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.