With a flip of the calendar, it seems, that the weather is more in step with the times. While the overnight temps haven’t really dipped below the freezing mark the recent wind has made it feel cooler than it really is – water temps haven’t dropped much (upper 40s) and the steelhead are still acting like October steelhead – hot and strong.
The steelhead continue to run into the Manistee and can be found from Tippy dam to the lake. Just a few salmon – both king/chinook and Silver/coho, remain in the river and the egg bite continues to be the primary choice. The deep water – slots, seams and holes below spawning areas are producing fish and those looking to swing larger flies are finding success when fishing two-handed rods in shallow bubble lines and tail-outs. As the number of eggs in the river start to diminish, the trout are starting to look for other food sources making streamer fishing an alternative – hold onto that rod tight as you ever know when a steelhead might surprise you.
Good luck,
Ted
Fall Steelhead: It’s time to target angler’s favorite sport-fish through November and into December.
Fall Trout: Fish the Upper Manistee throughout fall or Lower Manistee through November.
Booking for all 2013 Seasons and through September – reserve your place in the boat.