Winter continues to have a pretty good grip on the region despite some temporary thaws and the occasional mild day just before another round of cold weather and often snow producing storm. The local rivers are running normal for this time of year and have temps in the low 30’s thanks to cold overnight temperatures and melting snow when air temps do bump up for a spell.
Steelhead are spread throughout the Manistee, Betsie and Boardman rivers with a few fresh fish entering the Manistee as they work their way upstream as we get closer to the spring spawning period. The longer days and increased sunlight helps both the fish and us look forward to warmer temps and better conditions which aren’t too far away. Hopefully.
If you’re headed to the river focus on the deeper holes and slots with slow moving water running through them. As the salmon eggs from the fall are starting to develop into alevins, the trout and steelhead are taking advantage of the vulnerable pieces of protein. In addition to alevin patterns, try stones, hex/wigglers and caddis fished in tandem with an egg patterns as dead-drift as possible for your best chance at catching some winter steelhead. This is a great time of year to fish under a float/indicator.
Good luck.
Ted
Winter Special: Take advantage of warm-ups this winter! 5 hours of fishing and lunch – $250
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Spring Steelhead: Mid-March isn’t that far away – get your dates secured and reserve your place in the boat.
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