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!