The mild fall came to an abrupt stop last week with a cold front and significant snowfall dropping the water temperatures in the local rivers. Temps on the Manistee and Betsie are in the upper 30s after dropping about 8 degrees in 10 days. Now as it rains, the snow is sure to melt but add some cool water to the river, keeping the temps in the river pretty much the same, but still cooler than we steelhead anglers want or expect for this time of year.
With the increase in water, look for the fish in the river systems to kind of shuffle around a bit as things had gotten a little stale the past two weeks. The egg bite is starting to give way to some nymphs and even a swung pattern. The bump in water flow can help dislodge both old, pale eggs and nymphs from gravel sections inducing a natural chum line. There is no front runner as far as color, size or pattern – the same as it has oddly been all fall.
Steelhead can be just about anywhere in the river systems and the type of water they hold in as they start to transition into late fall/early winter patterns; deep holes, tail outs, slow moving runs and structure are all places to target whether you are drift fishing, fishing floats/indicators or wielding the two-hander.
Firearms deer season continues through November – a little blaze orange to your ensemble might protect you from an adrenaline fueled rifle shot while on the water.
Good luck.
Ted
Fall Steelhead – Good November and December dates remain open for these prized sport-fish.
2020 Fishing Season – We are booking dates through October of 2020 – don’t miss the prime times.
Gift Certificates – As we approach the holiday season, consider asking or giving the gift of time on the water.