Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Temp:
35°
Water Temp:
51
Streamside Michigan's Tip of the Week
UPPER MANISTEE RIVER IS NOW UNDER SPECIAL REGULATIONS UNTIL APRIL 27, 2024. CHECK MICHIGAN DNR REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC GEAR RESTRICTIONS AND CATCH AND RELEASE RIVER SECTIONS FROM M72 TO CCC. Warm week ahead will make streamer fishing a good choice. Levels are dropping to near normal following rain over the weekend making wading much easier. Look for baitfish to gather over the silt beds and predatory fish to lay below them in the warmer water getting hungry. Water temps are rising to near the magic 53 degree hatch number. Opening Day next week may feature Hendrickson emergences. 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 4/15/24
Highs in the low 50's to low 60's this week. Very little rain mid-week. Levels are near normal and water temps are risisng into the low 50's. The warm afternoon air temps are inspiring anglers to hit the river. Go to zip code 49684 for latest weather at your favorite weather site.
Techniques & Tips as of 4/15/24
Warmer temps will help the streamer bite and make wading downstream pulling streamers the favored tactic. 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 Upper still open with special regs in selected sections until 4/27/24. Check regs
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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 | #16-14 |
Bead Head Prince | N/A | #14 |
Bead Head Zug Bug | N/A | #14 |
Bead Head Stonefly | N/A | #14 |
Zuggler | black, olive, white, | #4 |
Bead Head Bugger | black | #4-8 |
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph | N/A | #14 |
TH Zebra Midge | black | #20-22 |
Gartside Soft-Hackled Streamer | yellow, black, or white | #4-6 |
Mini D and D | N/A | #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