It’s the middle of July and the fish are in summer mode. Trout fishing seems best in the early and late portions of the day but if presented with an overcast day, the fishing can be good too. We have had a number of rains pretty much all spring and summer which have left the Manistee and Boardman River levels in good shape. The cool evenings have kept the water temperatures in check, too.
Most of the match-the-hatch fly fishing is beyond us with the exception of the Tricos which are just getting started and should be around for another month. Other bugs include BFOs, Isonychias, Light Cahills and the occasional Hex. With fewer bugs on the water it’s time to reach for the terrestrial box and fish ants, beetles, hoppers and other attractors as we approach the “foam and rubber” season. To read more on fishing trout rivers this time of year, click here to read: Fishing After the Hex Hatch.
The bluegill fishing on local lakes continues to be good with some bigger fish still in the shallows eager to eat your surface bug. Big bass are around too and typically prefer diving/sliding deer hair patterns and smaller poppers fished near weed beds and drop offs when not trying to eat the bluegill on the end of your line.
Good luck.
Ted
The Summer Newsletter just went out – click here to read and/or subscribe.
Trout, Tricos & Terrestrials – Through July and August. A half-day trip on the river is a great way to start the day.
Fall Steelhead – From late Sept. through November, these fish will bend your rod like no other – get your dates.
2017 Fishing – Plan your year around your fishing – get your dates on the calendar, life will fit in around it.