Betsy/Manistee Confluence Areaon Big Manistee River
Chinook Salmon are actively spawning
- 01Chinook Salmon are actively spawning, creating prime conditions for egg patterns.
- 02Steelhead are entering the river system, actively feeding on salmon eggs and baitfish.
- 03Brown Trout are aggressive, keying in on abundant egg sources and larger baitfish imitations.
- 04Sparse fall hatches of Blue-Winged Olives may offer dry fly opportunities, especially on overcast afternoons.
What to tie on at Betsy/Manistee Confluence Area
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Little Black Stonefly nymph
Winter stoneflies are one of the few large aquatic insects active in Michigan rivers during February; this is a high-protein meal for lethargic trout.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific hatch during the winter months. A black or red Zebra Midge is a staple for both resident trout and holding steelhead.
Buy at AmazonYellow Sally
Yellow Sally stoneflies are abundant along freestone streams during summer, making this a key dry fly pattern for opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonStimulator
A large attractor dry fly, imitating golden stoneflies or grasshoppers during the summer terrestrial season, effective in faster water.
Buy at AmazonOlive Sculpin (Drunk and Disorderly)
Fall is prime streamer season for large brown trout, and sculpin imitations are excellent for predatory fish looking for a substantial meal in the cooling water.
Buy at AmazonEgg Sucking Leech
In the fall, migrating salmon and steelhead, as well as resident brown trout, will aggressively strike leech and egg combination patterns.
Buy at AmazonComet
This general attractor streamer is effective in the fall and winter for both steelhead and coho salmon, and can entice Chinook as well.
Buy at AmazonIntruder (Steelhead)
Intruder patterns are specifically designed for Steelhead and are highly effective year-round, especially for enticing aggressive strikes from fall-run fish.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Chinook Salmon are actively spawning in the fall, making egg patterns highly effective for both salmon and opportunistic trout and steelhead below spawning beds.
Buy at AmazonMichigan season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.