[dropcap]O[/dropcap]tober is time for steelhead and browns that will inevitably be following the remnant spawning coho and king salmon up many of the west side rivers. The Boardman, Elk, Platte, Betsie, and Manistee big and little will all have a variety of aggressive hard pulling migratory rainbows and browns. Fly anglers can target these fish by stripping steamers or swinging flies. Early steelhead can be the most aggressive and hardest pulling fish around with water temperatures in the upper 50s they really mean business when hooked and the fights often lead to multiple jumps. Browns are getting fat for the spawn at the end of the month or in early November and become aggressive and willing to chase large streamers like flash monkeys, Great Lakes deceivers, double nickels, and Sedottie slammers. Use Scientific Anglers cold 30 sinking lines in 300 or 350 grain weights and 8 or 9 weight fly rods use fairly stout fluorocarbon tippets of 16# to avoid being taken to the house. It is one great month to be a fly angler in northern Michigan get out and enjoy the chase!
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