Michigan Fishing Reports for 3/17/2011

Archived report for 3/17/2011.

We also have daily updates on Third Coast Fly.

Reference page for USGS real time stream data.

Sharp looking single page pdf for bulletin boards and counter tops.

"The Pere Marquette River is an almost entirely wild or non-hatchery fishery. If you want the fishing to get better
you have to release fish so that they can spawn and make new fish."

Pere Marquette Fishing Report and Baldwin Fishing Report (3/17/2011)
Level – above average (936 cfm and rising) Temp – around 40 Color – perfect color Fishing – steelhead good

The snow is melting, stoneflies are crawling and the steelhead have hit the gravels. The upper half of the river has spawning steelhead as well as steelhead in the holes and pockets, water temp, level and color is perfect. The lower river was fishable yesterday but may be too dirty today and into the weekend. The past week showed slower fishing in the lower river, though this higher and warmer water is just what we need to trigger a large push of fresh steelhead. There are still some lake run browns and cohos around but not as many as last week. Kevin

Manistee Fishing Report (3/17/2011)
Level – average (1710 cfm and rising) Temp – 36 Color – stained Fishing – steelhead ok

With the Manistee River on the rise and showing more color the steelhead bite has slowed. Getting on the bottom with the same old egg and black stonefly/hex/alevin patterns seems to be the best ticket. A couple higher degrees of water temp on the Big Man would make a world of difference. Kevin

Muskgon Fishing Report (3/17/2011)
Level – low average (2380 cfm and rising) Temp – 36 Color – clear Fishing – trout good, steelhead ok

Rain and warmer temps over the last week have brought the river level up. Daytime temps are in the mid to upper 30s. Trout fishing remains good with small nymphs and eggs working best. Steelhead are beginning to move into deeper runs with the higher/warmer water. Eggs and leach patterns are productive, also try swinging your favortie big streamer in the deeper runs!

Below is Phil Cusey's favorite spring stonefly the Easily Stoned. This patterns is very easy to tie and effective making it the perfect "guide" fly. You can get the tying directions and materials list here. Phil

Hamlin Lake Fishing Report (3/17/2011) – Steve has declaired the ice too risky, his next update will be from a boat. The picture below is from Ludington State Park last week. Steve
***WARNING — Ice conditions can change quickly, especially in the spring.

Lake Michigan Fishing Reports

ReferRe

Reference page for Lake Michigan information.

Ludington Fishing Report (
Pere Marquette Lake Fishing Report (3/17/2011) – Steve has declaired the ice too risky, his next update will be from a boat. Steve
***WARNING — Ice conditions can change quickly, especially in the spring.

Ludington Pier Fishing Report (3/17/2011) – No reliable reports from this past week. As you can see from the picture the Ludington Piers and Basin are completely ice free and open. Kevin

Pentwater Fishing Report (3/17/2011) – Steelhead are still being caught at the river mouth. Steve has declaired the ice unsafe, his next report will be from a boat. Steve
***WARNING — Ice conditions can change quickly, especially in the spring.