The hex hatch is winding down on most rivers however the fish are still looking to eat after a steady diet of mayflies that past six weeks. Night time becomes less the target time to get out once July hits with morning’s offering some of the better opportunities to take advantage of low light and cooler temperatures. And fewer recreational users.
More bugs on the water recently have the fish looking up more and looking to feed when the mayflies come drifting downstream. It’s like the bugs get bigger and bigger through late May and June and build in density similar to a multi-course dinner at a restaurant and they know what’s coming – the main entree. In fly fishing this time of year that entree is the hex hatch.
Trout fishing has been difficult on the upper Manistee with a lack of bugs and fish. It’s early June and its what is considered the high-holy days of fly fishing yet, we find ourselves using un-holy words to describe the fishing. The river needs help and if you have noticed a decline in fishing over the years, I encourage you to contact MI-DNR to share your experience and perhaps help change the management philosophy.
June is the month that offers trout anglers some of the best technical dry fly fishing of the year. Lots of emergences and spinner falls and unanswered questions that keeps the headlamps at the ready and fly flotant flowing. For those looking for a more casual approach to fly fishing – head to the lakes and ponds for really good bass and bluegill fishing.
The cooler May and lack of sunshine has stalled the progression of hatches and good trout fishing. With some warm weather ahead the hatches should improve with streamer fishing when the bugs aren’t around. Bass and bluegill have moved into the shallow waters of most lakes with a mix of fish eating both streamers and surface bugs.
With steelhead done, it’s time to transition to trout and smallmouth bass. The upper river has had some bugs emerging but the water is still just a little cool for consistent dry fly fishing making streamer fishing the better approach. Smallmouth bass in lakes are starting to move into shallower water putting the pre-spawn feed on.
The water levels have been dropping steadily on local rivers and starting to reveal how the rivers endured the high water and flood situation of April. Some bugs on the upper river, but it’s more about streamer fishing this time of year (but have some Hendricksons with you!)
High water continues to impact our rivers after record flows/levels in N.W. Michigan. While it appears they have peaked, they are not falling rapidly making next weekend’s trout opener suspect even for the upper sections of watersheds.
The water levels have come down and the water temperatures have gone up. Steelhead fishing continues with a stain to the river, but good numbers of fish around. With more rain in the forecast, choose your days based on conditions and take advantage of a great run of spring fish.
After the recent rains our rivers have basically doubled in volume making fishing questionable in regards to safety and ideal fishing conditions. There has been an impressive number of fish in the systems so far this season which should continue once the water drops and clears.
The water levels on the Manistee and Betsie Rivers have been dropping after some high water which encouraged more fish to come up from Lake Michigan. Fishing has been good with egg patterns and a solid nymph bite.
As we fluctuate between Winter and Spring, steelhead fishing continues. The water levels of local rivers are full and after an extreme snow storm the past few days, we anticipate some additional run-off, it’s just a matter of how quick the snow melts.
