Fishing Report 3/29/19

I think it is finally safe to say now that spring is here in Northern Michigan. Most of our snow has disappeared but the bays and inland lakes are hanging on to their ice. Temperatures next week are continuing to trend upward but the overnight lows will keep spring from advancing too fast. 

Steelhead fishing has gotten better this past week on our local rivers and streams. Some days are still better than others of course but guides are reporting clients hooking fish daily.  Successful anglers are staying flexible as fish are not yet keyed in on anything specific. Make sure to carry beads and yarn eggs in a few shades of orange; Glow Roe, Fireball, and Clown have all produced. Remember that nymphs are important this time of year as well; Buggers, Stoneflies, and Fry have all been catching fish. 

River levels have been fairly stable on the Manistee but the Lower Betsie has been high and dirty but still fishable. The Boardman in Traverse City has stable but fresh fish are scattered and probably waiting for the ice on the bay to break up. 

Trout anglers are probing the depths with streamers on the Upper Manistee but water temperatures are still cold and most fish remain lethargic. Make sure to bring your saw if you're out floating as there are trees down in some sections that have yet to be cleared out. A long rope is a good idea as well with plenty of ice still on the ramps. Change your flies often as preferences change daily. We've been fishing Sex Dungeons, Circus Peanuts, Muddy Buddy, Sculpzilla, and woolly buggers in every color imaginable but make sure you have black, tan, and yellow.