Late October Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 24, 2017

Significant rainfall over the past few days has really brought water flows to record levels for this time of year. We often experience this much water in the spring after thaw/rain/run-off, however this time of year we are not sure what water clarity will be like going forward, but it should be better.

A positive aspect about receiving this much water is we should expect some fresh steelhead to migrate upstream, however they will be moving through seams and holding in water less familiar to us. Look for big flies (bold egg patterns and leeches) to receive the most notice from migratory steelhead in such high water. Unlike the spring, the water should drop faster as well as regain clarity, but you will want to monitor river flows and use caution if headed to the river – lots of stuff is flowing downstream including logs, limbs, leaves and the garbage that some class-act salmon anglers have left on the river banks. You can monitor water levels by checking out the USGS Streamflow website by clicking here.

Trout fishing? Big streamers on heavy sink-tips will give you a chance at big brown trout just completing their spawning. Like the steelhead waters, conditions like these requires safety and prudence if heading to the river and letting some time go by to let levels drop would be a good idea. With the recent winds, it might be a good idea to take a chainsaw along to clear any new fallen trees if using a drift boat.

Good luck and be safe.

Ted

Fall Steelhead – October, November and into December, these fish will bend your rod like no other – experience it.
Trout/Steelhead – The lower Manistee offers good streamer fishing for trout in late Fall for a combo of species.

Betsie, chainsaw, egg patterns, high water, manistee, michigan river flows, platte, salmon anglers, steelhead, steelhead fishing

Mid-December “Fall” Steelhead Fishing

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 15, 2015

The warm Fall season continues, even though we should be thinking Winter which is scheduled to start next week. Real unseasonable weather has been around for a few weeks as there is no snow on the ground, water temps are still around 40 degrees, and the air temps have been comfortable – especially when you consider it’s the middle of December.

With the warm temps came a lot of warm rain over the weekend. The rivers are running really high and there is significant color to them. Thankfully it was a warm rain and it should inspire more fresh fish to move upstream keeping a nice inventory of steelhead in the river over the winter. Look for the fish already in the system to be scattered throughout the lower and upper sections but also sliding into the inside and shallower seams in the cover of high water – this is a pretty unusual scenario for this time of year. Time to use big egg flies and attractor patterns – an approach similar to early Spring Steelhead fishing.

As the water drops, the trout fishing should turn on again with mid-sized streamers and attention paid to inside bends and softer water near structure rather than the deep and fast runs. If it weren’t for the high water, we would be experiencing some really good fishing – as it drops, it should fish well.

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Ted

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

Trout – Brown trout fishing into late December can be some of the best streamer fishing of the year.
Steelhead – Look for fishing to continue through December and through a mild winter on the Manistee River.
Gift Certificates – With the holidays just around the corner consider giving or asking for some time on the water.

high water, river flow, steelhead fishing, streamer fishing, tippy dam, trout fishing

Big Water, Big Flies, Big Fish.

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 14, 2014

Warmer weather and some significant rainfalls the past few days have combined with record winter snowfalls created very high water conditions for the region’s rivers. They are pretty much unsafe to wade right now and boating requires prudent measures – use your best judgment if heading out.

While the water came up and has pretty much no visibility, fresh fish have moved upstream. The Manistee below Tippy Dam is running over 6,000 CFS (it’s typically about 2,300 CFS this time of year) and is in the low 40’s as the fish start to hit the gravel for their spawning ritual. A positive aspect of the high water is a greater rate of natural reproduction due to less angling harassment providing more future steelhead for us all. Please practice catch and release if you make it out and the fish to the net.

The flies that had been working last week (caddis, stones, and BTS/fry) are lost in the stained water conditions found today. Now is time for big and bright egg patterns, leeches with some bright flashabou, and some of the classic steelhead fly fishing patterns from yesterday tied with estaz, pearl chenille, krystal flash and the like. Having knowledge of where the fish like to be this time of year is going to be the key to success when combined with a little luck. We have been getting away with heavy leaders and heavy rods as both are necessary since we are fighting both the fish and high water.

To monitor the conditions on your river, check out the stream flow data website of the USGS.

Good luck and be careful.

Ted

The Spring 2014 Newsletter just went out – click here to read or subscribe.

Steelhead -While it is currently Spring Steelhead time, it’s also time to book your fall steelhead dates.
Trout – May is a great time for mayfly emergences and streamer fishing before June’s Drakes, Isonychias & Hex.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

caddis, fishing guide, fishing report, high water, manistee, manistee river, steelhead fishing, stone flies, tippy dam

High Water, Tough Conditions

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 19, 2013

After the rain, snow and winter run off last week, water levels and conditions on regional rivers (and throughout much of Michigan) remain poor thanks to more rain the past few days. Clarity is near non-existent and the flow rates are very elevated requiring caution if you plan on doing any wading.

As far as the fishing goes — there are fish around – both new, fresh fish as well as spawning steelhead doing their chore. Since water clarity is an issue, your flies need to be big and bold and numerous casts need to be made before you put it right in front of their noses where they can see it. Big egg patterns, large stones and other nymphs that have some flash in their design are good choices until the water starts to drop and gain clarity. It’s not the best fishing right now, but they are in there and a little more patience is required than normal – keep the faith and keep your casts covering the water thoroughly.

To check on your favorite river’s water level, click on the USGS Website.

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.

fly sighing, high water, manistee river, poor conditions, steelhead

Posts tagged "high water"