It’s April and this is the time to think steelhead if you haven’t been thinking about them already. With the mild winter and thaws, the fishing has been mostly good in March with a mix of winter and fresh fish with more to come as the days get longer, more rainfall brings water levels up and temperatures get warmer.
The local rivers all have fish in them including the Boardman, Betsie and Manistee. Fish are just beginning to spawn with more fish holding in pocket water and holes near spawning gravel waiting for optimum conditions. Water temps are bouncing around 40 degrees and clarity is good for this time of year with just a slight stain. While the cloudy days have made for cooler conditions, the fishing is noticeably better than when the sun makes an appearance.
No real game changers on successful fly patterns in the past week or so: Eggs in Chartreuse/Steelhead Orange, Rodeo Clown, Golden Nugget/Burnt Orange. Nymphs: green Caddis, fry, UPSC, small stones. With the water warming up we are starting to see some stones flutter on the surface and that means stonefly nymphs below. Also, as more natural eggs begin to drop, it might be time to start fishing the smaller, natural sized egg patterns especially with the clearer water.
With spring break taking place it’s been good to see some parents getting kids to the river for some fishing including some little guys with some real impressive skills. And they have been nice, happy, polite and friendly kids. Don’t let your kids be the ones that get away – get them outdoors when you can.
Just a reminder – new fishing licenses are required beginning April 1. And sections of certain rivers (Little Manistee and Platte) are now open for steelhead fishing.
The MI-DNR has released their trout “management” plan and are seeking comments – if interested, you can read by clicking here.
May Fishing – Trout, late steelhead, hatches, streamer fishing, bluegill on lakes – don’t overlook fishing in May.
Trout – The hatches of late May lead into June making for some of the year’s best dry fly fishing – don’t miss out.
2017 Fishing – Plan your year around your fishing – get your dates on the calendar, life will fit in around it.