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Posts tagged "caddis patterns for steelhead"

“Winter” Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - February 15, 2023

It sure has been a see-saw winter with plenty of ups and downs, dramatic shifts in weather and, well, not much snow on the ground. The past week we had an unusual string few of sunny days and that really knocked out any snow that was lingering. Don’t worry, more is in the forecast.

A lot of the snowmelt has gone into the unfrozen ground which helps keep the rivers in check. It also refills a water table to assist with maintaining cooler temps later in the year when we focus on trout. But with recent rains the water levels should bump up and create some movement of steelhead in the local rivers like the Manistee and Betsie.

After months of being poked, pushed, pressured, and thankfully released, the steelhead that entered in the fall and have been around since, like to move when we get these hints of spring-like weather. Look for them to stage near spawning gravel so when ideal conditions occur (water above 40 degrees) they can get down to business and back to the lake. The longer days, too, help let fish in the lake know they should think about getting closer to river mouths and get ready for a swim.

Water temperatures are still in the mid 30’s so the slow, drag-free drift is the most effective approach. But rather than focus only on deep holes, look for tail-outs on the softer side of bubble lines to give up some fish, too, as they shuffle and ascend river systems.

This time of year a tandem rig of a nymph and egg is a staple. Look for the first of the little black stoneflies crawling around or fluttering on the water on those days that the sun helps warm things up. Hex nymphs and caddis are perennial favorites, too. Egg color and size are dictated by water clarity and sunlight – dirty water, a little bigger and bolder, clearer water – the opposite.

Good luck.

Ted

2023 Fishing –  Get your dates secured to ensure your time on the water. Booking all seasons.
Trout – May’s streamer & dry fly fishing turns to the big bugs of June. Good dates to choose from.
Fall Steelhead –
Just a few prime steelhead dates remain available in 2023 – finish the fishing season strong.

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Fall Steelhead

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 4, 2019

November greeted us with full-on fall weather – a mix of snow and rain and some wind making for classic fall steelhead weather.

Water temps have settled into the lower to mid 40’s on the lower Manistee below Tippy Dam and Betsie Rivers which are running higher than normal for this time of year, but they aren’t considered high. Clarity is mostly ideal except for the lower ends of rivers which collect run off and tributaries which affects visibility.  There are good numbers of steelhead in the river however they are spread out throughout the systems – you have fresh fish moving up stream, others that have taken position behind the last of the spawning salmon and those that have been in the system a while and after being caught have become weary and are sitting in the wood/structure.

Egg patterns remain the most effective flies right now along with some beads in natural and yellowish colors. No two days have been the same so mix up size and color to find what they are looking for each day. The nymph bite is starting to pick up with caddis and steelhead buggers continuing to prove effective.  The swing bite is also ideal right now for those capable of working a two-handed rod and presenting big streamers with lots of flash on sink-tip lines.

The forecast weather should help stabilize the fishing as the past week was inconsistent with the abrupt changes in weather. Going forward, it appears to be more of the same so dress accordingly, think fondly about seeing the sun shine all summer, and keep your flies where the fish should be.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Good November and December dates remain open for these prized sport-fish.
2020 Fishing Season – We are booking dates through October of 2020 – don’t miss the prime times.
Gift Certificates – As we approach the holiday season, consider asking or giving the gift of time on the water.

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Mid-April Steelhead Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 15, 2019

Steelhead fishing continues on the local rivers, however the fishing has slowed recently with heavy angling pressure, a majority of the fish hitting spawn mode, and a lot of fish already having completed their annual task.

Water temps are in the mid-40s and bright days with lots of sunshine like today really help increase temps further. Clarity is good but that is likely to change with the rain that is forecast over the week; when that happens look for another push of fresh fish to move through the Betsie and Manistee river below Tippy Dam.

Productive flies have been mixed with green caddis, fry and smaller natural egg patterns being the front runners. Buggers and egg sucking leeches are picking up their fair share of fish as are some hex patterns.

Fish harvest continues to be more prevalent this year than years past – please conserve your catch and keep to ensure a future, sustainable fishery. Steelhead can return year after year but only if they stay off the rope and avoid the filet knife.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout – May and June offers some of the best trout fishing of the year matching the hatch and fishing streamers.
Fall Steelhead– It’s not too early to look ahead to fall run of these fish. Hard fighting and a beautiful time of year.
Booking 2019 – Reserve your date(s) and schedule life around fishing rather than trying to fit fishing into life.

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Late March Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 23, 2017

Some cooler weather the past week has confirmed that we are still in the month of March and despite Spring officially starting, we still had some cooler weather to contend with.

Without much precipitation lately, few fresh steelhead have moved into the Betsie and Manistee Rivers but the fish already in the river systems have been playing along pretty good most days.  Fish have been in mixed water – deep holes and the gravel runs with pocket water intermixed as fish are beginning to get ready for their spring spawning.

Effective flies include size 6 egg patterns in a variety of colors including Clown, John 3:16, Golden Nugget/Burnt Orange with Caddis, alevins and fry patterns being the most productive nymphs.

With the forecast calling for some rain this weekend look for the water to rise with additional color and fresh fish a few days later.

Good luck.

Ted

The Spring 2017 Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

May Fishing – Trout, late steelhead, hatches, streamer fishing, bluegill on lakes – don’t overlook fishing in May.
Trout – The hatches of late May lead into June making for some of the year’s best dry fly fishing – don’t miss out.
2017 Fishing – Plan your year around your fishing – get your dates on the calendar, life will fit in around it.

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

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