April Fishing Report

Tippy Dam Tailwater

April Fishing Report for the Big Manistee River in Wellston, Michigan.   

Spring weather has finally arrived and it’s been a interesting one at that! I have had pretty consistent steelhead fishing the last few weeks. Fish still have been trickling in and you have opportunities at them earlier in the mornings while the sun is low.

Egg flies in lighter colors like Oregon cheese and light roe orange have worked along with small stone flies, buggers and caddis nymphs, same goes with beads.

Size eight and tens, the trout fishing has really picked up! I have been catching a good variety of brown’s in the 12 to 16 inch range and few bigger one’s on the right days.  

April fishing for the fly fishermen have produced some real nice fish. Using swinging salmon fry patterns on a floating line, floating Rapala’s and shad Raps have worked as well. Natural colors like rainbow, black and silver are the ticket.

I think steelhead fishing will wind down the next few weeks but it’s still a good opportunity to catch a few as most of the anglers will be switching gears. I have a few open dates this next month don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re interested in a day of fishing.

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God bless and tight lines,

Chris Martin