Mid-November finds us with fishing conditions that we kind of expect this time of year. The crowds and tree leaves are gone as are the salmon, but steelhead remain in the rivers.
Colder temperatures and even some snow brought the water temperatures down as they bounce around in the mid-40s on both the Big Manistee and Betsie Rivers. A little sunshine will help temps bounce up, but cold nights drop them again – it’s the norm for this time of year. Still, conditions/temperatures are good for those looking find a steelhead and when they do, the fish have been active if not spunky which is typical when water temps are above 42 degrees.
While the salmon are gone, the eggs they left behind aren’t. Egg patterns remain our primary offerings with the nymph bite starting to improve – it has been off a bit this fall so a pickup is welcomed. With the low, clear water, you likely will want to use small, natural egg patterns, especially color schemes that look opaque and mottled as the natural eggs are looking at this point of their cycle. 8 mm bead and #8 and #10 egg patterns have been successful when tied to some lighter tippet material.
As the fish trickle in and the ones in the system settle in, look for the steelhead to start looking to sit in structure just off the bubble line and seam. Swinging flies using two-handed rods with temps still in the 40s is a great way to cover water and structure and get some players to play the game. More folks it seems like the idea of coming out alone and enjoying the peace of the late fall steelhead season and using this approach.
Firearm deer season began Nov. 15 and continues to the 30th so if headed out, consider wearing some hunters orange for safety.
Good luck.
Ted
Fall Steelhead – Finish the fishing season with our favorite species to chase. Dates available in December.
Spring Steelhead –The season will be here before you know it – get your dates secured Mid-March thru April
2026 Season –It isn’t too early to think about next year and securing your dates – now booking for all seasons.