UPDATE 7/17: Significant rainfall late July 16 and early July 17 have left the rivers running very high. Wading will be difficult and water is likely to be dirty. You can monitor flows and water temperatures here:
Manistee
Boardman
Au Sable and other Rivers in Michigan
The big bugs including the hex hatch on the trout rivers are behind us after a solid hatch due to consistent but hot weather. Lots of bugs poured off and when the water was cool enough to fish, the fishing was good. Now it seems the river returns to a relatively lonely place without the fervor the hex hatch brings with it which is just fine.
After two-plus weeks of eating the equivalent of floating porterhouse steaks, the fish are fat and lazy, like we tend to be after a big meal. A pink fly looking like a Pepto Bismol tablet might be your best bet right now to help them with them with their indigestion – you can learn more about fishing after the hex hatch here.
Every year at this time there seems to be a big of a lull in the trout action as there tends to be a lack of dense hatches to imitate. With the number of deer flies around, it never hurts to fish a pattern that looks like one. Since Isonychias hatch cycle can extend into August, fish will still come eat these, especially when fishing rivers with gravel. Tricos should start up in a few days but in the meantime the no-see-ums are the common small fly near the river so be sure to bring your bug spray.
Smaller streamers and twitch flies take the presentation subsurface and can be a good way to cover the water until the fish look up. Then there are the big foam and rubber legged patterns that simply attract fish and serve like that second piece of pumpkin pie that is offered and we can’t say no to. It’s a favorite time of year because the trout fishing becomes less technical and is just a pleasant way to spend time on the river.
Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be an option for those with some experience and the ability to cast a mid-sized streamer on light sink-tip lines. The dry fly/surface action for the smallies has been decent as the weed beds have finally developed providing cover for fish and the habitat for bugs…. Poppers, divers, damsels, Ol’ Mr. Wiggly and more on top with smaller baitfish streamers getting the top of the line up.
Good luck!
Ted
Trout, Tricos & Terrestrials – Start the day off on the upper Manistee fishing dry flies for Brown and Brook Trout.
Smallmouth Bass – Through mid-August, come fish this rod bending species in the river as an alternative to trout.
Fall Steelhead – After a strong Spring Season we are looking forward to Fall – just a few dates remain available.