A White Winter Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - January 17, 2014

It’s been a while since my last fishing report. Most of you know that Winter came in hard and a little early this year and we have barely had a break in the weather. The old saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” might be appropriate as the week of sub-zero temps we experienced have made the days when the mercury rises into the 20s seem warm.

Those brave enough to get out have been able to find some winter steelhead in the local rivers (Manistee, Betsie, Boardman) thanks to the fall’s bountiful run. I imagine just about all the rivers on the West side of the state have a decent number of hold-over/winter steelhead in them. With water temps just over the freezing mark most fish are going to be condensed to the deeper holes and on the inside of any seam. Should there be some structure (wood) or rocks in it, all that much better – they feel safe in there and don’t have to fight the current as much. If fishing smaller rivers cover all those secondary holes on the way to the deeper ones but don’t spend too much time in there.

While the duck and chuck method will work this time of year, it’s the floating line with indicators/floats that seem to have the advantage as it gives you a better drag-free drift and can also help you suspend your flies above any wood or other snags in some slower water. For more on rigging, click here.

Winter – in my opinion – is a great time to fish a realistic hex nymph – they are relatively big, have good motion, and should be a realistic imitation. Other flies that have done well for me in the winter include caddis – both in bright green and cream, hare’s ear nymphs, and always an egg pattern. Once the sun (remember the sun?) comes out a little more often be sure to have some small stone flies in your box.

Should the weather keep you from fishing there are plenty of things to do to keep you engaged in the sport: tying flies, reading books, watching dvds, cleaning out your vest and gear bag or even planning a trip or two. Click here for some ideas on how to keep busy during real winters like the one we are experiencing. And if the winter-blues has you a little stir crazy grab your skis, snowshoes, or skates and get outside.

Good luck

Ted

Steelhead -With fish in local rivers Spring steelhead fishing should start as soon as the weather changes.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

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Mid-November Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 14, 2013

After a change in the weather the past week it appears that mother nature has made up for the mild fall we experienced in the beginning. After some snow, rain, temperatures below freezing and lots of wind, it appears most anglers are looking to pick their days based on the weather. Traffic on the water is down with plenty of steelhead around to play with. With the dropping water temps, fish are starting to act a little lethargic when hooked, but not all of them. Look for the steelhead to start to move into the transitional water between the quick runs and the soft side of the seam and some of the larger holes. A little sunlight can make a big difference as it warms up the water a degree or two and can help trigger more activity.

Eggs continue to be the primary diet of fish as the millions of salmon eggs continue to drift down stream even though the salmon are pretty much gone. Pale colored egg patterns like nuke and rags seem to be working best: egg/steelhead orange, Oregon cheese/burnt orange, tetra yellow/light roe have been good color combos lately. Smaller natural nymphs are starting to have their effect on both steelhead and trout in waters like the Manistee below Tippy Dam – caddis, pheasant tails, and scuds are great candidates. Olive and copper streamers have been the effective pattern colors when swinging flies. Look for the streamer bite for trout on the Manistee to get going as the fish drop back into their lies after a fall of having their noses close to the spawning salmon.

More fresh fish continue to move up the Betsie and Manistee rivers thanks to the rains which have provided fish throughout the river systems. Water is slightly stained and running a little higher than normal for this time of year but is generally in good shape. Be prepared to fish a few ways – drift fishing, indicator fishing over structure and even swinging a fly on a sink-tip.

Friday Nov. 15 th is opening day of firearm deer season. Be careful and respectful of hunters and wear a some blaze orange to be safe while fishing. The season extends through Nov. 30th.

Good luck.

Ted

Steelhead -Fall fishing continues through winter and it’s not too early to book your Spring 2014 Steelhead dates.
Trout – Late fall trout fishing can be some of the best streamer and nymph fishing now that the salmon are gone.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

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April, Spring and Steelhead are Here

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 6, 2013

Now that we’re in April, the weather is acting accordingly with some rain, warmer air temps and snow melt. The steelhead have noticed, too. The rainfall over last weekend increased flows nicely and brought a fresh push of fish in the river systems with more to come after the next weather event. Because the winter’s thaw has been prolonged water conditions have been ideal; levels are slightly increased and the clarity is decent throughout both the Manistee and Betsie rivers. With the forecast, the amount of snow left in the woods and the gradual pace of the thaw, look for the season to be spread out through the month of April – of course this can all change with one significant warm rainfall.

Water temps have increased and have been holding closer to 40 degrees on the Manistee inspiring the first of the spawners to hit the gravel to do their annual reproduction activity. You will find fish in pocket water all around the gravel patches and in the deeper holes near gravel sections. Fry patterns, caddis and various egg patterns have been out producing the other patterns but each day is different and mixing it up and covering water should find you success.

Good Luck,

Ted

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

Steelhead – Spring is already booked but it’s not too early to get your fall dates secured. Late Sept. – Nov.
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.

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Spring? Kind of – Fly Fishing Report 3/22/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 22, 2013

The calendar says its Spring but one look outside confirms winter is hanging around. The forecast is calling for a bit of a break from freezing temperatures and a little sunshine which will improve both the steelhead fishing and catching as water temps slightly increase and the ice doesn’t build in the rod tip.

The rain and partial thaw two weeks ago really set up some good pre-spawn conditions. Most of the winter fish in the Manistee have staged near gravel sections and can be found in the deeper slots, holes and pools as they get ready for water temps to further increase to do their thing. The increase in water also brought in some fresh fish from the lake to add some chrome to the mix with lots more to come over the next month. A number of fish moved through the Betsie River system after the rain and there are fish scattered throughout the system – look for another increase in water flow to really make for another push of fish – the Betsie typically some of its best fishing in March as fish migrate upstream.

Water clarity is ideal with a slight stain and water temps are in the mid-30’s. A little sun can have a nice impact on water temps and the fish — look for those afternoon windows to get some fishing in. Flies of choice are the usual suspects – egg patterns (clown, orange variations of Nuke eggs, chartreuse glo bugs and rag in various colors) tied in tandem with caddis, stones, Alevins/Fry, steelhead buggers and hex nymphs.

Good Luck,

Ted

There is a new group with the intent of getting the act of chumming banned (throwing fish eggs above likely holding steelhead lies before fishing). Become more informed and lend your support if you are in agreement.

Spring Steelhead – From mid-March 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.

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Bonus Weather

Posted by Ted Kraimer - January 12, 2012

The break in the weather made fishing pretty comfortable over the past week, but it appears that winter is going to settle in again.

A few days of temps in the upper 30s and low 40s made the river the place to be for steelhead anglers. With the sun warming up the water a bit, the fishing seemed to improve later in the day, however the clear water of the Manistee makes using light line and fluorocarbon a must in with the bright sun. The Betsie, too, is clearer than normal but has its typical tinge to it which makes fish a little less cautious.

Fish have been coming from the deeper, winter holes and runs often just on the inside of the seam line or in the tail out. Successful fly patterns included small pale egg patterns, stones in various sizes, hex, prince, hares ears and pheasant tail nymphs. Keys to fishing right now include trying to avoid those cold water temperature fluctuations – anytime it drops a couple of degrees quickly you are in for a tough bite – keep track of overnight low temps to help chose your best days and/or what time to start.

Good luck.

Ted

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