Fishing Report 9/22/23

September 22, 2023 Northern Angler Fishing Report

Fall is definitely here calendar wise, but it feels more like late August with mild temps at night at warm temperatures during the day. A very nice extension to our summer but it is making the migratory fish season a bit tough.  We could use more rain and the cooler temperatures will be here soon enough. 

The Upper Manistee

Trout fishing on the Upper Manistee has been surprisingly good still for dries!  Ants, hoppers, rubber legged attractor patterns have been getting much attention from the trout. Small bead head and cone head streamers have been working well too. The bookies are showing more of their spawning color and it seems like the browns are doing the same. Couple that with the autumn colors from the trees and it makes for a truly beautiful fall day. 

Lower Manistee River

The lower Manistee below Tippy could definitely use more water, but the salmon are running and we even found some cohos this week mixed in with the kings. Looking forward to a great fall season on the Big River!  

The Boardman River

The Boardman has been a bit more hit or miss this past week with mixed reports. Flying ants, nymphs and small streamers have been successfully producing trout on the days they want to play. Keep in mind the Boardman and it’s tributaries close to all fishing the last Saturday in September. There always seems to be confusion on that when we get the phone calls at the shop to what the limit is on Kids Creek or Mitchell Creek in mid to late October. 

 

If you are in the area, stop by the shop and check out our latest fall gear, or simply go to our website and peruse everything we offer there. We will be having fly tying classes organizing for the late fall and winter. There are still spots available for the Cuba trip Matt is hosting in late November and 2 spots left on the January trip I am hosting.  Get out and enjoy some fall fishing.  I’m taking my own advice and heading up to the UP to chase Musky with Ed McCoy of Mangled Fly and really looking forward to seeing the fall colors and maybe a musky. Have a great week!