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.

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Spring / Mid-March Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 21, 2019

With the first day of Spring, we are reminded that it’s a transition into the new season, not the flip of a switch. Since last week’s report a lot of snow has melted which brought the river levels up and added some color to it. The water temps are still in the low to mid 30’s and with the amount of snow still around in places I don’t see temperatures getting too high, too soon and that’s a good thins as it will make for a nice prolonged run of spring steelhead.

The fish are mixed with fresh ones moving upstream as well as older fish sitting in the deeper water and waiting for the water to warm up so they can get one with spawning activities. Cover the water and structure – with the increase in flow, daylight and fish, comes the increase in the number of anglers which all have the tendency to push fish into secondary water/holding spots.

Not much new on which fly patterns to tie on – big and bold egg patterns, green caddis, stoneflies, hex nymphs and alevins are perennial favorites.

Good luck.

Ted

The Spring 2019 Newsletter just went out – click here to read or subscribe.

Spring Steelhead – Now through April. Start the fishing seasons with some chrome! Some dates still available.
Trout – May and June offers some of the best trout fishing of the year matching the hatch and fishing streamers.
Booking 2019 – Reserve your date(s) and schedule life around fishing rather than trying to fit fishing into life.

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Mid December Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 18, 2018

As we cross the mid-point of December anglers are finding fishing conditions to be in step with the season. Cold temps for a month and some snow have the fish in a winter mode and sitting in the slower water and eating a little less aggressively than we got accustomed to the previous months.

A decent number of steelhead are in the local rivers –Manistee, Betsie and Boardman and some days are playing along. This time of year any slight increase in water temps can be the trigger to getting the fish to eat so look for some sunshine in the forecast and/or higher overnight temps to put conditions in your favor. The water levels are typical for this time of year – a little low, good clarity but cold – just under 40 degrees.

With the cold water look for both steelhead and trout to be sitting in the deeper, slower water and in tail-outs that offer the protection of wood. Fish will still chase a slow moving, swung fly but it’s the dead drift of an egg pattern or nymph that is likely to get the bite. Smaller, subdued Caddis and hex nymphs are a great choice this time of year. The fish are a little lethargic,so you can get away with lighter tippet right now.

Streamer fishing for trout will still move some fish if you fish the slower water and near structure. Big, heavy sink-tips aren’t your best bet as smaller sink-tips and floating lines with weighted flies are. Slow your presentation down and keep it moving when that big brown slowly comes up behind it.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Ted

The latest newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe.

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Mid March Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 17, 2018

As the sun radiates off the water and the chirp of birds in the background is equally welcomed, it’s apparent that the longer days and increased sunshine has Spring Steelhead fishing on angler’s minds. The local rivers including the Manistee and Betsie have a mixed bag of winter and fresh fish in them with even a few fish that have started to spawn. Fish are spread throughout river systems and the deep holes near sections of rivers with spawning gravel are great places to target as the fish are holding and waiting for a bump in water temperatures.

Water levels are normal – some might even consider them low for this time of year – since we have had so many thaws throughout the past few months resulting in minimal run off. There is a little snow in the woods so barring any heavy rains, look for water conditions to remain this way for a while. With the lack of run off the water has good clarity leaving most river systems fish-able throughout them helping to spread out any pressure. On those sunny days, try dropping tippet size.

Effective flies have been mixed without any one pattern out performing the other: egg flies in orange or chartreuse are good choices when tied in tandem with a nymph like a fry/alevin, caddis and hex patterns. [I wrote an article a while back talking about the top 5 steelhead flies for our Lake Michigan Tributaries – click here to read.]

Bottom bouncing/Duck and Chuck still gets anglers down to where the fish are on the bigger rivers and deeper water, and nymphing with floating lines is ideal on smaller rivers like the Betsie. Fishing under floats is a great way to cover a bubble line when the sun is out and the fish are hiding, allowing you to target water where wood and other structure requires your flies be suspended off the bottom.

Good luck.

Ted

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

Spring Steelhead – Now through April, get on the water for Spring’s first opportunity to bend the rod.
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.

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Posts tagged "caddis patterns"

Mid-April Fishing Report

Mid December Fishing Report

Mid March Fly Fishing Report

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

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