The fall weather sure has been comfortable to fish in, but it sure hasn’t made for great steelhead fishing.

The lack of any appreciable rainfall the past 6 weeks is taking a toll on fish inventory numbers in the river. We finally got some winds to blow some water around on Lake Michigan which helps congregate fish, but the low, clear water is keeping fish from migrating upstream like we have come to expect once the calendar hits November. Help is on the way with the forecast, just not sure how much rain we will get, but any is welcomed.

With the clear water, look to use lighter tippet than typical, but use your luck and skill to land these fish as they are still full of themselves with water temperatures in the Big Manistee river reading close to 50 degrees. Might be a good time to swing a fly and look for that aggressive fish looking to destroy something if looking to try something new. Otherwise, egg and beads are fooling most of the fish hooked and the nymph bite is starting to get better (hex and larger stones) as the salmon are done and the egg drop has diminished.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain in the second half of November. Finish the season with some chrome.
Spring Steelhead –  It’s not too early to think Spring! Get your dates secured for the first fishing of the year.
Gift Certificates – Ask or give the gift of a lesson, half or full-day trip on the water.