March Manistee River Fishing Report

Manistee River Report, March 20th 2018

Manistee River water level is 2000 cfs water temperature is 39 degrees.

Well it’s been a typical march for Michigan 60 degrees one day and snow the next. Looks like long range forecast is calling for warming temps for the remainder of the month.

Enough on the weather, steelhead fishing the last few weeks has been very good! And pretty consistent. New fish have been coming into our local rivers daily. We definitely could use some rain to bring our flows up and bring big numbers in. I expect fish to come in smaller pods until we get another push of water.

With the water clearing I’ve been using beads in more natural colors. Like light roe, or yellow. Smaller multi colored yarn flies have been effective as well. Steelhead buggers, hex nymphs, salmon fry, and caddis flies are worth a shot along with spawn and wax worms. Helps to change patterns or techniques. I’ve been bottom bouncing and backdropping bobbers mainly.  

Steelhead are in winter water by wood mostly, but some are starting to be caught around pockets and runs by gravel.  

Let’s get out and have some fun! 

God bless tight lines,

Chris