Old man winter came in with force and a little early as our friends from Canada sent us a powerful cold front that should be with us for a while. Just how long is unknown.
Steelhead fishing has improved after a pretty dismal couple of weeks. Not sure if that’s because there are less people fishing in this weather or if the nice bump in water levels over the weekend encouraged some fresh fish to move into the rivers (Manistee and Betsie). For those willing to fish in below freezing weather look for fish in that transitional water – long tail outs and start to probe those deeper holes with water temperatures taking a plunge…. temps are right around 40 degrees. Nymph and egg combos are a good place to start or for those looking to swing a big streamer/spey fly – now is a good time to fish olive/copper and brown/copper patterns.
Streamer fishing for trout has been good for those looking to fish sink-tips and streamers. Both big and small fish are actively eating before winter and you never know when the big fish will come out and try to eat the small fish on your line….. kind of like those stories or experiences common with walleye/pike fishing. With the water temps dropping, fish some smaller patterns on lighter sink-tips and really put some action in the fly. Click here to read more on how to fish streamer s seductively.
Keep in mind that firearm deer season opens Saturday Nov. 15 through Nov. 30th – Wear some blaze orange for safety.
Good luck and stay warm.
Ted
Trout – Streamer fishing on the Manistee through Fall can be hot when temps gets cold.
Fall Steelhead– Now through November – this is the time of year for our famed Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.