Winter Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - February 18, 2015

There is no doubt that winter’s here and so are some record low temperatures making fly fishing on local rivers pretty much non-existent. Shelf ice is pretty prominent on the river’s edges and some slower portions are covered with ice, limiting access should you decide to venture out when cabin fever gets you to that point. The snow pack along the river isn’t too bad as snowfall has been a little light this winter which should help keep the spring run-off within reason. If you do head out when temps bump up a bit keep an extra change of clothes in the car, avoid walking on the shelf ice along the edge and simply use caution.

As far as the fish, look for steelhead to be in the slow moving, deep holes and don’t expect much of a fight once hooked with water temps barely above freezing. Areas with numerous springs are a good place to target as the warmer ground water seeping in often holds fish. Fish realistic flies with lots of motion like hex nymphs and preferably under an indicator for your best drag-free presentation. With fall salmon’s progeny developing, now is a good time to fish an alevin pattern for both steelhead and trout. With increasingly warmer late winter days not that far away, look for stonefly nymph action to increase and more fish to shuffle around as the days get longer and more fish get that spring urge to begin their upstream migration – it’s not that far away.

Good luck,

Ted

Spring Steelhead – It’s not too far away! From mid-March through April. Dates available.
September Salmon – Dates are limited for fishing the Betsie River in early Sept. and later on the Manistee.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your fishing trips planned for the year. Booking all species/seasons.

Betsie, manistee, spring steelhead, steelhead, stonefly nymph, winter steelhead

Winter / Late Fall Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 24, 2014

After our first (and hopefully last) polar vortex of the season came through dropping the air temperature and lots of snow, the weather this weekend became a little more typical of what the November offers. Most of the snow has melted although there are still some traces. Well, until the next snow comes which is forecast for this week.

In addition to the run-off from the snow and the rains we just received the river levels are running a bit high and with some color to them. It appears that over the past two weeks a few more steelhead have moved into local rivers like the Manistee and Betsie and I imagine the other rivers in Northwest Michigan. As water temperatures drop, look for steelhead to be in the deeper water and in the tail-outs surrounded with wood as fish start to take to their winter residence. It is a good time to fish some realistic nymphs as drag free as possible along with an egg (think about using an indicator or float). Swinging flies is still appropriate for those looking to use their two-handed rods as water temps are in the upper 30s; the warm rain should help offset the cold run-off.

Trout fishing continues to be decent to good for those looking to fish streamers despite the cooler weather. As the fish prepare for winter themselves, they are putting on the feedbag a bit. Really big streamers have taken some really big fish, but it’s the mid-sized streamer (size 2-6) that have been catching all sizes of fish. Mix up your colors after the olive, white, and copper/brown patterns aren’t working.

Just a reminder – firearms deer season continues until Nov. 30 so wear some bright clothing on the river for safety.

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving.

Ted

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.

Betsie, guide, mansitee, michigan, northwest michigan, steelhead, streamer, swinging flies, trout fishing

November Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 7, 2014

There hasn’t been much of a change in fishing the past week – one day we do good, then it is tough again for a few. The bottom line – in my opinion – is that fishing has been inconsistent and tougher than it should be for this time of year and basically has been all fall. The number of Steelhead in the rivers seems to be pretty stable with a few fresh fish trickling into the Manistee but less fish than what should be in the rivers. Water temps remain in the 40’s so when hooked-up you know it as they are still sassy and are a handful to land. Reports on the other rivers in the region including the Betsie seem to be about the same.

The weather forecast is calling for cooler weather and a little of the white stuff which should contribute to lower water temps which ultimately should start getting those fish to move from the shallow water to the slower, deeper water – at least in theory. My advice would be to cover as much water as possible fishing a combo of an egg and a nymph. Then again I’m scratching my head trying to figure out what the fish really want and where.

The streamer bite on the trout rivers has improved as the browns are done spawning and looking to eat before winter sets in. Rather than cast the really big articulated patterns, consider casting some mid-sized patterns (3-5 inches long) like the Autumn Offender or Brook Trout on smaller sink-tips as the fish seem to be out of the deep holes with the lack of pressure and their desire to eat.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout – Streamer fishing on the Manistee through Fall can be hot when temps gets cold.
Fall Steelhead– Now through November – this is the time of year for our famed Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

Betsie, fall fishing, manistee, steelhead, streamer, trout

Mid-October Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 16, 2014

It’s the middle of October – fall colors are at peak but the salmon are past peak. The salmon are dwindling in numbers on local rivers like the Manistee and Betsie; it doesn’t appear that another push is coming. Sure, some may continue to trickle in but look for a lot of empty gravel and some carcasses wrapped around logs – it’s pretty much over. What they did leave behind are lots of eggs that are drifting downstream and the steelhead have been taking advantage of.

Steelhead numbers are also down so far this fall making it tougher than normal. But ever optimistic is the steelhead angler and with our recent downpour of rain this week (I may have burned out my bildge pump this month) more fish should start to migrate upstream. Water levels are up a bit and slightly stained on the Betsie and Manistee while the lower Manistee is stained pretty good with various tributaries contributing their silt and tannins.

Egg patterns in natural and pale colors have been working – golden, sockeye, apricot, grapefruit and Oregon Cheese have been working. The nymph bite hasn’t been too strong but as the egg drop diminishes, look for that to change. More on egg patterns- click here.

Good luck,

Ted

Open dates through Mid-November: November 11 and 13

Trout – With fall here have the Upper Manistee River and its trout all to yourself.
Fall Steelhead– From now through November – this is the time of year for Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

Betsie, egg patterns, lower manistee, manistee, oregon cheese, salmon, steelhead

It’s Officially Fall (but it feels like summer)

Posted by Ted Kraimer - September 25, 2014

The weather the past week has been really nice making for good fishing but marginal catching. Rather than some finger-less gloves in the morning, anglers are finding that sunblock is more appropriate – and the forecast calls for more of the same.

The Betsie continues to have a trickle of fish moving up it and a mix of migratory salmon in holes and some spawning on gravel. The water is stained, is cool and as the leaves start to turn – it definitely seems like fall except it is warm out.

The Manistee has had a few more fish move into it this past week and on the upper sections below the dam where gravel is most prevalent, salmon are starting their spawning ritual. And so are the usual suspects that like to fish this time of year. Both rivers have fish in the dark water staging and waiting for the optimum conditions before they spawn – these fish are the ones to target as they are more apt to take your fly. Look for the run to be a long pro-longed one this year with water temps at the lake still being off and the fish scattered throughout the big water.

The Upper Manistee trout fishing has been slower than it should be considering the warmer weather and the increase in terrestrial activity. Look for the high sun to make conditions tough but on those cloudy days – the fishing should be really good. Brook trout are approaching their spawning time and are downright vibrant in color – just like the trees that line the river bank; the colors in the CCC Bridge area are near peak right now.

Good luck,

Ted

Trout – With Labor Day behind us, have the Upper Manistee River and its trout all to yourself.
Fall Steelhead– From now through November – this is the time of year for Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

Betsie, fall steelhead, manistee, salmon, traverse city, trout, upper-manistee

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Posts tagged "Betsie"

Winter Fly Fishing Report

Winter / Late Fall Fly Fishing Report

November Fly Fishing Report

Mid-October Fly Fishing Report

Open dates through Mid-November: November 11 and 13

It’s Officially Fall (but it feels like summer)

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