Trout Season is now open throughout the state and it’s a good thing because the steelhead run is pretty much over. While a few fish remain in local rivers like the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman, quality steelhead fishing just isn’t around due in part to some nice weather, a lack of rain and possibly a reduction in the fish population. I suspect some more fish will enter rivers in the weeks ahead after some rain but with water temps in the 50’s, they won’t be around for long as they are quick to come and go in these conditions.
The weekend found some decent weather and dry fly fishing for those looking to cast a floating line to feeding trout. Some Hendricksons have been on the surface along with BWOs and caddis on the upper Manistee and Au Sable rivers. Those fishing streamers have had mixed success when covering water and waiting for a hatch. This can be a great time of the year to cover water with streamers with a rigged dry fly rod in the boat for when the fish start rising. Hendricksons emerge from late morning until early evening with cloudy days being best – click here for an emerger pattern. Spinner falls have been light but will build in the weeks ahead with warm evenings offering some good fishing.
Those looking for a chance at Steelhead might find a few hours in the morning on the Manistee a good approach before the sun gets too high and switch to targeting trout after. Streamer and wet-fly fishing has been decent and will only get better in the weeks ahead. It appears that spring is finally here!
Good luck,
Ted
May Fishing – It’s not far away and it’s a great month for streamer and dry fly fishing for Trout.
Big Bugs – The month of June is the month of Big Bugs – Isonychias, Brown Drakes and the Hex – got dates?
2016 Dates – Now booking for the entire fishing season: trout, carp, bass, salmon and fall Steelhead.