With fall colors at their peak there are a number of salmon around on local rivers, but we have past the peak of the run. The Betsie still has some fish moving in as does the Manistee, but mostly the fish are concentrated to spawning gravel and the dark pocket water and holes nearby and looking shabby.

With the salmon come lots of salmon eggs that the steelhead have been focusing on. The wet October has kept good numbers of steelhead moving through systems and they have been testing equipment and angler’s abilities – they have been tough to hold onto.  Like the salmon this season, the steelhead seem to be running a little larger than we normally experience.

Egg patterns are the primary fly of choice for those looking to feed a steelhead what they have been eating. Natural looking patterns in colors like Golden Nugget, Sockeye and Light Roe have been most effective but mix it up until you find the fish’s preference and the conditions. When fishing tail-outs, steelhead buggers and caddis have been working as well. With the wet forecast, more steelhead should continue to trickle into the rivers.

Available Fall Steelhead dates available through Mid-Nov:  Nov.  5, 6, 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.