TK's Oct. 6 Fishing Report...Steelhead!

Fishing Report October 6, 2011 Color Tour Fall colors not only include trees changing from green to reds and oranges, but also the vibrant colors of Steelhead, Coho &Chinook Salmon and Brown & Brook trout that are being caught in our local rivers. The bigger, migratory fish are taking most anglers attention right now as there are good numbers of big fish eating our flies. The salmon are mostly on gravel doing their spawning ritual with more fish moving on up despite the big, bright skies and warm temperatures. Steelhead are being caught around the salmon which are taking advantage of their protein laden eggs. This year's coho salmon are some of the nicest I have ever seen - bigger, silver and more eager to eat a fly than their king/chinook counter part. They are the minority in population compared to their cousins however there seems to be more of them this year and are lots of fun when hooked. Lots of eggs are taking fish as well as nymphs that include buggers, hex, prince nymphs and some of the wet patterns from yesteryear. With water temps in the 50's, the fish - all species - are a lot of fun once hooked with the steelhead being the ones that jump the most. With the warm weather this past week, the terrestrials should be ramping up again and become significant to the trout angler. Water levels are typical for this time of year and when the sun is bright, a careful presentaion of dries and small streamers are your best bet. The brookies are brilliant with color right now and the browns are starting to get sassy as they prepare for spawning. The forecast is calling for more nice weather for another week. Good luck, Ted -October offers some of the best Fall Steelhead fishing of the year- -Trout remains an option throughout fall with new water in 2011- - November is steelhead and trout time on the Lower Manistee - Book today to secure your place in the jet sled or drift boat!