It appears that Summer has started again with warmer temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
These conditions have been good for the trout fishing on the Manistee and Boardman as terrestrials thrive in these conditions. Hoppers, ants, beetles and foam and rubber leg attractors are the ticket for those fishing on top. Windy conditions can make it difficult to cast, but blow some bugs in and the fish are waiting. Very little is hatching: Tricos in the mid-mornings with smaller trout rising to them making for fun “target practice”. Have a few small Isonychias in your box as well as #14 tan caddis and #18 BWOs. Smaller streamers fished in the little runs and cuts around wood have been producing some fish also and days that are mixed with sun and clouds have tended to be better.
The cooler weather made for good water temps at the river mouths and some salmon moved up the area rivers. With the warmer weather the fish aren’t as eager to come upstream, but the ones that did over the previous weeks are scattered throughout the river systems. Egg flies, small streamers and classic nymphs like sparrows, stones and buggers have been producing. A good N.W. wind and some rain would really get fish moving upstream again.
Bass and bluegill are still eating the fly on local lakes. The bigger gills are harder to come by but there are plenty of small ones to keep you busy and the bigger bass have been eating the larger flies – both on top and bottom. The warm weather will improve things further for those looking to fish the weed lines, beds and structure for largemouth bass.
Good luck,
Ted
Trout Fishing – Morning Trico s and fishing terrestrials is a great way to start a day in August
Bluegill & Bass – Fishing for both species is a great way to spend some time on the water over summer.
Salmon & Fall Steelhead –Salmon season is all booked and just a few dates remain for fall steelhead.