Spring Fishing Progresses

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 16, 2013

Last week’s great weather was interrupted by cooler weather complete with snowflakes and rain over the weekend leading to a drop in water temperatures. Now that the sun is out again and warmer weather is back, water temps are climbing again and the bug emergences are a little more predictable with fish often taking advantage offering decent dry fly activity.

On the local rivers like the Manistee, AuSable and Boardman, look for Hendricksons to continue (both light and dark), March Browns, Black Caddis, a few BWOs, little brown stones, Black Quills and a trickle of Mahoganies. Spinners have been collecting above the riffle sections but the time of day they hit fall to the water varies on the bug and the conditions of the day – it’s been all over the place. Keep some sulphurs in your box because they are on deck. As mentioned in last week’s report, fish streamers between emergences and cover water – one bend can be void of fish while the next bend can have good bugs and rising fish. Streamer fishing has improved, but it still requires a lot of casts and changing of the patterns between fish. Having a rigged dry fly rod in the boat is a great way to be prepared when a trout snout breaks the surface.

The bluegill action continues on the local lakes and ponds as the bigger fish move from the depths to shallow water to spawn. Very small streamers and “swimming nymphs” do a great job sub-surface where various dries have been effective on top especially when the water is calm.  Largemouth bass are swimming and lurking in the shallows but are mostly sub-surface eaters this time of year including small bluegill that may have eaten your fly.

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
Father’s Day – Ask for or give a gift certificate to dad this Father’s Day – June 16 2013
Hex Fishing - Some dates still available for the big bugs and big fish in mid/late June
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all 2013 seasons – don’t miss out on this year’s fishing

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

Rivers are coming down and fish are starting to look up!

Posted by Brian Pitser - May 1, 2013

The waters on the local rivers are starting to come down and clear up.  Still use caution in wading!! There are a good number of steelhead below Tippy on the Big Manistee and the trout are starting to feed more with the warmer water temps.  The Upper Betsie has a good number of steelhead in right now, as well as the Boardman below Sabin Dam.

Trout:  The Boardman is looking good, and look for Hendricksons, Black Caddis to produce fish in the late afternoon hours.  The Upper Manistee is tea-colored and coming down-streamers have been producing fish and stoneflies, Hendricksons, and Caddis are coming off in the afternoon with fish just starting to key in on the bugs.  This is a great time to get out and fish some streamers, dries and soft hackles.

Rain and Snow Melt-Bring on the Fish!

Posted by Brian Pitser - April 11, 2013

Snow, wind and rain have brought up the rivers to a flood stage.  Bear Creek is up and out of the banks, the Boardman River should be marginal, but should still fish below Sabin.  Big Manistee is way up, but still running with 1-2' of visibility.  Temperatures are starting to climb with the water levels.  The fish are still bright and tight on the Manistee with Walleye just starting to show up this week and no sign of suckers (thank goodness!)  The Betsie is up and dirty as well, but has still been fishing in the upper sections and just below the dam.  USE EXTREME CAUTION if you are wading this weekend!  

Big, bright eggs have been the ticket this week-paired with an egg sucking leech or steelie bugger.  Flashy patterns have been working for streamers and nymphs.  The Upper Manistee has been decent for streamer fishing if you are willing to put the time and effort in to getting a nice reward.  

Fishing should be good for the next two to three weeks.  As the water starts to drop, the water will warm and the fish should be pouring in with the warmer temperatures and water surge.  There are still a few spring dates available if you are looking to chase steelhead.

Spring Steelhead Time!

Posted by Brian Pitser - April 3, 2013

The run is on!  Fish are pouring into the river systems at this time.  Bright fish are showing up and staging in the runs and holes below gravel. Egg patterns have been the ticket this week with bright patterns working well.  The Manistee River, below Tippy Dam is fishing really well all the way down through the lower end.  Water is up and a slight stain with caddis, black stoneflies, and fry patterns working in conjunction with egg patterns. 

The Betsie is fishing well below Homestead Dam and fish are holding and moving through to hit the gravel above the dam.  The Boardman is fishing well from Sabin Dam down and the lower end through town has been producing some nice fish as well.  Bear Creek is hitting it's peak with fish on gravel and holding in the runs and deeper pockets.

Trout fishing on the Upper Manistee has been producing a few nice fish on streamers as well, if you are looking to beat the crowds.

Old Man Winter Shows his Ugly Face

Posted by Brian Pitser - March 19, 2013

Fishing has been good over the past few weeks, with sunny days being productive.  Fish are on the move on the Manistee, Boardman and Betsie Rivers.  The lower sections have been producing bright fish on all rivers and the spring run is on.  With the winter weather returning, the fish are holding in slower, deep pools and runs.  Look for egg patterns, hex, buggers and stones to be the most productive patterns.  The extended forecast for next week looks like temperatures will break and give way to better, more comfortable fishing conditions.  

More Steelhead Entering the River

Posted by Brian Pitser - February 25, 2013

Sunshine and the fresh snow have been pulling more fish into the local rivers.  The Boardman has been productive from Union Street Dam down with swing flies and stonefly nymphs.

We have been doing well on the Big Manistee River, both below Tippy Dam and further down in the system.  Fish have been holding on sand and in the slower runs and pools, with good numbers of fish being caught for this time of year.  If you are thinking about getting in on some winter action for steelhead, now is the time.  We have some openings and spring dates are starting to get booked up.

Streamer fishing for browns has been productive on the warmer days and it is a great time to be on the river.  Get out and fish