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
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