I concentrated my efforts on the lower portion of the river today, hoping that the early steelhead would be congregated in the deeper runs. We have had some rain, but not nearly the amount needed to get a decent push of fall fish. The local reports have been mentioning steelhead, mostly skips, with adults at a premium.
Swinging flies with the spey rod most of the day, I typically had the river to myself.
A quick snow squall and the cold temps felt more like January than late October.
After working my way through the majority of my favorite runs in the lower river without a single grab, I decided to make my way back upriver. I stopped at a two runs to swing flies and another I fished with my centerpin in a last chance effort to save the day. The chunky skip pictured above was the reward. Not a streamer fish, or even a big fish, but it still felt good to see some AuSable steel.
Today's gear was a 550gr Skagit line with 10-15 feet of T-14. As far as flies, I tried a variety of natural looking sculpins and leeches, obnoxious flashy creations, and everything in between.
Great pix! I can't wait to board the SS Huff again in search of the steel you are talking about. Count me in for a December run if you have room.
ReplyDeleteRexMan
The SS Huffer always has room for steelhead junkies, bag that whitetail and keep in touch. I'll be fishin.
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