Mid-October Streamers AuSab/Manistee

[ajax]

I have an opportunity to take some time off starting 10/15. I'd like to fish my usual haunts on the North Branch, Mason Tract, and upper Manistee.

Anybody ever do it this late? I've fished both systems with success in September, but never later. Any info appreciated!

[flyfishinchristian]

I have an opportunity to take some time off starting 10/15. I'd like to fish my usual haunts on the North Branch, Mason Tract, and upper Manistee.

Anybody ever do it this late? I've fished both systems with success in September, but never later. Any info appreciated!

ajax, I'll reply and give your message a bump to the top because I have the same question.

Actually, I was doing some research and I found this post by Rusty Gates (from his web site) dated from mid-October a few years back, but if anyone else has some advice, please let me know as well:We're into the late season. Meaning afternoon olives 2-5 each day, or much like the spring time peak part of the day. Cooler nights, trees in full bloom, and leaves dropping about as fast as skirts at a homecoming dance. Much of the north land is peaking for fall colors at this time.

#20 olives, actually ones with a brighter colored olive body have worked best. Every afternoon like clock work. Also streamer fishing is good. It ain't so much the fly but how you fish it. Often letting the rod do the work, stripping hard.....so the trout think it's food going by and they better jump all over it as it might be the last good meal before winter sets in. Also soft hackles fished just below the surface are doing well.
I've also heard to try and avoid gravel beds where the fish may have spawned...

[brookid]

I have fished it mid October and will again this year, beautiful time of year to be standing in the river.

Small streamers at first light and olives through out the day (conditions permitting)

http://www.uppermidwestflyfishing.com/photos/data/558/medium/IMG_0418.JPG

Good Luck!