10/3/2026
It’s October and the only thing not to like about that is it’s only four weeks long.
The fall colors have started to develop on the river bank and along the roads that take us there. And the bright salmon have also started to turn color as they move onto gravel for their annual spawning ritual. There should be no surprise that the rivers are crowded as it always is this time of year. Try to take it as is and lead by example on how sportsmen should conduct themselves.
The rivers are running normal for this time of year and rains this week added a little tinge to the clarity and sent another pulse of fish up stream from their staging area in the lake. Water temperatures below Tippy Dam have just dipped below the 60 degree mark and the upper Manistee is running in the low to mid-50s.
A few anglers find this is a great time of year to focus on trout with no one else around. While a lot of smaller rivers and certain sections of others are closed come October 1, you will find there are lots of opportunities to fish trout in Michigan in rivers and sections of rivers that remain open. With the reliable hatches gone, keep an eye out for some blue winged olives on the rainy days and terrestrials on the warmer days. Most of the brook trout are done spawning while the browns are in a pre-spawn mood and have been known to eat streamers that even look like brook trout.
Whatever and wherever you choose to fish, enjoy the season. Good luck.
Ted
Fall Steelhead – Finish the season with some chrome. Some November and December dates available.
Gift Certificates –Give the gift of time on the water. Half or Full-Day Trips and Casting Lessons available.
2027 Season – Now booking through August 2027. Be sure to get your dates and plan life around your fishing.