Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report

End of December Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 21, 2021

The first day of winter kind of feels like it with below freezing temps and a threat of some snow in the forecast.

It’s mostly been a cold month with the exception of a few days as fish are settling into winter mode. Steelhead numbers increased on the Betsie and Manistee with the increase in water levels/flows from melting snow and rain. Water temps are in the upper 30’s so fish have mostly taken up residence in the slower and deeper water/holes, but not exclusively.

Steelhead tend to be pretty lethargic in these conditions so drag-free drifts are likely going to be rewarded more than other techniques. This should be the trend over the next couple of months unless we get a warm up or even just a couple days of sunshine to increase the water temps a few degrees which activates the fish again. A swung fly will still tease a fish into hammering something if so inclined to tease one up but even in warmer water conditions, this tends to be a less productive presentation but for some, more rewarding.

Good luck fishing if you’re getting away from the in-laws or taking advantage of some time off this Holiday season – for most this time of year it’s just about being on the water and having a chance.

Happy Holidays and all the best on and off the water in the New Year.

Ted

<<The Winter Newsletter just went out, click here to read>>

2022 Fishing – Booking all seasons and species for the New Year. It’s never too early to plan next years fishing.
Spring Steelhead – It’s not too early to think Spring! Get your dates secured for the first fishing of the year.
Gift Certificates – Ask or give the gift of a lesson, half or full-day trip on the water.

Late November Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 26, 2021

The fall steelhead season continues to be challenging and inconsistent.

The mild weather of fall impacted how many fish came into the river and now that late fall temperatures, snow, and dropping water temps are prominent, the steelhead spigot on local rivers like the Manistee and Betsie just got turned a little further in the wrong direction.

There are still fish around, however low water and dropping water temps simply are not ideal for steelhead fishing. One day we can get into them pretty good, then we struggle for a few days. Its in part what motivates us as steelhead anglers, but in recent weeks we have been running on increased faith and optimism rather than by success. It also makes the reward that much greater when the rod bends and fish make it to the net. Sometimes I think we have been spoiled by our good steelhead fishing in the past and take the fish for granted which serves as a reminder that each fish should be earned and appreciated.

With current conditions, just about all methods and approaches are equal – duck and chuck/drift fishing, indicator/float fishing and swinging a streamer on a spey rod. As temps continue to drop, look for the slower water and inside of seams and within wood to hold the fish.

Good luck.

Ted

2021 Fishing – Booking all seasons and species for the New Year. It’s never too early to plan next years fishing.
Spring Steelhead – It’s not too early to think Spring! Get your dates secured for the first fishing of the year.
Gift Certificates – Ask or give the gift of a lesson, half or full-day trip on the water.

fall fishing, low water conditions, manistee, Manistee below Tippy Dam, northern michigan steelhead fishing report, steelhead

Early November Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 8, 2021

The fall weather sure has been comfortable to fish in, but it sure hasn’t made for great steelhead fishing.

The lack of any appreciable rainfall the past 6 weeks is taking a toll on fish inventory numbers in the river. We finally got some winds to blow some water around on Lake Michigan which helps congregate fish, but the low, clear water is keeping fish from migrating upstream like we have come to expect once the calendar hits November. Help is on the way with the forecast, just not sure how much rain we will get, but any is welcomed.

With the clear water, look to use lighter tippet than typical, but use your luck and skill to land these fish as they are still full of themselves with water temperatures in the Big Manistee river reading close to 50 degrees. Might be a good time to swing a fly and look for that aggressive fish looking to destroy something if looking to try something new. Otherwise, egg and beads are fooling most of the fish hooked and the nymph bite is starting to get better (hex and larger stones) as the salmon are done and the egg drop has diminished.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain in the second half of November. Finish the season with some chrome.
Spring Steelhead – It’s not too early to think Spring! Get your dates secured for the first fishing of the year.
Gift Certificates – Ask or give the gift of a lesson, half or full-day trip on the water.

bead fishing, big manistee river, fall steelhead, nymph fishing, steelhead fishing

Late October Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 26, 2021

As October comes to an end, it almost feels like the end of September.

The past month was mild with overnight temps well above typical leaving the water temps at least 10 degrees warmer than normal. A second, late push of salmon never occurred as a lack of wind on Lake Michigan and a lack of rain and a swollen river seemed less inviting for them to come in. Some stragglers are still in local rivers like the Betsie and Manistee, but at this stage of their life, you might need a tetanus shot before handling one of these fish.

With the nicer weather and lack of river flow, steelhead numbers are less than what they should be for this time of year. Egg patterns and beads are still ideal, especially in the tail outs and seams below spawning gravel. Since water temps are in the mid-50s the fish will move to take a fly so it’s good to hold on tight as some times they pull pretty hard. Lighter line in the clear water provides an advantage over the thicker stuff but the fish definitely have the advantage.

With the salmon winding up their spawning, the steelhead are starting to look at food sources other than eggs; late October and November are a good time for those who like to swing a fly to do so. I suspect that this November’s fishing might be a little better with warmer water temps expected to hang around a little longer.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain in the second half of November. Finish the season with some chrome.
2022– Booking next year’s fishing seasons through September. Don’t miss your favorite seasons and good dates!
Gift Certificates – Ask or give the gift of a lesson, half or full-day trip on the water.

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Early October Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 9, 2021

Being well into October, we continue to experience some really nice weather. The long underwear has stayed in the dresser drawer so far this fall and that’s unusual, even on mild Autumn days. But it is fall and some cooler over nights are in the forecast which is likely to drop the water temps (hovering in the upper 50’s and even low 60’s some days) and get us closer to where we should be. The upper Manistee has come back down after a lot of rain last week and is kind of ideal for streamer and terrestrial fishing if in pursuit of solitude and trout.

The big fish continue to move into the local rivers that have a salmon run and more are expected to come once wind directions and water temps in both the lakes and rivers become a little more seasonal (cooler). Salmon are throughout rivers like the Betsie, Manistee and Platte and are spawning hard in the gravel sections. Crowds have been just as bad as recent years so be sure to make some friends along the way because we are all out there trying to have a good time and fish. A steelhead or two have been found sitting in the runs below those spawning king and coho salmon and taking advantage of the egg drop/protein drip.

This time of year reminds me of the problem with October – it’s only 4 weeks long. Sure wish we had 6 weeks of it for all it offers the outdoors person. Regardless of what you fish for or where, it’s close to peak as far as colors – enjoy the pursuit!

Good luck.

Ted

fishing guides, manistee, rivers fishing, salmon

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