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Posts tagged "northwest michigan"

Trout Fishing and Spring Just Starting

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 6, 2015

It’s really feeling like spring around northwest Michigan – warm temps, blue skies and green showing up fast on both the ground and on trees.  The transition from steelhead fishing to trout fishing has been kind of stuck with neither fishing extremely well right now but one gets the sense that it’s going to change in the blink of an eye.

With the lack of rain, no fresh steelhead have moved into the river. Anglers fishing the Betsie and Manistee will find a few spawning fish but they are well aware of angler’s intent and disperse with some fishing pressure. The dark water (holes and slots) around the gravel are offering better angling for both steelhead and trout right now and most drop-back fish have done just that – made it back to the lake after spawning. The long-term forecast is calling for rain over the weekend and into next week which should bring up any remaining fish, but expect them to come and go as water temps are warm and is running clear.

The warm rain would be a good thing for the trout rivers as well. Most of the trout water – the Boardman, Upper Manistee, AuSable are also running clear – especially for this time of year. With water temps in the mid to upper 50s look for Hendricksons to be emerging in better numbers rather than the trickle of bugs which has been more common. “Henies” love warm overcast days so if you can pick your day accordingly, do so. A few black stoneflies and even a black caddis or two have been around so have some of those patterns with you as well.

Until the dry fly fishing gets going, cover some water with streamers – this is the ideal time to cover lots of water for that really big brown trout. With what seems like everyone fishing the biggest, double and triple articulated and over-accessorized streamer patterns right now, consider down-sizing things a bit and fish something a little more natural. Like usual, though, mix it up to see what might be working better that day.

The coldwater found in local lakes has kept the bluegill/panfish in the depths but this too should change overnight as fish move into fly-friendly shallow water and provide some great fishing for big gills over the next month.

Good luck,

Ted

Trout Season – Streamer & Dry Fly fishing is ideal throughout May on the Upper Manistee & AuSable Rivers.
September Salmon – Dates are limited for fishing the Betsie River in early Sept. and later on the Manistee.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your fishing trips planned for the year. Booking all species/seasons.

ausable, Betsie, black stoneflies, bluegill, boardman, fly fishing, hendricksons, henies, manistee, northwest michigan, steelhead, streamers, upper-manistee

Winter / Late Fall Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 24, 2014

After our first (and hopefully last) polar vortex of the season came through dropping the air temperature and lots of snow, the weather this weekend became a little more typical of what the November offers. Most of the snow has melted although there are still some traces. Well, until the next snow comes which is forecast for this week.

In addition to the run-off from the snow and the rains we just received the river levels are running a bit high and with some color to them. It appears that over the past two weeks a few more steelhead have moved into local rivers like the Manistee and Betsie and I imagine the other rivers in Northwest Michigan. As water temperatures drop, look for steelhead to be in the deeper water and in the tail-outs surrounded with wood as fish start to take to their winter residence. It is a good time to fish some realistic nymphs as drag free as possible along with an egg (think about using an indicator or float). Swinging flies is still appropriate for those looking to use their two-handed rods as water temps are in the upper 30s; the warm rain should help offset the cold run-off.

Trout fishing continues to be decent to good for those looking to fish streamers despite the cooler weather. As the fish prepare for winter themselves, they are putting on the feedbag a bit. Really big streamers have taken some really big fish, but it’s the mid-sized streamer (size 2-6) that have been catching all sizes of fish. Mix up your colors after the olive, white, and copper/brown patterns aren’t working.

Just a reminder – firearms deer season continues until Nov. 30 so wear some bright clothing on the river for safety.

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving.

Ted

Trout – Streamer fishing on the Manistee into winter an be hot when temps gets cold.
Fall Steelhead– This big fish will continue to offer us a chance until the weather keeps us indoors.
Gift Certificates – Give or ask for a gift certificate; trips or lessons available. Quick & easy holiday shopping
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

Betsie, guide, mansitee, michigan, northwest michigan, steelhead, streamer, swinging flies, trout fishing

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

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