[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ll I can think of when I think of October in Michigan is fall steelhead on the Manistee River. This is my favorite time of the year to guide. When these fish enter the river system, they thrive on the protein filled salmon eggs and are an absolute blast to tangle with. They typically start showing up on the Manistee the last week of September, and we usually have good numbers in the system by the 2nd week of October.
We fish for the fall steelhead with a variety of techniques and gear.
#1 Bottom bouncing with flies, trout beads, and nymphs with a fly rod.
#2 Bottom bouncing or rolling spawn with spinning gear.
#3 Swinging streamers with spey and switch rods.
#4 Float fishing with centerpin float rods and spinning gear.
There are a variety of ways to catch these fall steelhead, and all are effective. They are hard charging acrobatic fish, one that everyone should have on their bucket list.
Typical rod length and sizes are 9-11ft and have a power rating of 6-19lb for spinning gear and 7-8 weight for fly rods. Reel selection should be something with a good drag system because it will get a work out! 10-12lb main line and 6-8lb leader is pretty common. The early run of steelhead are found close to gravel areas where salmon are spawning or typically spawn. As October goes on, there can be fish throughout the whole Manistee River system below Tippy Dam.
The October steelhead is the first of many months to come for the steelhead angler here in Michigan. The fishing continues through the winter months until spawn in April and May. Anglers can enjoy seven to eight months of fishing for the steelhead addict. Come on up and see the true fall color of chrome! High fives and tight lines!
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