Had the chance to guide the past couple days for spring steelhead. Felt so good to get back on the water and do what I love to do. Also I will not lie yesterday’s sun felt so so good. Bill pictured below with a very nice Michigan spring lake-run rainbow.
So I have to admit I probably could of gone farther out into the river, but I was a scaredy cat. I am pictured below at the boat ramp of rainbow bend standing out pasted the end of the ramp in about 4-5 foot of water. That was enough for me. To say the least the lower end of the Manistee River has some shelf ice.
Had the opportunity yesterday (Sunday, January 19th) to take Ben and John out for a little half day steelhead trip. While getting out on the river has been a little more difficult than I’m used to this winter, the fishing still remains pretty rock solid. With some of the best weeks of the winter/early spring season just ahead of us. Have always been a fan of the February. Days growing longer and no spring crowds.
Early season (late Sept – Novemeber) is all about the chrome, but now as winter sets in. This year especially with mother nature giving us plenty of snow and cold so far, the red-strips are making a strong appearance. Big bucks with single and double strips are starting to show up in our catches. Yesterday in the snow this big buck gave us his best, and his rosy checks just plain stood out.
Winter steelhead fishing is truly in full effect and plenty of fish around for a great day. Check out the fishing reports at hawkinsflyfishing.com as we play through out the winter. Give me a call or shoot me an email if your interested in a full or half day.
With water temperatures holding in the low 40’s my days are numbered on the jumping pictures. But here is one from late last week. With a fresh push of chrome hitting a rising river, hope to get a couple more chances at my elusive perfect pic. So far for 2013 this is my favorite.
The rain had finally stopped, I had the camera set up with the proper ISO, rapid fire was engaged, and my 70-200 with IS was ready. But this steelhead just would not leave the comforts of the river. As water temps have dropped into the 40’s now (48 yesterday). My season of capturing the ultimate jump shot is shrinking. Oh well.
On a positive note last weeks swing game was great. This week I’m looking forward to the challenge of high water. Yesterday with water levels going from 1700 to 2500 cfs we still found a handful of players. Once water levels maintain for a few days and I dial in the color combo’s, I expect a good week on the streamer game again.
Dan C. with a super silver fall steelhead from the Manistee River. Dan also sporting a Mangled Fly Hoodie. (MFM green can barely be seen, but it’s there) With the forecast of 40’s and mix (rain/snow) the down puffs and hoodie will be a staple the rest of the year. Steelhead fishing is pretty darn good right now. Thank you Dan for a great day.
Better get ready to rumble this year, as fish are bigger than normal on the West side. Pictured is Jon with a big boy from the Manistee River from this Friday, Oct 11th. Two-Handed rods are start to come out, as heavy angling pressure is pushing the fish off of the gravy train and into the spots I call home.
The contrast of the bright orange pants with the green tree line, and the pure beauty of a Michigan fall run steelhead. I love taking pictures of these fish.
Colors seem to explode yesterday morning (once the rain stopped), this bank along the Manistee River always has great color and is a wonderful back drop for anglers as we search for chrome.
Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass