The recent cool-down and rains have had an effect on all of our fishing – some of it for the better, some not.
While this time of year is considered the “High-Holy Days” of trout fishing with the Hex emergence, the bugs have been fickle. Once they started to get going, the moderate weather turned them off again. Look for bugs to come off and spinners to fall sporadically but better when the sun is out warming up their muck banks and evening temps don’t drop too fast. Last year’s 12 days of solid, warm weather and ensuing consistent hatch spoiled us.
The upside to the higher and cooler water (upper 50’s) is that daytime fishing has been better than usual for this time of year. Dries (Isos, BWO, Bat Flies, Little Yellow Sally Stones, Golden Stones), attractors and twitch flies all have been working as have hex emergers fished along hex beds for fish looking for the mayfly that resembles a floating porterhouse. Mid-sized streamers fished on floating lines and short sink-tips too have had an impact when covering the water waiting for an emergence. It can be a busy time of year on the water as the once a year angler makes his way to the river so give others some space and share the water to help make it fun for everyone.
The lake fishing continues to provide a lot of good surface action on some nice bluegill as they enter a second spawning period in the shallows. The bass, too, are lurking around and are getting aggressive with some larger flies but also the bluegill that you are trying to bring in. Weed growth is a little behind this year so targeting fish has been easier as there are less weeds for them to hide in.
Carp fishing continues, not so much catching. With all the changes in weather – cool nights, winds, etc., the carp have been more elusive than we would prefer. The smallmouth bass however are still cruising some of the flats that have the cooler water offering some action as we look for he carp. It’s a good time to have a fly tied on that both species like for when either species presents themselves: crayfish and swimming hex are good bets as the hex are starting to emerge on East Bay.
Good luck,
Ted
Lost and Found: I found a fly rod and reel at 4 Mile Bend Access on the Upper Manistee June 9th. If you are the owner, contact me to identify the make and model and I will see to it that it gets returned.
Trout, Tricos & Terrestrials – Through July and August. A half-day trip on the river is a great way to start the day.
Fall Steelhead – From late Sept. through November, these fish will bend your rod like no other – get your dates.
2017 Fishing – Plan your year around your fishing – get your dates on the calendar, life will fit in around it.