As May comes to an end, it seems the dry-fly fishing is just starting to fall into a groove.

The cool weather and wind last week seemed to keep the hatches unpredictable. With some stable weather forecast, evening hatches should be more regular with spinner falls typically occurring at dusk. Without the stagnant heat of the day and cool temps in the evenings, things could be good either early evening or even late mornings – nature dictates, I suppose.

The upper Manistee is running full and is clear – maybe a little too clear as it’s been a while since we have had any appreciable rainfall. The Boardman and Au Sable are also running clear so lighter tippet, longer leaders and a low-profile are suggested to fool these wary trout.

It’s that time of year when there are multiple bugs that can emerge and often do at the same time making for some good, but challenging match-the-hatch conditions. Black Quills, Great Mahoganies, Sulphurs and BWOs should be expected and having some March Browns, Little Yellow Sallies and Isonychias in the box isn’t a bad strategy in the event they show up, too. Bring the bug spray as the mosquitoes have been around and seem hungrier this year.

I’ve often written in these reports that this time of year a selection of Borcher’s Drakes and Robert’s Yellow Drakes in a number of sizes will get you through a lot of emergences. Add some rusty spinners and you’ll have a good kit to get you through a lot of what’s happening on the surface.

On the lakes, the bass have finished spawning and are still aggressive in the shallows but things are starting to slow down as they enter the post-spawn funk that comes this time of year. Bluegill, too have finished spawning but they are still in shallow looking to feed. Just off the drop they are really looking to feed so if they aren’t coming to the surface, fish a bead-head nymph or micro streamer.

Good Luck,

Ted

Trout Fishing – June offer’s some of the best technical dry fly fishing as we chase bugs and browns.
Fall Steelhead – After a strong Spring Season look to the Fall Season – just a few dates remain available.
Smallmouth Bass – Now through Mid-August, come fish this rod bending species as an alternative to trout.