After last week’s rains, the rivers have returned to normal levels and clarity.

Trout fishing is slowing down some due to all the food that washed downstream with the recent high water feeding the fish. And, well, it’s that time of year where the fish – it seems – are wore out after a long spring and summer of pressure.

If headed out, look for Tricos to be hitting the water mid-morning providing some match-the-hatch dry fly fishing for brook and brown trout. When fishing these small flies, sometimes it’s best to fish a two-fly rig – with a larger dry to serve as an indicator with a small Trico below it. It’s also a great time to use that 3 and 4 wt rod you might have.

Wet flies and small streamers (less than 3 inches) fished on a floating line can bend the rod some if the surface activity isn’t overly productive. Other terrestrials and attractors make this time of year fun on top for the dry fly angler looking to spend some time on the river with out all the demands and technical fly fishing.

Lake fishing continues to offer bluegill and bass, but it seems the best fishing is early, late or on a rare cloudy day. Nothing new here – target the structure including the drop-offs for where fish are hanging out.

Good luck.

Ted

Trout Fishing – August is Terrestrial and Trico time! Start the day off casting to brook and brown trout and get
back to the family for lunch time – it’s a great way to start the day when in Northwest Michigan.
Learn to Fly Fish – Tailor a half-day trip to learning how to fly fish –perfect for beginners.
Fall Steelhead – Some good dates remain in November and into December.