As anglers break out of hibernation mode, so do the fish. The recent weather has definitely been unusual for February. A few thaws throughout winter have left the snow pack minimal so the recent warm-up has kept water levels ideal with little run off. With the lack of cold water melting into tributaries, the bright sun has been able to warm the water to near 40 degrees and make for some decent fishing and a bonus for this time of year.

Smaller rivers like the Betsie respond well to these warm-ups and offer good fishing as it has retained enough clarity as the water has warmed up a bit. Like the Manistee, it has a mixed bag of fish in it – hold-over winter fish and some fresh ones too willing the play the game. The lower Manistee below Tippy dam to the lake is open and has fish dispersed throughout it with some trout closer to the dam.

Presentation is mixed – indicator/float rigs have been the ticket in the cold water but as it has warmed, the fish have been responding to drift/”duck and chuck” presentations. Bigger egg patterns tied in tandem with the usual nymphs have been good including: caddis, small black stone flies and hex patterns. Over the next couple of weeks, look for alevin and fry patterns to increase in effectiveness as salmon eggs transform to fish.

Like anglers, steelhead like the sunlight after months of not seeing much of it and this helps inspire fresh fish to think about ascending rivers – it inspires us to fish those rivers. Take your sunscreen – after a gray winter indoors, a little sun on the water goes a long ways.

Good luck.

Ted

Spring Steelhead – A mild winter should offer good fishing, early. A few dates remain in late March and April.
May Fishing – Trout, late steelhead, hatches, streamer fishing, bluegill on lakes – don’t overlook fishing in May.
2017 Fishing – Plan your year around your fishing – get your dates on the calendar, life will fit in around it.