UPDATE 3/31/25
The region received far more rainfall than forecast over the weekend leaving the rivers running very high and dirty. If you are headed to your favorite river, you are likely to find it un-wadable and boat handling risky. Use caution until water levels come down.
For more on regional water flows, you can click here.
March comes to an end and the Steelhead fishing continues.
Fishing has been solid in March despite some weather fluctuations between Spring and Winter. The river conditions have been good with water levels a little lower than what we expect for this time of year, but with some cold rain in the forecast, we should see levels come up and a little more stain to the water. And likely more fish as water temps hover around 40 degrees.
The steelhead in the Manistee river are a mix of pre-spawn fish and fish just starting to spawn. Smaller rivers like the Betsie can have water temperatures increase (and decrease) rapidly which can spur more spawning activity but look for more spawning to be the case as water temps increase with more days into “Spring”. Regardless, the pocket water, runs and holes near spawning gravel have been fishing well.
With a slight stain to the water, smaller egg imitations have been outperforming the big, bold ones, but look for that to change if water conditions change. #8 rag eggs and 8mm beads in natural colors/tones have been best and often fished in tandem with a nymph. The best fishing nymphs lately have been green caddis, alevins, and hex. When the sun heats things up, the black stoneflies have been coming off and fluttering on the surface, which is a good indication to fish them under the surface.
Like usual, the popularity of steelhead has been bringing out scores of anglers and the rivers have been crowded. It’s not a bad time to practice the golden rule but then again, that might be expecting too much from some while others try to set an example.
Good luck,
Ted
Fall Steelhead – Spring season is all booked, but a few dates remain available for the Fall Steelhead.
Trout Fishing – May and June offer some of the best technical dry fly fishing as we chase bugs and browns.
2025 Season – Now booking the entire season for trout, bass, steelhead and salmon – get your dates planned.