Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Temp:
46°
Water Temp:
54
Streamside Michigan's Tip of the Week
UPPER MANISTEE RIVER IS NOW OPEN. CHECK MICHIGAN DNR REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC GEAR RESTRICTIONS. High water from heavy rain to start the week will stain the water and make wading difficult. Streamer fish the high water and as the levels lower mid-week, be ready to switch to Hendrickson fishing. Look for the emergence around midday when water temps reach 53 degrees. Hendrickson spinners will come to the water later in the day around 5-6pm when air temps are warmest. Early week or mornings, have a sink tip and your streamer box. Look for baitfish to gather over the silt beds and predatory fish to lay below them in the warmer water getting hungry. DON'T FORGET YOUR 2024 ALL SPECIES FISHING LICENSE IS NEEDED NOW. Go to: https://www.mdnr-elicense.com
Directions open in app
Water Flow Data
5-Day Outlook as of 4/29/24
Rainy and cool to start the week, but warm 70's and a little rain as the week progresses. Hatches of Hendrickson will continue and water will clear mid-week. Fishing will be good, but wading can be difficult until levels lower. Should be a good start to the Hendricksons with water warm and fish starting to feed. Go to zip code 49684 for latest weather at your favorite weather site.
Techniques & Tips as of 4/29/24
Warmer temps will help the streamer bite in the dirty water to start the week. Hendrickson hatches have been good and will continue. As water lowers and clears from heavy rain, hatch fishing will take over from noon to 6pm. To start the day around noon, Fish a dun Hendrickson with a Queen of the Waters or a nymph dropper. Then ditch the dropper when you see feeding fish around midday. When streamer fishing early in the week or mornings, change streamer color every 20 minutes until you have a take, then stay with it for 30 minutes. If it slows down, start changing again.
Local Species Available Entire Upper Manistee is now open with special gear restrictions.
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Brown and brook trout
Streamside Michigan's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Bead Head Hare's Ear Nymph | N/A | #14 |
Orvis CJ Nymph | copper | #14 |
Red Quill | N/A | #14 |
Dark Hendrickson | N/A | #12-14 |
Lord's Extended Body Hendrickson | N/A | #12-14 |
Loop Winged Hendrickson Emerger | N/A | #14 |
Blue Winged Olive | N/A | #18 |
Adams | N/A | #12-14 |
Lord's Egg Laying Hendrickson | N/A | #12-14 |
Mini D and D | tan, black, olive | #4-6 |
Streamside Michigan's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Class V Sink Tip Fly Line