Water levels and clarity have improved a lot in the past week with that lack of any appreciable precipitation on the local watersheds. There is still a stain to the Manistee and Betsie rivers, but that isn’t out of character for mid-April and steelhead fishing.

Water temps have passed the 40-degree mark which is what the fish prefer to begin their spawning ritual. Fish tend to be near and on gravel with some more fish moving though the rivers from Lake Michigan. Cloudy and overcast days have made for better fishing compared to the sunny days as more fish feel comfortable moving through the river in these conditions.

Egg patterns are still catching plenty of fish and we are using smaller ones with the clearer water and their resemblance to the more natural eggs drifting though the system. The nymph bite has been better this past week with caddis and black stones working nicely but fry patterns being the best non-egg pattern as the salmon fry have become active with the warmer water.

Good luck.

Ted

May Days – The month that offers so much variety for a number of species. <<More info>>
Match the Hatch  – Late May and June offer dry fly anglers some of the best trout fishing of the year.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain available in October, November and into December.