Significant rains after the last fishing report brought the Manistee and Betsie River levels up quite a bit and added some color which encouraged steelhead to migrate upstream. Since then, the water levels have fallen pretty much back to normal levels for this time of year. Clarity has improved, too, offering a little color and stain which is the opposite of what we were dealing with all winter.
With the water temperatures in the low 40s, some spawning activity has taken place. Look for fish in the pocket water and holes near spawning gravel and in the soft-seamed runs where fish moving upstream prefer to swim/migrate.
The bright, sunny days made fishing a little difficult so look for shaded runs when out in those conditions in the future.
The effective fly patterns have been varied – steelhead buggers are the leading nymph with stoneflies a second. Smaller eggs (#8 rags/nukes and 8 mm beads) in natural tones/colorations have been the best producers. This time of year we always run at least one egg pattern, if not two.
Good luck!
Ted
Spring Steelhead – A few dates remain available in March and April if you want to get out.
Trout Season – Mid-May into July offers some of the best match-the-hatch dry fly fishing of the year.
2024 Fishing – Get your dates secured to ensure your time on the water. Booking all seasons thru September.