April, Spring and Steelhead are Here

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 6, 2013

Now that we’re in April, the weather is acting accordingly with some rain, warmer air temps and snow melt. The steelhead have noticed, too. The rainfall over last weekend increased flows nicely and brought a fresh push of fish in the river systems with more to come after the next weather event. Because the winter’s thaw has been prolonged water conditions have been ideal; levels are slightly increased and the clarity is decent throughout both the Manistee and Betsie rivers. With the forecast, the amount of snow left in the woods and the gradual pace of the thaw, look for the season to be spread out through the month of April – of course this can all change with one significant warm rainfall.

Water temps have increased and have been holding closer to 40 degrees on the Manistee inspiring the first of the spawners to hit the gravel to do their annual reproduction activity. You will find fish in pocket water all around the gravel patches and in the deeper holes near gravel sections. Fry patterns, caddis and various egg patterns have been out producing the other patterns but each day is different and mixing it up and covering water should find you success.

Good Luck,

Ted

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

Steelhead – Spring is already booked but it’s not too early to get your fall dates secured. Late Sept. – Nov.
Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches – its closer than you think!
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all seasons in 2013 – Don’t miss your place in the boat.

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The End of March & Winter – Fly Fishing Report 3/27/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 27, 2013

Without a change in the weather, not much has changed on the water. It appears the steelhead that moved up the Manistee after the increase in water earlier this month have mostly scattered themselves throughout the river. Some days are better than others right now, and it’s usually covering the water thoroughly and well means the difference between catching and just fishing.

The usual water is producing – big, deep holes – but the slots and seems, with moderate flows near structure and close to gravel, seem to be the most consistent with the cold water temps (upper- 3os). The water has a nice stain to it, making it ideal.

The forecast is calling for a little warm-up, and perhaps a little rain over the weekend, which will provide the warm water bump the fish have been waiting for. There is still a fair amount of snow in the woods, but there is less of it each day, which should mean more fish with the days to come.

There hasn’t been any one particular pattern outperforming the others: Caddis, Black Stones and Fry fished in conjunction with various eggs seem to be best.

Just a reminder that April 1 a 2013 fishing license is required.

Good Luck,

Ted

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

Spring Steelhead – Now through April. Some dates still available in April – schedule yours today.
Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches – its closer than you think!
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all seasons in 2013 – Don’t miss your place in the boat.

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Spring? Kind of – Fly Fishing Report 3/22/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 22, 2013

The calendar says its Spring but one look outside confirms winter is hanging around. The forecast is calling for a bit of a break from freezing temperatures and a little sunshine which will improve both the steelhead fishing and catching as water temps slightly increase and the ice doesn’t build in the rod tip.

The rain and partial thaw two weeks ago really set up some good pre-spawn conditions. Most of the winter fish in the Manistee have staged near gravel sections and can be found in the deeper slots, holes and pools as they get ready for water temps to further increase to do their thing. The increase in water also brought in some fresh fish from the lake to add some chrome to the mix with lots more to come over the next month. A number of fish moved through the Betsie River system after the rain and there are fish scattered throughout the system – look for another increase in water flow to really make for another push of fish – the Betsie typically some of its best fishing in March as fish migrate upstream.

Water clarity is ideal with a slight stain and water temps are in the mid-30’s. A little sun can have a nice impact on water temps and the fish — look for those afternoon windows to get some fishing in. Flies of choice are the usual suspects – egg patterns (clown, orange variations of Nuke eggs, chartreuse glo bugs and rag in various colors) tied in tandem with caddis, stones, Alevins/Fry, steelhead buggers and hex nymphs.

Good Luck,

Ted

There is a new group with the intent of getting the act of chumming banned (throwing fish eggs above likely holding steelhead lies before fishing). Become more informed and lend your support if you are in agreement.

Spring Steelhead – From mid-March through April. Some dates still available in April – schedule yours today.
Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches – its closer than you think!
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all seasons in 2013 – Don’t miss your place in the boat.

alevins, betsie river, fly fishing report, fry pattern, manistee river, spring steelhead, steelhead

March Steelhead – Fly Fishing Report 3/12/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 12, 2013

It has only been a few days since my last report but with the recent rains the river levels on the Manistee and Betsie have increased significantly changing the steelhead fishing conditions. Here in northern Michigan there is still plenty of snow around and air temperatures have dropped below freezing so look for things to settle once the river systems purge this increase of water.

In addition to needing some moisture/rain as rivers levels were quite low, the bump in water levels will move some fish upstream from the lake to stage before their annual spawning ritual. Look for fish in the larger holes – not only the slow ones, and just off current seams in moderate flow water as fish migrate. Since water clarity has diminished with this partial thaw, increase your flies in size, color, and profile. Big leeches, bright caddis, sparkle stones with rubber legs combined with a large egg pattern – either a clown color scheme, crystal egg or bold glo bug should help you gain the attention of fish.

Wade safely and good luck,

Ted

Spring Steelhead: Mid- March through April is a great time to chase Steelhead. Some dates available.
Trout: May & June’s Streamer and Dry Fly fishing is getting close – get in on some of the years best trout fishing.
Gift Certificates: Ask for or give the gift of a guide trip or casting lesson. It’s a quick & easy gift idea – Click here.
– – Currently Booking for all 2013 Seasons – –

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March Steelhead Fishing – Fly Fishing Report 3/9/2013

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 9, 2013

With March comes the longer days, a bit more sunshine, warmer weather and steelhead. Overnight temps are still well below freezing, but air temps have been inching up during the day and are forecast to continue – in step with the time of the year getting us closer to Spring conditions and more spring steelhead.

Water temperatures are still in the low 30’s and a majority of the fish in the Manistee and Betsie are winter fish along with the spirited skippers which are a harbinger of other chrome things to come. Some fresh fish are moving through the system as we approach the spring spawning season, but a sustained increase in temperature will really have an impact as snow will melt and rivers will rise bring with it a push of fresh steelhead.

Currently you will find o.k. numbers of fish, primarily in the deeper holes but in some slots and runs as well. A number of different flies are worth tying on: caddis, stones, steelhead buggers, alevin and fry patterns and tied in tandem with an egg fly. The water clarity on the Manistee has a slight green tinge to it while the Betsie a brown one – both rivers are running low. Take advantage of the sun and fish afternoons as water temps bump up and fish get a little more active.

Good Luck,

Ted

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Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report

April, Spring and Steelhead are Here

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

The End of March & Winter – Fly Fishing Report 3/27/13

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

Spring? Kind of – Fly Fishing Report 3/22/13

March Steelhead – Fly Fishing Report 3/12/13

March Steelhead Fishing – Fly Fishing Report 3/9/2013

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