Cold and Snow – It’s Winter Fishing

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 17, 2013

Not much has changed in the region except things are a little whiter and colder than the last fishing report. Winter came fast and it came hard this year with temperatures far below freezing putting anglers into winter mode and having us hope for a break in the weather. There is no denying it – it’s winter fishing.

Thanks to a great fall there are good numbers of steelhead in the Manistee and Betsie rivers when cabin fever gets us to the river or a warm-up takes place. Look for fish on the inside of the bubble lines/seams and in some deeper buckets and holes. This is a great time to fish under an indicator or float to keep your flies above the wood structure fish are hanging around. This method also assists in a drag-free drift and detection of light takes. Nothing new as far as fly strategy this time of year: an egg fished in tandem with a realistic nymph like a caddis, pheasant tail, hex, or hare’s ear. The water is clear so fluorocarbon or lighter mono is going to give you an advantage – the fish aren’t fighting as strongly in this cold water so you can get away with it.

Getting to the river can be a little tricky with the roads – just make sure you have some extra clothes with you in case you take a stumble – that gaudy holiday sweater with a snowflake on it might just be useful after all.

Happy holidays and good luck!

Ted

The Winter Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for future delivery

Steelhead -With plenty of fish in local rivers it should be a good Winter. Got your Spring Steelhead dates?
Gift Certificates – Ask for or give a Gift Certificate for guide trip or lesson – Make them Happy Holidays!
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

bestise fly fishing, caddis, indicator, manistee, steelhead, steelhead fishing, winter fishing, winter steelheading

The End of March & Winter – Fly Fishing Report 3/27/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 27, 2013

Without a change in the weather, not much has changed on the water. It appears the steelhead that moved up the Manistee after the increase in water earlier this month have mostly scattered themselves throughout the river. Some days are better than others right now, and it’s usually covering the water thoroughly and well means the difference between catching and just fishing.

The usual water is producing – big, deep holes – but the slots and seems, with moderate flows near structure and close to gravel, seem to be the most consistent with the cold water temps (upper- 3os). The water has a nice stain to it, making it ideal.

The forecast is calling for a little warm-up, and perhaps a little rain over the weekend, which will provide the warm water bump the fish have been waiting for. There is still a fair amount of snow in the woods, but there is less of it each day, which should mean more fish with the days to come.

There hasn’t been any one particular pattern outperforming the others: Caddis, Black Stones and Fry fished in conjunction with various eggs seem to be best.

Just a reminder that April 1 a 2013 fishing license is required.

Good Luck,

Ted

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

Spring Steelhead – Now through April. Some dates still available in April – schedule yours today.
Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches – its closer than you think!
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all seasons in 2013 – Don’t miss your place in the boat.

caddis, egg patterns, fishing report, fry, manistee, manistee steelhead fishing report, michigan steelhead, steelhead

March Steelhead – Fly Fishing Report 3/12/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 12, 2013

It has only been a few days since my last report but with the recent rains the river levels on the Manistee and Betsie have increased significantly changing the steelhead fishing conditions. Here in northern Michigan there is still plenty of snow around and air temperatures have dropped below freezing so look for things to settle once the river systems purge this increase of water.

In addition to needing some moisture/rain as rivers levels were quite low, the bump in water levels will move some fish upstream from the lake to stage before their annual spawning ritual. Look for fish in the larger holes – not only the slow ones, and just off current seams in moderate flow water as fish migrate. Since water clarity has diminished with this partial thaw, increase your flies in size, color, and profile. Big leeches, bright caddis, sparkle stones with rubber legs combined with a large egg pattern – either a clown color scheme, crystal egg or bold glo bug should help you gain the attention of fish.

Wade safely and good luck,

Ted

Spring Steelhead: Mid- March through April is a great time to chase Steelhead. Some dates available.
Trout: May & June’s Streamer and Dry Fly fishing is getting close – get in on some of the years best trout fishing.
Gift Certificates: Ask for or give the gift of a guide trip or casting lesson. It’s a quick & easy gift idea – Click here.
– – Currently Booking for all 2013 Seasons – –

betsie river, caddis, clown egg, egg patterns, fly fishing, guide, leeches, manistee river, river levels, steelhead, steelhead fishing

May Trout Fishing

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 3, 2012

Trout opener has come and gone and so have the anglers. While opener weekend had mixed results thanks to cold weather, the annual traditions of groups, families and friends seemed to be alive and well.

Stable and warmer temps this week has improved hatches and dry fly fishing – they should continue get even better with warmer weather. If fishing the upper Manistee look for Hendricksons – both light and dark, March Browns, Mahoganies, Black Quills, bigger stones (#10), BWOs, and lots of small caddis and some #14 tan caddis. The month of May offers some great dry fly fishing but be prepared for selective feeding – pay real close attention to what they are eating and what stage; emerger patterns are proving themselves as real fish catchers as more people are fishing them.

Conditions on both the Manistee and Boardman had been really clear with temperatures in the mid-50’s until we just received some much needed rain – just too much of it at once. River levels have come up significantly after a couple inches of rain. Streamer fishing will be most effective in the high water. Look for fish on the inside of bends eating all of the food washing downstream. The chestnut lamprey numbers are building so fishing streamer patterns that imitate them is a good place to start as are long, worm like patterns like mohair leeches and rabbit strip leeches. Other successful streamer patterns include zuddlers, protected witness, baitfish/deceivers and sasquatches.

On the lower Manistee below tippy, look for water levels to increase and create some good feeding as food is dislodged in the flush of water. Fishing nymphs under an indicator can be real effective when not fishing streamer patterns on sink-tips looking for the big and more aggressive fish. Fry patterns fished on floating lines is still effective as we are taking advantage of last fall’s prolific salmon reproduction. Some caddis, bwo and midge activity is taking place on the surface throughout the day for those who like it on top.

Good luck!

Ted

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

– Book a Trip for the Upcoming Fishing Seasons –

April: Steelhead and Trout fishing on the Manistee River
April-May: Trout – Streamers & Dry Flies. Hendricksons & Early Bug Hatches on the Upper Manistee
June: Trout -Big Dry Flies – Drakes, Isonychias and The Hex.
Booking for all 2012 Seasons – Some Fall Dates Remain Open

boardman, caddis, dry fly, fly fishing, fry pattern, lamprey, march brown, streamer, upper-manistee

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