It’s officially Spring! The first of the Cranes have migrated back to the river banks while the colder nights confirm that we are still in the very early part of the season. Steelhead fishing has been a little slower than normal for this time of year since the number of fall fish that wintered over was lighter than normal and significant ice cover on the rivers this winter kept fresh steelhead migration to a minimum.
We have had a little increase in water flow as some warmer days reduced the snow pack and contributed to the river – clarity and levels are ideal right now. Water temps are in the high 30s and just barely nudging into the 40s on the Manistee and Betsie Rivers. Cold nights are making for slow starts to the day but the sun helps warm up the water and angler alike – it feels good to be on the water again.
Look for fish to be holding out in winter water – that is, the bigger, deeper holes as fish wait for water temps to increase and to begin their spawning. As more fresh fish move into rivers, look for them to share a lot of the same water as well as the transitional runs on the days when fish seem to be moving. An increase in water volume and warmer temps will really trigger a surge in migration as fish are near pier heads/river mouths waiting to move. Lately the better fly patterns have been Hex Nymphs, egg patterns in shades of orange and Stonefly Nymphs.
Good Luck.
Ted
The Spring Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe.
Spring Steelhead – From mid-March through early May on the Manistee and Betsie. Few dates available.
September Salmon – Dates are limited for fishing the Betsie River in early Sept. and later on the Manistee.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your fishing trips planned for the year. Booking all species/seasons.