Tag Archive for: streamer fishing

Upper Manistee River trout fishing report

Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing

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Upper Manistee River trout fishing report

Manistee River Trout Report

The Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing report for the second week of September has us entering a cool down as the fishing has become transitional.  It is starting to feel a lot like fall over the past few days. Cooler mornings mean streamer opportunities transitioning into dry fly options during the warmer parts of the day.  The streamer fishing should be the main focus with some weather days as we move forward. 

Water levels are starting to get below average as we moved into September.  With very little precipitation and warmer weather the flow really stepped down over the past few weeks.  Some rains and a decent bump in flow would be a good trigger for some decent streamer fishing.  Water temps have been primarily in the low 60s to the upper 50s heading into the weekend.  The water is dropping and very clear at this current time.

Heading into the weekend the upper sections near 72 have been clearing and dropping with temps peaking around 58-63 in the upper sections. The forecast looks like a lot of mid 70s heading our way. With cooler nights and shorter days, the water temps should remain in check and continue to drop in temp slowly.  You should always check before you go fishing, but water temps shouldn’t be a concern moving forward.  

Hopper Fishing

Upper Manistee River trout fishing report

Most of the hatches have run their course for the season.  There are still a few Isonychia, BWOs, White Miller’s around during the warmer parts of the day.  The Ants were spectacular in early September so make sure to have a few on hand. The Isonychia will probably phase out during the next cool down, but they will still get fish looking up this time of year.  

Usually this time of year the fish are still looking for a well presented Hopper/Terrestrial pattern.  Twitch it, drift it, move it, drag it, some movement can go a long way to getting a bite. On the warmer afternoon/evenings you may still encounter an “ant” hatch.  If the ants hit the water the fish will get pretty selective so pay attention to what you are seeing and how the fish are rising.  

Presentation has still been key. Match the tippet to fit the flies you are fishing. The bigger tippets have been making it easier to land some of the larger fish, but the water clarity is requiring good presentation to capitalize on them. The big flies are still getting some attention, but you may need to size down to get the bite in the clear water.  If you are observant the fish will tell you what they want that day.

Night Fishing 

The night fishing was much improved during the September New Moon.  The fishing was more consistent this time around on quality, but we still had to grind on many occasions.  It’s been interesting to see how the higher flows have been impacting the fishing this year. You have to be quick to adapt this year and understand that day to day conditions will impact your success.  Beefing up the fly size seemed to be what the fish wanted lately.   

The past week provided some volume nights, but the quality of the fish we encountered was better overall.  The recent cool down made it more challenging at times, but the larger fish were hunting with more vigor through the recent new moon. The best flies this season have been McCoy’s Mouse and the Amphibious Assault.

The night fishing can be exciting! But, there’s something to be said about grinding out an entire night while staying on top of your opportunities.  It’s not easy and the hours suck, but the rewards can be massive!

Didymo

Consider the ENTIRE RIVER TO BE CONTAMINATED and treat it as such. Clean, Drain, Dry your gear before entering another Body of Water.  Currently, there are no known effective methods to eradicate didymo once it is established in a river.  To prevent spreading Didymo and other aquatic invasive species, it is critical to thoroughly Clean, Drain and Dry waders, equipment, and boats upon leaving a waterway.

  • Clean by removing mud and debris from all surfaces.
  • Use a 10% Solution of Dishwashing Soap with hot water for 10 minutes (Example 1 gallon of water is 12.8 oz of Dawn Soap). Then it must dry for 48 hours (mandatory if your fishing different water systems)

Trout Guide Trips 

Make sure to book your dates now for 2027!  If you’re looking to book a Trout Guide Trip you can reach us at 231-631-5701 (leave a message or text) or shoot us an email. 

Tight Lines,

Ed

SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity

SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity

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SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity

brown trout picture

Day Time Hex Eater

A new line was introduced in the past month the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity  and have had the pleasure to test it out over the last month.  Line showed up during Hex Season, even though my go to line for Hex is the Glow Line , but I have a few days each year that allow daytime fishing of the Hex Hatch.  Turning over big dry flies into tight quarters is a must and the New Smooth Infinity was up to the task.

Location, Location, Location

During the last thee weeks the line continues to bring it’s A game to Northern Michigan. With the foam bite (hoppers, ants, and beetles) mixed in with twitching (small streamers on a floating line) these two methods are a huge part of my summer program for trout.  Having a line that can deliver dry flies to within inches of a log, but still has the energy to turn over a small weighted streamer with a tungsten cone head into a deep pool.  Is a must for me, nice to have confidence that the SA Smooth Infinity can do both without missing a beat.

Local Fly Shop

If you have ever spent much time with me in the boat, and we talk equipment you know how I feel about fly lines, it is the most important part of your equipment!  Make sure to stay on top of the latest technology and check them out at your local fly shop.  Also if you see me on the water and want to take a test cast just ask.

Amplitude Smooth Infinity from Scientific Anglers on Vimeo.

There’s a reason we call this line the Infinity: there is no end to what you’ll be able to do with it. The Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity taper is a half-size heavy freshwater line built for everything from panfish to pike. With a long rear taper and extended front taper, it’s delicate for dry flies, has enough power for streamers, and can mend line for nymph rigs with equal ability. Built with the AST Plus slickness additive, Infinity lines are 50% slicker than any other SA line, and will last, on average, eight times longer than any line from the competition.

Remember: REAL NERDS GET ALL THE FISH.

russ maddin streamer fishing

Streamer Fishing article with Russ Maddin

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Great article about steamer fishing featuring good friend and fellow guide Russ Maddin.  Russ, shares a few of this beliefs about streamer fishing.  Check out this article, it will help you become a better streamer fisherman.  NO matter the species you chase, from brown trout to muskie.

Picture of the Day – Jumping Brown Trout

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jumping brown troutSometimes it is better to be lucky , had the camera at ready for some reason at the right time for this jumping brown trout.  Love the spraying water effect.  Feel free to click on the photo and you will go to my Smug Mug page as well, to see a larger size.

Catch and Release – Pic of the Day

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brown trout catch and release

First Day with Scott Radian 907

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Will do a little more talking about the Scott Radian 907 in the future , but just wanted to post a couple quick pics from a personal trout streamer day with Ed McCoy yesterday.  Was my first day with 907 and so glad I bought one, great rod for the Michigan trout scene.  Perfect with my 250 SA sink tip.

 Perfect streamer rod for Michigan trout streams.

Lamprey match the hatch

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With the official start of lamprey season (chestnut lamprey),  the biggest match the hatch we have here in Michigan for our streamer program.  Not that there is really a season for lamprey, but I just happened to notice they the crawled out of the mud this week. Some people have told me trout don’t eat lamprey.  Okay.  If they don’t eat them, I’m fine with that, but they sure don’t like them.  Pictured below is a trout we caught this weekend on an imitation lamprey streamer pattern.  This trout had 11 different lamprey attached to him and out of anger destroyed my simple fur and feather pattern.

IMG_7066 IMG_7097

 

Trout season has started

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IMG_6752A great way to start the trout season with a true yellow belly.  Jon B scores a great michigan trout, while streamer fishing on the Upper Manistee.  All indications point to a great trout season ahead of us.