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Posts tagged "steelhead fishing michigan"

Early November Steelhead Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 10, 2023

The leaves are gone, temps are dropping and it’s the time for the serious steelhead angler to go looking to hunt fish, not deer.

As is typical for this time of year, the river is running clear as it’s been a while since we have had a push of water from any significant rain. When we have had an increase in water, a small wave of steelhead ran up the Manistee and Betsie rivers, but fish numbers remain uncharacteristically below normal as they have been all fall.

Water temperatures remain in the mid-40s which is more than ideal for more fish to migrate up and as we have found out, they are active once hooked.

It’s been a while since the healthy run of king salmon naturally chummed the water with eggs from their annual spawning cycle, and as such we are starting to fish more nymphs in tandem with our egg patterns for the steelhead. It’s also a great time of the year to swing a big fly on a two-handed rod as it covers a larger portion of water and the flash of the patterns tends to get their attention.

With firearm deer season beginning on November 15 consider wearing hunter’s orange for safety – hunters, deer, firearms and adrenaline are an unpredictable mix.

Good luck,

Ted

Fall Steelhead – Just a few dates in November remain available – finish the fishing season strong.
Spring Steelhead – Most of the season is booked – get your dates for March and April while you can.
2024 Fishing – 
Get your dates secured to ensure your time on the water. Booking all seasons thru September.

Betsie, egg patterns, fishing guide, manistee, manistee river, steelhead, steelhead fishing michigan

Mid March Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 19, 2022

A really warm Thursday with intense sunshine really knocked the snow pack in the woods and valleys down, creating significant run-off into the tributaries and rivers. Local rivers are on the rise and gaining some color which is likely to continue after some rain and more of it in the forecast.

With rains comes fish. There are some fish in the Betise and Manistee rivers and more are migrating upstream, with older fish shuffling around and staging. When the water gets high like this, look for fish to be anywhere including the fresh, migrating steelhead to be in the soft bubble lines traveling upstream.

As the water gets higher and dirtier, increase the size and boldness of your flies. Larger stone flies, green caddis and egg patterns will become prominent in these conditions.

We aren’t quite in Spring yet, but rather what I refer to as “mud season” – both on the banks and in the river.

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.

betsie river, fly fishing guide traverse city, manistee river, steelhead fishing, steelhead fishing michigan

Mid-December Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 11, 2016

Our extended fall and fall weather came to an abrupt end as winter and the white stuff that comes along with it has hit the region. Colder temps has us thinking more about fishing right now rather than doing it but look for breaks in the weather above freezing for an opportunity to get out on the water and fish for both trout and steelhead.

The steelhead fishing early last week was still good with small, realistic egg patterns working best when fished in deeper runs and tail outs. Cover all the water but work your way over to the slower, inside part of the likely holding water, too, as fish move further out of the way of current seams as water temperatures continue to drop.  Both the Betsie and Manistee has fish in it to inspire you to get on the water and away from the Holiday parties.

Trout fishing has been decent for those looking to strip mid-sized streamers and target the soft water with structure. While the upper Manistee has been worth fishing this late fall, the lower water below Tippy Dam is where some of the best fishing occurs this time of year. Water temps are around 40, so slow that strip down and fish with either short sink-tips or even floating lines with patterns that have weighted eyes or cones incorporated.

Good luck and Happy Holidays.

Ted

The Winter Newsletter just went out – click here to read if you haven’t subscribed.

Winter Steelhead – Look for breaks in the forecast to get a half-day on the water.
Early Winter Trout – After gorging on salmon eggs, streamer fishing below Tippy Dam can be outstanding.
Gift Certificates – With the holidays upon us, ask for or give the gift of a guided fishing trip –  Half or Full-Days.

betsie river fishing, egg patterns, fly fishing gift certificates, steelhead fishing michigan, tippy dam, trout fishing, winter steelhead
About Ted Kraimer Fishing Guide

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Fish & Seasons

Fly fishing for smallmouth bass Manistee River and Northern Michigan Lakes

Smallmouth Bass

Fall Steelhead Manistee River

Steelhead

Bluegill, Panfish and Bass Fly Fishing on Local Lakes Near Traverse City

Bluegill / Panfish / Bass

Carp Fishing West Grand Traverse Bay

Golden Bones / Carp

Trout Fishing Manistee River near Traverse City Michigan

Trout

King Salmon Fly Fishing - Betsie River Near Traverse City

Salmon

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

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