Steelhead Fishing – April Fools?

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 1, 2015

There is no fooling that the steelhead run is behind schedule. Typically the run-off and rains have increased river flows encouraging fish to migrate upstream by now. With the cold winter, drawn-out thaw of snow (and not much of it) and cold nights, the water has been running lower, clearer, and colder than normal for this time of year – it’s been right about 40 degrees. Conditions are good for the wading angler as the water is easy to read with decent clarity and its levels, but the fish just don’t seem to be around partly because the number of fall fish that wintered over was lower than normal.

After some rain look for things to change as water flow increases. Tippy Dam pond above the dam on the Manistee river has melted quite a bit in the past week and should be ice-free by the end of the week which should help warm up the river. While there isn’t a significant amount of rain in the forecast, there is some and it should really kick things into gear and get those fish moving.

Good fly patterns lately have been green caddis, hex nymphs and egg patterns in shades of Oregon cheese and steelhead orange. On bright, sunny days look for fish to be in the deeper water and around wood and other structure. As fish begin to think about spawning look for fish to stage in the holes close to spawning gravel. It appears that this year’s run should extend a while and into May since it is slow to get going.

Just a reminder – a new fishing license is required April 1 and certain rivers/sections are now open. Some new rules exist too, check out the new MI-DNR regulation book.

Good luck.
Ted

Open April Dates: 24 & 26th

The Spring Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe.

Spring Steelhead – From mid-March through early May on the Manistee and Betsie. Few dates available.
September Salmon – Dates are limited for fishing the Betsie River in early Sept. and later on the Manistee.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your fishing trips planned for the year. Booking all species/seasons.

april steelhead fishing. hex nymphs, Betsie, egg patterns, manistee, oregon cheese, steelhead, tippy dam fishing

Mid-October Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 16, 2014

It’s the middle of October – fall colors are at peak but the salmon are past peak. The salmon are dwindling in numbers on local rivers like the Manistee and Betsie; it doesn’t appear that another push is coming. Sure, some may continue to trickle in but look for a lot of empty gravel and some carcasses wrapped around logs – it’s pretty much over. What they did leave behind are lots of eggs that are drifting downstream and the steelhead have been taking advantage of.

Steelhead numbers are also down so far this fall making it tougher than normal. But ever optimistic is the steelhead angler and with our recent downpour of rain this week (I may have burned out my bildge pump this month) more fish should start to migrate upstream. Water levels are up a bit and slightly stained on the Betsie and Manistee while the lower Manistee is stained pretty good with various tributaries contributing their silt and tannins.

Egg patterns in natural and pale colors have been working – golden, sockeye, apricot, grapefruit and Oregon Cheese have been working. The nymph bite hasn’t been too strong but as the egg drop diminishes, look for that to change. More on egg patterns- click here.

Good luck,

Ted

Open dates through Mid-November: November 11 and 13

Trout – With fall here have the Upper Manistee River and its trout all to yourself.
Fall Steelhead– From now through November – this is the time of year for Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

Betsie, egg patterns, lower manistee, manistee, oregon cheese, salmon, steelhead

Lower, High Water Steelhead Fishing

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 21, 2014

After a long week of really high water and a bunch of cancelled trips the river levels have returned to just “high water” conditions on the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman Rivers. All that rain last week really brought a lot of run-off when combined with the snow that had been lingering around and in some cases, reaching new or close-to new stream-flow records. While the water level has decreased, you will find the water to be highly stained with limited visibility as well as a few collapsed river banks, new trees in the water and a new look to some of your favorite sections of water.

Steelhead – both fresh run and spawning fish are in the Manistee below Tippy dam, but you better know where they are since visibility is so poor. Providing we don’t get more rain, it should continue to improve in the days ahead. In the high water, really big egg patterns and big stones worked, and as clarity improves average sized eggs (6 & 8, Oregon cheese/orange), caddis and fry patterns have been working. We are still fighting the fish as much as we are the high water so try some heavier leader and hold on. I suspect the steelhead will offer us good angling opportunity through the first half of May.

This Saturday marks the beginning of Trout season in Michigan. After a number of average and sub-average winters and good opening days, anglers will find conditions to be behind a few weeks this year thanks to a long brutal Winter and a slow start to Spring. The water is up a bit and cooler than we would like.

Water temperatures are warming up into the upper 40’s on the upper sections of rivers with virtually no bug activity/emergences. Some warmer weather over the next couple of weeks will help get things on track. In the meantime, if headed to your favorite trout river/stream, make sure you have some streamers – always a great bet in the early season to feed unpressured and hungry fish. Pike, Walleye, early Bass and Musky season also opens, but be aware, most of the local lakes are still covered in ice.

Please practice catch and release.

Good luck,

Ted

The Spring 2014 Newsletter just went out – click here to read or subscribe.

Steelhead -While it is currently Spring Steelhead time, it’s also time to book your fall steelhead dates.
Trout – May is a great time for mayfly emergences and streamer fishing before June’s Drakes, Isonychias & Hex.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

Betsie, caddis, egg patterns, Manistee below Tippy Dam, oregon cheese, steelhead, stones, trout, trout season in Michigan

Posts tagged "oregon cheese"