With mid-December here, so is the snow and cold, and it appears winter might have settled in for the season. Water temps on the local rivers (Manistee, Platte and Betsie) have steadily decreased into the mid-30s and has pretty much put the steelhead into a winter funk. There are fish around, but it seems fewer than normal as the second half of fall had a less than average number of fish to play with.
If cabin fever drives you out, focus on the deeper and slower water. Typically winter water would be the primary target when casting nymphs and egg/beads. Fishing under indicators and floats is your best bet in these conditions and those looking to get a tug on a swung fly – your window for success is rapidly closing with these diminishing water temps.
Consider getting a later start to the day and/or fishing after a rare sunny day which might help bump the water temp a degree or two to increase activity, if not make the fishing a little more comfortable.
Fishing reports will likely cease for a while after this one unless we get a prolonged warm-up. Thanks to all three of you that read these throughout the year.
Happy Holidays to you and yours and lets hope 2021 is a much better year for us all – both on and off the water.
Cheers.
Ted
Winter 2020 Newsletter just went out; click here to read.
2021 Fishing – Now booking for all seasons in the New Year. Get your dates and schedule life around fishing.
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