Betsie

[toto]

Went yesterday, 3-7-00, the system was loaded with steel. Went 5 for 6, with some of prettiest chrome steelies I have ever seen. The biggest was about 13#, the further down stream you went the brighter the fish were. Beautiful chrome with slight pink stripes, suitable for mounting.

[Steve]

Heaven's to Betsie, what a day that must have been :)

[DEERSLAYER]

I used to fish steelhead in the Betsie before they started planting them { parents have a cabin in Thompsonville }and it could be inconsistent.Maybe I should try it again { although I hate the crowds }.

[toto]

I believe with the new trout regulations increasing the size limit to 10" on steelhead on the Betsie, you may well see a better steelhead fishery in the near future. A little hint, fish during the week if you can, a lot less crowded.<"><

[WEEZER]

Hey Bill, How's the summer trout action on the Betsie? My goal for the summer: 20 inch brown!!!!! I may not get to see the end of the steelie run so I'm going to travel to wherever necessary to find that brown!!!!!
Even if it's in a trout pond:-)
~Rick

[DEERSLAYER]

Weezer,if you want BIG browns try the Muskegon river below Croton dam { the first 2-3 miles are good ).While the river is known more for rainbows in the trout fishing arena, there are VERY large browns[ much bigger than 20 inches!! { and no, I'm not exagerating }].If you find out how to cath them, let me know! All can seem to get is the little ones {12-16"}.You don't see people catching them very often but if you check the DNR web site you will see they plant quite a few of them every year.Where do they all go? I assure you they are not dying! Hope you catch that HOG.

[toto]

The summer brown action on the upper Betsie is quite good. You can catch quite a few decent browns, 13-15" with the occasional bigger one. Since you live down in the area, you check out the Chippewa river just west of Midland. Believe it or not there are a lot of browns in there that are a nice size, good chance of a 20"+ in there. Go where the river crosses under M-20, the road that runs from M-46 to Sanford, caught a lot of nice browns in there. Nice rises to mayflies when hatching. <"><

[WEEZER]

Well, I made it out fishing today and did fairly well!(No crowds, thank god) and I got to hear my drag scream! Maybe I'll have some pictures to post soon.
I have fished the Chip. but mainly for smallmouth. I have caught 18 inch bronzebacks there but no big trout.
DEERSLAYER, In relations to the Big M. how wide is the Mo. in that stretch of river below Croton??

[DEERSLAYER]

how wide is the Mo. in that stretch of river below Croton??

Sorry Weezeer, maybe it's because I just woke up but I didn't understand the above abbreviation in you question.

[WEEZER]

Oh I meant the Muskegon(Mo.). Sorry!

[DEERSLAYER]

100-200 feet. Average probly about 100-120 ft. Most of it is wadeable but you have to be carefull because the current can be quite strong.