Weekly Fishing Report - October 31, 2025

Manistee River

The stretch of the Manistee River below Tippy Dam is entering one of its stronger fall phases: the steelhead (and residual salmon) runs are underway in earnest.
According to recent guide-reporting, water levels are about “normal for this time of year,” which means less turbulence and better clarity in many spots.
While the big Chinook salmon run is largely past its peak, there are still salmon and coho in the system, feeding and settling in, which in turn draws steelhead and browns.

Streamer work in edges and runs is increasingly effective: because many of the trout and steelhead are staging, active fish will take moving flies. One report noted that lighter-sink streamers with minimal flash, and a varied retrieve (pause-and-go) produced good results.
Float rigs with spawn or bead patterns are also coming into play, especially for steelhead that are beginning to transition toward spawning behavior.
Focus downstream of bigger flows, near spawning gravels, in deeper runs and pools, and especially during the “shoulder” periods: dawn, dusk, and into the evening.

Expect good action for steelhead through early November—and likely into later November—especially if we get moderate rainfall and nice temperature drops. The guide reports suggest “look for fishing to remain fantastic well into November.”
With cooler air and water temperatures, and perhaps more overcast days, fish will tend to hold deeper and be less visible; go slower, larger flies, and use stealth.
With many salmon having spawned, steelhead and browns will increasingly key into residual eggs, flesh, and post-spawn opportunistic feeding—so switching tactics to target that behavior is wise.
Use heavier leaders (for streamer work) where needed and consider switching fly size to match water clarity and speed of flow.

The Au Sable is entering one of its key windows for steelhead and larger trout in the late-fall/early-winter period. One summary: “Fall steelhead and salmon runs … October through November” are highlighted.
Reports indicate that while the classic dry-fly big-brown-trout activity might be past its peak, streamers, egg patterns, and nymphs are very productive this time of year.
Because the Au Sable is spring-fed and maintains relatively stable flows, it remains fishable in this season when many other rivers drop off.

Target the lower stretches (below dam releases or where steelhead stage) for the heavier fish.
Streamers, egg flies/beads, and slightly larger nymph patterns are good choices.
Focus on transition zones: deep runs to riffles, holes near covers, and dark water edges where steelhead are staging or moving upstream.
Since the hatch/dry-fly window is largely over for many anglers at this time, don’t rely solely on dries—though if you find slow water with trout still active above the surface, don’t dismiss it.

With the calendar now in early November, you’re in a strong spot for steelhead on the Au Sable—especially if flows and water clarity cooperate.
As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, fish shift their behaviors—more opportunistic, less surface risers. Adapt accordingly.
Pay attention to river gauges and check recent rainfall: a bump in flow can trigger movement of fish (or push them into deeper/safer zones).
Good access and daylight become more limited plan earlier starts or consider afternoon into evening sessions if gear and safety allow.

For the first week of November, on behalf of Drake’s Fly Shop, here’s the bottom line:

Manistee River: Solid steelhead action & some late salmon; streamer/egg/spawn tactics will yield. Great time to be below Tippy Dam.
Au Sable River: Very good opportunity for steelhead + large trout; focus on staging areas and use robust tactics for deeper or darker water.
Expect slightly slower surface activity than summer, but increased willingness to eat moving flies/egg patterns.
Best days will be those with moderate flows (not blown out), cool overnights, and perhaps fresh rain.
Access remains good, but as the season advances later in November, plan accordingly for lighting, water temperature, and safety.