The water levels from last week’s rain has pretty much moved through the system and have returned to normal level. Clarity remains good, but still has a stain to it on both the Betsie and Manistee Rivers, which is usually a good thing.

The abnormal July-like weather with temps in the 80s and bright sun has made fishing very difficult the past week as steelhead hate the combination of high sun and stained water. Add the normal angler pressure that comes with this time of year along with a few extra folks taking advantage of the nice weather and, well, let’s just say I am looking forward to next week’s fishing with more seasonal temps and possibly some rain. (I will probably complain about that, too, when it happens but likely not as much as I did this week’s weather).

Eggs were working with orange hues being the leading color and chartreuse a close second. The better nymphs have been fry patterns and a few fish came on green caddis.

It’s been a mix of fish – fish are spawning hard with the increasing water temps and drop backs are headed back to lake Michigan. A few new/fresh fish are moving through the system, but it’s usually in the low light of mornings before the sun gets too high and they go hide until evening to resume their seasonal commute.

Good luck.

Ted

2023 Fishing – Get your dates secured to ensure your time on the water. Booking all seasons.
Trout – May’s streamer & dry fly fishing turns to the big bugs of June. Good dates to choose from.
Fall Steelhead – Just a few prime steelhead dates remain available in 2023 – finish the fishing season strong.