Fishing the Betsie River

The Betsie river is one of two major river systems which flow through Benzie County. The following information from Ted Kraimer of Current Works guided fly fishing trips is an informative summary of the characteristics of the river:

"The Betsie River is located in Benzie/Manistee Counties, 30 miles south of Traverse City, and is most known for its steelhead and salmon fishing. The river itself has a mix of sand, gravel and clay bottoms, and the depths vary from long shallow flats to short, deep, cool holes for fish to hold in.The river is anywhere between 30 and 60 feet wide and is relatively easy to wade when using common sense. The Betsie River flows from Green Lake to Frankfort and offers anglers some of the finest salmon and steelhead fishing in the northern Michigan."

While trout fishing is not its strong suit, the trout season opened last week, and the migratory seasons of late August through early May are prime for steelhead, lake-run browns, coho, and chinook.

"Because of the watershed’s composition, the Betsie River can be easily affected by rain and run-off, and this impacts the fishing. While these surges of water “muck-up” the fishing for a while, it is the catalyst that brings more migratory fish into the river — take the good with the bad. The banks are mostly covered with trees, tags and other vegetation, so those with a good roll cast will be the most rewarded. When fishing below Homestead Dam you will find the highest concentration of anglers, which is why I prefer to take clients to more secluded sections of the river. Regardless of where you fish the steelhead and salmon in this size river, you will find that landing them is challenging, adding to the experience."

When up north in Benzie County, take County Rd 669 (North of Thompsonville) south to a left (east) turn on Wallin Rd to another left onto Reynolds Rd, to the bridge and check out the fishing.  While there, take a look at this amazing vacant parcel.  This is a large 10+ acre parcel with over 900' of Betsie River frontage. The 10 acres has been split into three separate 3 acre parcels with 300' river frontage each. Each has its own separate tax ID and are being sold separately at $65,000 each; or as one 10 acre parcel at $165,000. Take a closer look and let me be your river guide as you aim high for your northern Michigan dream parcel. Thank you, Vince Edwards