Last week’s great weather was interrupted by cooler weather complete with snowflakes and rain over the weekend leading to a drop in water temperatures. Now that the sun is out again and warmer weather is back, water temps are climbing again and the bug emergences are a little more predictable with fish often taking advantage offering decent dry fly activity.

On the local rivers like the Manistee, AuSable and Boardman, look for Hendricksons to continue (both light and dark), March Browns, Black Caddis, a few BWOs, little brown stones, Black Quills and a trickle of Mahoganies. Spinners have been collecting above the riffle sections but the time of day they hit fall to the water varies on the bug and the conditions of the day – it’s been all over the place. Keep some sulphurs in your box because they are on deck. As mentioned in last week’s report, fish streamers between emergences and cover water – one bend can be void of fish while the next bend can have good bugs and rising fish. Streamer fishing has improved, but it still requires a lot of casts and changing of the patterns between fish. Having a rigged dry fly rod in the boat is a great way to be prepared when a trout snout breaks the surface.

The bluegill action continues on the local lakes and ponds as the bigger fish move from the depths to shallow water to spawn. Very small streamers and “swimming nymphs” do a great job sub-surface where various dries have been effective on top especially when the water is calm.  Largemouth bass are swimming and lurking in the shallows but are mostly sub-surface eaters this time of year including small bluegill that may have eaten your fly.

Good Luck,

Ted

Trout Fishing – May & June offer some or our best streamer fishing & great hatches!
Bluegill – Experience great fishing on the ponds and lakes in late mid-May and June
Father’s Day – Ask for or give a gift certificate to dad this Father’s Day – June 16 2013
Hex Fishing – Some dates still available for the big bugs and big fish in mid/late June
2013 Fishing Season – Now booking for all 2013 seasons – don’t miss out on this year’s fishing