The break in the weather made fishing pretty comfortable over the past week, but it appears that winter is going to settle in again.
A few days of temps in the upper 30s and low 40s made the river the place to be for steelhead anglers. With the sun warming up the water a bit, the fishing seemed to improve later in the day, however the clear water of the Manistee makes using light line and fluorocarbon a must in with the bright sun. The Betsie, too, is clearer than normal but has its typical tinge to it which makes fish a little less cautious.
Fish have been coming from the deeper, winter holes and runs often just on the inside of the seam line or in the tail out. Successful fly patterns included small pale egg patterns, stones in various sizes, hex, prince, hares ears and pheasant tail nymphs. Keys to fishing right now include trying to avoid those cold water temperature fluctuations – anytime it drops a couple of degrees quickly you are in for a tough bite – keep track of overnight low temps to help chose your best days and/or what time to start.
Good luck.
Ted