0040 1664.—Gord Ellis

Chain Of Opportunity Ontario
Hearst Chain of Lakes, ON—Located just minutes from Hearst, Ontario, this chain’s four main water-bodies—Pivabiska, Wolverine, Hanlan and St-Thérèse—provide great multi-species fishing. Wolverine and Hanlan hold walleyes to 10 pounds, and Pivabiska and St-Therese have a strong weed bite. Pike to 20 pounds lurk in all four lakes. Veilleux Camping And Marina, (705) 362-5379.—Gord Ellis