Current Works Guide Service
  • (231) 883-8156
  • ted@current-works.com
  • Book a trip
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Home
  • Guide Trips & More
    • Guide Trips & Pricing
    • Casting Lessons
    • Gift Certificates
    • Book a Trip
  • Fishing Report
  • Fish & Seasons
    • Steelhead
    • Trout
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Salmon
    • Bluegill / Panfish / Bass
    • Golden Bones / Carp
  • Rivers & Hatches
    • Upper Manistee River
    • Lower Manistee River
    • Betsie River
    • Boardman River
    • Hatch Chart
  • Fly Tying
  • Articles
  • Gallery
  • About
    • About Your Guide
    • Testimonials
    • Newsletter
    • Area Information

Posts tagged "streamer"

November Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - November 7, 2014

There hasn’t been much of a change in fishing the past week – one day we do good, then it is tough again for a few. The bottom line – in my opinion – is that fishing has been inconsistent and tougher than it should be for this time of year and basically has been all fall. The number of Steelhead in the rivers seems to be pretty stable with a few fresh fish trickling into the Manistee but less  fish than what should be in the rivers. Water temps remain in the 40’s so when hooked-up you know it as they are still sassy and are a handful to land. Reports on the other rivers in the region including the Betsie seem to be about the same.

The weather forecast is calling for cooler weather and a little of the white stuff which should contribute to lower water temps which ultimately should start getting those  fish to move from the shallow water to the slower, deeper water – at least in theory. My advice would be to cover as much water as possible fishing a combo of an egg and a nymph. Then again I’m scratching my head trying to figure out what the fish really want and where.

The streamer bite on the trout rivers has improved as the browns are done spawning and looking to eat before winter sets in. Rather than cast the really big articulated patterns, consider casting some mid-sized patterns (3-5 inches long) like the Autumn Offender or Brook Trout on smaller sink-tips as the fish seem to be out of the deep holes with the lack of pressure and their desire to eat.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout  – Streamer fishing on the Manistee  through Fall can be hot when temps gets cold.
Fall Steelhead– Now through November – this is the time of year for our famed Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

Betsie, fall fishing, manistee, steelhead, streamer, trout

Fall Weather = Fall Steelhead

Posted by Ted Kraimer - October 31, 2014

With a day like today (high north winds, snow and rain) we can’t help but think that it is fall and the fall steelhead should get their act in order and show up in a little more force since they have been trickling in the past 6 weeks. Then again, all bets are off this 2014 fishing season as very little has been predictable throughout the year.

Fishing the past week has been up and down but overall still a bit slower than what it should be for this time of year. When we are finding fish they have been hot and a handful as the water temps on the Manistee are hovering in the high 40s. The fish that are playing along seemed to prefer egg patterns however the nymph bite is starting to improve a little bit with caddis and steelhead buggers out performing other nymphs tried. As far as egg colors…… mix it up but focus on the orange or Oregon cheese  shades/colors.

Good luck,

Ted

Trout  – Try streamer fishing on the upper Manistee and below Tippy Dam through Fall.
Fall Steelhead– From now through November – this is the time of year for our famed Steelhead.
2015 Fishing – It isn’t too early to get your dates booked for next year – now booking for all seasons.

egg patterns, fall steelhead, manistee, nymph, streamer, tippy dam, weather

Early May Fishing – Steelhead and Trout

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 7, 2014

Things are starting to feel and look a little more like Spring lately. The grass is greener, buds are popping and the thermometer has been north of 50 degrees a few times.  There is no doubt that we are a couple weeks behind on Spring getting here in earnest as the skim ice that formed on the Bay the other night demonstrated the reality. But there is hope.

The forecast calls for a continuation of warmer temps and some rain which will improve fishing. Trout fishing has been tough on the Manistee as the fish continue to stay sub-surface eating free-drifting worms and waiting for the water temps to increase and more mayflies on the surface. It is really the time for the streamer fisherman as the fish are hungry, predatory and not looking up too much. I suspect that with the warmer days predicted ahead conditions will align and we will start seeing some more bugs on top – most notably the anticipated Hendricksons. This can be a favorite time of year for anglers – covering the water with streamers then switching over to dry fly rods when the bugs stat coming off.  Have some ‘Henies”  in your box along with black stones, black caddis, and blue wing olives. In the month ahead look for a number of bugs/emergences to overlap and be condensed as conditions and calendars synchronize.

Steelhead fishing has declined a little as the warmer water temps pretty much encouraged a lot of the fish to do their deed and leave.  With the absence of a significant rain there doesn’t seem to be a push of fresh fish entering the system, but rather a trickle of chromers. The warmer weather has made fishing pleasant and a few steelhead to hand makes it that much better. The Betsie and Manistee have cleared up nicely leaving a slight stain to the water – temps are around 50 degrees.  Now is a good time for the two-hand casters to get out and focus on drop-back steelhead as they tend to put the feed bag back on before returning to the lake. Trout fishing below Tippy dam is starting up but majority of the trout are still behind the spawning steelhead eating eggs.

Good luck,

Ted

Steelhead -While it is currently Spring Steelhead time, it’s also time to book your fall steelhead dates.
Trout – May is a great time for mayfly emergences and streamer fishing before June’s Drakes, Isonychias & Hex.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

Betsie, black caddis, blue wing olives, chromers, drop back, hatches, manistee, steelhead, streamer, trout, two hand casters

Full On Spring & Trout Fly Fishing in Northwest Michigan

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 9, 2013

We have had some amazing weather the past 10 days here in the Traverse City area. Lots of sunlight and warm temperatures has made up for a long winter and has nature pretty much caught up and is where it should be for this time of year as the leaves are filling out trees, ground cover is greening and mayflies, stoneflies and caddis do their thing on the local trout streams and rivers in step with emergence schedules.

River conditions are ideal with a slight stain and good water levels – they are full, not high. Water temps are around 60 degrees on the upper Manistee, Boardman and AuSable and with that the bugs are varied and at times plentiful. Hendricksons have been the most prolific with scattered emergences and spinner falls at various times of the day but mostly at dusk since the evenings are staying relatively warm. Little black Caddis are plentiful – shake a streamside bush and watch what comes out of it. Early Brown Stoneflies, too, are dancing across the water with some fish taking notice. A variety of other bugs are coming off too, just sporadically and not in great numbers – look for that to change. This is the time of year to have a variety of bugs in your dry fly box because there is no telling what you might find the fish are keying in on. Sulphurs should be showing up any day as with Mahoganies and March Browns. Click here for a hatch chart.

Fishing streamers is ideal this time of year but the bite has been tough lately at least for me and my customers. As more people fish the streamer it seems the fish are getting smarter – little nuances to alter your presentation and even pattern can make a difference.  The next 6 weeks are typically some of our best for streamer fishing and its a great way to cover the water between hatches. Having rods rigged with sink-tips and floating lines in the boat provides variety and gives you some good head-hunting opportunities.

The bluegill fishing is getting going on the shallower, dark bottom lakes as the fish move into shallow water. While dries will provide some action, very small streamers and decent sized nymphs will provide the best success.  You will find the lakes and ponds extremely clear so the long cast is your best approach. Look for the bass fishing to improve in this pre-spawn period.

Some steelhead remain in the local rivers, but they are close to being done as the last of the spawning fish do their deed. The spring’s high water allowed for a lot of fish to come in and make it back to the lake safely which will not only help with future fish populations but bigger returning fish. It was a good spring season – thanks to all those who came out with me.

Lots going on right now on the water – get out and good luck.

Ted

Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches!
Bluegill – Experience great fishing on the ponds and lakes in late mid-May and June
Hex Fishing – Some dates still available for the big bugs and big fish in mid-June
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all 2013 seasons – don’t miss out on this year’s fishing.

ausable, boardman, hatch chart, hatches, hendricksons, manistee, steelhead, streamer, trout fly fisiing in northwest michigan

May Trout Fishing

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 3, 2012

Trout opener has come and gone and so have the anglers. While opener weekend had mixed results thanks to cold weather, the annual traditions of groups, families and friends seemed to be alive and well.

Stable and warmer temps this week has improved hatches and dry fly fishing – they should continue get even better with warmer weather. If fishing the upper Manistee look for Hendricksons – both light and dark, March Browns, Mahoganies, Black Quills, bigger stones (#10), BWOs, and lots of small caddis and some #14 tan caddis. The month of May offers some great dry fly fishing but be prepared for selective feeding – pay real close attention to what they are eating and what stage; emerger patterns are proving themselves as real fish catchers as more people are fishing them.

Conditions on both the Manistee and Boardman had been really clear with temperatures in the mid-50’s until we just received some much needed rain –  just too much of it at once. River levels have come up significantly after a couple inches of rain. Streamer fishing will be most effective in the high water. Look for fish on the inside of bends eating all of the food washing downstream.  The chestnut lamprey numbers are building so fishing streamer patterns that imitate them is a good place to start as are long, worm like patterns like mohair leeches and rabbit strip leeches. Other successful streamer patterns include zuddlers,  protected witness, baitfish/deceivers and sasquatches.

On the lower Manistee below tippy, look for water levels to increase and create some good feeding as food is dislodged in the flush of water. Fishing nymphs under an indicator can be real effective when not fishing streamer patterns on sink-tips looking for the big and more aggressive fish. Fry patterns fished on floating lines is still effective as we are taking advantage of last fall’s prolific salmon reproduction. Some caddis, bwo and midge activity is taking place on the surface throughout the day for those who like it on top.

Good luck!

Ted

The Spring Newsletter just went out – click here to read.

– Book a Trip for the Upcoming Fishing Seasons –

April: Steelhead and Trout fishing on the Manistee River
April-May: Trout – Streamers & Dry Flies. Hendricksons & Early Bug Hatches on the Upper Manistee
June: Trout -Big Dry Flies – Drakes, Isonychias and The Hex.
Booking for all 2012 Seasons – Some Fall Dates Remain Open

 

boardman, caddis, dry fly, fly fishing, fry pattern, lamprey, march brown, streamer, upper-manistee
1234
Lessons - Learn to Fly Cast or Improve

Casting Lessons

Testimonials

Gift Certificate

Gift Certificates

Guide Trips - Fly Fishing Float Trips

Guide Trips & Pricing

Fish & Seasons

King Salmon Fly Fishing - Betsie River Near Traverse City

Salmon

Fly fishing for smallmouth bass Manistee River and Northern Michigan Lakes

Smallmouth Bass

Trout Fishing Manistee River near Traverse City Michigan

Trout

Carp Fishing West Grand Traverse Bay

Golden Bones / Carp

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

Bluegill / Panfish / Bass

Fall Steelhead Manistee River

Steelhead

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

© 2024 Current Works, LLC — All rights reserved
  • Home
  • Guide Trips & Pricing
  • Fishing Report
  • Fish & Seasons
  • Rivers & Hatches
  • Fly Tying
  • Articles
  • Gallery
  • About
  • Sitemap