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Posts tagged "winter steelhead"

A White Winter Fly Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - January 17, 2014

It’s been a while since my last fishing report. Most of you know that Winter came in hard and a little early this year and we have barely had a break in the weather. The old saying, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” might be appropriate as the week of sub-zero temps we experienced have made the days when the mercury rises into the 20s seem warm.

Those brave enough to get out have been able to find some winter steelhead in the local rivers (Manistee, Betsie, Boardman) thanks to the fall’s bountiful run. I imagine just about all the rivers on the West side of the state have a decent number of hold-over/winter steelhead in them. With water temps just over the freezing mark most fish are going to be condensed to the deeper holes and on the inside of any seam. Should there be some structure (wood) or rocks in it, all that much better – they feel safe in there and don’t have to fight the current as much. If fishing smaller rivers cover all those secondary holes on the way to the deeper ones but don’t spend too much time in there.

While the duck and chuck method will work this time of year, it’s the floating line with indicators/floats that seem to have the advantage as it gives you a better drag-free drift and can also help you suspend your flies above any wood or other snags in some slower water. For more on rigging, click here.

Winter – in my opinion – is a great time to fish a realistic hex nymph – they are relatively big, have good motion, and should be a realistic imitation.  Other flies that have done well for me in the winter include caddis – both in bright green and cream, hare’s ear nymphs, and always an egg pattern. Once the sun (remember the sun?) comes out a little more often be sure to have some small stone flies in your box.

Should the weather keep you from fishing there are plenty of things to do to keep you engaged in the sport: tying flies, reading books, watching dvds, cleaning out your vest and gear bag or even planning a trip or two.  Click here for some ideas on how to keep busy during real winters like the one we are experiencing. And if the winter-blues has you a little stir crazy grab your skis, snowshoes, or skates and get outside.

Good luck

Ted

Steelhead -With fish in local rivers Spring  steelhead fishing should start as soon as the weather changes.
2014 Fishing – It’s not too early to start booking your 2014 dates – reserve you place in the boat today.

boardman betsie, fly fishing report, fly tying, hex nymph, manistee, stone fly, winter steelhead

December Steelhead and Trout Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - December 13, 2012

With Winter pretty much set in, it’s time to fish like it. Steelhead numbers remain decent in the Manistee river but few fish are in the Betsie. Water levels and clarity are in step with the season – that is low and clear and it’s the stealthy angler who will have the odds in their favor in these conditions. As the steelhead are tucked away in  the deep and slow holes be sure to target that water and on those rare days when the sun is out, look for fish to be in tail-outs actually sunning themselves. You will also find some fish near bubble lines close to slow moving water and in and around wood making suspended flies under floats/indicators ideal. Swung flies on  heavy sink-tips work well in these conditions, too, as water temperatures hover  around 40 degrees; look for an undulating spey or streamer pattern to peel some fish from the wood.

The trout fishing below Tippy Dam is picking up now that they are not solely eating eggs in various stages – look for midge, scudsow bug and small mayfly/bwo patterns to accommodate an egg pattern on your tandem nymph rig. Slow sinking streamers with lots of action make for some good streamer fishing this time of year for some of the bigger fish looking to put the feed bag on before Winter really sets in hard – just remember to move the fly slower this time of year as water temps remain cold.

Happy Holidays and Good Luck!

Ted

— The Winter/Holiday newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe —

Winter Special: Take advantage of warm-ups this winter! 5 hours of fishing and lunch – $250
Gift Certificates: Ask for or give the gift of a guide trip or casting lesson. It’s a quick and easy gift! Click here.
Spring Steelhead: Mid-March isn’t that far away – get your dates secured and reserve your place in the boat.
– – Currently Booking for all 2013 Seasons – –

betsie river fishing, indicators, manistee river, river, spey, streamers, swung flies, trout, winter steelhead

February, Ground Hogs and Steelhead

Posted by Ted Kraimer - February 2, 2012

While the weather has been up and down, the fishing has been relatively consistent. Most anglers are spending their time looking for steelhead and are finding them in the predictable winter lies.

Despite the warm-ups and mild winter temperatures, the fish are in winter mode preferring the slower, deeper water since water temps are in staying in the upper 30’s and not fluctuating too much. A few fresh fish have moved throughout the Manistee and Betsie, but most of the fish being caught are those fish that have wintered over after coming up in the fall and early winter. Good flies have included alevins and fry as the salmon eggs are starting to pop and transform into fish, as well as small black stones, sow bugs, hex nymphs and small, pale colored eggs. With the fish holding in the slow water and often on the inside of bubble lines, strike indicators and floats come in handy.

Regardless of what the Groundhog signifies, if the weather pattern we have experienced so far this winter continues, look for an early spring run of steelhead and relatively low water levels.

Good luck,
Ted

alevins, betsie river fishing, flies, hex nymphs, manistee river fishing report, salmon egg patterns, sow bugs, winter steelhead
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