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Posts tagged "match the hatch"

Mid-May Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 19, 2024

At the mid-point of May it sure feels like we are at the end of May based on the weather and fishing conditions.

The hatches are progressing with the sulphurs winding down on the trout rivers. It seems the great mahoganies are increasing in density each year and this year is no different. There are some of the smaller mahoganies (paraleps.) intermixed and around, too. Caddis continue to flutter on the surface with some fish noticing, but the real star of the surface fluttering is a smaller than normal (#12) medium brown/yellow stonefly. I suspect more bugs will be a part of the conversation over the next couple of weeks as this keeps the gear bag filled with fly boxes to match-the-potpourri-hatch situation that comes with this time of year.

Streamer fishing has been almost a bust in the low, clear water. If you are fishing subsurface, choose and use your smaller patterns wisely (less than three inches (and closer to two)). Fishing a weighted streamer on a floating line isn’t a bad approach in these conditions as it’s stealthy and allows you to easily switch to fishing dries when the emergence/spinner fall takes place.

Lake fishing for bass and bluegill is in full swing. This is the best time of year for the big bluegill as they move shallow enough and become accessible for the fly angler. Largemouth are keeping it interesting, too, as they are both in pre-spawn and post spawn depending on the lake you are fishing. It seems, for me at least, the occasional pike encounter hasn’t been there this year.

Smallmouth bass fishing in the lakes, is happening, too. Typically liking deeper water much of the year, you can find the hard pulling smallies in shallow water or on the edges/drops eager to eat a slow dropping baitfish streamer pattern or even a popper.

Good luck.

Ted

bluegill fishing, fly fishing, guided fly fishing, match the hatch, smallmouth bass fishing, streamer fishing, sulphurs, traverse city, trout fishing

Mid-May Fishing Report

Posted by Ted Kraimer - May 19, 2019

The middle of May finds most anglers on the trout rivers looking for bugs and rising trout.

While some days there are good hatches (Hendricksons and Black Caddis) on the upper Manistee and AuSable, finding days when both bugs and rising fish are present has been maddening. With water temps in the upper 50’s I’d say a couple degrees should help make for more consistent dry fly fishing. As the days get longer, it’s time to take your fly box with Sulphurs and Mahoganies along with your headlamp as hatches begin to go later into the day.

River conditions have been decent but the days when the sun it out, the water is too clear, and the fish do a great job of hiding; overcast days have made for noticeably better fishing. When fish are hiding, it’s time to take your flies to them and fishing streamers with sink-tips is one of the approaches to do that. There hasn’t been a leading pattern/color/shape that has been producing more than another so be sure to mix it up to find any daily preference. Sclupins and chestnut lampreys are always good to start with.

Lake anglers are finding that the smaller lakes that tend to warm quicker have a few bluegill moving into the shallows along with some bass. After the long winter/cool spring, water temps are still cool and things are a few days behind. Largemouth bass are around, too, but are mostly preoccupied with their upcoming spawning ritual.

While there haven’t been any mosquitoes, look for that to change any day so take some repellent with you.

Good luck!

Ted

Trout– Match-the-Hatch fishing through June including the big bugs. Terrestrial & Tricos in July and August.
Father’s Day – Get dad on the water this year with a gift certificate for either a half and full-day trip.
Fall Fishing – Salmon begins in September which leads to Steelhead in October and November.

bass fishing, boardman river, chestnut lamprey, mahaoganies, match the hatch, sculpin, Streamer fishing for trout, sulphurs
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Ted Kraimer • Current Works, LLC • PO Box 333 • Traverse City, Michigan 49685 • (231) 883-8156

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