With summer Solstice occurring this past week it’s the time of year trout anglers stay out late and well after the sun goes down.  The nocturnal Hex Hatch is off to a start on just about all local rivers in Northwest Michigan: The Au Sable, Boardman, Manistee, Pine, Platte, PM – it’s that time of year.  As the “once a year angler” heads to the river, ardent anglers find there are more anglers to share the water with. And sharing is a good approach as is practicing the golden rule along with the golden rule of fly fishing – catch and release.

Before the big bugs come out you should find a smattering of other bugs on the water including Isonychias, little Yellow Sallies, BWOs, Golden Stones, Light Cahills, Bat Flies and maybe more. Hatches have been hard to predict this year and they have been almost as fickle as the fish that eat them but when the stars line up, it provides some pretty good fishing.

The fishing on the bay has been spotty – the carp are acting like carp making an appearance one day, gone the next. Water temps are ideal but the wrong winds can change that for a day or two factoring where to fish. Covering water is the best approach and hope for some sunlight to make seeing them easier. Bass continue to slip in and out of the shallows with some in post spawn and a prediction of a second round of spawning to occur shortly.

Lake fishing is good for those looking for bluegill and bass. Largemouth are mostly done protecting their beds and making up for some lost meals. The bigger gills seem to be around the drop offs and close to structure where dries work but a swum nymph can work better. Look for the lake fishing to remain good as more weed growth develops as summer proceeds. The smaller gills continue to be the ideal species for those who want to learn how to fish.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout – Terrestrials and Tricos are right around the corner – it’s the perfect way to start the day on the river.
Stillwater- Bluegill, Bass and Carp. With the best trout fishing in the evening, try fishing lakes during the day.
Fall Steelhead –  With Summer just arriving, it’s time to think about getting your Fall dates – Oct. thru Dec.