What happened to Fall? The last five days have been sub-freezing with some snow each day helping to drop the water temps and put the fish into a little bit of a funk. Once temps stabilize, the steelhead will do the same and begin to eat again as they have been a little grumpy lately.

This time of year anglers can expect a number of techniques to work – drift fishing/Duck and Chuck, Swinging Flies or indicator/float fishing.  Fish are starting to move to the inside of current seams and tail outs of holes. Structure, too, is a good place to target as it provides shelter for the fish encouraging  anglers to fish floats or swing a fly,  although the swing-bite seems to be off lately. I’m chalking that up to dropping water temps.

Water levels have stabilized and the color/clarity is perfect on both the Manistee and Betsie rivers. Egg patterns and beads are still a great approach especially if fished in tandem with a nymph – hex, caddis and buggers being ideal choices. Swing patterns have been mixed with no one particular color or shape outperforming the other but perennial favorites include copper flash in conjunction with olive or brown bodies.

Firearm Deer Season begins November 15 and continues through 11/30 – if you head out to the river consider wearing some hunter’s orange for safety.

Good luck.

Ted

Late Fall Steelhead –  There are good numbers of steelhead in the Manistee and Betsie.
Fall Trout  Combo –  Target both steelhead and trout (streamers) on the lower Manistee.
Gift Certificates – With the Holidays approaching fast – give or ask for some time on the water.