After a long six weeks of great weather, things have changed with lower temperatures, fewer leaves on trees and even some snowflakes in the air but the steelhead remain willing to test our abilities and tackle.
Steelhead fishing on the Manistee took a little dip the past week but things have started to improve again. With just a few salmon around spawning, the fish aren’t as concentrated in easy to identify water and as we go through this transitional period – which is typical this time of year, it’s time to alter the plan of attack, focus on different water and presentations. Now we have to work a little for the fish.
Eggs continue to be the primary diet and focus of steelhead with the millions of eggs drifting downstream. Egg pattern colors range from egg/cream/light yellow to Sockeye and Apricot Supreme. Look for Oregon Cheese and Chartreuse variations to become more popular in the near future. “Bugs” – patterns like hex nymphs, steelhead buggers and caddis seem to be increasing in effectiveness in the tail outs and lower sections of rivers where the eggs aren’t so concentrated. When there is a heavy flow of leaves in the water, look for bugs with sparkle and egg patterns that are big and bright (clowns) to bring some attention to themselves making it easier for fish to recognize them from all the debris.
Water conditions are ideal – clarity, level and temperature. Temps are hovering in the low-50’s and I suspect the recent and forecast weather might get that to drop below the 40 degree mark slowing the fish down a bit when hooked. The steelhead this year are running big and have been hard to handle and bring to the net, however no one is complaining.
Good luck,
Ted
Available Fall Steelhead dates available through Mid-Nov: Nov. 5, 8, 12
Steelhead -A few fall steelhead dates remain and it’s not too early to book your Spring 2014 Steelhead dates.
Trout – Late fall trout fishing can be some of the best streamer and nymph fishing once the salmon leave.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.