December Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 4, 2023

December has come and it seems that the big push of steelhead we are accustomed to in the fall simply did not.

While it was a tough fall, reports from the lake indicate the population is healthy and the lack of rain is to blame for keeping the fish there. We had good pulses of fish move upstream after the rains we did receive and the light fall run bodes well for a good spring run as they move upstream for annual spawning migration as the days get longer again and rivers get a bit higher. If the long-term forecast of a mild winter holds true, look for fish to trickle through the river systems all winter long.

If you are looking to get out on the water, pick your days wisely based on the forecast as we go from late fall to winter conditions and weather. Snow is more common and run off can drop the water temp a couple degrees. A little sun not only makes it comfortable for anglers but also helps bump the water temps a little.

The steelhead that are in the system can be just about anywhere as long as it isn’t a hard current. The softer side of current seams and cross overs and those with some structure have been more reliable the past two weeks. As the water temperatures start to stay below 40 degrees, we mix up our presentation using indicators, floats, swung flies and duck and chuck.

Water clarity on the Manistee has been remarkably clearer than normal so, dropping down in tippet size is a good approach as is using some stealth. When hooked, the fish are starting to do more of that alligator roll through the fight allowing you to get away with lighter line. Smaller, less obnoxious patterns seem to be out fishing the big, bold and bright with these conditions.

Good luck.

Ted

Gift Certificates– Give the gift of time on the water this Holiday Season. Half or Full Day trips.
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.

Early Winter Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 28, 2018

With November coming to an end, it is apparent that fall itself ended a few weeks ago. Winter temps and some snow have been the norm with air temps below freezing as water temperatures hover around 40 degrees on the local rivers.

There are steelhead in all the rivers, but they are spread throughout the watersheds and acting more like winter fish with their tendencies to sit in the deeper, slower holes and tail outs. There are still some fresh fish moving through as other fish transition to the cold water so don’t abandon the runs and seams that typically hold fish in the fall.

Egg patterns are still a favorite of steelhead as salmon eggs continue to trickle down the river. Small egg patterns and beads in pale colors like cream, egg, grapefruit, Oregon cheese, and buff do a good job of imitating the natural stage eggs are in after being deposited in the river over a month or so ago.

Fish eggs in tandem with some natural looking nymphs – hex, caddis and steelhead buggers are always the first nymphs to get tied on in fall, winter and spring. The swing bite continues to be tougher than we’d like as that window to get fish to chase a swung fly is getting narrower with dropping water temperatures.

Trout fishing also has slowed mostly because of dropping water temperatures. Those fishing streamers below Tippy Dam are finding natural bait fish patterns are doing a good job of imitating recently stocked/planted fish…. Dirty Hippies, Skam-Man, T&A Bunkers and bobble heads; Big trout eat smaller trout. It’s a good time of year to switch that long and heavy sink – tip for a shorter one so you can slow your presentation down without hanging up on the bottom. Nymphing under indicators close to the dam in distinct bubble lines can extend your trout season if streamer fishing isn’t your thing.

Good luck.

Ted

Early Winter Steelhead – There are decent numbers of steelhead in the Manistee and Betsie.
Fall Trout Combo – Target both steelhead and trout (with streamers) on the lower Manistee.
Gift Certificates – With the Holidays approaching fast – give or ask for some time on the water.

Betsie, caddis, egg patterns, gift certificates for fly fishing, steelhead buggers, streamer fishing, tippy dam, trout fishing, winter steelhead

End of the Year Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 20, 2017

It’s the end of the month and year and possibly the season. The long-term forecast is calling for sub-freezing temperatures for a while so it’s going to be a bit before we get another warm-up and allow for some tolerable weather on the river. But stayed tuned – a little sun, no wind and temps above freezing can make fishing a treat after too many holiday parties or time visiting the in-laws.

Steelhead are in pretty much all of the local rivers including the Manistee, Betsie and even a few in the Boardman. With water temps in the mid to low 30’s, the fish have mostly taken to their winter holding areas which include deep, slower holes and around structure like wood, deeper pockets or both. It’s a good time to work on that drag free drift and fish below a float/indicator but since we are targeting “Fall” fish that have become “winter” fish, they will still chase a swung fly – just slow down the swing and target some softer water.

For those interested there is a recap/summary of this year’s fishing which can be read in the Winter Newsletter .

Thanks to all of you that joined me on the water to help make 2017 a great year. All the best to you and yours this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year with lots of time spent on the water.

Ted

The Winter/Holiday Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe.

Gift Certificates – With the Holiday Season near, give or ask for the gift of time on the water or a lesson.
2018 Dates – Now booking for all seasons in the New Year. Reserve your dates and plan life around them!

betsie river, boardman river, gift certificates for fly fishing, manistee, season recap, steelhead, steelhead fishing, swung fly, winter fishing

Posts tagged "gift certificates for fly fishing"

December Fishing Report

Early Winter Fly Fishing Report

End of the Year Fishing Report

The Winter/Holiday Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe.

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