It’s that time of year where darkness brings out the big bugs, big fish and big crowds.

The rivers are in good shape with a little more water in them than normal (2 inches?) and a slight stain compared to the typical clear, low water found this time of year. Most of the local rivers in the region are experiencing hex bugs at night – both spinner falls and hatches. But in keeping in-step with the rest of our hatches this spring, they have been as fickle as the fish – sometimes being there, other times not. Having some stable weather in the forecast should help make more reliable hatches/spinner falls, but as I wrote a few weeks ago regarding bugs, I no longer predict hatches.

There haven’t been too many other bugs on the water but to be prepared, you will want some Isonychias, Brown Drakes, Bat Flies, Sulphurs and Med Brown Stoneflies in your box as these have been around, just not in heavy numbers.

There seems to be even more folks on the water than normal for this time of year. After the three months we have all gone through it’s seems the water is the place where people can get out and maybe forget about those past three months – can’t blame them for that. Most have a smile on their face, are pleasant with a nod and smile, and even some friendly words rather than the territorial grunt of a hunter-gatherer typically experienced this time of year. Let’s keep that attitude going forward to help make it a nice experience for everyone out there.

Lastly, water temps are increasing so when you hook into that fish, take advantage of that 6 wt rod and 1x tippet and get them in quick and back in the water. Sadly, most of the local trout rivers are not stocked by the DNR and these adult fish are responsible for future generations through natural reproduction and that can’t happen if the fish dies after a 20 second photo session.

Good luck.

Ted

New to the Sport? Bass and Bluegill fishing is the perfect way to learn to fish after a quick casting lesson.
Tricos & Terrestrials – A great way to start a summer day. Float and Trout fish the Manistee in July and August.
Fall Steelhead –  Some good dates are available in November – a great way to finish a fishing season.