April 13, 2026 UPDATE/PSA: After extensive rainfall the past 36 hours, local rivers are running extremely high and flood watch warnings have been issued by NWS. Judging by the amount of water in the upper portions of watersheds, it will take a while for conditions to become safe/improve. And with more rain in the forecast, it may take even longer.
April 11, 2026
River levels have dropped but they are still running full after last week’s rain. The big Manistee – being a larger watershed – is still running dirty with limited clarity while smaller rivers like the Betsie have cleared up significantly but still have a stain.
With water temperatures in the 40s, the steelhead have been focusing on spawning and can be found near the gravel sections of the rivers. Fresh fish are moving through the river, just not as many as there were 10 plus days ago. With the dirty water, you will want a larger, bolder fly – especially when fishing the seams and holding water to help them get noticed.
Egg patterns in orange and chartreuse have been the top two colors lately and beads in size 10 mm and 12 mm also in orange have been producing. When the sun is out, go with the smaller size and ones that aren’t as “UV/hot.” Leeches and fry patterns are working pretty good, too.
Unfortunately the forecast is calling for more rain which will affect the river height and color so monitor the river for the best opportunities to get out for some spring steelhead fishing – it’s been a great spring, it’s hard to predict how long it will last.
To monitor water levels on the Manistee below Tippy Dam, click here.
For the rest of the monitoring stations in Michigan, click here.
Good luck!
Ted
Trout Fishing –Streamer fishing and Matching the Hatch with dry flies is at its best May through June.
Smallmouth Bass – Lakes or Rivers, these eager to please fish bend the rod and continue to put smiles on faces.
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