Arcadia / Upper Platte Accesson Platte River
What's working on Platte River
- 01BWO hatches (Size 14-22) are expected to be active this month.
- 02Focus on deeper runs and significant holding pools, particularly in the lower sections of the Platte River and near Lake Michigan Drive.
- 03Key patterns include egg imitations like the Blood Dot Egg and Glo Bug, and attractor streamers such as the Comet and Egg Sucking Leech.
- 04The Hot Pink Bunny Leech is a must-have for targeting aggressive Coho salmon.
- 05Employ a dead drift with egg patterns and larger nymphs, or swing streamers through deeper runs to entice strikes from migratory fish.
What to tie on at Arcadia / Upper Platte Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Comet
A classic attractor streamer for aggressive Steelhead and Coho salmon during their fall migration on the Platte River.
Buy at AmazonLittle Black Stonefly nymph
Winter stoneflies begin their migration toward the banks in late February. This is one of the few large protein sources active right now.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, crucial food sources for predatory fish in the Platte River during fall.
Glo Bug
A highly effective egg imitation for fall spawning runs on the Platte River, appealing to Steelhead, Lake-run browns, and Pacific salmon.
Buy at AmazonStonefly Nymph (Kaufmann's Stone)
Large stonefly nymphs are a significant year-round food source in the Platte River, appealing to both resident and migratory species.
Hot Pink Bunny Leech
Coho salmon are known to strike aggressively at pink patterns during their fall run on the Platte River.
Egg Sucking Leech
Combines two key fall food sources – eggs and leeches – making it irresistible to both migratory and resident fish in the Platte River.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the most consistent food source in Michigan rivers during February. A size 20-22 in black or red is a winter staple.
Buy at AmazonPheasant Tail Nymph
A universal imitation of small mayfly nymphs like BWOs that are present year-round. Use smaller sizes (18-20) for the best results in clear winter water.
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.