The steelhead run really seemed to peak once we finally had some 42 degree water temperatures. Those temperatures didn’t last long at all. We are well above 45 degrees now and the run is starting to slow down considerably. It seems as though the fish still in the system are finishing their spawning routines and dropping back to the big lake. The fish we have hooked over the weekend were all drop backs making their way home to the big lake. These fish are usually sporting some awesome colors! I will be guiding one more week for steelhead but I am preparing to switch gears for trout and walleye. As sad as I am to see the steelhead clear out, I am looking forward to the warm water and weather that awaits in the seasons ahead. This will be my last weekly fishing report until the king run in the fall. We did make note of tons of browns feeding on the surface over the weekend, I believe it wouldn’t have taken much to entice one to hit a dry fly. Until next time, tight lines!

It’s amazing the difference one week can make! We went from high, fast, and muddy water to low and much clearer water in a short time. The water temperature finally reached 42 degrees for the first time this season on Saturday the 12th. That seemed to really turn the fish on. Saturday we hooked a few nice ones, Sunday we were rarely bored with all the action we were getting. Spawn and plugs were both getting a lot of attention. The Manistee River is loaded with fresh fish and some that have started spawning already. More natural presentations were getting the most attention. This week should be a peak time in the spring run. This cooler spring should keep fish in the system longer. Until next time good luck and tight lines!

Spring is in the air finally! Fishing has been on fire on the "Big" Manistee River lately. In the previous weeks success was common with beads, spawn, and other smaller presentations. The fish were almost lethargic and would not hit bigger presentations very hard due to the cold temperatures. Fresh fish were moving through the system constantly. The water finally reached 40 degrees on March 28th. March 29th brought several inches of rain and rose the water level from 9.02 feet to 10.22 feet at the Wellston USGS monitor. The water was high and a dark brown color. Bigger more colorful presentations were proving to be useful. Plugs with bright flashy colors did well, as did bright chartreuse spawn and larger brighter bead presentations. We did well plugging in the muddy water last week. On Friday April 4th we hooked a fresh female that was moving upriver, providing all indications of a couple more weeks of prime steelhead fishing. The water levels have started to fall and clear up. We are in for some warmer temps in the coming days and fishing should be fantastic! Tight lines and safe boating!