fishing steelhead Archives - Current Works Guide Service

As October winds down, so has the salmon fishing. There seemed to be more salmon this year in the Manistee and Betsie rivers than in recent years as their population builds back up thanks to an increasing baitfish population in the lake.

With so many salmon laying eggs in the river, it makes for a great “protein drip” for the steelhead to feed on. So far this Fall, the steelhead numbers have been quite low for adult fish, but with a great number of skippers (15-22” steelhead). Time will tell if the low return is a matter of low water that most rivers on the west side of the State are dealing with, warmer water temps, or a lack of fish population, but it sure feels great when that adult jumps on and reminds us of what a great sport fish they are. It’s also a reminder not to take them for granted and that catch and release is crucial for the future of our fisheries.

Some fresh coho have been around, too, which are always a fun bycatch.

Most of the fish are being caught on eggs and beads with so many eggs in the water. Natural looking colors and sizes are still the first choice but on days when the leaf drop is heavy, sometimes fishing an egg pattern that’s a little larger and/or bolder can help bring some attention to it. You can read more on fishing egg patterns here.

As a seasoned veteran guide now retired recently shared with me – “Keep the faith, they have a way of just showing up”. We look forward to that.

Good luck.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Just a few dates in November remain available – finish the fishing season strong.
Spring Steelhead – Most of the season is booked – get your dates for March and April while you can.
2024 Fishing – Get your dates secured to ensure your time on the water. Booking all seasons thru September.

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Longer days and mild temperatures have steelhead on most angler’s minds. Rivers like the Manistee and Betsie are still running cold – just under 40 degrees with fluctuations coming from cold overnights, sunshine, and any leftover snowmelt – it’s mostly gone (for now – the snowblower is still gassed up and the shovels are ready).

Water levels are low and on the clear side which hasn’t encouraged an abundance of fresh fish into the local systems but the holdovers from fall and the steelhead that have trickled in throughout the winter have shuffled around and are getting eager for things to warm-up just a little more to begin their spawning before returning to the lake.

With the river conditions being low and clear, anglers will find good fishing throughout the river system. Egg patterns and beads seem to be outperforming the nymphs; however, a caddis and black stone fly are always a good bet this time of year, especially with the sunshine and slight bump in water temps. Indicator and floats, and duck and chuck are your best approach as the water is still too cool for consistent action on a swung fly.

As the spring steelhead season gets underway, please keep in mind that MI-DNR was not able to collect fish for hatchery operations in 2020 leaving a year gap in supplemental stocking. Natural reproduction does occur so please practice catch and release to help the fisheries and anglers endure a lost year of stocking.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout Fishing – May and June offer some of the best streamer and dry fly hatches of the year.
Learn to Fly Fish – Tailor a half-day trip to learning how to fly fish –
perfect for beginners or those looking to dial in a new technique.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain in November and into December.

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Posts tagged "fishing steelhead"

Mid-March Fishing Report

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