This Saturday marks the opening season of trout fishing but I think it is safe to say that anglers won’t be seeing any Hendricksons emerging this year on the opener. Being spoiled by two mild winters the previous years, this year’s winter has held on longer than average and spring has been real slow to start. The good news is the forecast is calling for seasonal or at least greatly improved conditions to be the norm going forward. The ice scrapper will remain in the car for a few weeks longer just in case.
Because of the cool temps, water conditions are still cooler than normal and the steelhead continue to be the primary quarry and interest of anglers right now. The Manistee below Tippy dam is still high, but has dropped 1k cfs since last weekend and the clarity has improved slightly but are still far from ideal. Water temps have inched up towards 44 degrees. Some fresh chrome seems to trickle in but majority of the fish have been in the river for a little while. Look for fishing for drop back steelhead to improve as water clarity returns closer to normal. The successful flies have been mixed with smaller egg patterns in natural colors being best and the nymphs to include caddis, small stones and fry patterns.
Those of you looking to get out and trout fish this weekend should plan to fish low and slow with nymphs and streamers for your best luck. Conditions on local rivers are cool and high with a stain however they are improving with no forecast for significant rainfall. Smaller tributaries to rivers seem to be closer to normal than the bigger rivers. Be careful wading and know that better trout fishing conditions will be here soon. Those of you that are successful, please practice catch and release. Be sure to check any new fishing regulations that may have gone into effect on your favorite body of water.
Good luck,
Ted
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Steelhead – Spring is already booked but it’s not too early to get your fall dates secured. Late Sept. – Nov.
Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches – its closer than you think!
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all seasons in 2013 – Don’t miss your place in the boat.