Mid-May Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 19, 2022

After two days of Spring it seemed like we went right to Summer with last week’s temperatures and weather.

Hatches are kind of jumbled on the trout streams (Manistee and Au Sable rivers), but if headed out, be sure to have Hendricksons and Caddis. Pack some Sulphurs and Mahoganies, too, because they will start showing up any day now if they haven’t already on your favorite section of the river. With the fluctuations in weather, there is no telling if there will be bugs and when – just remember warmer air temps are crucial for spinner fall. And for hatches/emergences, well, they have been showing up in late mornings as much as evenings so fish all day if you can.

Between hatches, fish some smaller streamers for fish looking to eat sub-surface. It’s also not a bad time to swing a wet fly, like a diving caddis. My car is covered with black caddis and green egg sacks from driving along the rivers.

Smallmouth bass are in a pre-spawn mode on the river systems and are eating. In waters where trout and smallmouth co-exist, there is no telling which species is going to bite your streamer next – it’s like a fishing grab-bag until you get the fish on the line and in sight (Hint: the bass fight harder).

Water levels are slightly low and relatively clear for this time of year but that should change with the forecast storms and weather to roll through tonight. Although we could use some rain, it’s been nice having these recent conditions.

Lake fishing has been decent for bluegill/panfish and the occasional largemouth as we come off a full-moon phase and water temps in lakes and ponds increase. The darker bottom lakes (or coves/bays within) tend to warm up quicker than other portions of the lake. This should continue to offer really good fishing for the next 4 or 5 weeks.

Good luck.

Ted

Match the Hatch – Late May and June offer dry fly anglers some of the best trout fishing of the year.
Learn to Fly Fish – Book a half-day trip with the idea of learning the basics in how to cast and fly fish.
Fall Steelhead – Although the Spring Season just ended, think fall steelhead good dates available in November.

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Early May Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 6, 2022

It feels like May. And Spring. Finally.

Its time to transition from steelhead to trout and take advantage of the streamer fishing and hatches of Mayflies on the local rivers like the upper Manistee, Au Sable and Boardman. The rivers are running full but are clear with temps mostly in the mid to upper 50s and the forecast weather should steady the temps some providing we don’t have those cold overnights.

Look for small Stoneflies, Hendricksons, and caddis on the surface and always have some Blue Winged Olives in your box. Bright days help with warming the water temps which will ultimately help the fishing on the days that are overcast.

This is a great time of the year to have a rod rigged with a sink-tip and streamer and another with a dry fly when some surface action begins. Late afternoons and early evenings get cool this time of year and the promise of spinner falls typically is just that – so be on the water at the warmer times of the day for both hatches and spinner falls. With the clear water, smaller streamers are a better choice than the triple articulated and highly accessorized patterns the length of a tube sock.

The late arrival of spring has prolonged the steelhead run in most rivers with a few fish around for those that just didn’t get enough this year. It was a solid run of fish this year and already I am looking forward to the fall run.

Good luck.

Ted

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Late April Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 24, 2022

Finally, some warm weather is helping us forget about the cold spring we have had so far. With temps in the 70s this weekend the water temperatures should climb a little and get things to where they should be for this time of year.

Steelhead fishing is winding down on local rivers (Manistee, Betsie and Platte) with most fish hitting the gravel fast and getting back to the lake. Drop-back fish and a few fresh ones that are a little late to the game can be found in the runs and holes while most anglers focus on the shallow water. Smaller egg patterns and beads in natural colors have been best while fry and caddis are taking a respectable number of fish, too. With practically no suckers in the river yet, I suspect we will have a trickle of steelhead for a bit longer.

Water temps on the upper Manistee reached mid-50s this weekend and some of the first Hendricksons have shown up. Not many, but some. Water temps usually need to be in the upper 50s before the surface activity goes to the next level and one can expect to cast to a rising fish. In the meantime, cover the water with streamers. The next 4 to 5 weeks is a great time to have a dry fly rod rigged in the boat while you cover the water with subsurface patterns. When a hatch or rising fish presents itself, switch rods/presentations.

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.

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Mid-April Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 15, 2022

Water levels and clarity have improved a lot in the past week with that lack of any appreciable precipitation on the local watersheds. There is still a stain to the Manistee and Betsie rivers, but that isn’t out of character for mid-April and steelhead fishing.

Water temps have passed the 40-degree mark which is what the fish prefer to begin their spawning ritual. Fish tend to be near and on gravel with some more fish moving though the rivers from Lake Michigan. Cloudy and overcast days have made for better fishing compared to the sunny days as more fish feel comfortable moving through the river in these conditions.

Egg patterns are still catching plenty of fish and we are using smaller ones with the clearer water and their resemblance to the more natural eggs drifting though the system. The nymph bite has been better this past week with caddis and black stones working nicely but fry patterns being the best non-egg pattern as the salmon fry have become active with the warmer water.

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.

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April Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 9, 2022

The local rivers are all running high with recent rains. The good news is we have a few days without any rain (or snow) in the forecast.

Higher water has meant dirty water. A flood gate was lifted on Tippy Dam yesterday which always frees up mud and algae while increasing the flow. The ice on the pond has melted so we should see the water temps break the 40-degree mark soon, especially with a forecast of air temps in the 50s. The Betsie almost always has a stain to it which only increases as the flow also increases.

Some steelhead have begun their spawning while others are headed up to do it. Look for fish to be just about anywhere in the river – softer seams for migrating fish, deeper holes and pocket water near spawning gravel for those waiting to get on it.

Proven flies have mostly been larger rag eggs and bead rigs in brighter colors including clown, pink, combos with cerise, and chartreuse.

Crowded conditions continue to be norm which isn’t anything new when it comes to Steelhead fishing in April. Smile and recognize that the next angler is only trying to do what you are.

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.

betsie river steelhead, crowded steelhead fishing, fishing guide, steelhead, steelhead fishing, tippy dam manistee river, tippy dam steelhead fishing

Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report

Mid-May Fly Fishing Report

Early May Fishing Report

Late April Fishing Report

Mid-April Fishing Report

April Fishing Report

Ted Kraimer • Current Works, LLC • PO Box 333 • Traverse City, Michigan 49685 • (231) 883-8156