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As May comes around it is time to think about trout!

It appears that the steelhead run has pretty much come to an end after a good spring run. Some days were better than others but overall the 2017 spring steelhead numbers were real good and better than the previous two years. A few fish will continue to trickle in and out of the rivers but for the most part with water temps in the mid-50s, it’s pretty much over as they come in and go quickly.

The warmer days of April got the trout fishing going a little sooner with sporadic emergences of Hendricksons on the favorite rivers like the upper Manistee and AuSable. These bugs should continue to emerge with good spinner falls late in the afternoon and evenings as they begin to overlap with the other mayflies that start to emerge this time of year. Caddis, too, are showing up and as waters warm up even more, fish are chasing skittering imitations on the surface.  But before and after any surface activity, anglers are best suited casting sink-tips and streamers for a chance at some really nice fish.

With Trout Opener taking place this past weekend, more rivers are open including parts of the Boardman and Platte so get out and get after those unpressured fish. As always, we strongly encourage catch and release since the DNR doesn’t do enough to manage our fisheries to their potential.

Good luck,

Ted

May Fishing – Trout, late steelhead, hatches, streamer fishing, bluegill on lakes – don’t overlook fishing in May.
Trout – The hatches of late May lead into June making for some of the year’s best dry fly fishing – don’t miss out.
2017 Fishing – Plan your year around your fishing – get your dates on the calendar, life will fit in around it.