Fishing Report 9/6/24
General Overview
The rivers around Traverse City—Boardman, Manistee, Betsie, and Platte—are seeing starting to see late summer early fall conditions. The truth of the matter is we need rain. Rivers are running low and clear so you'll have to work at not spooking fish. Salmon are beginning to make their way into the rivers, while trout fishing has remained steady, offering anglers plenty of opportunities for action.
Boardman River
- Salmon: The first groups of salmon are starting to push up the river from the bay. Look for early mornings or late evenings to target these fish in deeper pools and runs. Swinging streamers like egg-sucking leeches or intruder patterns is effective, as is dead-drifting egg patterns.
- Trout: Fall trout fishing remains solid. We're finding Brown and Brook trout still willing to eat terrestrials on the surface. Nymphing with caddis or mayfly patterns (size 16-18) is productive, and stripping small streamers along the banks can trigger aggressive strikes from bigger browns.
Manistee River
- Salmon: The Manistee is a prime spot for salmon below Tippy Dam. These fish are powerful and aggressive. Try using larger streamers like woolly buggers and baitfish imitations, or dead-drift egg patterns behind spawning salmon. Be sure you're prepared for a good fight. We like to use 9 & 10wt rods for these big fish. Check out our Salmon Outfits here.
- Trout: Consistent trout action continues in the upper sections. A variety of terrestrials and attractors have been effective. With the low/clear water this time of year try a smaller pattern if large patterns are not getting much attention. Swinging small streamers also works well, especially in the early morning.
Betsie River
- Salmon: The Betsie River is seeing a solid push of King salmon as water temperatures drop. These fish are aggressive, so try swinging big, flashy streamers or fishing egg patterns in the riffles below spawning areas. Be sure you're prepared for a good fight. We like to use 9 & 10wt rods for these big fish. Check out our Salmon Outfits here.
Platte River
- Salmon: The Platte is starting to see see a few Coho and Chinook in the system. Drifting egg patterns, bead rigs, or large nymphs works well. Swinging bright streamers can also entice aggressive strikes. Be sure to check the regulations for rivers like the Platte before hitting the water.
- Trout: Fall trout fishing above Platte Lake is consistent, with good action for small rainbows. This is a fantastic place to build some confidence as a new angler. Throwing bright attractor patterns (dries, nymphs, & small streamers) continues to produce.
Recommendations
- Best Flies: Keep it simple this time of year!
- Salmon: Egg patterns, egg-sucking leeches, woolly buggers, beadhead nymphs (caddis, hare’s ear, pheasant tails), and streamer patterns like sculpins and baitfish imitations. Guide's Choice Dozen Flies
- Trout: Terrestrials & Attractors, patriots, hippie stompers, flying ants, chubby chernobyl, purple haze, stimulator, elk hair caddis. Guide's Choice Dozen Flies
- Water Conditions: Levels are low, but cooler temperatures are helping to keep fish active throughout the day.
- Gear: 9-10 wt rods for salmon, and 4-6 wt rods for trout with floating lines.
With salmon arriving and fall trout fishing still consistent, it's a great time to hit the rivers around Traverse City! Stay prepared for cooler mornings and hope for rain. Tight lines!