Katmai Guy,

The later in the season, the colder the weather and water temperature. Floating line fly fishing is best when the water temperature is 50*F and above. Every degree colder and the odds of getting a steelhead to take a surface presentation go down, way down. Water temps are generally below 50 by the end of Oct.

As for fly patterns, nothing could be easier. Size 6 and 8 Spade for a wet fly, and dry/skaters in size 6 and 8; Waller Waker, October caddis, Bomber, etc. I have a swing leaf wet fly box that contains little else besides Spades.

Sg