| Fishing Report
July 29, 2010 Still Summer
Not much has changed in the past week as far as fishing conditions. It’s still warm and bright almost everyday and thankfully we have had cool evenings and some rain to keep water temps where they need to be on the Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers.
The Tricos are the most prolific bug emerging in numbers at this time. Each morning these tiny mayflies have been coming off nicely and the trout have been responding to them. We’re catching mostly smaller fish with some larger fish thrown into the mix making it a great hatch to use that lighter weight rod and start the day. In addition to Tricos, BWOs continue to emerge in decent number on certain days as with sporadic hatches of Isonychias and Light Cahills, typically in the evenings.
The terrestrial bite continues and will for sometime with hoppers becoming larger and fish more familiar with seeing them. Start the day off with small patterns and get larger as success dictates. A mid-sized rubber leg “bug” with a trailer of either a small ant or beetle has been working as with small bead head nymphs like Copper Johns and Pheasant Tails if the dry dropper isn’t working.
The warm water in the Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam continues to be good for Smallmouth Bass fishing with streamers. The water just below the Dam is running too warm to target trout as the mortality rate is too high even with a quick catch and release.
Ponds and lakes continue to be a hot spot for Bass and Bluegill action. The dusk and dawn is a favorite time for the bass fisherman and diving bugs. Once the sun is up and on the water, go to some loud poppers and rubber legs for crash-action in and around lily pads.
Good Luck,
Ted If you are looking to get out fishing, just call or e-mail! ted@current-works.com 231.883.8156
July 22, 2010
Some, Some, Summertime
It’s officially summertime fishing right now on local trout streams. With over three weeks of 80 degrees temps, the cooler evenings – thankfully, have been helping to keep the water temps where they need to be. Still, with the clear water, the low-light of mornings, evenings and overcast days are your best bet on the Manistee and Boardman Rivers.
Tricos are the most reliable hatch right now and when they are coming off and/or falling there are lots of dimples on the water. Not known to be big fish catchers in our rivers with their steady flow of biomass, anglers can have a lot of fun targeting rising fish with lighter rods with the occasional larger fish providing a pleasant surprise. Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) have been the other bug out in decent numbers some days, but not only when its gray and rainy – they’ve been coming off at all times of the day and in various conditions. When fishing in the evenings, look for Light Cahills and Isonychias too, but they have been unpredictable and sporadic at best.
The Terrestrial bite is still going on, but the smaller patterns seem to be working better day in and day out. Beetles and ants are best with small hoppers working better than the larger patterns. Try a hopper and dropper combo with a nymph or even trico spinner in the mornings. Streamer fishing has been tough with the low water and high sun but look for it to be good after a decent rain like we are receiving as I type.
The Bluegill and Bass in local lakes and ponds are playing along with weed beds and lily pads providing some of the best activity. Big poppers in heavy weeds are nothing but fun this time of year where the baitfish pattern fished near the weeds can get some action on the wavy days when surface action is minimal.
Smallmouth Bass in the Lower Manistee have been giving anglers plenty of opportunity, but they are preferring the longer cast with sink-tips and baitfish patterns. A few trout are finding their way on the line, but with the water temps in the low 70’s below Tippy Dam, please release them quickly and not target them.
Good Luck!
Ted
July 15, 2010 July Heat
The recent warm weather has had an impact on our fishing – some of it good.
Trout fishing is hit and miss lately with the high sun and warming water temps. With the water being clear combined with a bright sun, early mornings and evenings are best with overcast days being preferred for the terrestrial angler – it’s notable what some cloud cover can do. When the sun is out in the mornings, look for Tricos and fish dimpling to the small mayflies. Most of the other hatches have been sporadic – that is light and inconsistent, however you should be prepared to see Isonychias, Light Cahills, Blue Wing Olives, and the last of the Gray Drakes (Boardman).
At this time of year when there are bugs on the water the fish typically respond well. The terrestrial fishing on the Upper Manistee and Boardman has been decent, but again, weather conditions are having a large impact on success. Look for small hoppers, beetles and ants to be best. The larger, rubber and foam bugs have not been as productive, but as the summer proceeds, this should change as the natural bugs grow larger and increase in density while the fish start to realize how good they taste. As always – each day (and season) is different.
The Lower Manistee has warmed up too much for good trout fishing, but with the bad comes the good – Smallmouth Bass are loving the warmer water. Most of the activity is coming from streamer fishing with sink-tips while a little attention is coming from the surface near weed beds where water flow is slower. Baitfish patterns and smaller poppers and gurglers are some favorites and with smallmouth – figure out what they are up to that day – they are unpredictable like trout with their daily preferences.
The bluegill and bass fishing continues to remain strong in local lakes and ponds. The “third-spawn” of the gills is still taking place in some waters which might explain why they are so prolific. With the rapid weed growth, the bass fishing has been good with low-light surface action being some of the best action. Poppers, deer hair bugs, divers and streamers – they are all working lately.
The carp in the bay are done. It was a strange season because of our roller-coaster weather, but if you got in on the fishing when it was going strong, it was good. Start thinking about doing it again next year as this fishing continues to impress anglers and provide sight fishing opportunities that compares to fishing for some saltwater species.
Good luck.
Ted
July 8, 2010 High Heat
This warm spell should really kick the terrestrials (grasshoppers, beetles, ants, etc.) into overdrive as more than just the filed corn is growing rapidly. Still, the smaller patterns have been working on the Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers and look for them to become more active with the warmer weather. Water temperatures are increasing and some cooler nights would be welcome. The Tricos are around just a little bit and look for this small mayfly to increase over the next couple of weeks for those looking to be on the water early in the morning. Other bugs that have been around include Isonychias, Light Cahills, Small Caddis (#18), BWOs, the last of the Grey Drakes (Boardman only) and little yellow sally stones. To read more about the various hatches during this time of the season, click “Fishing After the Hex Hatch.”
This time of year general attractors will bring some fish to hand so don’t forget about the trustworthy Royal Wulffs and Patriots to name just a few. Rubber legs on flies that suggest terrestrials always deserve time on the water for some dry fly action.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam has warmed up into the 70’s and as such the trout are not overly respondent however, the Smallmouth Bass have been fishing well. Baitfish patterns seem to be the common denominator but mix it up each day to find what they might be in the mood for.
Bluegill on the smaller lakes and ponds are still coming to the fly, although they are a little wiser and tougher to fool. Surface action around the lillypads is good for smaller fish and the larger fish tend to be in the deeper water hovering around 6-8 feet deep and are hungry for small nymphs and streamers. The Largemouth Bass are loving the heat and resulting weed growth and have been responding to the poppers and diving bugs.
The Carp are still around, but are spotty. This stable heat we have experienced combined with the Blue Angles air show leaving town has brought some fish back to the flats in fishable numbers, but they too are a little smarter with all of the season’s angling pressure and increased activity on the bay.
Good Luck,
Ted
July 1, 2010 Transition Fishing
This is the time of year that a lot of anglers start to transition their fishing from late nights to mornings and during the day. After a month of fishing hatches into the dark, anglers will notice that the bags under the eyes are starting to go away.
Trout fishing on the Manistee and Boardman rivers has been solid lately, but not so much for the angler looking for hex flies. While the weather has been up and down, being cold one day- hot another and rainy on the third, the bugs have mostly come and gone at various times over the past three weeks; it was a strange hatch to say the least. With that being said, make sure you have hex flies with you as there will be sporadic mini-hex hatches over the next week or two as there often is after the peak, they are just difficult to predict. Other bugs that have been bringing fish to the surface include Isonychias, Light Cahills, Yellow Sally Stones, Gray Drakes (Boardman), small caddis (#18), and BWOs. To read more about the various hatches found after the hex hatch, check out “Fishing After the Hex Hatch.”
The terrestrial bite is just starting and small hoppers are in the grass fields near the rivers so make sure your patterns are small. The cool nights have made for some ideal water temperatures and the streamer fishing has been good on certain days, especially when the sun isn’t out or in low-light conditions. After a month of high water and eating a lot of food being washed downstream, the fish are well fed and looking to keep to that diet and eat some more. The fish have been plump lately.
The Manistee River below Tippy Dam is still producing trout and with the increasing water temperatures, smallmouth bass have been building in numbers and have been eating crayfish and streamers. Trout have been coming on wets, nymphs, streamers and dry flies including caddis and stoneflies despite the water temperatures increasing.
The cold nights have really had an impact on the carp fishing. Fish numbers have been down the past three weeks with fish hanging out in the deeper, more stable water. Afternoons and into evenings while the sun is high and hot are your best bet to finding fish and with the forecast calling for seasonal weather to return, the fishing should get easier. A few smallmouth bass are still cruising near their structure (rocks and docks and other) so keep your eye out and always cast to the shade side of structure.
Bass and bluegill fishing on local lakes and ponds continues to be good, however the gills are starting to get smaller as the bigger, “migratory” fish are spending much of their time in the deeper water which is hard to get to with a fly. The bass fishing has been lots of fun with the increased weed growth and their responsiveness to poppers and diving bugs in water less than 8 feet deep. Just like in the bay, fish all structures including weeds, rocks, docks, rafts, etc.
Good luck!
Ted
June 24, 2010 Rain, Rain, Go Away
It seems that June has received more than the typical amount of rain this year and as a result fishing and hatches haven’t been typical either.
This time of year most have their mind set on trout fishing and hex flies. Between the heavy rainfalls/increase in river flow and some up and down weather the bugs haven’t been as predicable as we want. Certain sections on certain nights are getting bugs but there isn’t too much consistency to it. The best thing you can do is get out and take your chance with bugs – “standing in a river waving a stick” isn’t a bad place to be and tonight might be the night.
With the higher water levels the fish have had more than enough easy food to eat: worms, chestnut lampreys, crayfish, nymphs and as a result the fishing hasn’t been great during the day. However, evenings have been providing various bugs on the Manistee and Boardman Rivers including Isonychias, BWOs, Hex and some stones and the fish do key in on what’s floating by. Streamer fishing isn’t a bad option with all the increased flows if you are looking to do something prior to the hatch and a lot of the recent success has come with one strip of the fly after the cast.
Carp fishing on the bay has also been less predictable than normal. It seems that the fish are taking a break from their spawning activities and are spending more time in the deeper water. This should change with the hot weather and high sun forecast resulting in an increase in fish numbers in the shallows. It seems that the post-spawn Smallmouth Bass are still putting their feed bag on and cruising in the low-light hours and hanging near structure in the afternoon (depth, docks, rocks, etc.) With the full moon approaching crawfish patterns are key as their soft shells are noticed by both smallmouth and carp.
Bass fishing in lakes is getting stronger with the warmer temps and additional weed growth. Poppers and sliders are getting the surface attention and down below with crawfish, baitfish patterns and weighted streamers like Bottom’s Up and Circus Peanuts. Bluegill fishing is still good; however it’s best in the lower light periods of the day. Top water flies that are working include most dry flies with X-legs (Madam-X, Small Hoppers/Beetles and spiders). Subsurface, try the mundane but effective bead headed buggers and other leech and small streamer patterns.
Good Luck!
Ted
June 17, 2010 Big Rains, Big Bugs & Big Fish
Some big storms dumped a little too much rain over the last week and has the local rivers up and dirty. The Manistee River still has bugs coming off, but unless they are big or are in shallow runs the fish are not responding strongly because of the clarity – they simply can’t see them. With all of the dirty water moving downstream there is a lot of food washing downstream and the fish are getting a belly full – it’s a great time to fish a big streamer. Barring any rain, levels will start to drop as the water clears – it’s still fishable just carefully watch your step. The Boardman is still running a little high, however the impoundments have filtered out a lot of the water and clarity is better than the Manistee.
Bugs: The Hex have started on the local rivers, but not in huge numbers. Look for densities to build with all of the hot weather forecast – that should get them up and out along with the remaining other bugs that include: the last of the Brown Drakes, Isonychias, Bat Flies, Medium Brown Stones, Little Yellow Sallies, Gray Drakes (Boardman) and more. The rain coupled with the heat should incubate a heavy mosquito hatch, too, so be prepared for more than just no-see-ums while you are out there.
Carp fishing on the flats of Grand Traverse Bays has slowed due to the lack of heat and sunshine, but the forecast is more than favorable to change things. They like it hot. As water temps increase again look for the fish to get going strong with their spawning activities. Smallmouth Bass fishing has tapered off from what it was a few weeks ago, but it is still good – look for fish around rocks and drops - structure. Also, this time of year you can get some good cruisers looking to eat now that many of the fish have finished their spawning.
The lakes and ponds – like the rest of the local fishing – took a little step back with the past week’s weather. It should get good again with the weather that’s forecast (I know, I’m repeating myself). This is the time of year that the Largemouth Bass really get going on both the surface and just below. Have your Bluegill flies with you because they, too, can be more than responsive this time of year – more like aggressive.
With an increase in angling pressure on the banks, remember to be polite to one another and enjoy the water and fishing. Please practice catch and release – the mature, spawning fish of the Boardman and Manistee are the only hope of future fish populations on these rivers as they are not stocked but are wild producing fisheries. Good Luck, Ted The June Newsletter just went out - click here to read it. Be sure to sign up for delivery if you don't already receive it.
** Due to heavy rains on Friday, June 11, river levels have come up significantly. While levels are high and dirty, bugs continue to emerge and fish eat. The streamer fishing conditions are ideal. Use common sense and caution when wading and good luck!**
June 10, 2010 Back to Normal
Normal is a relative thing but after some really warm conditions the past week’s weather ha and on schedules put our hatches and the fish’s behavior back in line to a normal progression.
The Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers received some much needed rain and the rivers have cooled down and levels are good. Streamer fishing conditions have improved for those looking to hit the bigger fish when the bugs aren’t out. Olive, white and yellow streamers have been working well, but mix it up to find the fish’s daily preference.
Hatches have been sporadic, but on the right night, they have been good and varied. Look for Isonychias, Brown Drakes, Gray Drakes (Boardman), little Yellow Sally Stones, Medium Brown Stones, a few of the large salmon-fly stones, Bat Flies, Light Cahills, Tan Caddis and the last of the sulphurs to be coming off in the evening hours. It’s time to have your head lamps with you as the bugs will often go well into the dark. Stick around a little later as a few hex have been seen and they will build over the next week with the warmer and more stable weather in our forecast. This is the best time of the year to go after trout with dries.
The fishing on the Lower Manistee below Tippy is still good with trout eating a handful of flies from caddis, midges, scud and sow bug nymphs, BWOs and wet flies. Smaller baitfish/fry patterns have been working stripped and swung and the big stone fly has brought up some nice fish too. Streamer fishing has improved on this section with the increase in water flow and cloudy days.
Carp fishing has been a little tough in the past week with the change in weather and water temps. Wind direction is key and the warmer water is imperative to finding fish that want to eat. Look for the fishing for both Smallmouth Bass and carp to improve on the Grand Traverse Bays when we get some warmer weather once again. Crayfish patterns have been best lately, specifically Hadda’s Creek Crawler pattern since the fish are a little deeper and this pattern sinks quickly. Leeches and hex nymphs deserve a place in your box too with all of the nymph activity.
The Bluegills/Panfish on local lakes continue to provide fun for the fly angler. Top-water flies like min-poppers and spiders have been bringing fish up and smaller streamers like bead head buggers and minnow patterns are doing their damage sub-surface. Largemouth Bass have been getting a little more aggressive on top-water flies now that many of them have completed their spawning activities and if there are pike in the lakes you fish, don’t be surprised if they take the sliders, divers and poppers. Fish them quietly rather than big and loud until the weeds get heavy.
Good Luck!
Ted
Guide dates still available for this month if you are looking to get out and experience some of the many opportunities fly anglers can choose from during this time of year. Call/e-mail to book a trip and enjoy a float trip & some great fishing!!!
Last year I wrote an article on the various bugs that hatch in the weeks prior to the hex hatch which is now. If you haven’t read it, learn a bit more on what to expect to find on the water during what I think is the best dry fly fishing of the year. Read the article by clicking "Fishing Before The Hex Hatch."
June 3, 2010 A Much Needed "Cool" Down
Temperatures in the 70’s isn’t typically considered cool for this time of year, but after what we have experienced the past two weeks, it feels cool and good. This is good – water temperatures in the rivers were getting way too high stressing out fish and making hatches somewhat difficult to time, however, on the right evenings, fishing has been good.
The Upper Manistee and Boardman rivers have been experiencing good hatches of a lot of different bugs making it tricky to figure out what the fish are keyed in on. Sometimes one fish is eating one bug and the next fish downstream is looking for something else – prepare to mix up your patterns. Here is what you can expect to find: Sulphurs, Mahoganies, Bat Flies, Isonychias, Brown Drakes, Gray Drakes, Medium Brown Stones, Little Yellow Sallies and some Large Stones – golden and black/orange, olives and caddis. Yes, a lot of bugs, but this is a great time to be on the water if you like dry fly fishing.
The Lower Manistee is still fishing well for those looking to fish a variety of ways: swinging wet flies, nymphing, streamers and dry flies. Most of the dry flies have been tiny midges and caddis; however a big stonefly pattern has been bringing up some good fish too. The carp and suckers that were spawning in the hundreds are getting thinner each day and all of the trout chomping on their eggs below them are starting to go back to their usual places in the river. When it’s bright, look for shade, no matter what river you are fishing right now!
The Carp and Smallmouth Bass on the bay have been really good lately thanks to the warm weather. Some fish are spawning while others are still in pre-spawn mode. Look for big groups of carp in shallows where the water is warmest – with the cooler evenings, the fishing in the afternoon should be better than in the mornings for carp. Smallies aren’t quite as sensitive. The typical patterns are working: crayfish, clousers and hex nymphs – all in variations that should get the job done.
The bluegill/panfish and bass in area lakes and ponds are on their beds with lots of fish around them looking to eat. Fishing dries in shallow will not only provide some fun surface action, but leave the spawners to do what they need to do. With some gills finishing, look for the fish to be closer to slight drop-offs where a bead head nymph or small streamer should get you some action.
The forecast is calling for some much needed rain and cooler temps which, I hope will bring the water levels up, but more importantly, the temperatures down. All fish – whether in rivers or lakes do not like significant change in temperatures – especially dropping mercury. This can be key when deciding when to go out or even where. Overnight temps, daily sunshine, wind direction and rainfall all have an affect so pay attention and adjust your plans if needed.
Good Luck,
Ted
May 26, 2010 It’s Almost June, but It Feels Like July!
The recent hot weather has made for some good fishing, but the time and place is key right now to really cash in. Trout anglers are finding that the bugs are consistent with this time of the year on the Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers. Since it has been hot, the emergence and spinner falls have been relatively condensed to the last hour or two of daylight. You can expect to see sulphurs, Isonychias, the last of the Mahoganies & Light Hendricksons, March Browns, Little Yellow Stones, Medium Brown Stones and the Brown Drakes should start anytime now. Caddis have been popping off throughout the day – not a blanket hatch often with heavier bugs in the mornings and evenings, too.
Streamer fishing has been tough since the water is low and clear – some badly needed rain will do a lot to change this. Sadly the weather man isn’t predicting any – lets hope he is wrong but in the meantime, target the low-light times of the day and/or, really go deep into structure to get them to play. The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam is fishing decent with caddis, wets and mid-sized streamers. There are lots of suckers and carp spawning right now so a nymph fisherman would be well served to nymph some small egg patterns behind them to pick off the trout eating all of the eggs coming down the pipeline.
The Carp on both West and Grand Traverse Bay are in pre-spawn rapidly approaching spawning time. It’s a great time to get on the warmer flats and sight fish to some real bruisers. Mixed with them and in other places are some great Smallmouth Bass. The typical flies have been working: crayfish, leeches, weighted hex nymphs (click here for tying instructions) and small goby patterns. Lots of water has warmed up so most of your favorite places should have fish looking to eat a well presented fly.
The Bluegill/Panfish are in the shallows of most local lakes and are defending their beds. Top-water flies have been working well: poppers, spiders and tarantulas – great action and is a lot of fun for beginners learning to fly fish or for the seasoned angler who can’t make it to the river. Hang a small beaded nymph underneath a dry if you aren’t getting the response you are looking for. If that doesn’t work try real small streamers with a bead, stripped slowly. Bass, too are on some beds and others are still in pre-spawn – good fun.
As you can read, there is so much to choose to fish for right now – call for a trip if you are looking to get on the water for any of the above species or what’s going to hatch soon (think hex). Safe travels to all of you heading up-North for the Memorial Day weekend.
Good Luck!
Ted
The June Newsletter just went out - click here to read it. Be sure to sign up for delivery if you don't already receive it. Last year I wrote an article on the various bugs that hatch in the weeks prior to the hex hatch which is now. If you haven’t read it, learn a bit more on what to expect to find on the water during what I think is the best dry fly fishing of the year. Read the article by clicking "Fishing Before The Hex Hatch."
May 20, 2010 The Fishing Continues
Trout fishing on the local rivers has been good for those looking to fish the hatches. After last week’s cool weather the bugs have been emerging and spinners returning to water throughout the afternoon with heavier numbers in the evening. With nice weather that’s forecast, look for the bugs to get back on schedule and make it an evening game. Both the Upper Manistee and the Boardman River have experienced Sulphurs, Mahoganies, medium brown Stones, Black Quills/Borchers, March Browns and some caddis tan/brown caddis - #14. The riffle sections of the rivers have seen largest numbers of adults coming back to lay their eggs so look for the fish to sip the small spinners in the slick water just downstream. It’s a great time to have a lot of rusty spinner patterns in your box to imitate all of the spinners hitting the water.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam continues to fish well with sub-surface patterns. Being a tail-water, the nymph bite is best, but keep an eye out for risers. The larger fish aren’t coming up so much, but staying down eating unsuspecting fry and stocked trout; those fishing streamers should start off with baitfish patterns like T&A Bunkers, Fin Clips, Deceivers, C&F Minnows and Cheech-Leeches to imitate the bigger fish where smaller fry patterns swung, dead-drifted and/or stripped are picking off both small and larger fish. Obviously mix it up to find out if they are being picky.
The bluegill/panfish and bass fishing on ponds continues to get better now that bright sun is warming up the water after the cool nights. Look for the gills to be on beds in the warmer lakes and don’t hesitate to fish with small nymphs if they aren’t coming to your spiders and poppers; I like brassies, damsel nymphs and bead head pheasant tails. Bass are moving closer, too, to doing their spawning thing so fish with some streamers and smaller top-water poppers and don’t be surprised if a pike enters the picture. Carp are starting to build again in the bays and since it is pre-spawn, they will eat the well presented fly in the afternoons after the sun warms up certain flats. Look for all “warm-water” fishing to improve over the next month for some of the best angling.
If out on the waters and in the woods, don’t play with matches – things are too dry and we can’t afford to have another forest fire start.
Good luck,
Ted
Last year I wrote an article on the various bugs that hatch in the weeks prior to the hex hatch which is now. If you haven’t read it, learn a bit more on what to expect to find on the water during what I think is the best dry fly fishing of the year. Read the article by clicking "Fishing Before The Hex Hatch." - May Fishing - The Month of May and into June is one of my favorite times of the year to fish for trout. Water temperatures are ideal, often good rains make for some of the best streamer fishing for those looking to score an above average sized trout and the hatches can provide some of the best dry-fly action of the year. Fishing pressure is light and the fish haven’t been overeducated. Call or e-mail if you want to experience it
May 13, 2010 May Showers, May Flowers, and May’s Fishing
Trout fishing on local rivers continues to be decent with some days being really good and others, not so much. The recent weather, in my opinion, is to blame for the inconsistencies, a little snow over the weekend, warm sun a few days later, a cold rain shower or two here and there and the bugs and their emergence just hasn’t been overly predictable – who can blame them?
What I am experiencing are: The Upper-Manistee - some Hendricksons (mostly spinners at sporadic times of the day), medium brown stones, a few march browns, black quills/Borchers, caddis, mahoganies and an increase in BWOs. The Manistee below Tippy Dam is offering up some caddis hatches, BWO's, and midges on top and the nymph bite is getting even stronger with scuds and sow bugs down low and fry patterns fished dead-drift, swung and stripped. The Boardman - Hendricksons and caddis have been emerging. Look for the warmer weather of next week to kick-off good emergences of sulphurs on both rivers which should be really good this year.
When not matching the hatch, the streamer fishing has been producing some nice fish for those looking to put the time in and the cast in the right spot. Water levels are lower and clearer than what is considered ideal, but good fish are still coming to the fly: CF Minnows, sculpins, deceivers and zonker/rabbit strip leeches have been working. The right color and the amount of flash varies with not only the day, but time of day – mix it up until you find what they like.
The cooler weather has had its effect on lake fish too. Bluegill/panfish are shallow in some of the smaller waters, and just into the deeper water on others. The nymph and very small streamer angler has had more success beneath the surface than those fishing on top. Look for that to change soon. Bass in the lakes have been getting active in their pre-spawn mode and the pike have been eating a streamer too, now that they are post-spawn feeding. When lake fishing, look for any weed growth to be a good place to target fish. The carp in the bay which were very “spotty” (not widespread, but concentrated when found) have moved back to the deeper water with a few fish coming into the flats when the sun is bright and the water temp is in the mid-50s. Pay attention to night temps, wind direction and bring your thermometer.
Good Luck,
Ted
- May Fishing - The Month of May is one of my favorite times of the year to fish for trout. Water temperatures are ideal, often good rains make for some of the best streamer fishing for those looking to score an above average sized trout and the hatches can provide some of the best dry-fly action of the year. Fishing pressure is light and the fish haven’t been overeducated. Call or e-mail if you want to experience it.
May 6, 2010 Early May Fishing
The trout fishing continues to be decent with the mild temps – both air and water. The forecast is calling for things to get cooler but not for a prolonged period of time. Once water temperatures stabilize or increase - thanks to sunshine and milder night temps - look for fishing to be more predictable (trout hate a sudden drop in water temperature). Thankfully, we got some much needed rain on the local rivers to add a little stain to the water and improve streamer fishing conditions. The spring winds have made spinner falls tough to time but usually the wind dies in the evening when the air is still warm enough making for a nice spinner fall.
Hatches have been good: On the Upper Manistee, the Hendricksons are finishing up with sporadic emergences and spinner falls at all times of the day, black quills/Borchers, medium brown stones, a few black stones, black caddis, and an odd sulphur or two. The Boardman has been experiencing good Hendrickson hatches this spring and the caddis, too, are showing up in good numbers. It won’t be long before sulphurs get going here once things warm up again.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam is fishing well too. The amount of food in this river is prolific and as a result the fish are healthy and looking to eat a well presented fly. Fishing fry patterns is working with all of the salmon offspring in the river. Bigger streamers will keep you away from the stocked fish and give you an opportunity at the larger trout; the past two summers were cooler resulting in a good number of hold-over trout for this year. Caddis, midge and bwos have been emerging making for surface activity and the usual suspects for the nymph angler have been working: pheasant tails, sow bugs, hare’s ears and medium sized stone fly nymphs. This is an outstanding trout fishery for those who like tailwater fishing.
The bluegill continue to move into shallower water on the local lakes and ponds as they prepare for their spawning ritual. Bass, too, are in the shallower water along the slight drops and structure looking to eat before they get busy. More and more docks are going into the local lakes and these serve as structure for both species – target them. The best surface fishing is when no wind exists which can be difficult to find this time of year so fish the leeside shoreline when it is blowing. Keep you eyes out for the pike and musky and have a heavy rod rigged with shock tippet and a big fly for your shot at something long.
The carp are spotty in the Bays; when you find them, you will find lots of them. Wind direction, sunshine and overnight temps are crucial this time of year. Look for a Lake Trout swimming just off of the breaks cruising for baitfish as you are looking for carp.
Good Luck,
Ted
- Mother’s Day, May 9 - Get Mom (or the Mother of your children) the gift of a guided fishing trip or lesson this year. Gift certificates are available and can be e-mailed just in time!
April 28, 2010 It’s Open
Trout season opener has officially come and gone and what’s left are months of great fishing on Northern Michigan rivers for trout.
The Upper Manistee is fishing decent for the dry fly guy looking to cast Hendricksons. There are decent numbers of bugs emerging and spinner dancing, but with the cold nights and mornings, things haven’t been predictable as far as hatches and spinner falls. The next few days have some stable night temperatures and warm days forecast so it should be good. After that, the weather man tells us we should expect some rain for a few days which is more than needed. Water levels are low and clarity is a little too good, so look for the rain to make for some ideal conditions and great streamer fishing. Other bugs have included small black caddis, black stones, and black quills/borchers. Sulphurs and March Browns deserve a place in your box as they could get going a little early this year because of the warm weather. The Boardman - with its cooler water temps - do have some Hendricksons popping and the numbers should really build over the next couple of days with the warmer weather. This river is one big riffle so go to your favorite section of the river and enjoy some great fishing close to town. Don’t forget your personal bug spray as the “other bugs” are building in numbers too.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam is fishing well for those swinging smaller streamers and wets. The nymph angler is catching lots of good fish on smaller nymphs and eggs and from time to time is surprised with a remaining steelhead which is a lot of fish for the 5 wt. angler and water temps in the 50’s. Streamer fishing comes and goes depending on the day, but the bright sun we have had lately is never favorable. When it’s on it’s on! and a rare steelhead has been known to eat the “trout” streamer. Bait fish looking patterns are a good bet since the DNR loads the river up each spring with hatchery supplemented fish that the bigger trout notice and take advantage of. Click here to read about fishing patterns that look like stocked fish. As always with streamer fishing, mix your patterns up until you find a shape and color that they like. This is a great place to learn and/or refine your streamer fishing skills with good numbers of fish in the system that are having hunger pangs now that they aren’t eating piles of eggs drifting from the steelhead, suckers and walleye.
Yes, there are a few steelhead around in the local rivers, but not in strong numbers. Expect the run to extend a few more weeks, but with just a few fish coming in and some dropping back. In other words, there will be fish around, just not many. It’s a decent time to swing a fly and look for that aggressive fish in the warmer water. The Boardman in town has had a good number of fish in it lately for those looking to fish in the urban setting for a few hours.
The Bluegill are moving towards the shallows on some of the smaller, shallower and warmer pond/lakes but it’s still a little early for them. After the warm weather and warm rains, we should see more activity with some additional bass moving in too. Remember, with trout opener, Pike and Musky are now fair game as well as catch and release bass fishing. The lakes are gin-clear so a long cast and fluorocarbon is suggested.
Good luck and Go Red Wings.
Ted
- May - The Month of May is one of my favorite times of the year to fish for trout. Water temperatures are ideal, often good rains make for some of the best streamer fishing for those looking to score an above average sized trout and the hatches can provide some of the best dry-fly action of the year. Fishing pressure is light and the fish haven’t been overeducated. Call or e-mail if you want to experience it.
April 21, 2010 Opening Weekend
This Saturday marks the official opener to Michigan’s trout season and it’s streams throughout the state. Just like Nov. 15/opening day is significant to the deer hunter, this Saturday is more than symbolic – it’s your chance to get on water that has been well rested since the end of September and score on some unsuspecting fish.
The warm weather the past 7 weeks should make this year’s opener one of the best in years. Water temps are in the 50’s and the fish are out of their post hibernation-funk and eating streamers and some dry flies. The insect activity has been sporadic thanks to the cooler nights of late, but look for black stones, Hendricksons, black caddis, black quills/borcher’s drakes on the Upper Manistee. The Boardman - running cooler - has had some “henies” coming off too, but not many fish eating them. This time of year, insect activity is best when the temps are warmest so look for sun, light winds and mild overnight temperatures - the rest of the time, fish streamers and nymphs.
If you are heading out this weekend, have a box of big streamers to tie onto your sink-tip line if you are looking to score the bigger, more aggressive fish. Be around gravel and riffle areas on your favorite section of water for the best Hendrickson activity; the nymphs call that water home and the spinners come back to it when depositing their eggs. Fish a nymph and or wets – down and across, or, when you see some surface activity or an emergence tie a wet or a nymph behind a dead-drift emerger. The fish haven’t seen much activity for a while on the closed sections so use some stealth when fishing to keep fish happy.
Steelhead fishing is still going, but is winding down. Since it has been such a strange spring for steelhead, who knows what will happen – especially after our next rain. Some fresh fish are still trickling up the Manistee, Betsie, Boardman and Platte Rivers, but in small numbers while drop-back females are slipping back to the big lake. Many people are willing to subject themselves to the cold weather of winter steelhead for a chance at a few fish, but it amazes me that more people don’t pursue drop-back and the remaining fresh running fish this time of year in the warmer weather. With the warmer water, it’s the best acrobats and fighting fish of the year. Lots of Oregon Cheese eggs patterns, larger hex nymphs and steelhead buggers have been working in the deeper water with the small, pale colored eggs, small stones and caddis around gravel. With water temps in the mid 50’s it’s not necessarily a bad time to swing some flies looking for non-spawning fish to eat your bigger presentation of streamers and spey flies.
Often out of the lime-light for fly fisherman are all of the lakes in the Lower Peninsula and the other seasons that share the same opener: Pike, Musky, Walleye and catch and immediate release Bass fishing starts this Saturday, too. See the MI-DNRE for specifics on regulations.
Good luck this weekend and be sure to be considerate to other anglers you encounter on the water – we made it through another winter and opener is another confirmation that spring is here! Ted
The Month of May is one of my favorite times of the year to fish for trout. Water temperatures are ideal, often good rains make for some of the best streamer fishing for those looking to score an above average sized trout and the hatches can provide some of the best dry-fly action of the year. Fishing pressure is light and the fish haven’t been overeducated. Call or e-mail if you want to experience it.
April 14, 2010 Every Day is Different What a strange spring weather wise. It certainly had its effects on the fishing and in some cases helped things, but there are a lot of people in waders scratching their heads.
The steelhead fishing has slowed the past week and last week’s rain didn’t bring in a push of fish like most hoped for. Still, there are some fish moving up and down the Manistee and Betsie Rivers right now but fishing is spotty. Most of the fish are on or near gravel and are skittish to say the least after angling pressure has taught them to be nervous. Targeting drop-back fish has provided some good action and has also produced some fresh fish on their way up to do their spawning thing. I imagine fish will continue to trickle into the river for a few more weeks, just not in the numbers one would expect when looking at the calendar. Eggs in Oregon Cheese/Org, and sockeye have been the better egg colors with black stones, hex and steelhead buggers for the nymphs. With 50 degree water temps, look for fish to be there one day and gone the next proving, yet again, that steelhead are predictably unpredictable. One thing you can count on are hard fighting and jumping fish thanks to the warm water.
The good news about the warm water and early spring is that the trout fishing has been good. Water levels are about right and the angling pressure is light on certain sections of water currently open. Streamer fishing is the method to use majority of the time right now giving those well-rested trout a mouthful. Tans, browns, white and olive patterns have been the better colors with some larger baitfish patterns provoking territorial aggressiveness. If you are fishing water stocked with trout, now is the time to fish with patterns that resemble the bait – TA Bunkers, Deceivers, CF Minnows and Fin Clips. Keep an eye on the water’s surface too as there has been dry fly action on the surface with stones and Hendricksons popping off and some fish eating. Look for the dry fly action and hatches to build significantly thanks to the weather forecast.
Good luck,
Ted
Upcoming Events/Reminders
The Adams Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding it annual fund-raising banquet Saturday April 17 here in the Traverse City region which should be lots of fun, with lots of prizes and auction items. Check out the Chapter’s website for additional information on the banquet.
Opening day of trout season is April 24. We should experience more than a few Hendricksons coming off this year thanks to the warmer weather. Take advantage of the warm water and fish sections of rivers that have been well rested since closing last fall. This should be a streamer junkie’s fix!
Get your dates for this year’s fishing on the calendar – call or email to reserve your place in the boat and spend more time on the water instead of talking about it.
April 8, 2010 And it Came The rain we needed finally came along with a little snow too. The grass has turned from brown to green and the rivers have a little more chrome/silver in them.
Steelhead anglers will find the Manistee and Betsie rivers to have some fresh fish coming through since they have been waiting out in the big lake for a push of water. Decent numbers of fish have been in the rivers doing the gravel dance and a lot of the females that have trickled in the past two weeks have come and gone with many of the darker males sticking around. So, right now it’s a mixed bag – some fresh, some not, but look for this rain to be just what we needed as far as fresh fish. To boot, the “by-catch” has been varied with suckers, carp, lake-run browns, smallmouth bass and buffalo eating our “steelhead” flies – I think the unusual warm water of 50 degrees for this time of year has a lot to do with this.
Look for fish in all types of water, with each day being different. On and around gravel will be best for spawning fish with runs and holes for fresh and drop-back fish coming and going. Flies have been a mixed bag – mostly smaller eggs (Oregon cheese being a favorite) and medium sized nymphs, but look for all that to change with the water having color to it…. It will be time for bigger yarn/eggs and some nymphs with a little sparkle. Just as you change the type of water you are targeting, don’t hesitate to change your flies up too.
Trout fishing continues to be good on the upper-Manistee for those looking to cast streamers all day along with a dry-fly rod rigged near by. The warmer weather and subsequent water temps has made it a good spring for some nice fish. The warmer water temps have provided some early dry fly fishing at times; look for little black stones, small BWO/Baetis and, yes, a few Hendricksons on the surface. With the cold snow and rain, look for the hatching to be tempered a bit until the warm weather forecast for next week continues to influence our early season. Successful streamers have been mixed, but with the rain, I would look to go with dark patterns and some with some flash – obviously, mix it up as yesterday’s hot fly was yesterday’s hot fly – not necessarily today’s.
Need a date? Due to some cancellations, I have a block of dates for next week that are now available: April 14-18. Beyond that, I have some good days open in April - call or e-mail to get yourself on the water. Good Luck, Ted
Upcoming fishing:
- Steelhead will continue to come in to the rivers for a few weeks since our hiccup in the run will most likely extend the season.
April 1, 2010 April Showers
We need them…… Rain. Everything is dry around Northern Michigan and our rivers and steelhead run reflect it. Anglers will find the local waters to be clear and low and bright skies.
Steelhead are in the local rivers, but not in the numbers associated with the first of April. Fish are slipping up the Manistee and Betsie thanks to the recent full-moon, but a good rain will really kick things off again. Anglers looking to make lots of good casts are hooking up and are rewarded for their perseverance. The fish we have been getting are a mixed bag: some new ones that are chrome and hot, to spawning fish to drop backs.
I don’t have a “hot” must have pattern right now, but the usual suspects are producing fish as the flies are switched-up throughout the day. Lots of small black stones have been popping off in the afternoon so be sure to have those in your fly box for sure. I am always running a tandem rig: one egg and one nymph. Water levels are stable in the upper 40’s and I expect that to increase with the forecast. With these temps, anglers are finding more than steelhead as the walleye and suckers have started to come in, but not in big numbers - I suspect they too are waiting for that rain we need.
Trout fishing on the upper-Manistee has been decent for those with a sink-tip and streamers. Fish are throughout the water from skinny tail-outs to the deep, lumber infested holes. Good motion in the fly and diligence not to pull the fly away from the fish are key as there are lots of chasers and the retrieve needs to be a little slower than when fishing in May.
With April 1st , waters like the upper-Platte are open to anglers – check your regulations for more information. It’s also time to buy your new 2010 fishing license.
Good Luck!
Ted
April is here! – do you have your Spring Steelhead dates? Call and book your time on the river for hard-pulling steelhead. Ted@Current-Works.com 231.883.8156 If you haven't signed up for the newsletter, read the March 2010 edition here. Don't miss future editions - sign up on the Newsletter page.
March 24, 2010 The Thaw Has Come and Gone
The high and dirty water that we experienced 1 ½ weeks ago has come and gone. The rivers have come back to near normal levels and the clarity is just about ideal right now – especially with this high sun and blue skies. The lack of rain is keeping the run of fish to a trickle but the fish that are hooked are pulling on the line hard with the water temps stable in the low 40’s. While the fishing has been comfortable, we need some of that nasty steelhead weather to bring in some more fish and with some rain, April should be great.
Most of the steelhead are either on or are staging near gravel. The fresh fish are still in the bigger, deeper holes resting as they migrate upstream so you should be able to find fish in all types of water. And with more anglers on the water lately, it’s nice to have confidence in finding fish throughout the river.
The water directly below Tippy dam on the Manistee has the most spawning gravel in it and as such the bigger numbers of fish and anglers. The Betsie has fish throughout the upper sections too from US-31 up but timing is crucial on this river after any precipitation for optimal success. Boardman anglers have experienced a pretty good spring so far if you are looking to get out close to home if in TC. Flies that have been working well are mid-sized eggs in chartreuse and Oregon cheese and nymphs including steelie buggers, caddis, fry patterns, black stones and hares ears.
The trout fishing is picking up as water temperatures increase. It’s a streamer bite fished slow with patterns that have lots of action on the pause. Fish are chasing a lot and nipping, so set the hook on the bite, not the sight - don't pull the fly away from that big brown!
Good Luck,
Ted
March 17, 2010 The Rain Came, The Snow is Gone & The Water’s Up
The end of last week brought some much needed rain and that’s all it took to finish off the snow, melt a lot of the ponds/backwaters and thaw the swamps. We had a really good push of water on the local rivers – perhaps a little too much, but since we had such a light snow pack, the water has come down significantly leaving us with tolerable spring/thaw levels and a lot of dirt in the water.
The good number of fish throughout the Manistee River this winter has taken this high-water as a cue move up and “crash the dam”. Some fish are starting to stage around gravel as water temps are just into the low 40s and a fish landed last week appeared to be spawned out. Fresh fish are moving throughout the river system, but with its volume and lack of clarity – it’s been tough fishing the last few days as there aren’t too many fish settled in their traditional holes or travelling up their typical runs thanks to the increase of water and dirt. Sometimes after a big rain my expectations get a little lofty and I want to repeat those double-digit days; while it’s not easy right now, there are still fish are being caught and they are being scrappy, pulling hard, thrashing and even jumping a bit – that’s why we fish them, right?
The Betsie River, too, had a push of water and a decent push of fish. Dirty, as always, watch your step and look for the holes and slots to hold some steelhead as they rest on their way as the move up stream. The Platte got a few fish to run through the lower river and its clear water reputation holds true – especially in this high sun we have been getting. The Boardman has some fish throughout the system for those of you who can only get out for a few hours and need to fish close to home. You’ll find them from Sabin Dam to the mouth at the bay.
With the water being off color, the patterns that have been working are some of the tried and true… steelhead buggers, bigger stones, leeches, and yarn – egg patterns in a myriad of colors: Clown, Orange, Pinks and Chart. in Glo Bug, Rag and Krystal Egg styles.
Good Luck,
Ted
Get your dates for This Spring's Steelhead & Trout Fishing. Call or E-mail Today To Get your Place In The Boat
Invasive Speices A lot of attention has been brought forward re: the migration and potential infiltration of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes via the Illinois River and neighboring tributaries. For those of you not familiar with these aqua vacuums – they are just that: they eat a ton of food (up to 40% their weight, daily) and, if allowed to enter the Great Lakes, they will surely interrupt the ecosystem resulting in a decimated Sport Fishery. If you like to steelhead or salmon fish in rivers (or lakes) this is important! – please visit this link to sign a petition encouraging the closure of locks on the Illinois River and learn more about the biggest threat as an invasive species to our fisheries.
March 10, 2010 Sunblock, Sunglasses and Flurocarbon
I never thought I would say this:I think a return of some cooler weather with some rain or snow is needed. Or at least clouds and rain with mild air temperatures.
The weather the past week or so has been great, however, the high pressure system combined with clear water and high sun has made the fishing tougher than one might think. Our lack of snow fall is having its effect on water levels and with very little run-off to warm-up the water and reduce clarity. But help is on the way – or at least it is forecast - some rain and snow should really make for some great fishing in the weeks to come.
The indicator fishing for both steelhead and trout is an angler’s best friend; it helps to monitor a drag-free drift and also suspend flies above the sheltering timber. The slower and deeper water is best, but with more people out enjoying this weather, the smaller in-between spots should be fished too. Lots of paler egg patterns have been working lately, but look for that to change as the water comes up and gets a little dirty. Small black stones are coming off the local rivers and with the increase in solar temps – more nymphs are moving around the bottom. Have your favorite hex and caddis larvae patterns in your box.
Trout fishing has been tough at high sun, but when the sun is low or covered up, it’s significantly better. Nymph fishing is your best bet but some of the bigger fish are looking to eat a streamer. Still, the clear water is making presentations of both techniques demanding. Lighter lines, drag-free and slower retrieves.
Good Luck,
Ted
March 3, 2010 It’s March!
Now that we flipped the calendar to March, it’s time to make sure your fishing gear is ready to go. More than symbolic, March is proof that winter is almost behind us and better weather and good fishing is just before us. The recent warm-up and sunny days are more than welcomed providing comfortable fishing conditions and increased water temperatures.
Steelhead anglers will find the Manistee and Betsie both have some fish in it. Be prepared to move around and fish not only the big, deep holes but the smaller slots and depressions too as we are sharing the water with more people now that the weather has warmed up. With the clear skies at night comes the cold so look for the late morning and afternoon bite to be a little stronger as the sun has its way with water temperatures. Lots of small black stones are crawling around and with the clear water conditions, be sure to knot one to some lighter tippet/leader for your best chance at hooking up. Other patterns to use include caddis, alevins and smaller egg patterns in lighter shades and spectrums. Mix it up if you aren’t finding success – try hex and bigger stonefly nymphs as they are becoming a little more active with the warming sun.
The trout bite below Tippy Dam is fair with the occasional steelhead surprising the angler fishing with a 5 weight rod. Small stones, eggs, zebra midges and BWO nymphs have been working when fished below an indicator. If you are looking to streamer fish, retrieve your fly slowly – these fish are still partially hibernating.
The Upper Manistee above CCC Bridge is running cool and clear. Streamer fishing is your best bet and rather than using sinking lines, try shorter sink-tips and strip slowly to keep your fly down while keeping your line from hanging up and use patterns that have lots of motion: rabbit strips and marabou are an angler's friend. Look for fish to be anywhere – from the deeper holes (tail-outs) to mid depth runs with sunshine – they often can be found sunning themselves. The water is still cold, so temper your expectations a bit and enjoy the solitude.
Good Luck,
Ted
February 24, 2010 Two More to Go
About a month ago in Pennsylvania, a groundhog poked his head out of a hole and the experts proclaimed another 6 weeks of the same weather. While that has been mostly true, we have been experiencing a welcomed increase in sunshine and it feels good. In keeping with the prediction, the fishing, too, has remained pretty consistent with some days being a better than others regarding the fish activity.
Steelhead remain the primary target and the slight increases in water temp at mid-day can be the difference between fishing and catching. Sun helps with that and it hasn’t been getting awfully frigid-cold at night, stabilizing water temps rather than dropping more. Actually, we have been seeing a slight increase on the week-long average which might mean that March really is only a few days away. Still, water levels on the Manistee and Betsie are low and it’s clear. As it’s been true all winter, fish with stealth, lighter tippets and make numerous presentations to find those fish to play along with. Then again, this advice holds true almost the entire year, but it’s more imperative now with the winter like conditions. Flies: pale egg combos, small black stones, alevins, hex nymphs and the bigger stones are good places to begin with fly selection.
A few trout below Tippy dam are eating the same flies suggested above for steelhead, but the trout angler would be better served tying on the midge pupa patterns like zebra midges and wd-40s for a nymph bite. Streamer fishing should be more of a traditional down and across with slight strips and bumps since we still have some cold water.
It won’t be long now before the steelhead fishing kicks-in with trout to overlap in April. The lack of snow fall might have an affect, but we can still get hit with some big snow so don’t put that shovel away just yet.
Good Luck,
Ted Spring Steelhead is Close - Call or e-mail to Secure Your Dates
February 9, 2010 Wintertime The longer days confirms that winter is progressing along, but it’s still winter. Fishing continues to be limited to steelhead and trout in some local rivers by those looking to shed cabin fever and bend the rod. When the sun pops out and gives off some solar heat and Vitamin D – it’s time to be on the water.
The significance of a slight temperature increase can make all the difference; look for late mornings and early afternoons to be best as the sun is its highest. While a blessing, the sun can be the curse when combined with the clear winter water; this is the time to make your best drag-free presentations with lighter tippets – preferably fluorocarbon. An indicator will not only help monitor your drift, but help you suspend your flies off the bottom to get a presentation to fish near and in structure. Eggs in paler colors combined with your standard assortment of nymphs: hexes, little black stones, larger black stones, and caddis in green, cream and “cased" are all effective this time of year.
There are steelhead throughout the Manistee river system and the closer you get to Tippy dam you will find them mixed with trout. Trout anglers fishing nymphs under an indicator are finding midge, bow nymphs and caddis to be preferred with an occasional steelhead rendering the 6x tippet useless. Fishing on the Betsie seems to be more a matter of the day as both hold-over and newer fish move throughout the system. Urban anglers in Traverse City are finding a fish here and there throughout the Boardman system but more skippers than adult fish. Regardless of the river, look for the slower and deeper water to be the home of chrome right now and make sure your first cast in each hole and run is spot-on and the same with your last – this time of year be sure to fish the water thoroughly since fish aren’t moving a whole lot to eat. Fish throughout the all rivers seem to be a mix of fall and early winter holdovers along with some brighter fish too. The bright side is the days are getting longer and the calendar says that March and the spring steelhead run isn’t that far away!
Good Luck,
Ted
January 25, 2010 A Break in the Winter The January "Thaw" was much needed for both the fish population and the anglers themselves. It's always nice having a little reprieve from the arctic winter to not only make fishing comfortable, but to let us know that spring steelhead season really isn’t that far away. It’s also nice to have a little trigger of water enter the watershed to entice a few fish into the river and redistribute some of the fish already in the system. The Big Manistee River with its stable flows and deeper runs is as good of a bet as any river right now. Look for fish in the slower, deeper water with a mix of trout and both fresh and hold over winter steelhead. Hint: you will find fish in the same water that you find early king’s staging in. The Betsie River, too, has given up some fish lately, but like the Big M. – look for the deeper holes and pockets to be your best bet. Temperature is clutch in winter Steelheading and as such, look for late morning and early afternoons to be a little better with the minimal bump or at least stabilization of water temps. Solar activity (yes, there is such thing as sunshine in Northern Michigan this time of year) can be just enough to produce a bite, but with sun and clear water it is even more crucial to use your best drift, lighter tippet and a stealth. Good luck, Ted
January 13, 2010 Warm-Up? (It's A Relative Thing)
Not much has changed since New Years, but it look’s like change is near. Thankfully Mother Nature is loosening up her grip and intends on giving us some warmer weather than what we have been experiencing lately. Those that don’t think 40 degrees is warm haven’t spent the winter up North.
The Big Manistee continues to be your best bet for steelhead right now thanks to the size of the river system and the dam’s influence on the water. With temps being cold and the clarity being a little too good, look to play by the winter’s rules: lighter line, smaller flies and stealth. Fishing pressure has been light which is a positive. Some trout are playing along too below the dam, but usually it’s the big fish that get us out to cure our cabin fever.
For those looking to fish a smaller river in the area, the Betsie has some fish in it too and if you use the winter’s rules as described above, you should find fish to play with. In either case, look for the slower moving water to be your best bet which is often deeper too.
Regardless of what river you are looking to fish, try suspending some flies above the bottom – not only for a natural drift, but to keep them a few inches above the bottom so you don’t get hung up covering all sorts of pockets and slots. With water clarity being what it is, good patterns include neutral colored eggs with a touch of color and some nymphs like small hex patterns and cream and green caddis. It won’t be long before we start seeing our first early black stones, so get tying those so you will be ready.
A lot of attention has been brought forward re: the migration and potential infiltration of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes via the Illinois River. For those of you not familiar with these aqua vacuums – they are just that: they eat a ton of food and, if allowed to enter the Great Lakes, they will surely interrupt the ecosystem resulting in a decimated Sport Fishery. If you like to steelhead or salmon fish in rivers (or lakes) this is important! – please visit this link and sign a petition encouraging the closure of locks on the Illinois River and learn more about the biggest threat as an invasive species to our fisheries. Oh yeah, if you like to boat on the Great Lakes know that these fish jump when alarmed by your passing watercraft and have caused both physical damage to boaters and the boats themselves. This is no joke – stop the Asian Carp and help save the fisheries. Good luck if you get out there and please consider signing the petition on Asian Carp,
Ted
January 2, 2010 Happy New Year!!!
Even thought it’s a new year, not much has changed in the past week or so regarding fishing conditions. We continue to get hit by old man winter, but there are some windows of opportunity - be ready to get out when the next one comes around.
Steelhead continue to be the preferred target on those days when the weather is tolerable. Fish your nymphs and eggs with the best drag-free presentation you can for success. Late mornings are better as there can be a slight warm-up in water temps that can help with the bite. The warm-up doesn’t hurt us anglers either. With the water being so clear, small and natural looking patterns are best: caddis, stones, hex and eggs in pale colors like pink, light orange and “grapefruit” - pink and chartreuse combined in either a rag or nuke style egg pattern. Whatever fly you are tying on, use a little lighter tippet than normal; with the fish rolling and twisting rather than those quick surgess associated with steelhead fishing, you can get away with the lighter stuff until water temps start moving the other way again.
Below Tippy Dam on the Big Manistee, anglers are finding a mix of trout and steelhead to play the game. Other rivers in the neighborhood giving up some fish include the Betsie and Boardman. Fish the deeper water thoroughly for your best success – fish are not overly aggressive right now. FYI- the Upper Platte River is closed until spring.
This is not a time to rack-up numbers of fish, however winter is a great time to get some fresh air, a little exercise and some fish after a long holiday season and too much time at the fly tying bench. Take some hand warmers, some extra clothes, and a shovel and if you are using a boat, some sand/ice melter mix. Not looking to get out until the lake effect squalls subside? – click HERE for some ideas to keep yourself busy this winter while improving your skills as an angler.
December 18, 2009 No-Nino
The predicted El-Nino season forecast for this winter hasn’t, yet, materialized. Still, anglers willing to trek out in the winter conditions have been finding some fish to play with on The Manistee, Betsie, Platte and Boardman Rivers.
This time of year Steelhead are the primary target of those headed out. Now that water temperatures – while cold- have stabilized and aren’t dropping as drastically as they have been the last few weeks the fish bite is more likely to take place. This stability coupled with a little solar heat/sunshine is just enough to get fish to eat a well presented fly. Look for your drifts to be as close to perfect as possible for fish to play along. Lots of eggs on the smaller side of the scale with various colors paired with realistic looking nymphs like hex, stones and hare’s ears. With water levels down a bit and high degree of clarity, it’s fluorocarbon time but take time tying as cold weather, flouro and bad knots don't get along. There is a little shelf ice on the edges of the slower water sections, but not enough to keep you from getting on the river.
Take an extra pair of gloves, some hand-warmers, fleece yourself up and you should have the river to yourself. Think El-Nino and it might just come. Good luck and Happy Holidays! Ted Newsletter If you haven't received the December 2009 newsletter, click here to read and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss out in the future.
December 9, 2009 I Had No Idea
In my last report I made mention that the white stuff hasn’t been an issue to anglers yet this fall. Things have changed. We have had a week of snow – not much accumulation until today where a winter storm has socked us pretty hard. Sorry if I caused this with my last report but take advantage and tie up some flies for when this weather breaks.
Up until the big dump, fishing on local rivers has slowed down a little thanks to the dropping water temperatures – after all, it is December. The Big Manistee continues to give up some good trout with fish focused on nymphs in the slower seams and deeper holes rather than chasing a streamer like they had been doing recklessly the previous month. Pale eggs and smaller bwo/pheasant tails, scuds and caddis for nymphs. Look for the steelhead to be in the bigger, deeper and slower water from here on out until spring. Soft insides and gentle flows with some structure in them will also harbor some fish and demand your presentation be suspended by an indicator to prevent hanging up, but helping with a drag-free presentation.
The other local rivers including the Platte, Betsie and Boardman all have some steelhead in them and you can fish in solitude now that the white stuff is coming down – there are few people out on the water. As with the Manistee, fish the deeper, “smooth-flow” water for you best chance at some chrome. Fish are mixed with both chromers and others that are starting to get more of that winter color making for a great picture with snow in the background. Egg and nymph combos are the way to go with chartreuse being a favorite lately. Get out and swing a fly if you are looking to grab a fish with this technique – water temperatures are only going to drop some more making fish less likely to move to eat.
Good luck and drive safe.
Ted
December 2, 2009 The Fall Fishing Continues
The days are noticeably getting shorter, a little cooler and the fishing remains good for both steelhead and trout. Remember last year at this time when we already had two weeks of snow? While there is some of that white stuff forecast we haven’t received enough to mention – get out and take advantage of these warmer temps and the extension on the good fishing.
The Big Manistee is running at good levels with water temps hanging in the low 40s – odd for this time of year. It’s running relatively clear and there are some new steelhead that are coming into the river but not huge numbers of fresh recruits to join the fish already in the system. Look for the bite to come on both nymphs and eggs. On the gray, overcast days look for the brighter egg patterns to work with pale color when the sun is out. Nymphs that have been working include some of the old standbys: black stones, caddis and hex. This is also a good time to swing flies with that two-handed rod.
The trout fishing below Tippy Dam continues to be a pleasant surprise this fall with lots of fish coming to streamers and nymphs fished under an indicator. The bigger fish have been coming on streamers, but not exclusively. Baitfish patterns like T&A Bunkers, Mummy Chubs and C&F Baitfish have been working well but daily color preferences can make the difference. The biggest common denominator has been white. Nymphs include small, natural pale eggs, scuds and bwo/pheasant tails.
The Upper Manistee is offering up some good fishing too now that the browns are done with their annual spawning ritual. This time of year with water temperatures being cool, so fish a shorter sink-tip and retrieve it a little slower than normal. Lately, I have found that fish are following streamers and are eating them when the retrieve is paused longer than normal – something that is usually a no-no when streamer fishing. Make sure your pattern has movement when paused. Mix it up and identify what the fish want – we do spoil them.
The Betsie and Platte both have some steelhead in them but what would really improve things is some more rain. With the Firearm Deer Season beyond us, we can get rid of that blaze orange hat and take advantage of stealthy approaches to our favorite runs and holes. Look for the fish to be in the deeper, slower holes and slots since the temperatures continuing to drop.
Good Luck,
Ted
November 22, 2009 Change is Coming
The recent weather has made for some great conditions, although we need things to get a little uglier - i.e. rain and clouds to bring in more steelhead and get fish out from the shade logs are providing. Looking at the forecast we can expect more seasonal conditions which should increase fish numbers, improve conditions and have us reaching for our fleece.
The Big Manistee is still a great bet for those looking to cash in on some silver. There are steelhead throughout the river system from the dam to the lake but not too many fresh pushes have reloaded the current inventory. As such, look for fish to be closer to wood than they have been or in the runs and holes that are a little deeper and slower. Water temperatures remain in the mid-40’s which is a bonus for this time of year so feel confident that a fish will move a bit to eat a fly – just make sure your presentations are good since water clarity is a bit clearer than we would like. Eggs in all shapes and sizes have been working with no one color or pattern being more effective than another. This is a good time to transition from the double egg rigs to one egg and one nymph presentations. Black stones, hexes, shrimp and steelhead buggers are all good bets right now. Trout anglers are finding the fishing on the Big Manistee below Tippy Dam to be some of our best trout fishing of the year. Holdover fish from this year’s cooler summer is not only giving anglers some great fishing, but proof that water temps from the dams are critical to fish survival. Fishing with mid-sized streamers and a slower strip/retrieve is a fun way to cover the water looking for nice trout and a chance at something bigger – a 20-plus inch fish or an aggressive steelhead. Other methods producing right now include Nymphing with eggs and small nymphs (pheasant tails and bwo imitations) under an indicator.
The Betsie is still giving up some fish but with the lower water, cover lots of it and try to find the players. There are so many slots and seams on this river that most people wade past that often hold fish. If you are willing to loose a fly or two fish these slots and you should be pleasantly rewarded.
The lower weir on the Platte river is gone and fish are free to move about the system. Well at least up to the hatchery weir. With conditions looking favorable mid-week, look for the lower water to be the place to be. Until then, probe along on the upper-water probing the deeper holes.
The Boardman has a few steelhead in it too, but like the rest of the local rivers, a little rain and some clouds can really make the difference. Fish it from Sabin to the mouth in West Bay. It’s a nice way to spend part of the day if you are in town for the Holiday weekend with family and can only make it out for a few hours.
Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving.
Ted
November 12, 2009 A Late Indian Summer
The past week has been really nice weather wise extending the “comfort” season well into November. Daytime temperatures and sunshine have made being on the water a r4eally nice way to spend your day while in pursuit of trout and steelhead. No doubt this recent weather is making up for a cool and wet October that brought steelhead into the river to catch today. Looking at the forecast we have more in store so get out there yourself!
The Big Manistee is fishing well from the dam to the lake with some days being better than others. Since we haven’t had any rain in over a week, their aren’t many new fish in the upper river, but there are good numbers of fish but have seen some flies and spawn bags the past couple of weeks so bring your better presentations. Fish the slots, smaller holes and runs and mix up your patterns right now. Some day’s it‘s strictly an egg bite but other days a nymph is what they are looking for. Oregon Cheese, “Grapefruit” and Light Yellow/Cream egg patterns are doing a good job of imitating the natural eggs floating down the river.
Once the sun gets up and a little too bright, consider trading your 8 weight steelhead rod in for a 6 wt. and go trout fishing. The streamer bite below Tippy Dam is very strong right now with lots of fish coming to the streamer. The bite itself isn’t overly aggressive so be sure to maintain a tight line with your slower retrieval and set on those soft tugs. Mid-sized streamers in olive and black have been real good but bring your streamer selection and be prepared to mix it up before finding their daily preference. Being a tail water, there are some decent bugs coming out in the afternoon so for you technical dry fly guys, grab your box of midges and have fun.
The Betsie continues to have a decent run of fish this fall. Cover lots of water, fish thoroughly and make your first presentations count as the water is getting lower and clearer. A little rain during this warm up would really be great sending more fish up and give us some color to the water. Egg patterns continue to take majority of the fish, but smaller nymphs like hare’s ears and small hex nymphs have been taking fish.
Sunday the 15th marks the opening of the 15 day Firearms Deer Season – wear some hunter’s orange while on the water to be safe. Good luck in the woods and get back to the water soon. Ted
November 5, 2009 Steelhead: A November to Remember
Last week’s rain and high water has come and gone, but not the stain or the fish that entered the local rivers.
The Manistee River continues to have a good number of fish in it from the lake to the dam with new fish continuing to enter as we have had a nice, wet fall. Typical of steelhead, once you think you have them figured out, they change not only where they are sitting but also what they are eating. Because of the stain, look for fish to respond to larger and brighter egg flies than what you would normally fish this time of year. The water close to the dam is still producing good numbers of healthy, robust brown trout on both nymphs and streamers. If targeting the trout, do so with a 6 wt. so you have a chance at landing a steelhead that very well could eat your fly. Hang on. Water temps are hanging on in the mid-40s and the forecast weather should keep things there for a little while.
The Betsie River has a nice color to it and fish are throughout the river. Fish have been coming on egg flies with Oregon Cheese being the most predictable color. Mix up your colors and be sure to fish two eggs as there are lots of ‘salmon berries’ floating down the river right now. There seems to be a better than normal number of resident brown trout in the river this fall – perhaps due to the cool summer. Regardless, they are a nice interruption between casts while fishing for steelhead.
The Platte River has a few steelhead in it and still a stray salmon or two. Cover lots of water, fish fast and enjoy this crystal clear water – take your fluorocarbon tippets and best presentation for success.
The Boardman River is open from the lake to Sabin Dam with some salmon scattered throughout and some silver steelhead in the mix. Most of the steelhead are skippers and look for the bigger adults to show up in larger numbers shortly.
The Upper Manistee River is all yours to discover right now with practically no fishing pressure. Its time to feed those big browns a meal now that they are in post-spawn mode and are looking to put on some weight before the pending winter. Big to medium sized streamers fished slowly and with some weighted eyes or a cone will give that presentation the wiggling and jiggling motion that they like to eat. If that doesn’t work, fish a baitfish pattern. Change your presentation and patterns until you lock onto what the fish want.
Good Luck.
Ted
October 31, 2009 Addendum to the Recent Fishing Report Below: Lots of rain on Friday has really increased our local river levels. You will find the waters high, stained and at times sketchy. But, you will also find that the warm rain will send even more fish up from the lake as well as redistribute fish already in the system. Look for secondary and soft seams to be holding fish as they are looking for a reprieve from the big water, but also looking to eat all the eggs getting washed down. Steelhead anglers should use flies a little larger and brighter until things clear up and don’t hesitate fishing some bigger stuff like leeches/buggers and the sort. Finally, a wet fall! Here is a link to river levels: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mi/nwis/current/?type=flow
October 29, 2009 Ideal Conditions
With a good shot of rain last week the water levels are up combined with some warmer weather - the fish are responding accordingly.
The Big Manistee River is up and has some color to it and is in fine shape for steelhead fishing. Water temps are stable in the upper 40’s and the warmer nights and rare appearance of the sun will only help keep things where they are at. Fish are eating lots of yarn right now – egg flies in various colors: clown, Oregon cheese, golden, and chartreuse. Fish are coming to bugs too including steelhead buggers, shrimp, hex and caddis. Look for stoneflies to get active soon and the fish to notice. With conditions what they are, those looking to swing flies should be out there now. There are still a fair number of leaves yet to drop, but the majority of them have come and gone. Trout fishing below the dam is good too for those nymphing eggs and/or retrieving a streamer a little slower.
The Betsie has a few salmon left in it, but anglers will find silver silhouettes in the darker water near the remaining spawning salmon. A majority of the fish that are in are skippers, which is a sign of bigger things to come – the adults that fight hard and then look for wood to rub your leader against. Lots of egg patterns should fill your fly box if you are looking to cash in on some chrome.
The Platte still has some salmon in it but mostly cohos. Steelhead, too are entering the river but are moving up through the water pretty quickly. First light is best in the lower end and look for fish to be moving through the system.
The Boardman in town still has some salmon it in all the way up Sabin Dam as the weir is open allowing fish to move up. A few steelhead are in the water too – cover lots of water to find those opportunistic fish.
The Upper Manistee should be fishing well, but I haven’t been out there to test that hypothesis. With the increase in water flow and the warmer weather, the last of the good terrestrial fishing should be good. Casting streamers for both pre and post spawn browns should be your best bet to get that colored-up brown trout. You will also have the water to yourself. Enjoy.
Good luck,
Ted
October 21, 2009 Fall – It’s Called That For a Reason
Fishing continues to be good on local rivers as the crowds decrease and the salmon numbers fall. Anglers looking for steelhead will find them throughout the region but be prepared to catch a lot of fallen leaves between fish when it’s windy or raining. Water temps remain relatively stable but are falling as we approach November.
The Lower Manistee continues to fish well. Salmon numbers are dwindling, but there are still fish around, mostly on gravel doing their spawning thing. Look for the steelhead to be on the egg bite when fishing below the gravel beds in the darker deeper water and runs. With all of the leaves in the river, consider fishing a large, bright egg pattern with a smaller, more natural egg under it. Those fishing near the dam are finding the steelhead to be eating a mix of flies – eggs and some smaller nymphs including caddis and pheasant tails. Successful eggs patterns vary, but smaller patterns are better at “Matching the Hatch” with the water becoming clear. To read more about egg flies, how to choose and tie them – click here.
The Betsie still has salmon at all stages in the river system. Most fish are on gravel jockeying for position and fighting for their chance to spawn. Some better looking fish are still moving through as are some Cohos and a few Steelhead. Look for this week’s forecast rain to bring in more of all three species. Crowds are down and there is more water to fish for those looking for chrome. Eggs, eggs and eggs are your best bet for steelhead fishing, where eggs, egg sucking leeches, stones and caddis are fooling salmon.
The Platte, too, has salmon – both Chinook/Kings and Silvers/Cohos in the lower end. The low, clear water of this river demands a good presentation for your best success. Use your polarized glasses and look for fish tucked along bank edges for additional opportunities rather than the obvious fish and holes. The Boardman is giving up salmon too right here in town along with some skipper and a few adult Steelhead.
My attention lately has been on the chrome steelhead of the local rivers and not on the Upper Manistee in pursuit of the big brown trout. The fish should be spawning with some fish pre-spawn and some post spawn in the mix. This can be a great time to score that nocturnal loving trophy that is rarely seen in daylight as they are bulking up for a long, sedentary winter. Fish a variety of streamers and cover lots of water. The terrestrial bite this time of year can be great when a warmer night is accompanied by a mild day after it.
Good Luck and enjoy the fall season.
Ted
October 15, 2009 Things are Falling
The recent cool weather and rain has got the fishing in our rivers good. The high water from a week ago has dropped to almost normal levels, the water temps are slowly dropping to a typical range and the wind has helped put some leaves into the water. And yes, some snow has fallen too, but thankfully not enough to stick.
The Lower Manistee still has some color to it and the levels are almost normal for this time of the year. Salmon continue to bend the rod for those in pursuit with fresh fish still entering the river while others are doing their spawning thing. The steelhead fishing is good with some days better than others. When it’s windy and there are lots of leaves flowing down the seams, try some fly patterns which are a little bigger and/or brighter to help the fish distinguish food from fauna. Secondary seams, too, are holding some fish as they typically don’t have as many leaves and the fish don’t have to dodge them. There haven’t been any particularly “hot” fly patterns, but egg patterns in clown, Oregon Cheese and Orange/Golden have consistently taken fish as have steelhead buggers, caddis and hex nymphs.
The Betsie is still getting fresh salmon in addition to fish that have been in a little while and are now doing their spawning ritual. Some coho/silver salmon are in the mix as are a few steelhead. The typical patterns are working including lots of egg flies and nymphs like sparrows, caddis, black stones and hex nymphs. With the forecast weather, look for salmon to be in the Betsie for a few more weeks.
The Platte is really getting good numbers of fish in it being so close to the lake. A good number of cohos and kings can be found below the weir and close to Lake Michigan.
The Boardman in Traverse City has fish below the weir for you Urban Anglers. Since the weir went down late, there are what seems to be more fish below Sabin Dam than there typically is this time of year.
I haven’t been on the Upper Manistee lately, but I imagine the pre-spawn bite is going well for those fishing some big streamers for big brown trout. The water temperatures up there are very responsive to weather and you will find that fishing stable water temps is beneficial. If we have some cool nights (which are typical for this time of year), wait until the sun comes out and warms things up. You also might be surprised finding some fish lying in shallow water warming up as they feel safe from the lack of angling pressure the past month and a half. Please leave all spawning trout alone – this is a natural reproducing river that needs those trout berries dropped, fertilized and ultimately hatched.
Enjoy the good fishing and awesome colors and good luck.
Ted
October 7, 2009 Surf’s Up
After a very pleasant September with blue skies and no rain, October has been the opposite: rain, wind, more rain and then wind gusts. Think of September as the Ying and October as the Yang – we are getting fall weather and some of the best fall rains and water levels in years which should make for an excellent Fall Steelhead season. With the water levels coming up and the winds blowing hard on the lake, conditions are ideal.
The Betsie still has Salmon moving through it with the higher, dirtier water. Fresh fish are moving through the river and dark ones are on and near gravel throughout the system. A few steelhead have been caught by the salmon angler but more Coho/Silvers are in the system than the lake run rainbows. Egg sucking leeches, Stone Flies, Hexes, Steelhead Buggers, Caddis and eggs in chartreuse, Oregon cheese and clown patterns have been working. Run one egg high and a nymph below it.
The Manistee has salmon throughout the system from the dam down to the mouth. The largest concentration of fish and anglers is below the Tippy Dam as it is the furthest upstream limit spawning fish can get to and it is surrounded by ideal spawning gravel. A good number of steelhead are in the upper river in the darker holes and runs behind the spawning salmon and are looking to eat the eggs and nymphs getting dislodged from the active salmon. For the steelhead, try realistic looking egg patterns – nukes in chart/pink (grapefruit), Oregon cheese, golden, and pinks. These same colors should work well for the salmon if you are focusing on them. Try using smaller nymphs like pheasant tails and caddis for the steelhead with larger buggers, stones and sparrows for the salmon. The lower river has a mix of adult and skipper steelhead moving though but not really holding. With all of the leaves getting washed into the river and the higher, dirtier water, try patterns that are a little bigger and brighter than normal.
The Platte River is going strong thanks to the change in weather. There are lots of Kings in the river and a good number of Cohos. Because of its proximity to Lake Michigan, conditions and fish numbers can change within hours and usually for the better. Another nice attribute of the Platte is its stability of water levels – it rarely gets too high or dirty where it hurts fishing – no clouds and sun is the Platte angler’s enemy. The typical flies mentioned above are working with the addition of Muddler Minnows, buggers and smaller baitfish patterns like Cross Dressers. Remember that the Platte has a hook gape restriction of 3/8” so be careful what size fly you have in your box while on the river.
The trout fishing on the Upper-Manistee has been o.k. With the rain and water levels coming up and the aggressiveness of the alpha brown trout, the pre-spawn bite should be strong over the next couple of weeks. This is a great time to go streamer fishing – adjust your retrieve based on water temps and the response you are getting from the fish; some days they like it ripped through the water, other days slowly jigged. Please leave spawning browns alone – this is a natural reproducing river!
Good Luck getting out and hooking up – this is truly one of the best times of the year to fish – so many species and rivers – Northern Michigan really is a Sportsman’s Paradise.
Ted
October 1, 2009 October is here and Fall-Like Weather Too!
Finally, after a pretty dry September, we ended up getting a good amount of much needed rain recently to improve fishing conditions.
The Betsie still has fish coming in and many of them are doing their spawning thing. Keep in mind that all Betsie Salmon are wild fish and not stocked so please practice catch and release to ensure future runs of fish. New fish continue to move through the river and your best approach is to get them at funnel spots. While some fish are holding in the deeper slower holes, more fish are in the small pocket water – especially around spawning gravel.
The Big Manistee got a much needed bump in water levels and has such kick-started the salmon run again. There are good numbers of fish in the system with decent numbers of fish on gravel. With the salmon come steelhead and there is a mix of adult and skipper silver bullets moving their way up towards Tippy Dam. Tandem rigged egg flies or and egg and nymph combo should get you into fish – try steelhead buggers and hex nymphs. If you haven’t read it already, here is a link to an article I wrote about egg flies and steelhead fishing.
The big, North wind and rain earlier this week mixed water temperatures up and have sent fish up all the Lake Michigan Tributaries putting the salmon run back on schedule. Look for more fish in the Boardman and Platte Rivers.
With fall comes the close of Trout Season on the majority of the rivers in the state. There are still a few rivers open including the Upper-Manistee which is fishing pretty good right now. Look for Brook Trout to impress you with their colors and the pre-spawn Brown Trout to eat something big like a streamer with the lower water temperatures and added color to the river.
This is a great time to fish Northern Michigan – whether it is for the big fish on Lake Michigan tributaries or the extended trout season rivers in solitude with the smell of fall and its colors as a pleasant backdrop. Good Luck!
Ted
September 23, 2009 It’s About Time
It’s been over 3 weeks since we received any rain before Mother Nature shed some water on us earlier this week. While the amount wasn’t overly significant, it was just enough to get some more fish headed up stream. Looking forward, the cooler weather and additional rainfall will not only make it feel like fall, but make it fish like fall too.
The Betsie has had a trickle of fresh fish moving through it, but with the recent rain even more fish are making their way upstream. When fish are on the move, look for funnels or slots in the river to get your fly to them. With the sun coming out look for the fish to back off into holding water to rest before continuing on with their journey. The numbers of fish on gravel are increasing and fish are staging near and around the gravel in the darker water. Eggs and nymphs combos with sparrows, hex, pheasant tails and stones bringing fish to the net.
The Manistee, too, received a bump in the water levels and fish numbers, but with the river being as large as it is more rain is needed to really get fish headed up stream. Look for fish numbers to build and the water to cool slightly. With the forecast rain, we could have one very condensed, but heavy run of salmon on the river this year. With the salmon come those egg loving steelhead too. These silver bullets are fall’s finest - check out "Matching the Hatch for Steelhead" to learn more about steelhead and using egg flies to catch them.
The Platte River has still not received a significant number of fish, but look for things to change. Being a short river, look for things to change overnight with the right conditions. The Boardman’s weir is down and fish can be found below it for those looking for a rod bend close to town. Bay temps are still a little warm and with a big shift in wind and resulting water temperature – look for more fish at the river mouths and rivers of the Platte and Boardman.
The 2009 trout season on most rivers/sections closes at the end of the month giving you a few more chances to get out and fish in solitude. With the warmer weather the terrestrial bite has remained stronger than normal for this time of year. The Brook Trout know what time of year it is too and are all colored up for their spawning ritual. Not much surface activity/hatches on the Boardman or Upper Manistee Rivers right now but have a nice assortment of dries with general patters, terrestrials, and attractors. With more rain comes a little stain, so start thinking about streamer fishing as the brown trout are starting to get aggressive with their pre-spawn bite. Check your regulations for which rivers and sections remain open – the Upper Manistee above CCC Bridge remains open all year.
Good Luck,
Ted
September 16, 2009 The End is Near
This sunny, warm and dry weather is scheduled to leave early next week and the Salmon fishing should respond significantly. Lots of attention and time on the water by anglers has been spent on the local rivers in pursuit of salmon but the numbers are not where they should be for this time of year. Thankfully, the thermo cline in Lake Michigan is shallow and the fish are close to the mouth and are waiting for a bump in the river flow.
The Betsie, despite its early start this year has slowed down. There are fish to be caught and thankfully the recent change in wind direction has got some fish moving through the system. There are more fish on gravel but it’s early. Look for fish in runs and slots and with this high sun – in the wood. There haven’t been any magic patterns working – just mix them up and cycle through some of your favorites. Mine include: muddlers, large black stone fly nymphs, caddis, hex, sparrows and wooly buggers.
The lower Manistee is still in need of some rain to bring fresh recruits into the river. There are fish there, but after last week’s pending world record brown trout being caught down there the pressure has increased and has what salmon are in there hiding. With the high sun, look for fish to be amongst wood and in shady areas. The change in the weather forecasted is just what is needed.
The Boardman has some salmon in it below the weir and into the mouth of the bay – it’s not the most scenic, but close to home if you have a limited time schedule. Those looking to get out for trout only have two more weeks before the regular trout season ends and the Upper Boardman closes. Think terrestrials and wet flies and get away from some of the hard fished areas – it’s been a long season.
With the slow down in salmon, I have been able to spend some time floating clients on the Upper Manistee for trout. There aren’t many bugs around but a few white millers, bwos and tricos are still coming off. An angler with a long cast to the seams and runs will find the terrestrial fishing pretty good right now. With the water clarity being so good/bad, stealth is as important as ever but prepare to be rewarded. If fishing in the evening, consider sticking around until dark and drag a mouse pattern for something of size.
Good Luck,
Ted
September 10, 2009 Summer is Finally Here (but most anglers don’t want it)
With the passing of Labor Day, summer is unofficially over and so is the hot weather – at least that's the way it is supposed to be. We have experienced a week of high-pressure, bright sun and virtually no clouds – just what you would expect in July and August – perhaps it’s just a little late. Most of the recent angler’s attention has been focused towards rivers with Salmon runs and this year got an early start thanks to the cooler summer temps and rain. The recent weather (and lack of rain) has put things on hold, but look for things to really change big-time after we get some rain.
The Betsie with its cold water has had a good number of fish in it for a while and there is still a decent number of fish in the system. Time and place on the water is making the difference between hooking up and wondering where the fish are. The past weekend’s angling pressure took a toll on the fish that were patiently waiting, and now we are looking for fish inventories to build up again. Look for fish in holes, runs and around gravel - some fish are doing their shaking and wiggling. Flies that have been working well include large black stones, hare’s ears, muddler minnows, sparrows and tied in tandem with an egg fly.
The Lower Manistee also had a good number of fish in it early this year, but the heat wave has “The Run” on hold. There are still fish to be caught, but they have experienced lots of pressure and are a little stale. Look for fish near and in wood as well as those slow, deep sandy holes. As soon as the cool evenings return and n increase in water flow occurs look for things to get even better. This nice weather has got the smallmouth bass fishing ratcheted up a bit, but most anglers are looking for something a little heavier, stronger and longer this time of year.
The Boardman here in Traverse City has the weir down and fish are starting to collect below it. Pressure can be heavy at times, but if you are looking to get a fix and have a limited amount of time to do it – this might be the right place to bend the rod.
I haven’t spent as much time on the trout water lately, focusing instead on the salmon waters. This warm weather has increased the terrestrial activity – most notably with the grass hoppers and flying ants. On both the Upper Manistee and Boardman the flying ants have been hitting the water and the fish are looking to get a mouthful – they simply love the formic acid within – it’s like crack cocaine to a trout. Other bugs on the water include some caddis, white millers and the remaining Tricos.
Good luck,
Ted
September 2, 2009 September Salmon
It’s not much of a secret that the summer’s cool weather has kicked off the salmon run a bit early this year. So with the fish running bigger this year, it’s not much of a surprise that anglers are choosing to fish for big Kings rather than trout. To each their own and thankfully we have a choice.
The Betsie River has fish passing through the system, migrating upriver until it is time to spawn. The fish are moving through channels, slots and hold in the deeper slower holes when the sun is out and has them sitting. I call it “sand-dancing” as they spin around not really sure of themselves or why they left deep, cold water for a small stream. Successful flies are no secret – the typical: caddis, buggers, pheasant tails, sparrows, muddlers and always tied tandem with an egg pattern.
The Lower Manistee has some fish in it and activity/response varies from day to day. The big bright sun keeps them stationary and often in wood so it’s important to focus on the first and last light for your best shot at big fish on big streamers. When the bite is off, consider fishing for smallmouth bass. While they don’t pull as hard as a salmon, they are a little more eager to eat the fly and are lots of fun on a 6 wt. You might even get a chance to land a salmon on a 6wt as a result; just make sure the rod’s warranty card is filled out! For both species, fire tiger and chartreuse and white baitfish patterns have been the most productive.
The Upper Manistee is in fine shape for the trout angler. Water levels are a little higher than normal for this time of year and temps are perfect. With this week’s sun, the terrestrial activity along the banks has improved. Hint: use terrestrials right now (grasshoppers, ants, beetles and the like), but wait until late morning as the sun warms things up. There has been limited bug activity, but look for BWOs, Lt. Cahills, and a few caddis. Now is also a good time to start fishing streamers again – start off a little smaller and mix it up until notice a preference on size, color and action.
The Boardman River continues to fish decent this summer because of the cool weather – proof that the fishery will be better in the future once the dams and their warm-water contributions are removed. Smaller terrestrials, wet flies/soft hackles and small bead head nymphs fished without an indicator are good choices and the last of the Tricos are falling to the water in the a.m. while some caddis are bouncing around in the evening.
Good Luck,
Ted
August 25, 2009 Cool Fishing Sorry for the delay in the fishing report – I traveled west for 10 days doing some fishing for myself and wanted to get a few days on the rivers here before I could give an accurate snapshot of what’s happening around here. Despite a few days of hot weather, some cool rain has got river levels not only ideal and a little above where they typically are at this time of year, but the temperatures too are remaining cooler than normal for this time of the year. The Upper Manistee looks good: a nice flow, temps in the mid-60s and with just a hint of color. Hatches are minimal, but look for: caddis, a few Isonycias, Lt. Cahills, BWOs, and Tricos. The weather has the Tricos a little messed up – look for bugs in the both the evening and mornings – mornings typically being the heavier hatch. Ants, grasshoppers and beetles are around and bringing some fish to the surface, as are foam and rubber leg creations. The Lower Manistee is still offering good trout fishing. Caddis and BWO fished dry, soft hackles swung and tandem nymph rigs fished under an indicator are all catching fish. Smaller streamers will get some response from not only trout, but some smallmouth too. Because the temps continue to be below 70 degrees, the numbers of fish just aren’t there. The wind and rain has some salmon in the river but mostly lower in the system looking for well presented streamer fished deep and with some action. The Boardman too is benefiting from the rain and cool weather. It’s really a terrestrial bite right now, but have some caddis flies in your box too. Matching the hatch isn’t much of a factor right now, but have some white flies/Ehphrons in your box as heavier evening hatches should kick off soon. Swinging emergers is a great strategy for this hatch before and during. The Betsie river has salmon in the river with rain and sunlight impacting where you might find them one day and where the next. Remember: these fish are migratory and they are running on the bigger side this year. Hang on and have fun. Good Luck! Ted Do you have your Days Booked for this Year's Fishing? August: Trout on Terrestrials, Mouse Patterns. River Smallmouth Bass September: Salmon Fishing All Month Long. Trout Fishing in Solitude October: Steelhead on the Big Manistee River. Trout Fishing in Solitude
August 12, 2009 Just Right With some rain showers and cool evenings, our local rivers are in better shape than normal for the middle of August making for some good fishing. Streamer fishing for trout has been productive lately thanks to the rain. Best success has been from using small to mid-size patterns. The Upper Manistee is looking and fishing good. Water conditions are ideal and the Trico hatches are continuing to bring fish to the surface. Majority of the fish are smaller and fun, but look closely for the snout of bigger fish sipping; being small flies, the fish don’t crash them like a large mayfly. In addition to the Tricos, a few Isonycias, Lt. Cahills, Little Yellow Sallies and BWO are hatching mostly in the late afternoon and evenings – just not significant numbers despite fish coming up to eat them on a good presentation. Terrestrials including hoppers, beetles, and ants are catching their share of fish as well as attractors like Chernobyl Ants and Fuzzy Wuzzys. Smaller hoppers have been working better lately, but it varies from day to day – mix it up. The Boardman River, too, is looking good and has Trico hitting the water in the mornings – anytime from daybreak to noon – depending on how soon the air warms up. Daytime fishing includes hoppers and beetles and evenings with tan caddis. The Lower Manistee is fishing well for trout due to the cooler temps. Small black and dun/gray caddis in the evenings and BWO’s fished in the film/slick can be challenging, but also rewarding. Nymphing with two flies has proven well with larger Bead Head patterns like Copper Johns and smaller BWO and midge tied below them. Streamers are catching some fish including smallmouth, but numbers continue to be low due to the cooler water temps. The USFW treated the lower river for lampreys this week, but this should be of no consequence to either you or the fish – in fact, without it our steelhead and salmon fishery would be hit harder by the parasites. The Betsie and Lower Manistee Rivers have received a small push of salmon thanks to the rain last week. With the cooler water temps near shore in Lake Michigan, look for additional fish to migrate with each shot of rain we get. The fish this time of year are even stronger, so hold on tight and when they take you into wood and break you off, just retie and try again. Good Luck, Ted
August 6, 2009 The Cool Summer Continues
It isn’t news that the weather has been cool and water temps reflect that. Local rivers are in better shape than I can remember for this time of year so get out and take advantage of it.
The Upper Manistee continues to offer a sampling of bugs each day: BWOs, Light Cahills, Isonycias and Tricos. The heaviest hatch is the Trico spinner fall in the mornings and with the cool nights – one doesn’t have to be on the water at first light to find fish eating them. Have a difficult time seeing these tiny bugs? Tie the trico to a dropper off of a larger dry and use it as an indicator. Look for the other bugs in the late afternoon and evening. The cooler weather has stymied the growth of the grass hoppers on the water’s edge; typically this time of year larger hoppers work, but the smaller patterns have been more productive lately. Still, the big patterns with rubber legs and foam have been bringing up fish and some good ones, but more as an attractor rather than a match to the natural hoppers. Play around with patterns and presentation until you get some positive feedback from the fish.
The Boardman terrestrial fishing is decent right now with bookies and browns playing the game. Small grasshoppers, beetles and ants of various sizes are go-to patterns along with the Tricos and #16 and #18 tan caddis. Trico hatches in the mid-morning can be found in the many riffle sections of the river – look for sippers in the calmer, smoother water just downstream of where they are falling to the water.
The Lower Manistee continues to run cool for this time of year, stretching our trout fishing season on that section. Those with a nymph, either under an indicator or dropped below larger dry flies with rubber legs – twitched are finding fish in the seams and holes. Caddis are still coming off in the evening as well as BWOs and other midges throughout the day. Streamer fishing can produce a bend in the rod from not only trout, but smallmouth bass too. The smallmouth continue to be the minority in the river this year due to water temperatures – if it warms up, the fish numbers will build until the salmon start to enter in big numbers. If water temps continue to be cool, look for a decent number of salmon to enter a little earlier than normal. According to the charter boats, the fish are running significantly larger this year so get ready to battle these Chinook salmon.
Good luck,
Ted
July 31, 2009 Groundhog’s Week Not much has changed on local rivers from last week’s fishing report and thankfully the cooler temperatures and bits of rainfall are keeping the river in good shape – both levels and more importantly, temperatures. Rare going into August. The Upper Manistee is finally getting good numbers of Tricos in the mid-morning as the temps warm up. Spinner falls provide more than just small fish – look carefully for bigger ones lightly sipping the water -you won’t hear the gulp. Afternoons and evenings are still presenting decent numbers of Isonycias, Light Cahills, and Little Yellow Sallies – on the cloudy and/or cooler days, look for BWOs. This week’s heat has got some hoppers even more active on the banks and fish are looking for rubber legs and foam – cast hopper imitations of all sizes until you crack the code for the day also mixing up the presentation: twitching, skating, popping, dead drifting. Everyday it is different. Streamer fishing on the cloudy days is starting to get more notice now that the heavy hatches are no longer providing a large dinner each night. The Boardman is fishing well with Tricos in the morning and Terrestrials in the afternoon. Smaller hoppers fished along the many grassy banks and sunken logs can give up a nice fish this time of year so don’t give up and mix up your patterns until you find success. Caddis are sporadically coming off in the afternoons and evenings as are BWOs when it’s cloudy. While the Gray Drakes are gone, don’t hesitate to fish an Adams or Gray Drake pattern when searching for a riser. The Lower Manistee continues to remain cool and as such trout continue to be the primary target. Look for small caddis and wet flies to take fish on top and those nymphing the better seams, runs and holes can do well with smaller Pheasant Tails and caddis emergers. Streamer fishing is still bringing some trout to hand as well as smallmouth bass. The cooler temps that are keeping the trout around are what’s keeping the bigger numbers of smallmouth bass away – look for heat to change things. In town for the Traverse City Film Festival and want to fish a little? Give a call. Good Luck, Ted
July 23, 2009 This Cool Weather is Providing Ideal Water Conditions
It seems that most of this year’s trout fishing has been affected by inconsistent weather. This past week and the days ahead are no different, but rather than negatively affecting the fishing – our water temps are a few key degrees cooler making for not only good fishing, but good for the fish too.
The Upper Manistee is running about its normal height right now as it didn’t receive much rain and what did fall went right into the sandy soil. Tricos are a little fickle to find right now in the mornings. Look for warmer, sunnier mornings for the best hatches and fish responding. Afternoons are spent either casting smaller streamers on cloudy days or terrestrial patterns on the surface. Cinnamon/rust colored ants have been fishing very well (Turk's Power Ant) where as most other terrestrials vary from Chernobyl Ants to Grasshoppers. Rubber legs and foam have been working, but look for the fish to have a daily preference on size and color – mix it up. Other bugs include Isonychias, Lt. Cahills, Small Caddis, Yellow Sallies, BWOs and midges. Try fishing small Griffith’s Gnat or Renegades when you see rising fish, but no real emergence or spinner fall.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam is running cooler than normal and this can be a great destination for those looking to do some trout fishing. Good caddis activity in the afternoons and technical midge dry fly fishing can get you into fish of all sizes. Wet flies and streamers fished both dead drift and/or twitched. Small Clouser Minnows have been working for both trout and smallmouth bass alike. Look for your better smallmouth fishing to happen when water temps increase a bit more.
The Boardman is almost all done with the Gray Drakes, but have a few in your box if you are out there in the evening. Caddis, Yellow Sallies and BWOs can be expected most days. Since this river has a nice mix of grass banks and overhanging trees, it can be a fantastic river for terrestrial fishing. Small hoppers, ants and beetles fished dead drift, twitched or even sunk can really provide some good fishing close to town. Fishing a soft hackle in deep slots and riffles is also a proven technique on this river on a floating line with either a standard leader or a sinking leader.
The area’s lakes are still providing some good fishing especially with the darker, cloudy days. When/if the sun returns, look for mornings and evenings to be best and target structure (weed beds, docks, swim platforms and fallen trees). One can expect large and smallmouth bass and pike to play the game.
Good Luck,
Ted Do you have your Days Booked for this Year's Fishing? July: Isonycias, Tricos and Terrestrials. River Smallmouth Bass. August: Trout on Terrestrials, Mouse Patterns. River Smallmouth Bass. September: Salmon Fishing All Month Long. Trout Fishing in Solitude.
July 16, 2009 Summertime Trout Fishing Trout fishing has pretty much moved passed the hex hatch, although there is still a sporadic showing of bugs on certain rivers on certain days in certain sections. It’s proved difficult to predict when and where, but it’s always good to see those huge mayflies flying around. In all, it was a strange hatch this year thanks to the weather. On those days when good bugs were out, we had good fishing but now it’s on to summer trout fishing. On the Upper Manistee the Isonycia hatch has been good in the evenings. With the clouds, BWO have been giving the fish a steady diet. Other bugs you can expect to see include: Light Cahills, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones, and small black caddis. Tricos are just staring for those of you on the water before noon and look for the numbers to increase as warmer weather settles in for a period of time in the region. The Boardman - Still some hex, but look for tricos to be the primary staple for fish feeding on the surface right now throughout the mornings with caddis in the afternoons and Lt. Cahills and Grey Drakes just before dark. Both the Upper Manistee and Boardman are just coming into their “terrestrial “ season – that is, where grasshoppers are getting blown into the river and the fish grabbing them. Beatles, ants and rubber legged foam creations can bring up some of the larger fish of the year. Experiment with size and action – some days they like dead-drift, other days twitched. Catch a trophy fish without a headlamp on! Like headlamps? Stay out after dark and throw the mouse/surface pattern. The Lower Manistee River below Tippy dam is still providing some good trout fishing since water temps have remained cool for this time of year. There is a mix of both trout and smallmouth bass in the river and look for the bass to continue to build in numbers with more heat and warmer water temperatures. Natural baitfish patterns ranging from 2 to 4 inches have been the most consistent producers of trout and smallies for the streamer fisherman, where wet flies and bead-head nymphs have been catching trout in the seams. Tricos should get going soon. Regardless of where you choose to fish, the crowds are non-existent at this time of year and you can pretty much have a section of river all to yourself. There are still some smallmouth bass in the bay with the early angler on a flat piece of water catching the fish. A carp here or there are around, but for the most part the carp fishing is done. Those who enjoy largemouth bass fishing are finding the weed beds in most lakes at the perfect height – that is providing cover, but minimal surface rafts getting in the way. Sliders, deer hair bugs and poppers are not only effective, but a fun way to catch fish – make sure your tippets are strong enough to pull a fish through the weeds. Good Luck, Ted
July 9, 2009 The Hex Continues The up and down, inconsistent weather has our hex hatch continuing a little longer than anyone would have guessed at the beginning of the season. Numerous days of cool (sometimes cold) weather put the pugs on hold while little warm-ups triggered small emergences. The heat and sun forecast for this week should get those patient nymphs out of their beds and into the air and bring an end to the hatch. Water levels and temps are good for this time of year. The Upper-Manistee River has had sporadic hex bugs and the Isonycias have been pretty solid with the fish responding well. Other bugs include: Little Yellow Sally Stones, BWOs, Light Cahills, and some Big Stones. Look for Tricos to start shortly in the early mornings and small terrestrial patterns turning some fish as the day goes on. Evenings are the best time to experience a hatch of the bugs detailed above. After dark, try a mouse/large surface fly that moves water and casts a silhouette. The Lower- Manistee below Tippy Dam is still fishing well for trout as the water temperatures have remained cooler than normal for this time of year. Caddis, wet flies, midge and streamers are all taking fish. The smallmouth bass in this section of river is building each day and look for them to be the primary target over the next six weeks. The Boardman is still experiencing Hex duns and spinner falls and the Gray Drake spinners continue to build above riffles at dusk. Have some Little Yellow Sallies, Light Cahills, Tan Caddis #16/18 and some terrestrials in your box. Ode to Carp. Carp fishing in the bays is pretty much done as they have been providing action for the last 6 weeks. The weather has made it difficult to pattern the fish – (when and where), but with this warm-up keep your eye out as you drive along the bay – you might just find a pod to fish to. Smallmouth bass numbers are dwindling as they are moving back into some deeper water, but look for fish cruising the shallow water during mornings and evenings. With the recent full-moon, crayfish molt and become a soft-shell favorite of smallmouth. Lake fishing is prime for small and largemouth fishing. With the weed growth, look for the largemouth bass to come on poppers, divers and sliders – a great way to spend a morning or evening. Look for the smallmouth to be on the edges of drop-offs looking to eat crayfish and baitfish patterns. Bring a hex dun pattern too if you are going to be out late – some good surface action can occur as lakes often experience a long, drawn out emergence lasting up to five weeks. Charter Boats on Lake Michigan are reporting healthy and large salmon so far this spring and early summer. This fall’s run that begins in late August continuing into October should be a good one. If you don’t have your dates reserved for a guided trip, start your planning and be in touch to ensure a day or two in a boat on the water doing battle with fresh, strong salmon. Good Luck, Ted
July 2, 2009 Weather or Not
Last week's hot spell helped kick-off the hex hatch, but this week’s cool-down has shifted it into idle. The Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers had respectable hatches lasting about five days, but with the cool down came fewer bugs – hex and others. Our forecast is favorable looking forward so look for the hatch to start up again and continue for sometime after warmer weather and some solar action.
While the hatches aren’t thick, there are still finding some bugs on the water. These cool evenings can bring evening spinner falls of hex which is almost magical; big fish that normally don’t come out in the daylight can’t help themselves when the meaty-hex come floating by. Make sure your flies are natural looking, your tippet a little lighter and your presentation flawless. This can be some of the most spectacular dry fly fishing one can witness.
Other bugs:
The Manistee has a smattering of bugs floating down the river right now – just not very significant numbers. Look for: Isonycias, Big Stones (both Golden and Black/Orange), Little Yellow Sallies, Epeorus/Quill Gordons, BWOs, Light Cahills and another yellow like mayfly I can’t seem to identify aprox. Size 14/16.
The Boardman still has a few Brown Drakes and the Gray Drakes should continue for a while. Caddis are popping as well as little yellow Sally Stones. Always have some BWO’s in your box – especially when cool and clouds are above the river.
Once the heat comes back to our local rivers, look for terrestrial activity to build and be sure to keep things small. Tricos typically are here the first week of July but look for things them to be late like most bugs have been this year.
The Lower Manistee below Tippy is fishing o.k. Midges, fry patterns and caddis are your best bet right now. There are just a couple of Skamania Steelhead in the river right now as they are every year at this time. Look for the smallmouth bass to get going once the weather warms up again and anglers shift from trout fishing to smallmouth for the rest of the summer.
The Carp and Smallmouth fishing on the Bay continues, but when it’s cool and cloudy, the fish simply aren’t easy to see, let alone find. Scout and cover lots of water. This is when wind can make the difference since most of the carp are done with their spawning. Crayfish, hexes, clousers and leeches/wooly buggers are working on both species.
Weed growth in the local lakes has begun and this can be a great time to target largemouth bass with top water flies. Don’t hesitate going sub-surface on the edges of the weeds and drops-offs for some pike.
Be safe this 4th of July weekend and be thankful for our opportunities to fish – we are truly lucky. Good luck, Ted
June 25, 2009 Its hex time. Finally after a cool spring, summer just came and so did the hot weather. This week’s pressure-cooker and sunlight was just what we needed to get the bugs going on local rivers. The Manistee has hex bugs, but it’s just the first couple of nights and the numbers are decent and will only build over the next week or so. The heat has an effect on the bugs – they are emerging at odd times as well as traditional hours. The hatch can be short-lived and sporadic and even isolated; if you don’t find bugs, go around the corner and you might find some. In addition to the hexes, there are still some brown drakes around and Isonycias. Some more of the big stoneflies can be seen bouncing on the water and can be a great way to get a fish to leave their lair while waiting for the night’s mayflies. Look for the smallmouth bass to continue improve on the Lower Manistee. The Boardman too has hexes in some sections. A lot of the bugs are coming from the ponds and there can be prolific spinner falls as well as emergences. Make sure you have some brown drakes and light cahills in your box and be stocked up on gray drakes – a must for this time of year on the Boardman. The bay is still fishing well for carp and smallmouth bass. This recent heat has pushed many of the fish beyond the spawn and are looking to eat some flies after their spawning ritual. Hex nymphs, gobies and leeches are best. There seems to be fewer crayfish around for some reason and therefore they haven’t been as effective as in years past, but if you see some bouncing around tie one on. The Smallmouth are continuing to build in numbers cruising in the shallow water looking to eat. They can move fast so be on them quickly with a good presentation and hold on as they jump a few times during the fight. Good Luck! Ted
June 18, 2009 Summer is Almost Here and Spring has Just Started The calendar says summer starts on Sunday, June 21st but it’s just now starting to feel like spring. Our cool weather the past six weeks has had an affect on our hatches and bug numbers, but look for this week’s weather and the forecast weather to really kick-start the number of bugs up on the local rivers. River levels and temps are ideal. A little rain here and there will only help put a little color in the river and wading anglers should find conditions good – much better than last week’s high water. Hatches - Lots of variety and numbers building each day. Expect to find on the Upper-Manistee: the last of the Sulphurs, March Brown Spinners, Mahoganies, Isonycias, Brown Drakes, Little Yellow Sallies, Bat Flies, Black Caddis and Big Stones. It won’t be long before the Hex have us in headlamps and into big fish. On the Boardman River, be prepared for Sulphurs, March Brown and Mahogany Spinners, Tan Caddis (#14-16), Brown Drakes, and Gray Drakes. The hex will be here soon. To read more about the great hatches and dry fly fishing in the region, check out "Fishing Before the Hex Hatch". The recent heat and longer days have really pushed the carp into the shallows and into the spawn mode. Getting fish to eat at this time can be difficult and it takes persistence and lots of good presentations to get them to buy into it. With more mayfly activity on the bay, hex nymphs have been working very well and crayfish patterns being a strong second favorite. Mix up your presentation to see if there is a preference that day. The smallmouth bass have increased in numbers in the shallows, but with fishing pressure increasing, look for both the carp and smallmouth to be pickier than in weeks and even years past. Good Luck! Ted
June 11, 2009 June Feels More Like April Fool’s A bunch of rain earlier this week brought up our rivers but its on the way down again. Some areas received as much as two inches, bringing levels up and adding some needed color. Streamer fishing has been mixed – some days being better than others, but it sure is nice having color rather than clear water – it gives you confidence that the next streamer cast is the one. Levels are up, but not bad and they should return to “normal” levels for this time of year by the end of the weekend. It might take the Boardman a extra day or two to drain. While this is a great time of the year for dry fly fishing, the cooler weather has kept the fishing from being hot. It won’t take much sun to change things – however, know that our hatches are running 7 to 10 days late this year. There is something seriously wrong wearing fleece and long underwear in June, however the forecast looks good. What’s been hatching on the Upper Manistee: a number of bugs, but not in great numbers have included: March Browns Spinners/Rusty Spinners, Little Yellow Sallies, Sulphurs, BWOs, Size 10 Brown/Yellow Stoneflies, some Mahoganies, and size14-16 Tan Caddis. I have been seeing the first of the Isonycias, but not any significant number. Look for hatch densities to increase and Iso numbers to build and Brown Drakes to start with rise in water temperatures. The fish will look for them too as they are the first good-sized bugs to emerge bringing some great fish to the surface. Fishing below Tippy Dam is still fishing well despite getting some color from this week’s rain. A mixed bag of smaller, stocked fish to larger fish past the teens can be had by those fishing both streamers and nymphs. Look for this water to change into a technical dry fly fishery over the next few weeks as temperatures stabilize and the tail water hatches increase. The Boardman is running high, but Sulphurs and Grey Drakes have been emerging along with the caddis. Look for Brown Drakes to start any day after some heat and the fishing to get really improve. Now is not a bad time to cast some large streamers imitating leeches/lampreys as the fish are taking advantage of the dirty water and what food it is washing downstream with it in the seams. To read more about the great hatches and dry fly fishing in the region, check out "Fishing Before the Hex Hatch". Carp are fishing well in the bay despite the cooler water and air temperatures. In some areas the spawning is taking place heavily and others, just starting. Regardless, not all of the fish are spawning right now and they are the ones to target, as they don’t have their minds set on one thing. Some smallmouth bass have been seen, a few caught and look for them to come shallower cruising for a crustacean snack. The best flies for carp and smallmouth have been crayfish patterns, clouser minnows and leeches/wooly buggers. Good Luck,
Ted
June 4, 2009 June's Choices Last week’s rain has come and gone and water levels are ideal. The recent cool nights and less than normal days, has affected water temperatures are cooler than normal. When fishing The Upper Manistee is seeing some good hatches and the next couple of weeks leading up to the hex hatch should be the best dry fly fishing of the year. We are seeing the same bugs emerge that we have the last couple of weeks, including: Sulphurs, Black Drakes/Borchers, Mahogainies, Little Yellow Sally Stones, Caddis, and medium sized Brown Stones. New to the mix are a few Giant Stones/Salmonflies, a few Light Cahills and Golden Stones. Because air temps are cooler, we are experiencing emergences and spinner falls throughout the day rather than the last hour or two of day light. Those able to cover feeding lanes drag-free are getting the fish. To read more about the great hatches and dry fly fishing, check out "Fishing Before the Hex Hatch".
Fishing bellow Tippy Dam is still fishing well with a mix of stocked fish and 2-4 year old fish. BWO/Baetis are starting to increase in numbers and the afternoons and evenings are seeing decent caddis numbers that will continue to build through the month of June. As fry patterns are starting to either grow or educate fish, they are still catching a fish or two but are not as effective as they were in May; mixing patterns often is paying off. Lately, we have been doing better on white patterns, but this can change from day to day and also time of day. The Boardman River has come down and is wader friendly after last week’s big flows. Sulphurs are building in numbers and Gray Drakes are collecting above riffles in the final hours of the day. Some caddis and March Browns are around too – try fishing wet flies and bead head nymphs when you aren’t matching a hatch. Look for Brown Drakes to come after a few days of heat and with drakes comes some good fishing. Carp fishing has been pretty good this week despite the cooler weather. Water that has been isolated by wind has been best with the afternoon’s sun warming it up making it ideal. Most of the fish are in pre-spawn, but there have been a few that are really starting to think about the deed – if not already doing it. When fishing to spawning fish, look for the “stragglers” – the individual fish or two behind the pack; these fish are the ones typically eating what the others are kicking up. A few smallmouth bass are working their way into the shallows for the fly fisher and numbers will increase with water temperatures. The lake fishing remains good: bluegill, bass – large and smallmouth, pike and walleye are coming to the fly. Poppers and spiders on top are still a great way to catch the smaller species, but larger minnow/baitfish patterns are working in the deeper water. We are lucky to have such a variety and mix of species and water to fish here in Northern Michigan – take advantage of it. Choose your what and where and get out and fish. Tight Lines, Ted
May 29, 2009 Too Much of a Good Thing
While we were in dire need of rain, we got a lot all at once; our rivers are running high after two days of a cool rain – some places received over 2 inches. Thankfully it was a soft rain and the sandy soil was thirsty so it isn’t as bad as it normally would be. Levels are up a bit on the Upper Manistee and will probably continue to rise some more, but it is still fishable. The Lower Manistee is up too and it's clarity is good, but look for that to change over the weekend as the run-off from the Pine River works its way through the system. The Boardman is up but should be close to normal by the end of the weekend barring significant additional rainfall. While this rain might put a kybosh on the hatches, don’t count them out totally. Before the rain the sulphur numbers were building nicely. Along with these prolific bugs, it’s been pretty much more of the same: the last of the Hendricksons, Black Quills, Caddis, Mahoganies, March Browns, medium Brown Stones and a few Yellow Sallies. With the water up, look for the streamer fishing to improve now that there is some color to the water. To learn more about our great dry fly fishing in June, read, "Fishing Before the Hex Hatch" Fortunately, if you don’t like the river conditions right now, we have other fishing options. The carp have been on the flats of Grand Traverse Bay. Having a high sun and fishing afternoons will be the key to having good success since we are forecasted to have cooler days in the forecast with highs in the 60s. Wind direction and the night’s temperature are the key to success. A few smallmouth bass are around too doing a little pre-spawn feeding. If you haven’t pursued carp this could be a great opportunity to try it - guide dates available. Lake and pond fishing is really good right now for those looking to catch bass, bluegill and pike. The bluegill are mostly on beds and are eating poppers and spiders, but the nymphs are working too when fished as a dropper from something on top. Good Luck! Ted Father's Day is Almost Here - Get Dad On The Water - Gift Certificates Available Do you have your Days Booked for the Best Trout Fishing of the Year? June: The Hatches: Sulphurs, Mahoganies, Drakes, Isonycia and Hex July: Hex, Isonycias, Tricos and Terrestrials
May 20, 2009 Summer-Like Weather in May Water temperatures on the local rivers and the bay are increasing thanks to a big bright sun and warmer nights. On the Upper-Manistee, water levels are good but we are in need of some rain to add some color to the water –it is simply a little too clear right now as the fish are hiding in their bunkers when its bright. When it is sunny (and the forecast calls for more of it) look to have your best success in the mornings and evenings. These times of day, both, have bug activity – mostly spinners in the morning and emergers, duns and spinners in the evening providing the air temperatures don’t bottom out. The Boardman River too is warming up nicely and with it comes more bugs and some fish looking to cash in. Streamers are always a good bet when you don’t have bug activity, but don’t forget about nymphs either. There are still a few steelhead in the Boardmand from Sabin Dam to the mouth. Hatches/Flies: Hendrickson duns and spinners, Black Quills/Borchers, Mahoganies, Black Caddis (#14 and #18), a few Sulphurs, March Browns, Tiny Stones, #10 Stones and more. Yes, one must have a loaded fly box this time of year to be prepared for what the fish might have a taste for. Fishing below Tippy Dam on the Manistee for trout continues to be a good bet for both beginners and experienced anglers alike. The trout are still keying in on steelhead and salmon fry /smolt patterns sub-surface and the caddis numbers continue to increase providing some dry fly action. Soft-hackles are deadly on this river presented either as a dropper or on a wet-fly swing. Like Nymphing? Get your indicator out and pick apart those seems. Bluegill and bass fishing is great this time of year. Look for the gills to be on their beds in the smaller, shallower (warmer) lakes right now. Like trout, big bluegill are hard to find so please practice catch and release when you find some. Bass are still mostly eating medium sized streamers as they are preparing for the spawn. Carp fishing is still in the early stages and water temperature is more crucial than ever. The afternoons on warm, sunny days are your best bet and look for water that is relatively calm. These fish are pre-spawn and typically found in smaller numbers but respond eagerly to well presented flies. Small crayfish, clousers, gobies and buggers are ideal – remember to use fluorocarbon since there is practically no algae in the water right now. The smallmouth are still out deep but look for them to get shallow by mid-June. Good luck! Ted
May 12, 2009 The Month of May continues to give us choices! This time of year anglers in Northern Michigan have lots of different species to chase with a fly rod. Trout fishing on the Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers are experiencing some good caddis and mayfly activity and as water temps continue to warm-up the fish are keying in on them. Look for Hendricksons, Black Drakes/Borchers, Black Caddis, March Browns and BWOs. Some of the larger #8 tanish/brown stoneflies with a yellow collar are around too. With the cool nights, spinner falls should occur earlier in the evening and even late morning, but as cloud cover comes, the heat should stay in and provide both good hatches and spinner falls – be there. Streamer fishing continues to not only provide activity but some nice fish when the bugs aren’t popping. Water clarity is a little too good and another little shot of rain which is forecasted should only help things. Streamer fishing bellow Tippy Dam on the lower Manistee River continues to be a good bet for those looking to catch some nice trout as they are looking to fill there belly on something other than eggs since most of the Steelhead are gone. These fish are simply gluttons. There are still some steelhead around on the Manistee, but everything is pretty dark and predominately on gravel. The Betsie River still has some fish in it as does the Boardman in Traverse City up to the Sabin Dam. Fishing pressure is similar to winter fishing – light, however this time of year you don’t need to worry about frostbite or iced-over boat ramps – things are rather comfortable. Those fishing local lakes and ponds are finding good bluegill activity in water less than 5 feet deep and the early bass season is proving some fish to play along – mostly on medium sized streamers/baitfish patterns. Pike? This is the best time of the year – look for dark bottoms as these fish are looking to warm-up and eat some food after their spawn. Some carp have been seen in the shallows of the bay, but it takes a few days of stable weather and a bright sun to get them out of the depths – things will only get better as the bay warms up. Good Luck, Ted
May’s Finest It looks like spring and with it comes some of the year’s best trout fishing. Currently the Upper Manistee is giving us a decent Hendrickson hatch most afternoons and sometimes unto the evenings. The spinner falls haven’t been too heavy with the cool evenings – look for a warm cloudy day for heavier bugs. Also hatching are some black caddis and the last of the little black stones. Blue Wing Olives continue to be out there, but are more noticeable on the cloudy, rainy days. Look for the Hendricksons to really start up this week on the Boardman. Water conditions are pretty good – they are up a little but have fallen nicely since last week’s rain – they are about normal for this time of year. Clarity is good, but it’s not too clear making ideal fishing conditions. Streamer fishing has been good lately but with no particular pattern or color working more than another; each day the trout have a different appetite so be sure to not only mix up your fly patterns, but also your presentation. Steelhead fishing continues on the Manistee and the other local rivers. Some more fresh fish came in with last week’s rain, but they are coming in, doing their deal and heading back to the big water. Fish are on and around gravel and the larger holes are holding some drop-back fish looking to eat and gain energy before their journey back downstream. This is a great time of year to fish below Tippy Dam for steelhead and trout – streamers can bring some great trout to the net as they are looking to continue eating after their steady diet of eggs the past 6 weeks; drop backs have been known to eat a streamer too. Pike fishing on local lakes and ponds has paid off as well as those looking for some pre-spawn, catch and release bass. Look for shallower, darker bottom lakes to be your best bet. The bluegill have been very active in the shallows of a local pond near you. Look for some carp to start venturing into the shallows in the late afternoons of multiple sunny days in a row. It’s such a great time of the year to fish – so many choices and almost not enough time. Good luck!
Ted
April 28, 2009 Trout fishing season has officially opened and Steelhead continue to show up. Trout fishing started off with ideal temperatures and conditions, but the rain later in the day and on Sunday changed things. Water levels have come up while temperatures have dropped. There had been a few bugs on the water, but other than some stones and BWOs, look for water temps to increase to not only get more bugs to emerger, but also for fish to key in on them. Take advantage of these conditions and cast some streamers for your best success – when the water is high, fish are often out from the heavy structure and in tail outs and seams eating the endless supply of worms and nymphs washed down with the increased flow. Good patterns are ones that are dark and the relative size of night crawler and chestnut lampreys. Of course, these are fish and if that isn’t working, mix it up. Look for the streamer bite to be good for a while and the dry fly opportunity to improve dramatically over the next couple of weeks. With the rain should come the final push of steelhead in all of the local rivers. Most of my season has been spent on the Big Manistee and a little on the Betsie and while there were times the fishing was great – there was an 8 day period where no fish seemed to enter the river when the water was low and the sun high. As a result I am confident that more fish will come in with this high water; with the water temps being in the high 40’s – look for fish to come and go pretty quickly. Fishing for drop-back steelhead has paid off most days so don’t be afraid to fish the deeper, darker water this time of year. Good luck and please practice catch and release. Ted
April 21, 2009 What a difference some weather (and clouds) make. After a long stretch of days of clear skies, plenty of sun and no water, the weather has become more ideal for anglers looking to find steelhead. The rain we received was just what we needed to get some more steelhead moving upstream from the lower river and lake – there are still some more fish to come and the season should extend well into May. Water temps are in the mid-40’s and there is spawning action on all the rivers right now. Look for fish in the darker pockets near gravel as well as your transitional water with new fish moving in. Successful flies have been small clown, Oregon Cheese and Golden egg patterns while steelhead buggers, hex, caddis and larger stones have been the effective nymphs. Look for sizes, color and patterns to change a little with water levels increasing and new fish moving in. Looking to get a fish pulling a streamer? Now might be a good time to start with drop-back fish eating a bit before heading back to the river. This too can be an ideal time for those looking to swing into a fish. Trout opener is almost here and there is some nice weather predicted for the weekend. The cold rain will give way to sun and warm temps and the river should be in prime shape for anglers using streamers both big and small. Water levels should be normal for this kind of year and with just a little color. Hatch and surface activity will include the little black stone flies and a few BWOs and fish should start to rise with water temps increasing. It won’t take long before the Hendricksons start to emerge, but until then, fish some streamers and nymphs for your best success and keep your eye out for an emergence/rise. Productive streamer patterns this time of year vary; one day they like to pounce on a tube-sock sized fly, other days a smaller pattern “jiggy-striped” is what they are in the mood for. Be prepared to mix it up until you find something they like. With streamers, a good rule of thumb for color selection is: when the sun is bright, go light. Opposite when it’s overcast and/or the water is stained. Fish fast, fish slow, and with the increased angling pressure, go deep into wood and other cover to pull out the more memorable fish. With opener comes a few extra people on the water keeping up with tradition or just taking advantage of new water opening up after a long, long winter’s nap. Be kind, courteous and be safe and please release all fish so we can catch them again next year. Good luck throughout the season! Ted
April 14, 2009 Steelhead Fishing Remains Good All local rivers including the Big Manistee, Betsie and Platte have fish in them; however timing is the key to success. While fishing has been good lately, it has slowed down a little due to sunny skies, cold nights and the lack of rain. It has been a while since our last push of water – but, when it get some look for more fish to run upstream to a favorite piece of water near you. Steelhead should be around through the first part of May this year. Water Temps are in the mid-40s and the cool nights are keeping the temps from getting too warm which should prolong the run. As such, fish can be found on spawning gravel and the deeper water near it. We have already landed some “drop-back” fish this spring. The water levels have been slowly dropping and clarity is perfect for fishing provided the sun isn’t out; when it is lighter line and fluorocarbon tippets have made the difference between casting and fighting fish. Like most of the spring run this year, the fish have been a little larger but even more noticeable is how hard they are fighting. Then again, isn’t that why we chase steelhead – for the hard fight? Be prepared to loose some fish and instead of being pissed, give ‘em a nod of respect. The productive flies seem to be pretty much the same as the previous weeks, but I am finding that scaling back in size is key when the sun is out. Nymphs include: Fry Patterns, Little Black Stones, Hex Nymphs and Hares Ears. Eggs: Oregon Cheese, Grapefruit, and Golden – Some days they prefer the Nuke Style other days, the trusty Glo Bug style. Trout opener is almost here! For those that can’t wait, hit the upper Manistee River above the CCC Bridge for extended season water and a chance at catching some nice fish. The water clarity is quite clear so look for your best success on overcast days, but then again, get out there and fish when you can. Smaller streamer patterns fished a variety of ways (slow, jigging with erratic strips) are getting some fish to play. Surface activity includes BWOs and Little Black Stones but with water temps being so cold, fish aren’t coming up. Yet. Good Luck. Ted
April 7, 2009 Steelhead continue to be the primary bounty on area rivers. The Big Manistee has good numbers of fish in it at present, but their cooperation varies each day. The water temps are still in the very low 40’s and spawning activity is minimal – look for it to kick into overdrive after some sun and warmer temps. The recent weather has made for some tough fishing conditions (wind, snow and rain) but we are being rewarded with fresh, silver and winter fish alike when on the river. Water levels are continuing to drop slowly and a warm rain would really push things to the next level. This season is simply shaping up to be a long one rather than a short, condensed run. Thankfully. H2o clarity is perfect and the larger egg patterns haven’t been working as well as some of the smaller patterns seem to be preferred. Oregon Cheese and Orange Nuke and Rag patterns have been top performers, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Productive nymphs include hexes, fry patterns and black stones. The Betsie and Platte Rivers have been sporadic – mostly because of the lack of fresh rain to give another push of fish. There are fish to be caught however. Some fish are on gravel and/or in holes near the spawning gravel. The DNR Fisheries stocking trucks have dumped their cargo below Tippy Dam. If launching your boat, please back in slowly as the fish are congregated at the ramp and haven’t figured out to move just yet; in another two months they will prove much more elusive. When handling trout, steelhead and salmon planters, PLEASE do so carefully as they are tomorrow’s trophies. Trout fishing continues to improve. Nothing new: The Upper Manistee above CCC is open and those presenting streamers are getting some nice fish to not only chase the fly but pounce on it – it is amazing how a few degrees of water temperature can activate fish. Have some Black Stone Fly Dries and small BWO patterns in the rare event that there is some surface activity and smile knowing that opening day is just a few weeks away! Good Luck. Ted
March 31, 2009 April showers bring more steelhead! There are good numbers of fish in local rivers and more on the way. On the Manistee, water temps are getting close to the number that gets them on the gravel to do their thing. Fish are staging near and around gravel and the catch is a mixed bag of fresh chrome and some fish that have been in the river for a bit – all have been fighting hard. The lower sections of river has fresh fish moving throughout much of the system and it looks like it might be a nice, long spring steelhead season – something we haven’t had for years. The ice on the dam impoundments above Tippy is 99% gone and this should help warm up the water a bit in the weeks to come. While the water is up a little bit, it only has a slight stain for this time of year. As such, it has us using lighter tippets than we normally use this time of year -but it’s what’s necessary to get the hook-ups especially on those sunny days. The Betsie River has had some good days as of late, but much of it is timing. The bit of rain that is falling outside should bring some more fish into all of the local rivers for us to play with later this week. Flies have been mixed – everything from large, gaudy egg patterns to small Oregon Cheese eggs. Fishing fry patterns and hexes too and on the warmer and/or sunny days small black stones have been getting their fair share of fish. Trout fishing continues to be hit and miss depending on the day. A few stone flies have been popping off, but no surface activity from the trout, yet. Opener is within sight! Streamers fished low and slow continue to be your best approach at finding fish. Try fishing a medium sized streamer with some lead eyes or a cone on a floating line while wading and targeting tail outs – fish it with a down and across swing with some wiggle/jigging action. Overcast days are best – especially after a sunny morning to warm the water up a bit. Be sure to get yourself on the water and play with Spring's finest fish! Good Luck, Ted
March 24, 2009 As the month of April continues to near our fishing only gets better. Steelhead is building in numbers and with the warmer weather and milder evenings the water temperatures are coming close to that magic number. Add some warm rain that is forecasted over the next couple of days and we should have ideal conditions for great steelhead numbers. We are finding fish in most of the likely locations: deeper, slower water near or on the bubble lines. Some of the fresh run fish are hiding in mixed water including the faster runs but each day is different and the key has been to fish water efficiently. Water levels are coming down and it’s stained a bit, but despite the lack of clarity fish are keying in on little black stones as the natural nymphs are becoming more active. Other flies that have been working are Clown Rag Eggs, Chartreuse Eggs, Hex nymphs and the trusty bugger/leech. Anglers fishing the trout waters which are open are catching some fish, but it is far from spectacular. Water temps. are still cold and the fish are moving a little slow if at all. Big and small fish alike have been eating mid-sized streamers fished low and slow. Just like later in the year, mix up your presentation and your flies often to determine any pattern the fish might be in. When fishing the mid-sized rivers with slowly retrieved streamers, consider using a 10-12 ft. sink tip rather than the 24, 30 foot or full sinking lines to keep from loosing your flies on the bottom. Be sure to get out and get your steelhead fix! Tight Lines, Ted
March 19, 2009 According to the calendar, winter has passed and I think we all are looking forward to spring, the fishing it brings and warmer weather. While we will bounce back and forth between the cold and warm, the days are longer and the sun is warmer and the good fishing will continue to build. Steelhead anglers are finding mixed results. The bottom line is that water levels have come up some more and the temps remain cold, but are warming. While there are fish in the local rivers, it’s the angler with a good presentation in the right spot that gets the hook-up. Water clarity is a few feet and the levels should remain relatively steady as the snow melt continues to add to levels and no significant rain is forecasted. Patterns that have been working include: eggs in bold colors/combinations, large stones, leeches small black stones and hexes. Hold-over and fish that have been in the system for a few weeks have been coming out of deeper water just off of the main seam and fresh fish have been coming out of the faster water as they are moving through the system from the lakes. The smaller rivers like the Betsie, Platte, and Boardman will warm up faster on the sunny days and afternoon fishing could provide the best conditions. Trout fishing has varied recently depending on the day. The bright conditions help make it comfortable for us – the anglers – but the steady barometer and high pressure seemed to have shut down the bite on trout. Look for those days where there is some sun mixed clouds to be best. The Upper Manistee and Au Sable’s Holy Waters and South Branch are open. Fish streamers with a slow retrieve and focus on tail-outs and structure. Try doing some Nymphing in the deeper pools with a bead-head if the streamer didn’t produce. Black stones are becoming more common on the warmer days and have faith that more bug activity will happen as the weeks pass and we get deeper into spring. Warmer water will only help things too. The Spring Steelhead Season is booking–up. Be sure to get your day in a boat with a guide – contact us for possible dates. Good luck and good fishing. Ted
March 12, 2009 Well into March and the days are longer. The fish seem to be too. The back and forth weather has provided us with signs of spring and also some signs of winter. The 10-inches plus of snow earlier this week has mostly melted continuing to bring local river levels up. The water is stained, but under that dirty water, are some chrome friends and some seasoned hold-overs also. Look for this pattern to continue until we get a warm rain and warmer water conditions. Water temps. are still in the low 30’s but have bumped up a little on the smaller rivers when the sun is out and air temps are comfortable – relatively speaking. Not much new on bugs/patterns: big yarn, leeches, hexes and big stones with some flash. Look for fish to be in the deeper holes and tail-outs. Bottom bouncing has been working, but with temps low and a few more anglers on the water, fishing indicators/floats has been getting the flies presented not only slowly, but above some wood that normally wouldn’t allow for a drift and hasn’t been fished as much. The smaller fish have been the most energetic fighters, where the adults – some over 10#s have been twisting, rolling and shaking. Look for this to change as water temps continue to warm up. Trout have been coming to the fly also when fishing for steelhead. This is a good sign of winter-survival and also indicates that the bight on the extended trout season and rivers should start yielding some fish. Look for the bite to come on medium sized streamers fished low and slow. Opening day of trout season is about 5 weeks away and then May and June’s awesome fishing will have us occupied with smaller flies and even warmer temperatures. Great dates still available for spring steelhead trips on The Manistee and Betsie Rivers. Get in on some of Michigan’s Spring Steelhead. Contact us for availability. Good Fishing, Ted
March 5, 2009 Finally – March and March-Like weather. The sun has been shining lots this week in Northern Michigan and the temps are on the increase. This should make for not only better fishing conditions, but catching too. Look for afternoon sun to bump water temps up just a bit and get fish more apt to move and eat your fly. This increase in H2O temps will also trigger the early black stone flies. As such, fish small black stones, as well as large hex patterns, rag eggs in various shades of “clown” and don’t hesitate to swing or drift a good size bugger/leech. Water levels are good and depending on whether we get the rain that has been forecasted (we all know how accurate that can be) levels should remain stable. A little color should enter the rivers as some mud is starting to thaw, but some color is good. Often at this time of year the water temps can actually remain cold if it is above freezing and there is no sunshine as snow and ice melts and enters the river at 33 degrees. Adjust your presentation and the water you fish as the weather and success dictates. Trout anglers should look to fish the Big Manistee with nymphs near the Tippy Dam or the Manistee above the CCC Bridge. On the smaller water, try fishing medium sized streamers on the slow – almost like a dead-drift swing with some small bumps and strips to provide action. On the sunny days, look for fish to be sunning themselves on the sandy, shallow tail-outs; these fish are still smart despite months of little angling pressure – make your first presentation count! Still good dates available for the end of March and throughout April – get your date(s) before it is too late – e-mail or call for availability. Good luck and even better fishing. Ted
February 27, 2009 We are almost done with February and conditions are bouncing back and forth between winter and the cusp of spring. Our previous thaws have flushed enough fresh water down the river to encourage more steelhead to enter. There are both fresh and hold-over fish alike in local rivers waiting to play the game. Look for the little breaks in the weather as well as a slowly dropping barometer for both good fishing and catching conditions. Water levels are still up from where they typically are this time of year, but they are very manageable with a slight stain which is just about perfect. Water temperatures are still low so look for fish to be sitting just off of the main current seam and preferring a little depth. Indicator/Float rigs with egg and nymph combos seem to be working best with the majority of the fish coming on the big, bright egg patterns. Peak steelhead season is almost here – we still have open dates in both March and April – contact us for availability and for a chance to get out and experience spring steelhead on the Manistee and Betsie Rivers. Tigh Lines, Ted
February 19, 2009 Winter has come back after a tease of spring like weather. While the warm conditions had us thinking that maybe winter was slowing down, a quick look at the calendar was a rude reminder that winter is still here and probably will be for a little longer. With winter comes winter steelhead. The flush and surge of water last week has taken care of the shelf ice, but with it some new fish have entered the local rivers. Water levels are still a bit higher than normal, but you will find them very fishable with a little color to the water. Expect to find both winter-over and fresh fish in the mix. With water temperatures hovering above freezing, look for fish to be in those likely winter spots – deeper, slower holes and just off of the main seam/bubble line. Best bugs to be casting would include buggers/leeches in black, big black stones and some larger hex nymphs. Use a big, bright Clown Rag Egg to not only garner attention to your nymph, but also evoke a bite. Winter fishing not your thing? Book a steelhead trip for Late March and through April for Hot fishing! Good luck. Ted
February 12,2009 Just a brief update: more rain has created higher river levels as more snow melt and rainwater continue to contribute to the watershed. Clarity is starting to become dirty and more winter-like weather is forecasted. Still, anglers will continue to find steelhead in the slower, deeper water just off the primary seams and not fighting the bigger water. Be careful and good luck.
February 11, 2009 Finally - a little break in the winter weather that has been around far too long! Sunshine and warm winds have taken a good chunk of the snow around Northern Michigan and bled it into our local rivers along with some rain. There is a noticeable bump in water flows and you will find the water high and off-color, but still rather fishable. In fact, the shelf ice has broken free and ended up downstream with this latest increase in water flow. With the temps forecasted the next couple of days - look to get out and take advantage of the warmer air temps and possibly a fish or two that might have moved around in the river. All local rivers have a mix of fish – fall fish to fairly fresh, dime bright steelhead. The other day the river produced a real nice river brown that couldn’t let a caddis pupa drift by - proving that trout still like to eat this time of year too. For those looking to fish for either trout or steelhead, this week’s break in the weather should be ideal late mornings and afternoons once temps rise above the freeze degree. The upper-sections of the Manistee fished with nymphs and streamers in the deeper, darker water should be your best bet. Below Tippy dam anglers have a chance at both species with steelhead being the primary target and expected bounty of the Boardman, Platte and Betsie Rivers. Looking ahead, this recent thaw as well as the previous two this winter should make for a manageable spring thaw and run. Of course we are not done with winter yet; I can only imagine how ugly the spring run-off would have been if all of the snow we have had since Nov. 16 th was still on the ground. Good luck getting out on the water and tight lines if you do. Be carefull in the higher water. Ted Got your Spring Steelhead Dates Yet?
January 25, 2009 Winter continues, but after a long season – it doesn’t seem to be so bad. Temperatures both air and water are still approaching rock bottom but the snow accumulation has slowed down. The forecast isn’t really calling for a “warm-up” anytime soon, but should we get a little bump in water temp to activate the fish you should be out there. No one particular area river is a better choice than another as the Betsie, Manistee and Boardman Rivers all have some fish in them. Look for the slower deeper water to be your best bet for laid-up fish that might take a well presented fly. Water levels are decent and the clarity real good. This is the time of year that anglers can get away using a little lighter tippet as the fish don’t fight nearly as hard and sometimes it’s that thin line that seals the deal on the bite. Best bet on flies would be some of the standards…. hexes, large black stones, caddis and eggs. Anglers looking to swing a fly will find leeches and sculpin/goby patterns to work, but always mix up size, color and flash to try to determine a preference. This is a good time of year to get out for a few hours and get some aqua therapy. You should have the place to yourself. If not, tie flies, read a book or watch a DVD on the sport. Tight Lines and Warm Fingers. Booking Spring Steelhead Dates: Mid-March through the First of May. Got your 2009 Dates yet?
January 6, 2009 The rain/thaw of last week has pretty much worked its way through the river systems and water levels are getting close to normal. After a period of dirty and high water, things are looking good on the Manistee, Betsie, Boardman and Platte rivers. Some new fish have entered the rivers and the “resident” winter fish have moved around. Look for fish to holding in those classic, slower, deeper run/holes. With the days getting a bit longer and the sun actually letting us know that it still does exist, get out late morning/early afternoon when the temps warm up just a bit. Sometimes it only takes a slight bump up to trigger a steelhead’s instinct to eat. Nymphing is still one’s best bet – whether under an indicator with a floating line or bottom bouncing with a Chuck-n-Duck. Flies? Nothing new….. an egg pattern and nymph combo (hex, big stone, small green or tan caddis) Looking to get your fish swinging a wet/streamer? Try it, but go deep and slow – profile and movement (leeches with flash and gobies/sculpins). Booking Spring Steelhead Dates: Mid-March through the First of May. Got your 2009 Dates yet?
Current Works Guide Service and Ted Kraimer; Guiding Fly Fishing Anglers on the Upper Manistee, Lower Manistee (below Tippy Dam), Boardman and Betsie Rivers for Steelhead, Slamon, Trout and Smallmouth Bass. Carp fishing guide trips on Grand Traverse Bay.
Ted Kraimer Current Works, LLC PO Box 333 Traverse City, MI 49685 231-883-8156
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