indicator fishing Archives - Current Works Guide Service

Happy New Year!

The end of 2016 found us chasing steelhead and trout when there was a break in the weather with mixed results. With the snow on the ground, anytime the air was comfortable to fish in, run-off would occur and drop the water temps a degree or two putting the fish off a bit. Sunshine – which is usually a bad thing with fishing – is ideal this time of year as the solar heat warms the water just enough to get those fish from their winter funk and increases their appetite.

The steelhead have been taking residence in their typical deep, slow moving holes like they do each winter. When the water does warm up just a bit, the secondary holes and slots are good places to target, too, with a focus on the inside of the current seams as the water is in the low 30s on both the Manistee and Betsie Rivers. A drag-free drift is key right now which makes fishing an indicator or float ideal. Slow moving swung flies on sink-tips will work too for those looking to put their time with a two-handed rod but that window of opportunity is getting smaller as cold temps are in the forecast again.

Trout fishing has been winding down as the water temps have been dropping. Look for the fish to be on the inside bends and edges behind fallen timber or diversions with just enough current to keep water moving through their gills. When not fishing realistic nymphs and small eggs, fish a slow moving streamer pattern that has lots of motion without needing to strip it fast; this is a good time to fish patterns with cones and dumbbell eyes on small sink-tips or even floating lines.

Alert! There is a weir proposed for the lower Manistee which will threaten the movement of migratory fish like steelhead in the river system.This weir will also have the potential of being a significant navigational hazard. As proposed I am opposed to possibility of the USFS granting a special use permit for the construction of this weir – please read more by clicking here to read the Manistee Resistance Board Scoping letter.

If you value your spring Steelhead fishing, I strongly encourage you to write a quick letter to the USFS voicing your concern stating your objections (contact info. within .pdf) by January 20th, 2017. This is serious and your comments do make a significant difference. This is no time to be in the silent majority.

Good luck throughout all of 2017.

Ted

Winter Fishing – Look for breaks in the weather to sneak out and fish a half day for steelhead or trout.
Spring Steelhead – Starting in March, Steelhead fishing gets going through the month of April. It isn’t far away!
2017 Fishing – Now booking trips for all seasons and species. Be sure to get your dates to get on the water.

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It’s mid-December and it feels kind of like mid-November should have. Air temps have increased a little and are forecast to remain that way until early next week. Anglers looking to fish for steelhead are finding fish in the local rivers including the Betsie and Manistee. It sounds as if all rivers have some fish in them as they begin to winter over. Water levels are in good shape for this time of year after rain, snowmelt and a water table that is filled. This is a good time of year to fish with an eye on the forecast.

With the water temperatures in the mid-30s choosing a day with a little sunshine and/or mild overnight temps can have a difference – steelhead and trout do not like significant drops in water temperatures (2-4 degrees). As the fish pretty much get into their lethargic mode look for them in the deeper holes and just off the side into the slower current. Fishing a float/indicator with an egg and nymph combo is one of the best ways to get a drag-free drift to fish residing in that water. Those looking to swing flies are finding that some fish will still play the game – especially when fishing above wooden structure where some fish have taken up residence. As the water continues to drop, look for the window of successful opportunity to get even smaller.

Trout fishing remains strong on the Manistee as fish are eating the streamer knowing that winter is a head of them. Rather than fish the big, heavy sink-tip lines, use some shorter sink-tips to allow you to fish the streamer a little slower in the cold water. When you see a fish come behind the fly be sure to activate it with some shorter strips giving life to the pattern but keeping it an easy target for the brown and rainbow trout.

Good luck.

Ted

The Winter Newsletter just went out – Click here to read and/or subscribe for delivery.

Trout – Streamer fishing on the Manistee into winter an be hot when temps gets cold.
Fall Steelhead– This big fish will continue to offer us a chance until the weather keeps us indoors.
Gift Certificates – Give or ask for a gift certificate; trips or lessons available. Quick & easy holiday shopping
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

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Posts tagged "indicator fishing"

January / Winter Fishing Report

Mid-December Fly Fishing Report

The Winter Newsletter just went out – Click here to read and/or subscribe for delivery.

Ted Kraimer • Current Works, LLC • PO Box 333 • Traverse City, Michigan 49685 • (231) 883-8156