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

Rain, Snow, High Water and Steelhead

Posted by Ted Kraimer - April 10, 2013

With recent rain showers and hopefully our last significant snowfall of the season anglers will find the water running high, dirty but with a silver/chrome lining to it – steelhead. Fresh fish continue to move through the Manistee and Betsie River systems while the winter and early spring steelhead have hit the gravel to spawn. The fresh fish are in both deep holes and the pocket water near gravel and the water conditions will most likely spread the fish into some unusual places as well as the usual.

Water temps are hovering around 40 degrees and with decreasing visibility, your flies should include big egg flies in bold colors, and your nymphs also should be big and either bright or dark – natural tones might just go unnoticed. Bump up your tippet size and hold on tight to the rod as the fish are even stronger as they use the increased current against you.

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

Good luck and be safe.

Ted

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

bright egg patterns, egg glies, flies, fly-fishing guide, guide trips, manistee, steelhead

The End of March & Winter – Fly Fishing Report 3/27/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 27, 2013

Without a change in the weather, not much has changed on the water. It appears the steelhead that moved up the Manistee after the increase in water earlier this month have mostly scattered themselves throughout the river. Some days are better than others right now, and it’s usually covering the water thoroughly and well means the difference between catching and just fishing.

The usual water is producing – big, deep holes – but the slots and seems, with moderate flows near structure and close to gravel, seem to be the most consistent with the cold water temps (upper- 3os). The water has a nice stain to it, making it ideal.

The forecast is calling for a little warm-up, and perhaps a little rain over the weekend, which will provide the warm water bump the fish have been waiting for. There is still a fair amount of snow in the woods, but there is less of it each day, which should mean more fish with the days to come.

There hasn’t been any one particular pattern outperforming the others: Caddis, Black Stones and Fry fished in conjunction with various eggs seem to be best.

Just a reminder that April 1 a 2013 fishing license is required.

Good Luck,

Ted

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

Spring Steelhead – Now through April. Some dates still available in April – schedule yours today.
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.

caddis, egg patterns, fishing report, fry, manistee, manistee steelhead fishing report, michigan steelhead, steelhead

Spring? Kind of – Fly Fishing Report 3/22/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 22, 2013

The calendar says its Spring but one look outside confirms winter is hanging around. The forecast is calling for a bit of a break from freezing temperatures and a little sunshine which will improve both the steelhead fishing and catching as water temps slightly increase and the ice doesn’t build in the rod tip.

The rain and partial thaw two weeks ago really set up some good pre-spawn conditions. Most of the winter fish in the Manistee have staged near gravel sections and can be found in the deeper slots, holes and pools as they get ready for water temps to further increase to do their thing. The increase in water also brought in some fresh fish from the lake to add some chrome to the mix with lots more to come over the next month. A number of fish moved through the Betsie River system after the rain and there are fish scattered throughout the system – look for another increase in water flow to really make for another push of fish – the Betsie typically some of its best fishing in March as fish migrate upstream.

Water clarity is ideal with a slight stain and water temps are in the mid-30’s. A little sun can have a nice impact on water temps and the fish — look for those afternoon windows to get some fishing in. Flies of choice are the usual suspects – egg patterns (clown, orange variations of Nuke eggs, chartreuse glo bugs and rag in various colors) tied in tandem with caddis, stones, Alevins/Fry, steelhead buggers and hex nymphs.

Good Luck,

Ted

There is a new group with the intent of getting the act of chumming banned (throwing fish eggs above likely holding steelhead lies before fishing). Become more informed and lend your support if you are in agreement.

Spring Steelhead – From mid-March through April. Some dates still available in April – schedule yours today.
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.

alevins, betsie river, fly fishing report, fry pattern, manistee river, spring steelhead, steelhead

March Steelhead – Fly Fishing Report 3/12/13

Posted by Ted Kraimer - March 12, 2013

It has only been a few days since my last report but with the recent rains the river levels on the Manistee and Betsie have increased significantly changing the steelhead fishing conditions. Here in northern Michigan there is still plenty of snow around and air temperatures have dropped below freezing so look for things to settle once the river systems purge this increase of water.

In addition to needing some moisture/rain as rivers levels were quite low, the bump in water levels will move some fish upstream from the lake to stage before their annual spawning ritual. Look for fish in the larger holes – not only the slow ones, and just off current seams in moderate flow water as fish migrate. Since water clarity has diminished with this partial thaw, increase your flies in size, color, and profile. Big leeches, bright caddis, sparkle stones with rubber legs combined with a large egg pattern – either a clown color scheme, crystal egg or bold glo bug should help you gain the attention of fish.

Wade safely and good luck,

Ted

Spring Steelhead: Mid- March through April is a great time to chase Steelhead. Some dates available.
Trout: May & June’s Streamer and Dry Fly fishing is getting close – get in on some of the years best trout fishing.
Gift Certificates: Ask for or give the gift of a guide trip or casting lesson. It’s a quick & easy gift idea – Click here.
– – Currently Booking for all 2013 Seasons – –

betsie river, caddis, clown egg, egg patterns, fly fishing, guide, leeches, manistee river, river levels, steelhead, steelhead fishing

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Posts tagged "steelhead"

High Water, Tough Conditions

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

Rain, Snow, High Water and Steelhead

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

The End of March & Winter – Fly Fishing Report 3/27/13

The Spring newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or sign up for delivery.

Spring? Kind of – Fly Fishing Report 3/22/13

March Steelhead – Fly Fishing Report 3/12/13

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