Once Mother Nature figured out it was a new year, she adjusted the weather to be in step with what it normally is this time of year – winter like.

Steelhead fishing remains the target species for those looking to get outside after a month of over eating, holiday parties and perhaps a little too much time with visiting relatives. Water temps are in the upper 30s and as such the fish are acting like it- kind of lazy in where they are sitting and how they are eating. Look for fish to be on the inside edges and tail-outs of slower moving holes especially if they have structure and wood in them. With the rare appearances of the sun this time of year, look for steelhead to be in shallow slots over sand sunning themselves. The first cast is always the most important but be sure to methodically cover the water since the fish aren’t aggressively moving to eat the fly; with slight warm ups of a degree or two, their willingness to move to a fly can change.

Good luck and may 2012 be filled with a lot of good fishing for you.

Ted

December 15, 2011

Relatively Mild
The weather this fall has been mild compared to what it typically is – kind of has me wondering if Mother Nature is going to be brutal when winter finally gets here. Until then, sneak out and fish in this “bonus” weather.

This time of year Steelhead are the primary focus of anglers in the area. After a good fall run, a decent number of fish remain in the rivers and after a little rain perhaps they might even move around a little – especially after this week’s full moon. Look for fish to be laying in those deeper, slower holes, slots and runs in and around wood. Fishing an indicator or float is a good bet to keep the flies off of the bottom as does a swung fly. The Manistee, Betsie and Boardman all have some fish in it to play with.

Anglers looking to get some trout fishing in can still successfully target them below Tippy Dam on the Manistee. Nymphing techniques with small mayfly nymphs, scuds/sow bugs and caddis combined with a realistic looking egg are good bets if the slow retrieve of a streamer isn’t working. Like the steelhead fishing right now, cast your streamer towards the wood structure for your chance at bigger fish.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

Ted

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December 5, 2011

No Snow, No Problem – Since we aren’t skiing, go fishing.

Last week’s rain gave water levels a little bump and with it a few new steelhead should move into the river while moving around the fish already in the systems. With water temps clinging onto the 40 degree mark, look for the cold nights to have their effect on water temps and dictate how we should approach fish. Look for fish to seek out the deeper runs and holes while favoring the slack water side of the bubble line. Floats and indicators are a good way to get the flies above wood while presenting a combination of egg patterns and nymphs (hex, medium sized stones, caddis). The Betsie, Boardman and Manistee all have decent numbers of fish in them for this time of year which should provide angling opportunity throughout the winter.

Trout fishing remains an option for those interested in fishing the rivers still open to angling late in the season like the Manistee. If streamer fishing, down size your fly a little and slow your strip down as water temps have made fish a bit lethargic. If fishing below Tippy Dam, an indicator with pale egg patterns and small nymphs and large midge patterns will not only find you trout but the possibility of a steelhead exists, too.

Good Luck,

Ted

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November 20, 2011
Steelhead and Trout

With the third week of November upon us, the thermometer is still kind despite a brief scare of snow last week. This week’s weather calls for above freezing temps which should keep the water temps close to where they are which are a few degrees warmer than normal.

Steelhead fishing continues as there are good numbers of fish in the Manistee, Betsie, Boardman and Platte rivers. Water levels are good as well with a slight stain but with the fish being in the rivers for some time, they have seen a few flies so make sure you are getting a good presentation. Look for fish to be near and around wood and just off the bubble line in the slack side of the run – at least that’s where they have been. An egg with a nymph is a great one-two approach with oregon cheese glo bugs and mottled nuke eggs working up high with caddis, stones, hex and buggers below. This has been a good fall to swing flies with water temperatures remaining warm and fish numbers being good – cover water and swing into a fish on your switch or spey rod.

Trout fishing below Tippy Dam on the Manistee remains good for both the streamer and nymph angler. Small, faded eggs and the occasional pheasant tail, scud or sow bug below it on an indicator rig is working well. The streamer angler will find some bigger fish willing to play around now that they are done spawning and preparing for winter – olive, white, black and yellow streamer patterns in various sizes are all good bets. Slow your retrieve down and consider fishing a shorter sink-tip line as you bring your fly back slowly. The upper Manistee is still a place to fish big fish with big streamers and have the river to yourself.

It is still Firearms Deer Season here in Northern Michigan, so be careful and consider wearing a little hunters orange for safety.

Good luck,
Ted

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November 11, 2011
Things are Changing
Mother Nature has realized that the weather has been off the past month so, more rain, wind, cold temperatures and even a little snow has been provided to let us know we really are in the middle of November.

Last week’s rain sent some more steelhead in to the rivers but not as many fresh ones as I would have thought – that or I didn’t find the fresh ones. With the increased flows, fish were redistributed throughout the Manistee system and more fish can be found in tail-outs and runs near wood as the water temps slip into the mid 40′ and with the salmon virtually gone so goes the steady diet of eggs right behind their beds. The Betsie still has some salmon in it but majority of the anglers fishing are looking for steelhead. Egg and nymph combinations have been working including chartreuse and oregon cheese eggs, steelhead buggers, hex nymphs, caddis and medium sized stone flies. Since water temps have been holding out for the better, the swing bite for those casting spey and switch rods have experienced better than average results.

Trout fishing continues to be good below Tippy Dam on the Manistee as the fish are looking to keep their steady diet up after 6 weeks of protein loading. Nymph fishing an indicator with small, natural eggs and small mayfly nymphs is working well. As the browns are in post-spawn mode they can be ornery and eat a big streamer. The upper Manistee is higher than normal and stained due to the rain the past 10 days.

FYI – Next Tuesday is the beginning of Firearm Deer Season – which means a little hunter’s orange can go a long way when fishing – be smart and be safe.

Good luck,

Ted

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November 3, 2011
October in November
With a warm summer and mild fall, the water temperatures are a little warmer than normal for this time of year making for October like conditions for both steelhead and trout. Frequent rainfalls have kept the rivers full of water and provided a pretty good supply of steelhead moving up the rivers and its made for good streamer fishing for the trout angler. You will find that the rivers have come up from Thursday’s rain.

The past week the steelhead have been in a funky mood – one day we do well, the next, well they would be hard to find or at least convince to eat. The time of day has made a difference but that time varies from day to day. Fresh fish are slipping into the Manistee, Betsie, Platte and Boardman Rivers with the rainfalls and the fish that have been in the system are moving around a bit and as they start to get some color in their cheeks and settle closer to wood structure. The fly bite has been mixed however you defiantly want eggs, buggers, hex nymphs, caddis and pheasant tails. With water temps being ideal and a good supply a fish, the swing bite this fall for switch and two-hand anglers should be one of the better ones experienced in years.

Streamer fishing has been good for those willing to cast big flies on sink-tip lines and put in some time. As most fish have completed their spawning, the brown trout are getting ready for a long winter and are eating some big streamers. This year there are some sections of rivers open to fishing year round that has typically been closed starting October 1 and has now provides the trophy trout streamer angler with some new opportunities.

Good Luck,
Ted

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October 27, 2011
Fall Weather, Fall Fishing
Conditions the past week have been a bit closer to what one would expect for this time of year – some frost in the morning, some rain, wind and generally cooler weather. Fishing has remained mostly solid however with the weather fluctuations, the fish’s willingness, too, has been fluctuating with clients doing well one day and slower the next. Water temperatures remain a few degrees warmer than normal for this time of year which is advantageous for steelhead fishing. The last influx of rain triggered some steelhead migration but didn’t bring up many new salmon which might mean the spigot of fish is closing on the Manistee River. The Betsie is still getting a trickle of king salmon moving upstream and the Boardman in town also has good numbers of salmon in it and now that the gates on the weir have been lifted there are salmon dispersed throughout the river system.

The fly preference of steelhead has been mixed – some days only smaller, natural eggs are working and the next larger nymphs and streamers like hex and steelhead buggers. Always run one egg pattern and switch back and forth between two eggs and a combo when fishing near the spawning fish. In other words, mix it up.

The trout fishing – from what I hear, has improved for the streamer angler looking to score. With a drop in water temp and an increase in flows combined with some post-spawn behavior of brown trout, one could have a good day casting big flies on a large sink-tip line. As the salmon diminish on the Manistee, look for the resident trout fishing to really turn on as they are looking to continue to put on their feed bag.

Good luck,
Ted

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October 20, 2011

Steelhead Weather

After a long spell of some really nice weather, Mother Nature realized that it was the middle of October and adjusted the weather accordingly. Last weekend’s weather and rainfall shot some more migratory fish up stream – both salmon and steelhead in the Manistee and Betsie Rivers. I would suspect that the supply of salmon from Lake Michigan is dwindling, but one never knows as you can typically find fish in the river into November. There are still lots of salmon in the spawning areas of both rivers doing their routine with steelhead munching on the eggs behind them and in the tail outs of holes near spawning gravel.

Most of my attention has been focused on the steelhead as they have been sassy when hooked with the water temps in the mid 50s. White bellies, olive/black backs and a hint of pink in the cheeks next to their chrome sides is what you see when they are in your hands for a photo. Look for the recent winds to push more fish close to the river mouths and the increased river flows inviting the fish upstream. This should be a great fall to swing flies with water temps being warmer than normal. Successful flies include lots of eggs, buggers, caddis, Hex nymphs, and more eggs. Did I mention eggs? Read here for more info. on the egg bite.

The rain should make for some really good streamer fishing for trout on the trout waters that are open this late in the season. Go with some big streamers with lots of motion in them for some big fish and be sure to put a pause in the retrieve for that territorial pounce when fishing the cooler water temps.

Good Luck,

Ted

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October 13, 2011

Not Much Has Changed
Things have remained consistent the past week – the weather has been warm, the colors brilliant and the fish continue to play our game.

The migratory steelhead and salmon continue to move up local rivers with majority of the salmon stopping on gravel to take care of their spawning urge. Yes, the fish are larger this year and there seems to be more than enough. Right behind that spawning gravel are the steelhead taking advantage of the flow of protein – eggs. The Manistee has good numbers of both fish and the Betsie is holding its own with fewer steelhead, but still enough chrome to keep it interesting. The Boardman has plenty of salmon in the lower section below the weir.

With the forecast calling for cooler, more seasonable weather and some much needed rain look for more salmon to come in along with more of those high jumping steelhead. Flies that have been working include lots of eggs for the steelhead and hex, buggers and stones. Salmon are taking the typical eggs and nymphs and a few streamers by those aggressive males courting the females on the gravel. There are lots of leaves in the river right now which just comes with this time of year.

Trout fishing is o.k. – the warm weather has extended the terrestrial season but with the number of leaves floating down the river, there are short windows to fish a dry. Go deep with small to medium sized streamers and work them with some pause after the strips as the water temperature is in the mid-50’s and is very clear. You will have the place to yourself and be sure to check out some of the new water which is now open year long.

Good Luck,

Ted

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October 6, 2011
Color Tour
Fall colors not only include trees changing from green to reds and oranges, but also the vibrant colors of Steelhead, Coho &Chinook Salmon and Brown & Brook trout that are being caught in our local rivers.

The bigger, migratory fish are taking most anglers attention right now as there are good numbers of big fish eating our flies. The salmon are mostly on gravel doing their spawning ritual with more fish moving on up despite the big, bright skies and warm temperatures. Steelhead are being caught around the salmon which are taking advantage of their protein laden eggs. This year’s coho salmon are some of the nicest I have ever seen – bigger, silver and more eager to eat a fly than their king/chinook counter part. They are the minority in population compared to their cousins however there seems to be more of them this year and are lots of fun when hooked. Lots of eggs are taking fish as well as nymphs that include buggers, hex, prince nymphs and some of the wet patterns from yesteryear. With water temps in the 50’s, the fish – all species – are a lot of fun once hooked with the steelhead being the ones that jump the most.

With the warm weather this past week, the terrestrials should be ramping up again and become significant to the trout angler. Water levels are typical for this time of year and when the sun is bright, a careful presentaion of dries and small streamers are your best bet. The brookies are brilliant with color right now and the browns are starting to get sassy as they prepare for spawning. The forecast is calling for more nice weather for another week.

Good luck,
Ted

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9/29/2011
October
As fly fishers, two of the best reasons to live in Michigan are June and October. With September coming to an end we can welcome the colors in the trees, the cooler nights and migratory fish. The salmon are in full-spawn mode right now with plenty of fresh fish moving into the Manistee, Betsie, Platte and Boardman rivers after this week’s rain. The gravel is getting hit pretty hard by the females with plenty of male support behind her – it kind of reminds me of my college days at the bar. The dark water – runs, slots and holes behind the gravel beds should be your focus – the fresh fish like to hang there while they migrate upstream and so do some the steelhead which love salmon eggs (click here to read more about it). Like the salmon, they too are bigger this fall. With the water temps being relatively warm – make sure your drag is set appropriately and hold on tight – they are challenging to land but well worthy of pursuit.

The salmon have been eating a mixed bag: smaller eggs, caddis, pheasant tails, buggers, hare’s ears while the steelhead have mostly been on an egg diet with some buggers and hex taking fish..

Trout fishing can be really good this time of year if conditions are right. Sometimes a few days of warmer weather will make for some fun mid-day terrestrial fishing. After some rain and/or on an overcast day the streamer fishing can be strong as the fish start to think about getting their spawn on. Regardless, you will have the river to yourself.

Good Luck,

Ted

-October is the beginning of Fall Steelhead fishing on the Manistee-
-Trophy streamer fishing for Trout on the newly expanded waters-
– Trout and Steelhead Combo on the Lower Manistee in November –
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September 22, 2011
The End of September, The Beginning of Fall

The fishing pretty much stays the same with salmon being the primary target of most anglers. Good numbers of fish are in the local rivers (Betsie, Manistee, Platte and Boardman) thanks to some much needed rain earlier in the week – the forecast rain over the next couple of days should only send more fish up from the big water and shuffle the fish already in the system. Some cohos are showing up in the rivers as well and a few steelhead have snuck up the river wondering why all the other fish are going upstream, providing a little variety. On the Betsie the fish are both on spawning gravel and in the holes with fresh fish moving in the low light hours and overcast days. Good flies this past week have been wooly buggers, hex nymphs, hare’s ears and egg sucking leeches.

The rain earlier this week was much needed on the Upper Manistee River for better trout fishing conditions – it was simply too clear. The terrestrial bite continues on the nice weather days and when it’s overcast and/or rainy, fish streamers. The brook trout are all colored up, looking good and are fiesty.

Good luck,

Ted

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Sept. 15 2011
Salmon Time

Salmon fishing remains the focus of most anglers in the region right now. The number of fish and their larger size continues to impress anglers fishing the Betsie, Manistee Platte and Boardman Rivers. With the cool weather and favorable winds the past few days, more fish should continue to move up the system adding some freshness to the stale fish of the past week. The salmon are just starting to hit the gravel to do their spawning duties and there are fish staged in the deeper water near and around such gravel areas. Leeches, buggers, hex, stones, fry and eggs have been working well. A decent amount of rain would really go a long way as far as sending up more fish and adding a little color to the clear water conditions.

The late trout fishing has been decent as long as the sun isn’t too high. Terrestrials continue to be the dry fly of choice with hoppers, Chernobyls and small Isonychias showing up sporadically. The brook trout are quite colored up and the browns are starting to show a little more color, too. Streamer fishing should improve with any rain/color to the water as the river is clear and as we approach their October spawning.

Good Luck,

Ted

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September 8, 2011
September Salmon
With September in full-swing, most anglers are focused on the migratory salmon. The salmon numbers continue to build on local rivers like the Betsie and the cooler nights have started to cool the lower Manistee’s temperature which helps make the river more suitable for staging fish as they start to think about their upcoming spawning ritual. Look for fish in deeper slots and holes with the standard flies working well – eggs and nymphs including black stones, muddlers, hex and buggers. Fish are running a bit bigger this year so be prepared to have your hands full when you hook up.

The trout fishing remains a terrestrial bite for those looking to have a trout river to themselves. Hoppers, flying ants, beetles and more are working up top and as water temps stay low, the streamer bite should improve – especially smaller streamers for those looking to catch those colored-up brook trout as they prepare for their spawning season.

Good Luck.

Ted

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September 2, 2011
Flip the Calendar
September is here and despite the last few days of real warm, summer-like weather, the forecast is calling for more seasonable temps that are typically associated with salmon, improving trout fishing and school starting.

The salmon fishing has been good on the Betsie River with a good number of fish in the system. Early staging fish can be found in the dark and deep water with fish moving up the system in low light. The fresh fish will take a streamer if you are looking for an alternative method and put in the time but isn’t as effective as the nymphing methods typically used with salmon. The fish are running a bigger this year so hold on to that 9 wt. rod. Salmon numbers on the Lower Manistee are building and will only increase as the month continues.

The trout fishing has been o.k. at best. The terrestrial bite has diminished on the Manistee as the cold nights have dropped the water temperatures into the 50’s and when the sun warms up the water a little bit in the afternoon, the fish are hiding because of the clear water conditions. Fishing on the Boardman has been tough this late summer but does offer fishing close to town if you only have a little bit of time. Look for this weekend’s weather to increase the water temperature a bit and make for better low-light fishing conditions until we get some rain into the system to dirty up the water. Flies that have worked include hoppers, beetles and other attractor terrestrial patterns. Have some BWO and flying ants in your box as you are likely to run into these bugs on the water. Some Tricos have been on the water but have been sporadic.

Pond fishing for bass has slowed during the high-sun hours and has been best in the mornings and evenings. The bass bugs and slidders are sharing the spot light with mid-sized streamer patterns fished well under the surface near weeds and drop offs. Mix up your presentations and flies.

Have a good and safe Holiday weekend.

Ted

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August 25, 2011
Near the End

As August is winding down and so is summer with the sun setting earlier and cooler air temps in the evening and cooling water temps which is good for all species and fishing.

The terrestrial trout fishing remains decent with lots of colorful brookies playing along and some better browns eating, too when conditions are right. Some days the fish are real eager to eat, other days they tend to be ornery. A few Blue Wing Olives, Isonychias, Little Yellow Sally Stones and Light Cahills are very sporadically emerging, but offer some good dry fly fishing. The early morning Tricos are pretty much done leaving terrestrials and streamers as your best bet for fish – try smaller streamers fished in the wood to see if someone wants to come out and play. Hoppers, beetles, foam and rubber, and ants are working most days fished over mixed water. This late in the season, it’s a good idea to fish secondary runs and banks since the angling pressure has educated the fish.

With the cooler temperatures, some salmon have made their way up the Manistee and Betsie Rivers. The early run of fish is just an example of what’s to come and the fish seem to be running slightly larger than normal with a few real big ones in the mix. These early fish are bright and can be aggressive to streamer presentations as they work their way upstream while nymphs seem to be best as they rest and hold in pools. Look for salmon to keep anglers busy for the next 6 weeks.

Bass fishing has slowed down on the local lakes as the water temperatures have decreased, but they are still playing along. The sub-surface presentation is working as well as the surface/popper presentation so mix it up and look for a trend or a daily preference. Bluegill are still eating flies on top and proving to be fun for various levels of angler’s experience and a great way for beginners to learn the basics.

Good Luck,

Ted

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August 18, 2011
Doldrums of August

There hasn’t been much change in the fishing conditions lately as the terrestrial fishing for trout remains pretty much the same thanks to a nice welcome cool down in water temps and a shot of rain to the river systems. The early morning Tricos have been spotty lately but you will still want some with you if you are headed to a local river. Hoppers, beetles and crickets (notice how loud they have been recently at night) are good bets and some bead head nymphing might be a way to probe the deeper, darker water.

The bass and bluegill fishing remains good on the local lakes but isn’t on fire like it was a few weeks ago. Still, work the structure for both species and play around with patterns. Top water is the most fun, but some days it doesn’t work so try streamers and don’t be afraid to try your “trout” streamer patterns sub surface near weedbeds and drop offs – the bigger streamers for the bigger fish, small streamers for the bluegills. Structure is always a great place to start.

Good Luck,

Ted

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August 11, 2011
Slight Cool Down
Not much has changed in the area’s fishing the past week with the exception of some cool night time temperatures and day time temps that have been easy on both the fish and the fishermen. Water conditions have improved with water temps dropping and a little rain has maintained the river level and made the dirt roads a little less dusty.

With less humidity in the air, the dewfall at night and through the mornings has been light this week and has been ideal for Tricos in the morning hours. While the bigger fish don’t usually take advantage of these small bugs, the smaller fish ones do and sometimes a bigger fish can surprise you. The smaller fish and small flies are a lot of fun to target with lighter rods like 3 and 4 wts. After the sun gets high, the fish are sneaking back to the wood and deep cover and that’s a good time to change your rod to something bigger and able to cast large terrestrial patterns like grasshoppers and other attractors that are mostly made of foam and rubber (chernobyl ants, cicadas, monster beetles, etc.) to bring them to the surface.

Streamer fishing for trout has been slow and the mouse fishing past dark has been decent, but look for the increasing moon size to have an effect on that over the next week or so. Other flies to use/have in your box include isonychias, Blue Wing Olives, Light Cahills and Caddis.

The bass fishing on the local lakes remains a lot of fun for those looking to catch some good sized fish and make it visual. No secrets here…. sliders, poppers and diving bugs have been steady producers as have been the streamers we usually cast for big trout. Structure remains key when deciding where to cast – drop offs, lilly pads, wood/docks.

Good Luck!

Ted

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August 4, 2011
Finally, Some Rain
After being overdue, we finally received some rain in the area. While we didn’t get much, the area trout rivers dropped in temperature and are still in good shape in regards to clarity and depth while the dirt roads leading to some favorite river sections aren’t as dusty.

Trout fishing pretty much remains ideal for the terrestrial fisherman on the Manistee and Boardman Rivers with some pretty good Trico activity in the mornings when the dew isn’t too heavy. Some days the fishing is good and other days it’s slow as the season is getting long and the fish are getting smarter. Good fish are still coming up and taking beetles, hoppers and rubber legs on foam but it’s the well placed fly that usually gets it done. Streamer fishing conditions have improved with low light being your best chance for success. Those spending the late nights and early mornings casting mouse patterns are having mixed success – everyday is different and it has become more popular now than ever and the fish have taken note.

Fishing on lakes and ponds for bass and bluegill remains good. Smaller gills/panfish are still taking flies on top with some bigger fish eating small streamers and nymphs. Bass fishing has been a lot of fun for those looking to cast poppers and diving bugs – look for the best action in and around structure like docks, lily pads and drop offs – this is a great way to spend a warm day on the water.

The water below Tippy Dam is running too warm (low 70’s) for trout fishing but the smallmouth bass are thriving in these conditions. Baitfish streamers, swimming baitfish/sliders, and crayfish should be among your first choices in fly patterns.

Good Luck!
Ted

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July 28, 2011
Terrestrials, Tricos and Trout
The steamy weather of last week has left and so has the uncomfortable fishing conditions. Cooler nights have had an impact on chilling the rivers which was needed – now we could use some rain as it’s been a while and the Manistee and Boardman Rivers are running low and clear. One benefit of the warm weather is the terrestrial fishing – it seems the bugs on the river banks (grasshoppers, ants, beetles, etc.) grow and become more active and often find themselves perilously on the water. Tricos are the most predictable hatch right now taking place in the mornings and there are just a few aquatic bugs sporadically on the water including Blue Wing Olives, Isonychias, tan caddis and Light Cahills.

The Lake fishing for bass and bluegill remains good. Both surface and subsurface flies are working well as are divers/sliders fished both on top and below. Work the structure near weeds, docks and drop offs for your best luck. If you haven’t stayed out past dark casting big poppers on a calm summer night you are missing out on fun as some of the takes can be remarkable as they tear down big flies with a lot of noise.

The Smallmouth Bass fishing in the Lower Manistee below Tippy Dam continues to be good for the streamer enthusiast with some activity on top water patterns . With the water temps in the lower section being what they are, I strongly encourage you to leave the trout alone as they can’t handle the stress of warm water and being caught – the future of that fishery depends on it. Baitfish and crayfish patterns are your best bet for patterns.

Good Luck,

Ted

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July 22, 2011
The Dog Days
The oppressive heat is felt by anglers and fish alike. This week’s heat has had an impact on the water temperatures in our rivers and fishing has slowed down a bit. The forecast is calling for cooler nights which should allow the river temperatures to revert back to normal for this time of year. Despite the warm up the fishing has been o.k. on trout rivers, most notably the Upper Manistee with it’s cooler temps than neighboring rivers. The terrestrial fishing continues to build as do Trico numbers in the morning. Very light and sporadic hatches of a number of different bugs include Isonycias, BWOs, Tan Caddis, and Light Cahills. During the day try attractors like stimulators and royal wulffs and foam and rubber leg terrestrial patterns like ants, hoppers, etc. For more information and ideas on fishing this time of year, check out “Fishing After the Hex.”

The low light hours seem to be best right now since the water is clear and the sun bright. In the real low light hours of the night try casting mouse patterns into the shallows now that the moon is getting small again. Please fight and handle fish quickly and give them a long time to recover before releasing in these temperatures.

Trout Fishing below Tippy Dam should be avoided with the water temperatures what they are. Instead consider fishing for the smallmouth that migrate upstream. Streamers and some surface activity can make a bright, sunny day fun as these fish aren’t as particular to conditions as trout are. Crayfish patterns remain a good nymph/streamer pattern as their carapaces are still soft after the recent molt.

The lake and pond fishing has been good as bass and bluegill thrive in warmer water. Fish the structure and drop offs for the better bass fishing and never let logs and lilly pads go un-fished. Divers make for fun surface and subsurface fishing whereas poppers can chug up fish out of the depth for visual surface feeding. The gills are still coming up top on small poppers and spiders and when the water is choppy, small nymphs and streamers are having success.

Good Luck,

Ted

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July 14, 2011
Transition to Terrestrials
Trout fishing has been decent on the Manistee River lately thanks to very sporadic hatches and fish continuing to look up for bugs after a few months of mayflies drifting downstream. This is the time of year that things start to transition to the terrestrial program from hatch-matching: that is grasshoppers, ants, beetles, and other fly patterns which often contain foam and rubber legs. There have been some Tricos emerging in the mornings but they too have been inconsistent as they are just getting started and the cooler mornings keep them from coming off in big numbers; you will want tricos in your fly box if heading out over the next month or so. Other flies that are emerging/trickling on the water include Light Cahills and Isonychias. We could use some rain in the Traverse City region as the rivers are getting low pretty quick and the water is very clear.

The carp and smallmouth fishing in the bays is pretty much over but you will find them in shallow some days – pretty much when they want to be there making them difficult to target. Look outside of the bays and in the main body of Lake Michigan if you are looking to extend your carp season as they can often be found in the cooler water later into the season. Smallmouth bass are staying a little deeper too and are near the break which makes is difficult for the wading angler, but keep your eye out for some cruisers in the early mornings.

Smallmouth bass are liking the recent heat and are building in numbers in the lower sections of the Manistee below Tippy Dam. The water at the dam is running around 70 degrees and it’s advisable not to fish the trout there to give them a break under these stressful temperatures.

The inland lake and pond fishing continues to be good. Divers, poppers and sliders are doing their share of damage on the largemouth bass with small poppers and spiders still taking panfish near structure. Many of the fish are on their second spawn and are still feisty making for some fun fishing for adults to kids and anglers of all experience from beginners to advanced.

Good Luck,
Ted

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July 8, 2011
Bug Transition

Trout fishing remains decent despite the inconsistent hatches which is typical for this time of year – we have had a few weeks of inconsistent weather and hatches to prepare us for it.

The Hex bugs continue to emerge and fall on the Upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers – they are just sometimes difficult to find as one day they are there, the next day not, returning the third day. The hatch has been off this year primarily because of the weather. The good news is that the bugs should trickle in the river systems for a few more days extending the season as I am still finding a number of nymphs in the silt beds. Other emerging bugs include yellow stones, little yellow sally stones, Isonychias, epeorus, light cahills, gray drakes and the tricos are just starting to get going in the mornings. This time of year there is a transition of fishing mayflies in the evenings to fishing terrestrials and attractors in the daytime: beetles, ants, hoppers, etc. are starting to get the attention of fish. It has been a while since we have had some rain so the rivers dropped significantly over the past week and they are running clear making the streamer fishing tough. With the grass growth on the river’s edge you will find mice more active on the banks and fish a little more receptive to mouse patterns fished well into the dark.

The fishing in the bay is winding up which is typical for this time of year. There are still some carp in the bay spawning and the post spawn fish are eating a bit when they decide to come onto the flats. Look closely for smallmouth bass as they too are swimming accross the flats with both species taking lots of hex nymphs patterns as there is a lot of nymph activity in the bay right now. Other patterns include crayfish and clouser minnows and a few realistic looking hex dries should be in your fly box too.

Pond and lake fishing continues to offer good action for both bass and panfish. The fish are becoming very structure oriented in the day light and there is plenty of it with the recent weed growth. Some of the panfish are spawning again and they can be seen near nests in the shallows. Large sliders and poppers are taking bass on top with smaller ones working on the ‘gills.

With the recent 4th of July weekend, there was no shortage of canoers and kayakers on the rivers resulting in a number of PBR and Mountain Dew Cans left on shore – please help return the river to a beautiful place – if you see some garbage consider picking it up – thanks!
Good Luck,
Ted

-The June Newsletter Just Went Out – click here to Read or Subscribe-

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July 2, 2011
New Month, Same Conditions
Trout fishing remains good on the local trout rivers while the bay continues to offer carp and smallmouth fishing.
The hex hatch has been going on local rivers including the Manistee and Boardman Rivers, but with the inconsistent weather, the emergence and spinners falls also have been inconsistent prolonging the “hatch” this year. The weather forecast over the next couple of days should make for some good hatches at night. In addition to hexes, there are a handful of other bugs on the water: isonychias, the last of the brown drakes, little yellow sally stones, golden stones, a #16 rusty spinner I couldn’t identify and some bat flies. If fishing the Boardman, you will want gray drakes in the evenings as the spinner falls have been significant. This is the time of year that terrestrial patterns become as important as mayflies so bring your summertime patterns. You will find the water levels, temperature and clarity in really good shape for this time of year. Keep in mind, it is a holiday weekend and you might have to share the water with other anglers and river users.
The trout fishing below Tippy Dam has slowed a bit and I suspect as this warm weather has it’s way, the water temps will increase and slow it down further. Evenings and mornings are best for those looking to fish nymphs, wets and streamers. The Smallmouth fishing is decent for those looking to cast big streamers for bronzebacks – a great activity in July and August.
The carp fishing continues to offer plenty of opportunities for those looking for sight fishing on the bay. With a number of the fish in the spawning mode and some post-spawn, the fish can sometimes be difficult to pin down especially with the changes in the weather we have experienced. The forecast is calling for ideal conditions which should stabilize the fishing so good luck as you head out there with hex nymph, crayfish and leech patterns.
The lake fishing for bass and bluegill has become a little more timely with the weather as the fish are primarily done with their spawning. The bright sunny days will be tougher than the overcast days or fishing mornings and evenings. Target weed beds, drop offs and other forms of structure and bass anglers should make sure to fish in and around the lilly pads for some fun surface action.
Have a happy and safe Fourth and good luck,
Ted

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June 23, 2011

Holding Pattern

What was shaping up to be a great two-weeks of dry fly fishing came to halt with the weather system that seems to have pretty much parked over us for a number of days.

Trout fishing had been good with decent bugs on top and some streamer fishing below the surface. In step with the season, lots of different bugs were coming off with spinner falls dropping in the last light and fish noticing. With this cool down, BWOs are pretty much what you can expect to see in numbers and as soon as things heat up again look for the Isonychias, Brown Drakes, Bat Flies and Mahoganies to pick up where they left off. A few hex have been seen around, but no major hatches on the Boardman or Upper Manistee Rivers – look for this to change with the weather as the silt beds are perforated with holes from nymph activity and some heat will pop them out. If fishing the Boardman stay late for the gray drakes which should start up when the typical weather returns.

With the water being up, and the water temp slipping a little, now is a good time to fish hex nymphs subsurface and/or fishing streamers on a sink-tip line for aggressive fish. This method continues to provide some of the largest trout of the year and is a great way to spend time waiting for a hatch.

The carp fishing on the bay was really fishing well, but since the fish are sensitive to change, the storms and lack of sun slowed things down a bit which isn’t necessarily all that bad which might result in prolonging the season well into July. Smallmouth bass too are in post spawn mode on the flats and are they often are eager to chase down a crayfish or baitfish pattern.

I haven’t been on the lakes in a while but I am confident that the Panfish are still active and this can be an also be an awesome time for both small and largemouth bass fishing with a fly rod as they are in post spawn mode and can be targeted near breaks and structure including the recent weed growth.

Good luck and wherever you go, take along some bug spray – the mosquitoes are hungry this year.

Ted

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Stable Bugs, Weather and Fishing
With stable weather the past week, the fishing too has been stable and relatively good.

The trout angler is finding that this time of year offers some of the best dry fly opportunities of the year. On the Manistee and Boardman Rivers, you can expect to find a plethora of different bugs on the surface: Brown Drakes, Isonychias, March Browns, Mahoganies, Yellow Stones, Big Black Stones, Little Yellow Sallies, Tan and Black Caddis, Blue Wing Olives, Sulphurs and Bat Flies. Evenings are best as bugs emerge and spinners collect above riffles, but on the cloudy days they can start earlier. This time of year many focus only on the hex and with a few more days of warm weather they should be around in fishable numbers – stay tuned. The bad bugs – mosquitoes and no-see-ums, have been pretty thick after our damp spring – don’t forget your bug spray or it will be a short fishing trip for you. Hex Dates still available if you are looking to get out in a boat for the big bugs.

Water levels and temps are ideal and the progression of the hatches and seasons are almost in step rather than being behind. Streamer fishing has been decent especially on the cloudy, overcast days. With the number of chestnut lampreys on fish, streamers that look like them are worthy of fishing, while the bigger patterns stripped aggressively get that territorial and aggressive strike – this is a great way to spend time waiting for bugs to emerge.

Fishing below Tippy Dam on the Manistee has turned back on with all of the spawning carp pretty much gone. Wet flies, nymphs, streamers and dries – this section of river offers it all. The caddis and midge hatch in the evenings is a lot of fun, where the streamer fishing has been finding fish in the deeper, shaded spots. More smallmouth continue to trickle in as we get further into summer.

Carp and Smallmouth bass fishing remains good on the bay with fish building in numbers and some fish are in real shallow on their spawning mission. With the full moon, the crayfish should be your number one fly choice, but as always having variety goes a long ways some days: black leeches (buggers, etc.) clousers and hex patterns should be in your box.

The bluegill/panfish fishing remains good and now that most bass are off their nests/beds, the bass fishing has ratcheted up. Sub-surface streamer fishing with baitfish patterns along structure and breaks is a good place to start with surface bugs in the early and late hours of the day. Diving/swimming frogs/baitfish fished on an intermediate line is very effective this time of year.

As you can see there is no shortage of species to target, waters to fish, etc. – the hard part can be figuring out which one to do. Good luck,

Ted

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June 9, 2011
Roller Coaster
The weather has been up and down and taking quick turns with decent fishing taking place over the periods of stable weather. The recent heat has got the water warmed up, but a little too much, too quickly, on the trout streams affecting the hatches while the carp and lake fishing have thrived on the increase in temps.

Hatches have been varied on the upper Manistee and Boardman Rivers with lots of different bugs emerging on certain days with the weather influencing when and how thick the bugs are. The stable long range forecast should make things more consistent. If headed to the river, look for Sulphurs, Black Quills/Borchers, Mahoganies, March Browns, Yellow Stone Flies, Big Black/Orange Stones, Little Yellow Sally Stones, Bat Flies, Brown Drakes and Isonychias – yes, lots of bugs. Each evening the fish can key in on a particular bug and that can make it fun, as long as you have the right bug – mix it up and don’t be caught without a number of rusty spinners in your box. Here is alink to an article that shares more information about the various hatches found this time of year.

The fishing below Tippy Dam on the Manistee has been slow as the trout are filling up on carp eggs with their spawning taking place right now. Look for the numbers of trout moving back into more traditional locations as the carp numbers are just starting to decline. Hatches have been light with small caddis being the best bet on top. With water temps in the upper 60s, a few smallmouth are making their way up the river.

The Carp in the bay enjoyed all of the recent sun and heat as most of the fish are in pre-spawn mode with a few thinking about getting their spawning ritual on in Grand Traverse Bay. With some moderate weather coming in, wind direction, sun and overnight temperatures are key to finding fish. Hex nymph patterns like the swimming hexnymph has been working well and crayfish are taking their fair share of fish and will become even more effective as the month goes on. Most of the smallmouth have been staying deep and off the flats – keep your eye out for that smaller shadow off to the side of the carp for your chance at a bass.

The lake and pond fishing has been good with lots of bluegills in shallow and just off of breaks. The small popper fishing should remain solid while the nymph fisherman will always find better catching, but without the visual, surface activity so many enjoy. The bass in the a number of the lakes are leaving their beds and are looking to eat – crayfish, leeches and baitfish patterns subsurface with top water poppers and diving flies working best near and around weeds and structure (wood, docks, boat lifts, weeds).

Good Luck!

Ted

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June 2, 2011
June Feels Like May

Despite a few days of warm weather, it seems like we are still a little behind weather and season wise – and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. May’s fishing was decent and we should expect things to only improve as the weather stabilizes and warms things up a bit. Now into June the difficult part of fishing is deciding what to fish for and where.

Fishing on the Upper Manistee and the Boardman Rivers has been sporadic with hatches lately – some days the bugs pour off heavy other days not much. We have been seeing good numbers of Sulphurs, Black Quills, March Browns, Tan Caddis, BWOs, Brown Stones (#12) and Yellow Stone Flies (#8/10) when conditions are right with a smorgasbord of dark, rusty spinners collecting in the evenings above riffles. When bugs aren’t around, streamers fished on sink-tips cover water and the nymph fisherman might consider fishing micro egg patterns behind all of the spawning suckers in the river right now. Look for Mahoganies and Bat Flies to start soon with Brown Drakes to follow.

The fishing below Tippy continues to provide decent action both on the surface and below it. Caddis and a few mayflies (I couldn’t identify what they are) are dotting the surface with wets (soft hackles), nymphs(scuds & pheasant tails) and small streamers (fry) getting the job done sub-surface.

Carp fishing on the bay has been fickle with all of the winds and change in weather which affects the water temp and the number of fish in close. Sustained sun (which is forecast) is needed to stabilize the fishing with warmer water. Even then finding happy, feeding fish can be an effort which is rewarded with watching your backing knot leave your rod tip.

Bluegill fishing remains good with some smaller bass thrown in the mix for the pond and lake fisherman. Poppers have been a lot of fun on the surface when the wind/chop isn’t bad and sub-surface, small “swimming” style nymphs are working when retrieved very slowly.

Good Luck!

Ted

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May 26, 2011
Memorial Day Weekend
Weather has been the biggest factor impacting the fishing lately. When temps are relatively stable accompanied by mild nights, fishing is good. Cold fronts, storm systems and other factors have been keeping bugs/hatches at bay and the carp and Smallies deep.

The Manistee and Boardman Rivers are in good shape – they have good flows and temperatures at about 60 degrees. The hatches are still a good 7-10 days behind for this time of year, but there are still lots of different bugs when things are emerging, including: Sulphurs, Black Quills/Borchers, Stones (gold), BWOs, March Browns, caddis and the last of the Hendricksons. As always, be armed with dark brown/rusty spinner patterns because this time of year the spinner falls can be really good in and around riffles; when conditions are right the bugs drop to the water and fish take note. Streamer fishing has been decent with fish often being in the shallower lies on the overcast days and bunkered in wood when it’s bright. Keep casting and changing up your presentation and patterns.

The Manistee below Tippy Dam is fishing well with a variety of different presentations. The wet-fly swing takes a number of planters where the nymph and streamer angler will catch some of the bigger fish. Crayfish and baitfish/stocker patterns are bringing the bigger fish out when fished on a sink-tip line. Surface activity has been decent for the caddis angler (#18 – tan) as well as midges and BWOs.

Panfish and bluegill are building in numbers in the shallows and are responsive to dry flies, but the nymph and small streamer angler is having the best success. Bass fishing on the local lakes has been a little slow due to the weather and there are a number of fish sitting on and around beds.

Carp fishing on the bay has been hit and miss. While it hasn’t been “on fire” there have been some decent days where there are decent numbers of fish to cast to. Wind direction, overnight and daytime temperatures and sunlight are the key factors of whether you will find fish and if so, where. Some smallmouth bass are amongst the carp and share similar waters – crayfish and hex patterns have been working well for both species along with small baitfish ties like Clouser Minnows specifically for Smallmouth Bass.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend with good fishing.

Ted

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May 19, 2011
May – You Choose the Species

The local fishing continues to improve with more species to choose from and more active fish and bugs thanks to an increase in temperatures and water levels returning closer to normal.

Trout fishing continues to offer decent streamer and dry fly fishing. Hendricksons continue to come off on the Boardman and Manistee with more spinners accumulating over riffles in the late afternoons now that the hatch has progressed. It won’t be long before sulphurs start in earnest but until then be prepared with black quills, Borcher’s Drakes, black caddis and Blue Wing Olives. With all of the rain we have received this spring, the fish have been eating well sub-surface making streamer fishing ideal when bugs aren’t up top. Big and bright patterns have been working lately with the water being stained and as the chestnut lampreys continue to get active, brown and black patterns are worthy of fishing too.

Trout fishing below Tippy Dam continues to offer anglers nymph, dry, wet and streamer fishing for trout. This is a great fishery this time of year as the remaining steelhead are dwindling and the trout have become accustom to eating lots of eggs and still have an appetite. Fry, smolt and baitfish streamer patterns are a good bet with caddis and bwo dries working up top. The standard nymphs and wets are taking plenty of fish including bwo/small mayfly nymphs, scuds, and hare’s ears.

There are still a few steelhead in the local rivers including the Boardman, Manistee and Betsie Rivers finishing up their annual spawning ritual on gravel sections. Try swinging patterns for any fish dropping back to the lake.

Some carp have been moving into the shallows with some mild evenings and lack of wind making conditions a bit more favorable than they have been. With the full moon, the crayfish have molted and therefore the lighter color crayfish patterns are the closest thing to the naturals and the fish have taken note.

The bluegill and panfish have started to move in shallow and are doing their thing. Poppers are bringing up some fish, but the small streamer and nymph presentation will find you more and bigger fish. When hooked up with a gill, look out for big pike looking to eat your catch. Try targeting pike if you haven’t already – they can be lots of fun but look out for their teeth.

Good Luck!

Ted

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May 14, 2011 – Addendum
More rain has fallen over the past three days contributing to already high water levels. Certainly our rivers will be high and dirty with hatch and fishing conditions affected (think streamers!) To check out the flow rate of your local river, check out the USGS site by clicking here.
May 12, 2011
Variety

The variety continues in Northwest Michigan for those looking to catch a variety of species with a variety of different methods.

Trout anglers are finding conditions improving as water temperatures warm up and more bugs and fish are active on the surface. Hendricksons have been good on the Manistee and Boardman Rivers with black stones, black caddis and a few black quills showing up. As things continue to warm up, look for March Browns to be in the mix.

Thursday’s blast of rain was heavy in places and some areas received more than others so a little stain will be in the water and the forecast rain might keep the rivers full for a little while making for good streamer fishing. There has been no clear-front preference on streamers, just each day the right pattern in the right color to the right place is what it takes – mix up your patterns.

The steelhead continue to offer anglers opportunities without wearing heavy fleece. This time of year late “May” fish show up and this year there seems to be a few more than normal – perhaps because of the rainfall the past two weeks. Regardless, they’re here and can be found on and around gravel. Eggs, leeches, stones and fry patterns should be in your fly box.

This can be a great time of the year to chase the toothy critters – Pike and Muskie. After finishing up their spawning they are looking to eat. Look for fish in water with dark colored bottoms sunning themselves. If you don’t see fish, fish blind near flats with adjacent drop-offs of 2-4 feet and be sure to have either heavy mono or wire leader to protect your fly.

Good Luck,
Ted

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May 6, 2011
Mixed May

The high water levels from last week’s significant rains has pretty much come and gone which made for an interesting opening day weekend. The water levels were high but have mostly returned to normal flow and levels with a slight stain to the water making for ideal conditions for both the trout and steelhead angler.

Trout anglers can expect to find hendricksons, little black stones and caddis emerging in the afternoons as temperatures warm up a little – you will find water temps in the mid-50s on the Manistee and Boardman rivers. Surface feeding has been light, but look for that to increase with water temperatures as the days go by. The high water washed a lot of food downstream the past week and fish have eaten well and are looking to maintain a similar caloric intake – fish streamers. This time of year can be some great streamer fishing often with some dry fly activity in the afternoon.

Apparently there were still a lot of steelhead in Lake Michigan waiting to come up and that surge of water brought them upstream to their spawning grounds. Both the Betsie and Manistee received a nice push of fish in the high water conditions. Look for them on and around gravel or headed back downstream as they are dropping back to the big lake.

Good Luck,

Ted

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April 28, 2011
April Showers Bring More than Just May Flowers

The past few days the northwest Michigan region has received significant rainfall, adding to rivers that were already full. With the traditional trout opener this Saturday anglers will find their favorite rivers, creeks and streams over their banks and dirty making fishing difficult which leaves more time for the other opener traditions.

If heading out, be safe where you wade. It’s safe to say that you probably won’t need your dry flies as I doubt much will hatch and if there is a hatch the fish will most likely continue to eat subsurface on all of the nymphs and crawlers being flushed downstream making it ideal for the streamer fishing. Bring your sink-tip and box of big flies complete with flash, cones and dumbbell eyes and work the insides of banks. The good news is the rain has been warm rather than cold, so we should see decent surface activity once the water levels recede. Things are a good week to 10 days behind this year thanks to a lingering winter and this last round of rain.

Opening day applies to more than just trout. With high water levels on rivers, consider fishing a lake for Muskie, Pike, and Bass which all open this Saturday (with some restrictions, check out the MI-DNRE fishing regulations). As the pike and muskie finish up their spawning they remain in the shallow water sunning themselves and looking to eat. Big baitfish patterns, leeches and sculpin/goby/salamander patterns are a good bet for the toothy critters while more of the same in smaller sizes are ideal for bass.

The Steelhead continue to show up in local rivers and I imagine this rain will bring a large percentage of the remaining fish upstream to spawn. With water being dirty and the ideal temperature, I imagine their stay in the river will be brief before returning to Lake Michigan. I was predicting a long season of steelhead on the Manistee, but I imagine this increase in water will condense the last of the run. Then again, they are steelhead so predictions and theories do not apply.

Check out the water flows on your favorite river by clicking here: USGS Streamflow

Good luck!

Ted

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April 21, 2011

Rain, Sun & Snow – Spring in Northern Michigan
Fishing for steelhead lately has been mixed; some days there are good numbers of fish eager to eat a well presented fly, other days they have too much spawning on their mind. Fish are throughout the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman systems with water temperatures in the mid-40’s and they have spawning on their mind. The suckers have peaked on the Betsie and a few more are showing up on the Big Manistee the past couple of days, but still there aren’t many. Look for steelhead to be on and near gravel with drop backs in seems and deep holes on their way back the big lake. Pale, Oregon Cheese and natural color egg combinations have been working well with fry, stones and hex being the successful nymphs. Be sure to mix it up as the day goes on.

The snow fall that we received this week has almost disappeared and a lot of it has gone into the ground rather than the river. After some rain we should experience another good push of fish to hit the rivers making this year’s run of fish last longer than the past few years. As temperatures increase and more fish fall back, the swing bite should improve.

Trout fishing with streamers has been good for those looking to put the time in on the rivers that are open before the traditional opener which opens on April 30. Water clarity is stained making it ideal for streamer fishing. As the water temperatures continue to rise, a few more stones are hitting the surface with just a little surface feeding activity – be sure to have some dry flies with you.

Good luck!

Ted

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April 14, 2011
And the Rains Came…..

We finally received some much overdue rain earlier this week. Some areas received several inches of rain, anglers will find all of the local rivers running high and off color. With the warm rains came a decent push of fish and more to come. The Spring Steelhead season should be a long one this year with water temps in the low to mid-40s.

Anglers will find fish spread throughout the river systems on and around gravel doing their spawning ritual. With the color of the water, fish thoroughly for your best bet at finding fish. It appears that a number of fish have come and gone, but still, there are fish throughout the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman rivers. When it’s bright out, the smaller, pale colored eggs have been working while when overcast, larger eggs in a variety of color are preferred – mix it up and look for a preference. The nymph pattern of choice has been varied as conditions too have been varied – from stones, salmon fry, and caddis to decent sized leeches and buggers.

Trout fishing continues for the streamer angler looking to throw large flies for large fish. The upper Manistee is still stained and high, but it should come down soon while the water temperatures continue to climb. Traditional trout opener is at the end of the month; however there is good water open right now.

Good Luck!
Ted

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April 8, 2011
A Week Goes By

Another week has passed and the fishing hasn’t changed much. While the very cold nights have left, warm rain and weather hasn’t come either. Steelhead are the primary target and without the much needed warm rain, the fish haven’t showed up in big numbers but rather a trickle of fish continues to move through the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman rivers. The forecast rain will make a difference for us looking to hook some steel.

Water levels have increased, but they are hovering right around 40 degrees. Clarity is good, maybe a little too good for the bright days. While the sun commands stealth and good presentation, it has been giving a little boost to the water temps which seem to make for a better bite after a few hours of direct sunlight. The flies that have been working are: eggs in Oregon Cheese, shades of orange, and nukes eggs in various color combos. Successful nymphs include hex, black stones, fry patterns and caddis. Look for fish staging near gravel beds and in the big, deep holes. There are few fish working gravel.

Trout fishing remains decent for those looking to put the time in fishing big streamers on the trout waters open to fishing. A few stones flies are emerging, but nothing is coming up to eat them with the cold water temps. In a few weeks time the temps will have increased and bugs will be coming off satisfying the appetite of dry fly anglers – its been a long winter with a spring that is slow to get started. Good things come to those who wait.

Good Luck,
Ted
-The March Newsletter Recently Went Out-
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April 1, 2011
Now That It’s April, Bring on the Showers

The steelhead fishing remains the primary target for anglers on local rivers and should continue for much of the month with the run being stalled due to conditions. With the cold nights and sunny days, much of the snow we received has gone directly into the ground rather than the river resulting in lower than normal water levels and now new significant push of fish. Still, there are fish scattered throughout the rivers without any certain concentration – cover a fair amount of water and look for fish in the deeper water near spawning gravel as they stage for their annual ritual.

With the bright sun we have experienced the fish have been a little shy so stealth and your first casts are the most important. The fish bite seems to be better once the sun gets up and warms up the water a degree or two – look for temps to be hovering right around 40 degrees in the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman. On the Manistee, a few walleye are just starting to be caught which is a harbinger of things to come. Once we get some tentatively forecast rain, things should really kick-off.

Eggs in pale color combinations and Oregon Cheese have been preferred with hex, black stones, caddis and steelhead buggers working for bugs. The lighter line has seemed to make the difference lately and fluorocarbon should make an appearance when the sun does. Look for a lot of this to change when we get an increase in water.

Being the first of April certain rivers and sections are open to fishing and this year there are some new sections added to the list. Check your MI-DNRE Fishing Regulations and be sure to get a new license which is required today. While it’s a little cold to be matching a hatch, some long rested brown trout should respond well to large streamers fished low and slow for some big trout. As the month continues and water temperatures increase look for the trout fishing to really kick off.

Good Luck!

Ted

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March 25, 2011
Michigan March

March madness is typically used to describe the NCAA but it’s also appropriate for the varying weather conditions we typically get throughout the month. Upper 40 degrees one week, single digits the next with a foot of fresh snow – it varies and lets us know that it’s time for a run of Spring Steelhead.

Steelhead continue to be the primary target for anglers. With last week’s rain and run off additional fish have advanced into the local rivers and anglers should find fish throughout the river systems. The Manistee is off color but with decent visibility and water temps hovering around 40 degrees. Fish are throughout the system and some are starting to stage near gravel. The Betsie River finally got a push of fish since my last report with the increase in water flow and stain – it was simply to low and clear for too long. The Boardman continues to offer the urban angler an opportunity to catch fish whether in town or on some of the upper stretches. With the cold temps, later starts as the sun bumps the water temp a degree or two have been paying off.

Warmer temps are in the forecast and after the past week’s cold temps and the snow that fell mid-week, we should experience a long, dispersed steelhead run this Spring. Steelhead buggers, green caddis, stone flies have been working on the nymph bite with eggs in chartreuse, Oregon Cheese and clown being the productive colorations.

Don’t forget that new fishing licenses are required on Friday, April 1. I still have some guide dates for steelhead and early Trout fishing – give a call if you want to get out.

Good luck!

Ted

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March 17, 2011
Steelhead

It’s half-way through March and the steelhead fishing is pretty much typical for this time of year. With the warm couple of weeks, the snow has really diminished and much of the precipitation has gone into the ground and not contributed a whole lot to the water levels. With the couple of bumps in water flow the past two weeks, some fresh fish have entered the local rivers – with the forecast warm rain and upcoming full moon we should experience a fresh push of steelhead.

The Manistee with its volume of water has been the most consistent river while the Boardman in Traverse City has been providing fish for the urban angler most of the winter. The Betsie still hasn’t had a good number of fish in it and I suspect once we get that bump of water, it should be a good place to be.

Water temps are climbing and some of the first small black stones have been emerging which is a good fly choice with water clarity what it is. Other flies that have been working include caddis, steelhead buggers, alevins, fry patterns and lots of eggs with Oregon Cheese being a favorite. If water levels come up with a stain, increase the fly size and go with some bolder colors.

Good Luck!
Ted

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March 1, 2011
Flip The Calendar

With March here, it’s symbolic in that the long and tough part of winter is over and spring is near. In my opinion, March is the month of neither winter nor spring – it’s somewhere in between often bouncing back and forth – sometimes all in the same day.

The increase in sunshine the past three weeks has made anglers a little itchy to get out. There are some steelhead in the local rivers, but the rivers are by no means filled with fish – you have to work to get them. Lots of the smaller fish (skippers/ 1-year fish) are keeping things interesting and an adult or two now and again make it that much more fun – especially those winter bucks that have been hanging around the past few months. The Manistee and Boardman continue to be the better producers, although a few more fish have been caught in the Betsie lately. Effective flies include eggs/yarn in various colors and shades, small black stones, hex, alevins and some smaller caddis patterns.

Look for fish numbers to increase with more sunlight and longer days as the water warms up at least into the upper-30’s. A little more snow on the ground could help, oddly, to make for a good spring push to avoid a long, spread out run like we experienced last year. We’ll take what’s handed to us and make the most of it – that’s what makes us fly fishers and in the end – fishing is still better than work – especially with the hope of a steelhead on the end of the line.

Good Luck,
Ted
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Spring Steelhead Are Almost Here with More Great Fishing To Follow Get the Best Dates By Reserving Your Day(s) On The Water

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February 17, 2011
Thaw
Put down the ski poles and grab a fly rod – this week’s sample of Spring weather makes for some comfortable fishing and should improve the catching with a little more water flowing down the river.

The significant snowpack in Northwest Michigan has been greatly reduced and much of the moisture has gone into the ground. Still, some water has entered the rivers giving it a slight increase in flow removing the ice along banks and at the river mouths which should bring some new steelhead into the system while redistributing the ones already in the river. The Manistee continues to have fish in it as does the Boardman for those fishing in town and this weather should bring some much needed fish into the Betsie River.

With the melting comes some much needed stain into the river. Water clarity is decent, not crystal clear, and the best presentations are drag free and the first ones made through the runs and holes. Keep in mind that while it has been warmer, the cool ice and snow melt keeps the river temperatures in the low 30’s. As the sun is out, look for fish sunning themselves in some pretty shallow, sandy water but they can be spooked easily so stealth goes a long ways. Brighter color eggs and dark nymphs like black stone flies and steelhead buggers are a good bet right now and if it is bright out, try the same eggs and nymphs but in smaller sizes along with pheasant tails, alevins and hex nymphs.

Good Luck!

Ted

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February 6, 2011
Dog Days of Winter

Just like summer, winter usually has a spell which keeps people hanging out inside and not spending too much time outdoors which is kind of what we have had here in Northern Michigan since my last report.

The snow continues to pile up (which is good, we need water in the aquafir) and temperatures fluctuate, but mostly below the freezing mark. Still, some intrepid anglers are making their way out for some steelhead fishing to cure cabin fever and possibly catch fish. The Manistee and Boardman have some fish in them – commensurate with the time of year, and it’s the slow, drag-free drift that is rewarded with small nymphs and egg patterns being most effective with the water being so cold and clear. The Betsie has been fickle this winter but has provided a few steelhead.
Little warm-ups like yesterday can get a few fish to move around through the system and a little sunshine can draw the fish hiding in the wood out into runs and tail-outs where you can effectively present flies to them. If no sun, look for the slow moving deep holes to be your best bet holding fish. As the days get longer, look for a more fish to enter the rivers.

Not into winter fishing? It’s a great time to fill your fly box by tying your own flies. Let’s hope the Ground Hog was right and we get an early spring – just not as early as last years.

Good luck,

Ted

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January 13, 2011
Winter Fishing

Winter is here and the little warm up around New Years mixed up the water a bit and redistributed steelhead already in the river systems and brought a few new fish in. Still, it’s winter fishing where a good first presentation is going to be key getting a fish to eat with the clear water. Look for fish in soft, deep pools and tails-outs near structure (wood). Should the sun make an appearance, I have seen fish turn into sun bathers, dropping out of holes and into sandy tail-outs taking advantage of the solar heat but overcast and gray tends to be the predominate pattern for the next couple of months – be ready to fish skinny water should the ball of fire make an appearance.

The Manistee and Betsie are among the rivers with some fish in it and urban anglers have been finding fish in the Boardman downtown – regardless of which river you fish the trick is to cover some water and do it with good drifts. Floats and idicator rigs not only help to suspend flies above structure while giving you a drag-free drift, they also let you present a fly well downstream while not lettting your presence be known. Nothing new on patterns: small natural looking eggs, medium sized clown eggs in pale shades, aelvins, hex nymphs with lots of movement and bigger nymphs/streamers that offer a good size profile which might provide enough encouragement for a fish to break away from their sheltering wood and eat.

Good Luck,

Ted