Fishing Report 4/8/22

Wow, we have gotten a lot of rain and our rivers are big!

THE BIG MANISTEE

The big man is running high and dirty but we are still finding fish daily. This week large bright egg patterns and green caddis nymphs have been the ticket. Make sure you have some smolt patterns in your box this spring, it will definitely pay off in the next few weeks. With temperatures on the rise, we will be seeing more fish seeking gravel and beginning to spawn. 

Big Manistee River Gauge

Just a reminder, make sure you have a current 2022 fishing license and avoid fishing to steelhead actively working gravel!

THE BETSIE

The river is beyond high and out of it's banks in many places. Fish are spread out with all this water but focus your time on the soft water close to bubble lines. Large egg patterns and stoneflies have been productive lately. Don't be afraid to tie up some seriously large yarn eggs to get the attention of these fish. Often we run a two fly system with an "enticer" pattern up front to grab their attention and something more natural as the second fly. 

THE BOARDMAN

All reports indicate fishing on the Boardman has slowed below Union street dam. It should pick right back up this weekend as the water levels continue to drop and fresh fish continue to enter the river from Grand Traverse Bay. 

Boardman River Gauge (Beitner)