Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report

Diminishing Snow Banks and other Signs of Spring – Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 18, 2014

After some warmer temperatures and rain along with the sun coming back after a long winter of hibernation, the snow banks have been reduced as has a lot of shelf ice on the local rivers including the Betsie, Manistee and Boardman. Water temperatures are still just above freezing and levels are close to normal as the run-off appears to have seeped into the water table leaving the water clear and cold.

If heading out be prepared for lethargic fish. Those days the sun comes out and bumps the water temperature just a degree or two can really turn the steelhead on. Majority of the fish that came in the river systems in the fall have wintered over and are mostly taking hold in the deep, slower holes. Dead-drift presentations are optimum as fly anglers use indicators and floats to also help with keep the flies suspended above structure. [More on steelhead rigging here]

Good patterns to have tied on right now include salmon fry and alevins as they increase in numbers developing from the salmon’s natural reproduction. – another reason why we believe in Catch and Release fishing. These small baitfish and other natural looking nymphs are a good fly choice when fished in tandem with an egg pattern. Other good fly choices this time of year include: hex nymphs, pheasant tails and black stones. As the water becomes stained, go with larger patterns that include flash, but there isn’t anything in the forecast that looks like that should happen anytime soon. A nice prolonged thaw /run-off would be great and ensure a long spring steelhead season through April and into May.

Good luck,

Ted

The Spring 2014 Newsletter just went out – click here to read or subscribe.

Steelhead -With fish in local rivers Spring Steelhead fishing is just starting up as both air and water temps increase.
Trout – May is a great time for mayfly emergences and streamer fishing before June’s Drakes, Isonychias & Hex.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

alevin fly pattern, Betsie, black stones, boardman, fly fishing report, manistee, shelf ice

It’s March and It’s Still Winter

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 7, 2014

It’s March with longer days and a sign of things to come. It has been a long winter and it appears that it’s not coming to an abrupt end, but rather teasing us with additional sunshine and some days ahead with temperatures above freezing.

The number of sub-zero temps and polar vortexes the past months has had an influence on the region’s rivers. Most rivers are frozen over or have significant shelf ice extending from the river banks on smaller rivers like the Betsie and Boardman making it hard to access; the Manistee is mostly open from Tippy Dam to High Bridge. If you are heading out be aware of those large chunks of ice as they break off and float downstream – they literally can be deadly.

Water temps are in the low 30’s but having a little sunshine makes a difference for fish and fisherman alike. Steelhead can be found in flat tail outs or even fully exposed on sand flats warming up this time of year. Keep an eye for those areas when fishing and focus on the deep and slow holes as fish are still somewhat in hibernation and waiting for another degree or two warm-up. With salmon fry and alevins starting to increase in numbers it’s a good fly choice when fished in tandem with an egg pattern. Other good fly choices this time of year include hex nymphs and black stones.

The good news is that a little bit of sun and some above freezing temps can start to knock down the near-record setting snow banks and get our spring steelhead season going. The strong run of steelhead from the fall are still in the rivers and will ensure good fishing until the run-off brings in fresh fish from the lake – it should be a good, long spring steelhead season.

My guess is that trout fisherman will find the hatches to be off a week or two, but one never knows as a significant warm-up or weather event can change things. One thing is for sure – it’s been a long winter and I’m looking forward to some hydro-therapy.

Good luck,

Ted

Steelhead -With fish in local rivers Spring steelhead fishing should start as soon as the weather changes.
Trout – May is a great time for mayfly emergences and streamer fishing before June’s Drakes, Isonychias & Hex.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

betsie river, fishing report, manistee, tippy dam

A White Winter Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - January 17, 2014

It’s been a while since my last fishing report. Most of you know that Winter came in hard and a little early this year and we have barely had a break in the weather. The old saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” might be appropriate as the week of sub-zero temps we experienced have made the days when the mercury rises into the 20s seem warm.

Those brave enough to get out have been able to find some winter steelhead in the local rivers (Manistee, Betsie, Boardman) thanks to the fall’s bountiful run. I imagine just about all the rivers on the West side of the state have a decent number of hold-over/winter steelhead in them. With water temps just over the freezing mark most fish are going to be condensed to the deeper holes and on the inside of any seam. Should there be some structure (wood) or rocks in it, all that much better – they feel safe in there and don’t have to fight the current as much. If fishing smaller rivers cover all those secondary holes on the way to the deeper ones but don’t spend too much time in there.

While the duck and chuck method will work this time of year, it’s the floating line with indicators/floats that seem to have the advantage as it gives you a better drag-free drift and can also help you suspend your flies above any wood or other snags in some slower water. For more on rigging, click here.

Winter – in my opinion – is a great time to fish a realistic hex nymph – they are relatively big, have good motion, and should be a realistic imitation. Other flies that have done well for me in the winter include caddis – both in bright green and cream, hare’s ear nymphs, and always an egg pattern. Once the sun (remember the sun?) comes out a little more often be sure to have some small stone flies in your box.

Should the weather keep you from fishing there are plenty of things to do to keep you engaged in the sport: tying flies, reading books, watching dvds, cleaning out your vest and gear bag or even planning a trip or two. Click here for some ideas on how to keep busy during real winters like the one we are experiencing. And if the winter-blues has you a little stir crazy grab your skis, snowshoes, or skates and get outside.

Good luck

Ted

Steelhead -With fish in local rivers Spring steelhead fishing should start as soon as the weather changes.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

boardman betsie, fly fishing report, fly tying, hex nymph, manistee, stone fly, winter steelhead

Cold and Snow – It’s Winter Fishing

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 17, 2013

Not much has changed in the region except things are a little whiter and colder than the last fishing report. Winter came fast and it came hard this year with temperatures far below freezing putting anglers into winter mode and having us hope for a break in the weather. There is no denying it – it’s winter fishing.

Thanks to a great fall there are good numbers of steelhead in the Manistee and Betsie rivers when cabin fever gets us to the river or a warm-up takes place. Look for fish on the inside of the bubble lines/seams and in some deeper buckets and holes. This is a great time to fish under an indicator or float to keep your flies above the wood structure fish are hanging around. This method also assists in a drag-free drift and detection of light takes. Nothing new as far as fly strategy this time of year: an egg fished in tandem with a realistic nymph like a caddis, pheasant tail, hex, or hare’s ear. The water is clear so fluorocarbon or lighter mono is going to give you an advantage – the fish aren’t fighting as strongly in this cold water so you can get away with it.

Getting to the river can be a little tricky with the roads – just make sure you have some extra clothes with you in case you take a stumble – that gaudy holiday sweater with a snowflake on it might just be useful after all.

Happy holidays and good luck!

Ted

The Winter Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for future delivery

Steelhead -With plenty of fish in local rivers it should be a good Winter. Got your Spring Steelhead dates?
Gift Certificates – Ask for or give a Gift Certificate for guide trip or lesson – Make them Happy Holidays!
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

bestise fly fishing, caddis, indicator, manistee, steelhead, steelhead fishing, winter fishing, winter steelheading

As Temps and Snow Fall Steelhead Conintue

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 25, 2013

It appears that Winter has come in fast and hard dropping both air and water temperatures not to mention some of the white stuff. Back a week ago when it was still Fall, we received significant rainfall in the region increasing water levels and the number of fish in local rivers like the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman. While the water was high and dirty, it has come down and once/if more seasonal weather comes back anglers will find plenty of fish around to play with throughout the winter. Right now the challenge can be getting to the river rather than catching the fish.

As the water continues to drop in levels and temps, look for steelhead to be sitting in those soft pockets and the tail-outs of the deeper holes. Drag free drifts using indicators and floats with egg and nymph combo on the business end would be a good place to start. Those who enjoy the two-hand approach to swinging flies will find fish still looking to eat, but that window where fish will chase a fly down is getting pretty narrow as water temps creep into the upper 30’s.

Good luck, stay warm and keep an extra change of clothes just in case.

Ted

manistee, steelhead, swinging flies

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