Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
56
Streamside Michigan's Tip of the Week
UPPER MANISTEE RIVER IS NOW OPEN FROM CO612 TO M72 CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY. M72 TO CCC BRIDGE IS OPEN FLIES-ONLY CATCH AND RELEASE BROOK TROUT AND BROWN TROUT UNTIL LAST SATURDAY IN APRIL, 2025. CHECK MICHIGAN DNR REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIC GEAR RESTRICTIONS. Special regulations will apply after September 30, 2024. Extended season rules will apply. Please check Michigan DNR fishing regs. Streamer fish mornings and change to midday attractor/rubber-legged fishing early in the week with mid to upper 70's. Streamer fishing from Airport to CCC will be good as rain and cooler temps arrive late in the week. Keep an eye out for blue-winged olives early mornings and evenings in the quiet bank water. Hot temps to start the week will provide fair attractor fishing. Traditional trout season ended September 30, 2024. Special extended season regulations will take effect October 1, 2024. Check your Michigan DNR regs. DON'T FORGET YOUR 2024 ALL SPECIES FISHING LICENSE IS NEEDED NOW. Go to: https://www.mdnr-elicense.com
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Water Flow Data
5-Day Outlook as of 10/28/24
Very warm sunny weather to start the week will make attractor/rubber legged dry fly fishing still a good tactic. Cooler temps in the 50's later in the week with some rain will push the streamer bite which is excellent now. Some post-spawn browns are now aggressive. Watch for baetis (tiny BWO's #24) emergences and spinnerfalls at dawn and evenings in the quiet water along banks. Sipping feeders will set up in the back-eddies as well. Go to zip code 49684 for latest weather at your favorite weather site. Remember that regular fishing season ends September 30 and that special extended season regs will take effect October 1, 2024. Check your Michigan regs.
Techniques & Tips as of 10/28/24
Streamer fish the early mornings. Midday attractor fishing is fair with rubber-legged patterns early week. Late in the week, change to streamer fishing all day with rising levels and off-color water as rain arrives. Watch for dawn to early morning and evening emergences and spinnerfalls of BWO's along banks in the quiet water.
Local Species Available The Upper Manistee begins special fishing restrictions beginning October 1, 2024. 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): |
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Blue Wing Olive Parachute | N/A | #20-24 |
Dave's Oh-So-Iso | N/A | #12 |
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger | N/A | #20-24 |
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer | white, olive, black | #4-6 |
PMX | yellow, peacock, or | #12 |
BWO thorax | N/A | #20 |
Lynch's Double D Streamer | tan, olive | #4 |
Adam's Purple Parachute | N/A | #12-14 |
Gartside Soft-Hackled Streamer | yellow, black, or white | #4-6 |
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