Warm weather over the weekend along with a heavy rain really knocked down what snow was around and increased flows on the Manistee and Betsie rivers. Monday found us with another 4 to 6 inches of fresh snow which kind of makes this a typical March. And further confirmation that we are in that transitional season between late Winter and Spring is the first robin sighting outside my window this morning sitting on a bush because there was too much snow on the ground to look for worms in the frozen ground.
With the water being high, and snowmelt dropping the water temperature, look for the steelhead in the river to shuffle around and stage near gravel. And the surge of high water (it’s already dropping again) should have triggered some fresh fish to start heading upstream.
Accompanying the increased water level is some color; consider running a larger fly than you would in the clear conditions of winter. Egg patterns are still tied on every rig this time of year with a nymph below it. Steelhead buggers, big green caddis (#6 and 8) and a hex nymph with some sparkle are good bets and if there is decent visibility to the water definitely try a fry pattern.
And be careful walking on compacted refrozen snow along riverbanks and on trails – it can be rod and bone-breaking icy.
Good luck.
Ted
May Days – The month that offers so much variety for a number of species. <<More info>>
Match the Hatch – Late May and June offer dry fly anglers some of the best trout fishing of the year.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain available in October, November and into December.