As March turns to April we are finding steelhead in most of the rivers which are in good shape as the snow melt thankfully has been slow and gradual. Levels are slightly elevated, and they have color to them, but still enough visibility remains to offer good fishing on the Manistee, Betise and other rivers in northwest Michigan. A significant rainfall can change all that but until that happens take advantage of the conditions.
The days are longer and some sunny days are helping to increase the water temps into the upper 30s. Smaller rivers that tend to warm/fluctuate quickly have a few fish beginning to spawn but majority of the fish are still in a pre-spawn mode and either holding in deeper holes near gravel or migrating upstream in chutes and runs.
Along with nicer weather and a flip of the calendar the rivers are becoming more popular with anglers anxious to shake cabin fever; keep in mind we are all trying to share the resource. And speaking of resources, please limit your harvest as steelhead can return year after year making for good fishing in the future.
There hasn’t been an fly pattern that has been outproducing others – just the typical assortment which includes large and bold egg patterns (chartreuse and orange colors), green caddis and ice buggers.
Good luck.
Ted
Just a reminder that new fishing licenses are required April 1, 2019
Trout – May and June offers some of the best trout fishing of the year matching the hatch and fishing streamers.
Fall Steelhead– It’s not too early to look ahead to fall run of these fish. Hard fighting and a beautiful time of year.
Booking 2019 – Reserve your date(s) and schedule life around fishing rather than trying to fit fishing into life.