Five Tips for Fall Steelhead | Spooled Podcast Episode #37

On our latest episode of Spooled, Matt and Brian discuss what makes fall steelhead in Michigan special, remember one of Brian's mentors, and give five tips for anglers chasing great lakes steelhead.

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When the air turns crisp and the maples along the river start to glow, anglers across Michigan know what that means — it’s time for fall steelhead. These fish are fresh, powerful, and unpredictable, making them one of the most exciting targets of the season. Whether you’re swinging the big rivers or drifting smaller tribs, a few key adjustments can make all the difference.

Here are five tips to help you make the most of fall steelhead season in Michigan.

1. Choose the Right Gear

Fall steelhead demand a setup that can handle cold flows and strong fish. An 8 weight rod is a solid all-around choice, whether you’re indicator fishing, bottom bouncing, or swinging flies. Nine feet is the standard and will allow you to easily use the rod for other species but a ten foot rod offers some undeniable benefits when it comes to roll casting and fighting fish. 

If we can recommend one technique to new anglers, it's indicator nymphing. This is a technique that will allow you to fish the most water here in Michigan and catches fish through the fall, winter, and spring. A heavier line with a long head can make all the difference when the game is roll casting and mending. We trust the Anadro from Scientific Anglers as well as several others.

When it comes to leaders and tippet, keep it simple, strong and stealthy  8–12 lb fluorocarbon is a safe bet for most rivers. Don’t overlook good layering and quality waders, either. Late fall weather can change fast, and being warm and comfortable often determines how long you stay out there (and how many fish you hook).

2. Finding Fish

Locating fall steelhead often comes down to reading the water. Early in the season, fresh fish move quickly upstream on rising water, resting in tailouts, deep runs, or the edges of current seams. As the water cools and flows stabilize, fish tend to hold in softer water near structure or gravel.

If you’re new to the river, start by focusing on transition zones — those areas between fast and slow water. And don’t overlook smaller systems like the Betsie, Platte, or Boardman when the main rivers are blown out. Fall fish can surprise you in the smallest pieces of water.

3. Adjusting to Conditions

Michigan weather is famously unpredictable, and fall steelhead fishing rewards those who adapt. When the water is high or dirty, go big and bright — think larger intruders, flashy eggs, and heavier tips. When conditions clear up, scale down your presentation with smaller flies and lighter leaders.

Water temperature also dictates fish behavior. In early fall, when temps hover in the 50s, fish can be aggressive toward swung or stripped flies. Once the thermometer dips into the low 40s and upper 30s, slow everything down. Subtle drifts and well presented eggs and nymphs can be the ticket.

4. Flies That Work

You don’t need a box full of patterns to catch steelhead — just a few confidence flies that cover different conditions. On the swing, classics like the Egg-Sucking Leech, Hoh Bo Spey, and Mini-Intruder are hard to beat. For nymph or indicator setups, Eggs, Stones, Caddis and Hex Nymphs produce consistently.

Color matters less than confidence, but a few standbys include chartreuse/orange in stained water and pink/peach or natural tones in clear flows. Fish what you trust, and fish it with purpose.

5. Making the Most of Fall

Beyond the gear and tactics, fall steelheading is about being out there — early mornings with frost on the guides, the sound of migrating geese overhead, and that unmistakable pull of a fresh chrome fish. Take the time to enjoy it.

Keep an eye on river flows, stay flexible with your plans, and don’t be afraid to explore new water. Michigan’s rivers are alive this time of year, and every bend could hold the fish of the season.

Final Thoughts

Fall steelhead season doesn’t last forever, but it’s one of the most rewarding times to be on the water. With the right approach — solid gear, smart reading of conditions, and confidence in your flies — you’ll be ready when that silver flash lights up the run.

Stop by the shop if you need help dialing in your fall setup, picking a few local patterns, or just swapping stories from the river. Tight lines — and see you out there this fall.