It’s approaching mid-April, but it feels more like the first of May with the recent weather. One could argue that it felt more like the end of May with the recent 70-degree days.

Steelhead fishing has been challenging as we had not received much precipitation and more anglers show up at the river for a reduced number of fish. Fish have been spawning on the Manistee and Betsie and a lot have completed the task leaving empty gravel beds. With the clear water a lot of fish slip off the gravel and wait low-light hours and take refuge in the darker pockets and runs nearby making them ideal locations to target. Drop-backs (fish that are done spawning) can typically be found in the medium flowing runs as they drop back to the lake.

We are finally getting some rain now and are forecast to get more in the next couple days which should help bring in some fresh fish to prolong the run. Suckers have been in the water well over a week and historically another run of steelhead takes place after the suckers.

The fry bite has been good as has small (Size 8 and 10), realistic looking egg patterns. With the suckers spawning, yellowish sucker spawn patterns might be worth fishing. Green caddis and Ice Buggers, too have been successful the past week.

I have not been on the trout waters but have heard a few Hendricksons and BWO’s have been coming off, but not heavily nor consistent. With the water temps still in the mid- 50’s fish tend to prefer eating subsurface until the upper 50’s. It’s a good time to go fish a streamer but have a dry fly rigged and ready should surface activity take place.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout Fishing – May and June offer some of the best streamer and dry fly hatches of the year.
Learn to Fly Fish – Tailor a half-day trip to learning how to fly fish –
perfect for beginners or those looking to dial in a new technique.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain in November and into December