Now that we’re in April, the weather is acting accordingly with some rain, warmer air temps and snow melt. The steelhead have noticed, too. The rainfall over last weekend increased flows nicely and brought a fresh push of fish in the river systems with more to come after the next weather event. Because the winter’s thaw has been prolonged water conditions have been ideal; levels are slightly increased and the clarity is decent throughout both the Manistee and Betsie rivers. With the forecast, the amount of snow left in the woods and the gradual pace of the thaw, look for the season to be spread out through the month of April – of course this can all change with one significant warm rainfall.
Water temps have increased and have been holding closer to 40 degrees on the Manistee inspiring the first of the spawners to hit the gravel to do their annual reproduction activity. You will find fish in pocket water all around the gravel patches and in the deeper holes near gravel sections. Fry patterns, caddis and various egg patterns have been out producing the other patterns but each day is different and mixing it up and covering water should find you success.
Good Luck,
Ted
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Steelhead – Spring is already booked but it’s not too early to get your fall dates secured. Late Sept. – Nov.
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