It’s the back half of January and winter has set in with some really cold temps, periodic snow and full-on winter conditions on the rivers. Fishing is limited right now – those needing to shake cabin fever are finding the occasional steelhead on the Betsie and Manistee river. Water levels and clarity are fine, it’s just that the water temp is in the mid 30’s and shelf ice is starting to form. As usual, look for fish in the slower, deeper water because the fish too have the winter blues and are just chilling on the slow side of the current.

Not into breaking ice out of your guides every couple of casts? Then, instead tie flies/take a class, reorganize your vest and/or gear bag, read a book or watch videos on fly fishing – the weather is perfect for these activities. The days are getting noticeably longer which reminds us that Spring Steelhead season kicks off in mid-March which isn’t that far away.

Good luck on and off the water this winter.

Ted

Upcoming:

Spring Steelhead – Mid-March through April. Hit the water for this annual rite of Spring to start the fishing year.
Trout – May and June offers some of the best trout fishing of the year matching the hatch and fishing streamers.
Booking 2019 – Reserve your date(s) and schedule life around fishing rather than trying to fit fishing into life – booking all species/seasons for 2019.