Not much has changed since the last fishing report. The weather has been up and down but it appears that mid-March is beginning to trend to warmer conditions. And with Spring officially starting Sunday, it would be good to see winter in the rear view mirror.

Recent cold weather slowed down some of the advancement of fresh steelhead into the Betsie and Manistee rivers, but that will change with some sunshine and warmer water temps.  Water levels are ideal – about normal for this time of year and with a little stain to it.

There is a mix of fish in the rivers – both winter holdovers and some fresh ones, too. Look for the fish to be staging in deeper and slower runs near gravel sections as they are in a pre-spawn mode.  Successful flies are all over the place: mid-sized eggs in a variety of colors with orange combos and chartreuse being the preferred colors.  The winning nymphs include:  Buggers, Caddis, Big Stones and Alevin/ Fry Patterns.

Good Luck,

Ted

The Spring 2017 Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

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.