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Posts tagged "betise river"

Mid-April Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 15, 2022

Water levels and clarity have improved a lot in the past week with that lack of any appreciable precipitation on the local watersheds. There is still a stain to the Manistee and Betsie rivers, but that isn’t out of character for mid-April and steelhead fishing.

Water temps have passed the 40-degree mark which is what the fish prefer to begin their spawning ritual. Fish tend to be near and on gravel with some more fish moving though the rivers from Lake Michigan. Cloudy and overcast days have made for better fishing compared to the sunny days as more fish feel comfortable moving through the river in these conditions.

Egg patterns are still catching plenty of fish and we are using smaller ones with the clearer water and their resemblance to the more natural eggs drifting though the system. The nymph bite has been better this past week with caddis and black stones working nicely but fry patterns being the best non-egg pattern as the salmon fry have become active with the warmer water.

Good luck.

Ted

May Days – The month that offers so much variety for a number of species. <<More info>>
Match the Hatch  – Late May and June offer dry fly anglers some of the best trout fishing of the year.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain available in October, November and into December.

betise river, caddis patterns, egg patterns, fry patterns, salmon fry, steelhead, steelhead fishing

Spring Steelhead Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 30, 2018

Steelhead fishing had been pretty solid for the past couple of weeks but with the increased pressure and lack of significant rainfall/runoff to bring up new fish, the numbers of fish in the rivers like the Betsie and Manistee are less than what we would expect for this time of year and the ones in there have gotten wise to our antics.

The rain we received earlier in last week stained the smaller rivers in the region but that’s ideal. The Big Manistee is running clear below Tippy Dam almost unprecedentedly for this time of year. Smaller diameter fluorocarbon lines are the key to helping the successful angler right now. Even though water temps are right around 40 degrees, the fish have been much stronger than usual when hooked sometimes causing that lighter line break. So much for the lethargic “alligator roll” that is typical in the colder water.

Orange egg patterns had been working the best with Chartreuse combinations a close second and in smaller sizes (#8). The more productive nymph has been the green caddis in size 8 and 10, black steelhead/ice buggers a second. As always, mix it up if your patterns aren’t working.

Some fish have started to spawn while most are in the pre-spawn stage surrounding the dark slots and deeper holes near gravel. But they are steelhead so they play by their rules and can also be found in some migratory slots and routes as they ascend the river.

Just a reminder – new fishing licenses are required April 1. Also April 1, certain sections of certain rivers (Little Manistee & Platte) have an early opening season.

As always, good luck.

Ted

The Spring Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe

Steelhead & Trout Combo – The first two weeks in May can offer steelhead in the morning and trout after noon.
Trout – Reliable hatches begin in May for surface activity and it’s also a great time for fishing streamers.
Learn How – Take a 1/2 day trip with the goal of learning how to fly fish or improve, customized to your interests.

betise river, big manistee river steelhead fishing, ice bugger, manistee tippy dam, steelhead bugger, steelhead fishing, trout fishing

Mid-December Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 12, 2014

It’s mid-December and it feels kind of like mid-November should have. Air temps have increased a little and are forecast to remain that way until early next week.  Anglers looking to fish for steelhead are finding fish in the local rivers including the Betsie and Manistee. It sounds as if all rivers have some fish in them as they begin to winter over. Water levels are in good shape for this time of year after rain, snowmelt and a water table that is filled. This is a good time of year to fish with an eye on the forecast.

With the water temperatures in the mid-30s choosing a day with a little sunshine and/or mild overnight temps can have a difference – steelhead and trout do not like significant drops in water temperatures (2-4 degrees). As the fish pretty much get into their lethargic mode look for them in the deeper holes and just off the side into the slower current. Fishing a float/indicator with an egg and nymph combo is one of the best ways to get a drag-free drift to fish residing in that water. Those looking to swing flies are finding that some fish will still play the game – especially when fishing above wooden structure where some fish have taken up residence. As the water continues to drop, look for the window of successful opportunity to get even smaller.

Trout fishing remains strong on the Manistee as fish are eating the streamer knowing that winter is a head of them. Rather than fish the big, heavy sink-tip lines, use some shorter sink-tips to allow you to fish the streamer a little slower in the cold water. When you see a fish come behind the fly be sure to activate it with some shorter strips giving life to the pattern but keeping it an easy target for the brown and rainbow trout.

Good luck.

Ted

The Winter Newsletter just went out – Click here to read and/or subscribe for delivery.

Trout – Streamer fishing on the Manistee into winter an be hot when temps gets cold.
Fall Steelhead– This big fish will continue to offer us a chance until the weather keeps us indoors.
Gift Certificates – Give or ask for a gift certificate; trips or lessons available. Quick & easy holiday shopping
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

betise river, indicator fishing, manistee river, michigan, steelhead, streamer fishing, traverse city, trout streamer fishing, winter steelhead
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Fall Steelhead Manistee River

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Bluegill, Panfish and Bass Fly Fishing on Local Lakes Near Traverse City

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King Salmon Fly Fishing - Betsie River Near Traverse City

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