Not much has changed on the trout rivers as we continue to cruise through summer. The water is low and clear and the water temperatures are ideal most days, starting cooler in the mornings and warming up later in the day.
There aren’t too many bugs on the water, but the trout are still looking up to eat. The only reliable emergence are the Tricos that most days show up around mid-morning. If it is windy, these micro bugs get blown off the river and aren’t able to tease the fish up as much as when there isn’t a breeze. Terrestrial and attractors are working as things that plop and skitter on the surface gets noticed. Small natural looking grasshopper patterns are a great place to begin, then mix up colors and patterns to see if there is a daily preference.
Bass fishing on the lakes remains good for those that can cast to the edge of the lily pads and be patient as the fish evaluate. Most anglers like the ide of making a loud chug or pop when fishing poppers, but the fish seem to like soft “bloops” as you move the fly. Frogs imitations are always a good choice this time of year, but if they aren’t working, don’t hesitate to fish subsurface with a sinking streamer as they have been a great plan B to bend the rod.
Good luck.
Ted
Trout, Tricos & Terrestrials – Start the day off on the upper Manistee fishing dry flies for Brown and Brook Trout.
Learn to Fly Fish – Spend a half-day with some casting lessons then time on a local small lake catching fish.
Fall Steelhead – After a strong Spring Season we are looking forward to Fall – just a few dates remain available.