Mid-March Steelhead Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 13, 2025

The longer days, return of sunshine and the installation of frost law speed limit signs on the shoulders of highways are indications that it’s Spring Steelhead season.

A late arriving but “old school” winter with lots of snow and cold temps kept winter enthusiasts happy in N.W. Michigan, but the slow thaw these past weeks provided a lot of groundwater and the return of brown to the landscape. Luckily the ground was not frozen and the regional snowpack mostly dripped into the water table without creating too much run-off. As such, the spring fed trout rivers and streams are recharged for the year and our steelhead fishing wasn’t condensed to a couple of weeks before most anglers got out.

The Manistee and Betsie rivers are both running full with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s. There is some color and stain which steelhead prefer as they migrate upstream under it’s cover. However, the brighter days, frankly, make for tough conditions as the fish either go deep or off to the side into wood. Shaded holes and runs, or early and late times of the day can make the difference in success. Majority of the fish have been in the river either over the winter or the past 6 weeks, but a few fresh, bright ones have been moving through the systems and acting a little spunkier when hooked.

Fish have been taking a mix of both eggs and nymphs without much of a common denominator or an outlier catching more fish. More subtle color egg schemes have outperformed the bold bright versions, but as the water is likely to darken with some additional run-off, look for that to change. A few early stoneflies have come off and it’s usually a good time to fish some of those. The usual suspects are always good to have in your fly box during spring steelhead season as we put winter behind us.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Spring season is all booked, but a few dates remain available for the Fall Steelhead.
Trout Fishing – May and June offer some of the best technical dry fly fishing as we chase bugs and browns.
2025 Season – Now booking the entire season for trout, bass, steelhead and salmon – get your dates planned.

Late December Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 23, 2024

As December winds down, so does the year. Thanks to all of you who got into the boat this past year and spent some time fishing for the so many different species we luckily have in our watersheds – it was a privilege to guide you and spend some time together on the water.

For those still looking to get out, you might find the warm-up in this week’s forecast will give you the excuse to get away from the visiting in-laws and chase after some steelhead on the local rivers.

Conditions remain ideal for this time of year. With the cold weather the past week, water temperatures are in the mid to upper 30s. Look for fish to be on the inside of the bubble line or even tail-outs of runs if there is some sun out. Deeper, slow holes with structure from wood and or ledges are classic winter spots worthy of fishing thoroughly.

I’m always a fan of fishing an egg or bead with a nymph this time of year and as long as the water is clear my first choices are pale orange or even bleached patterns like Oregon cheese. Nuke eggs and rag style eggs tied in subtle colors are more natural looking. Size 8 eggs and 8 mm beads would likely be your best bet. Nymphs would include green caddis in #10, hex nymphs and steelhead buggers.

Happy Holidays and all the best to you on and off the water in the New Year!

Ted

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Spring Steelhead – A few dates remain available for Spring 2025 in March and April – “think Spring”
2025 Fishing Season – It’s not too early to look ahead to next year and get your dates planned and secured.
Gift Certificates – Available for Half or Full Day Guide Trips or a Casting Lesson making perfect gifts for anglers

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Early December Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 5, 2024

Winter has come in hard with some sustained lake effect snow like we haven’t seen in some time. Thankfully the ground isn’t frozen and some of this snow will slowly seep into the water table to replenish an aquifer that was parched from last summer’s and fall’s drought.

Steelhead fishing has slowed down with water temperatures dropping pretty significantly the last 10 days to about 40 degrees. Steelhead don’t like rapid drops in temperature so I’d look for them to be grumpy until the temp stays relatively stable. As temps drop into the upper 30s, look for fish to seek out the slower holes and pools.

With a warm up in the forecast this weekend, some run-off should occur which might add some needed color to the Manistee and Betsie while encouraging a few fish to migrate upstream. With water temps in Lake Michigan being so warm, the cold river isn’t too inviting, which should bode well for a good Spring run of fish as they are likely to stay in the big water a while before moving upstream.

Good luck.

Ted

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Mid November Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 11, 2024

The unseasonably mild fall weather continues to make for comfortable fishing.

While we have had some rain in the past, the river levels have only experienced moderate increases in levels before dropping back to the low-levels we have had for months. Still, the steelhead have been showing up as they move upstream from the Lake Michigan.

Smaller rivers like the Betsie got a nice push of fish with last week’s rain, while the Manistee has maintained a respectable number of fish all fall. Water temps remain a bit warmer than normal for this time of year and the fish continue to be a little more spirited once hooked. With the clear water, we have been using lighter line to fool fish.

Egg patterns are still the first choice of anglers and fish, with nymph patterns building in effectiveness as the natural salmon eggs in the river diminish a bit. Shades of yellow and pale orange rag eggs and beads have been working in smaller sizes (#8 and 8mm). Steelhead buggers, Hex, and mid-sized stoneflies are fooling fish, too.

With the warmer water, the steelhead are more apt to eat a swung fly fished on sink-tips, typically with a spey rod on the larger rivers. Leeches and baitfish patterns in black, olive or tan – all with copper flash – have been working. If you’ve had an interest in trying this method, conditions have made this an ideal year to learn.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Take advantage of the mild fall and warm water! Good dates in November remain.
2025 Fishing Season – It’s not too early to look ahead to next year and get your dates planned and secured.
Gift Certificates – Available for Half or Full Day Guide Trips or a Casting Lesson making perfect gifts for anglers.

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Late October Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 27, 2024

October is winding down and water levels remain low.

The lack of any significant precipitation has kept local rivers low and running clear. Still, some steelhead have moved into rivers and have been hard to hold onto once hooked with the water being warmer than normal. Larger rivers and their volume of water have been more consistent while the smaller rivers are very dependent on rainfall and timing (and stealthy presentations) are crucial.

The bountiful run of salmon was arguably the strongest experienced in the last decade. While the kings and cohos and are pretty much done, their eggs have done a good job of coaxing steelhead to migrate from the lake. As such, egg patterns and beads have been the top producers, with the nymph bite (steelhead buggers and hex) building especially in runs and holes away from spawning salmon. Look for the swing bite to improve as the egg-drop diminishes.

Most of the leaves on streamside riverbanks have fallen this past week – save for the oaks, changing the landscape and possibly adding a little tannin to the water as they breakdown. With more deer being active this time of year, be careful getting to the river.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Finish the season with steelhead on the lower Manistee. Good dates in November remain.
2025 Fishing Season – It’s not too early to look ahead to the next year and get your dates planned and secured.
Gift Certificates – Available for Half or Full Day Guide Trips or a Casting Lesson making perfect gifts for anglers.

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Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report

Mid-March Steelhead Fishing Report

Late December Fly Fishing Report

The annual newsletter has just gone out. If you aren’t subscribed, you can read (and subscribe) here.

Early December Fishing Report

Mid November Fishing Report

Late October Fishing Report

Ted Kraimer • Current Works, LLC • PO Box 333 • Traverse City, Michigan 49685 • (231) 883-8156