A really warm Thursday with intense sunshine really knocked the snow pack in the woods and valleys down, creating significant run-off into the tributaries and rivers. Local rivers are on the rise and gaining some color which is likely to continue after some rain and more of it in the forecast.
With rains comes fish. There are some fish in the Betise and Manistee rivers and more are migrating upstream, with older fish shuffling around and staging. When the water gets high like this, look for fish to be anywhere including the fresh, migrating steelhead to be in the soft bubble lines traveling upstream.
As the water gets higher and dirtier, increase the size and boldness of your flies. Larger stone flies, green caddis and egg patterns will become prominent in these conditions.
We aren’t quite in Spring yet, but rather what I refer to as “mud season” – both on the banks and in the river.
Good luck.
Ted
May Days – The month that offers so much variety for a number of species. <<More info>>
Match the Hatch – Late May and June offer dry fly anglers some of the best trout fishing of the year.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain available in October, November and into December.