Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Water Temp:
47
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 APRIL 26, 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. Warmer temps in the 50's and 60's this week with a little rain mixed in. Fish below the large silt beds (frog water) where large predator brown trout will lay waiting for small baitfish who move onto and off of the warm water running off of the dark water warming in the sunshine. Traditional trout season reopens April 26, 2025 statewide. 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 4/14/25
A mix of rain and sun this week. Air temps in the 50's and 60's are pushing water temps into the upper 40's and will make streamer fishing a good choice. Warm temps this week will help warm silt beds and push the streamer fishing. Watch the weather. Go to zip code 49684 for latest weather at your favorite weather site. Remember that special extended season regs began October 1, 2024. 2025 trout season will resume April 26. Check your Michigan regs.
Techniques & Tips as of 4/14/25
Streamer fishing will be the choice now that levels have dropped and water temps have improved. Sunshine this week will push water temps into the upper-40's. When streamer fishing, change color every 20 minutes. Look for deep water below silt beds that will be warming fast this week and sending warm water downstream where predators will be hanging out. Nymphing the riffles and Euro techniques in the deep holes will also be an effective method.
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): |
---|---|---|
Blue Wing Olive Parachute | N/A | #20-24 |
Bead Head Zug Bug | N/A | #12-14 |
Lightning Bug | pearl, silver | #14-16 |
Bead Head Woolly Bugger Streamer | white, olive, black | #4-6 |
Zebra nymph | black | #18 |
Perdigon nymphs | N/A | #16 |
Lynch's Double D Streamer | tan, olive | #4 |
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph | 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