Big Fish Time on the AuSable
Greetings, all you trout chasers. Had your fill of Salmon and Fall Steelhead (not likely on the latter), head to the Ausable River during the next month and hang on. It is once again time for big Browns to spawn on the AuSable. From the middle of November through much of December, big fish move into the upper reaches of the river for their annual spawning ritual. Streamer fishing this time of year is wonderful. Nothing like seeing a fresh bed of clean gravel with a pair of nice fish working in the current. I never target the spawning fish and you don't often see them on a sunny day, but they and other good fish are around, some angry and most hungry. Just work the water like you would during the warmer months. In the areas where you see signs of spawning fish, look for deeper slots, runs and shaded cover that would hold good fish.
I like the Peacock Bugger, Clouser style flies, smaller Marabou Streamers and the like. Don't overdo the flash on the fly. A little Flashabou or Crystal Flash goes a long way.
This is the the time of year to find some of those 3 years old fish in the 13-15 inch category, plus a good shot at a real monster. I have seen fish in the 6-8 pound range spawning in the Mainstream close to Gates Lodge in early December. What a sight. A fish like that in 16 inches of water.
Be stealthy in your approach. As Rusty used to say, "Fish like a heron". Catch more fish. Happy hunting.