Rigging for Big Fish & Big Trout

June and early July is a special time for dry fly anglers in Northern Michigan. As the month progresses, so does the size—and excitement—of the mayfly hatches. From early ISOs to the iconic Hex hatch, this month delivers some of the best topwater opportunities of the season.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare for these big bug hatches.


The Progression of Hatches

June is often referred to as Drake and Hex Month. The season typically kicks off with Isonychia mayflies (ISOs), followed by Brown Drakes, and culminating in the legendary Hexagenia hatch.

  • ISOs: One of the earliest big bugs to appear. Found mainly on rivers like the Manistee, these mayflies hatch during the day and provide consistent action in the afternoon and early evening.

  • Brown Drakes: Usually show up mid-June and are most active at dusk or after dark.

  • Hex (Hexagenia limbata): These large mayflies hatch later in the month and are a true nighttime event. Their massive size draws big trout to the surface.

You’ll often see overlap between these hatches, especially during the middle of the month. This allows anglers to fish daytime ISOs and return in the evening for drakes or hex spinner falls.


Habitat Differences: Where the Bugs Live

Each mayfly species has its preferred river bottom:

  • ISOs favor gravel and cobble with good structure like wood or rocks. They’re a crawling nymph and need something to cling to.

  • Brown Drakes prefer a mucky bottom with some gravel, often overlapping with hex water.

  • Hex are found in soft, silty, muddy-bottomed sections, often along slower riverbanks.

Knowing the bottom composition of your favorite river can help you anticipate which hatch will be strongest.


Isonychia: Two Color Phases

Isonychia mayflies (Isonychia bicolor) are unique in that they have two distinct color phases:

  • The dun is a slate-gray color and emerges in the afternoon.

  • After molting in the trees, they become spinners with clear wings and burgundy to mahogany bodies, most active in the evenings.

Watch the weather—overcast days often produce the best ISO activity, sometimes stretching from mid-afternoon into evening.


Leader and Tippet Setup

When it comes to rigging for big bugs, keep it simple and strong. These are not size 20 BWOs—you can get away with heavier tippet.

  • Early June / ISO Fishing:

    • Start with a 7.5 ft 2X leader, add 3X tippet

    • Carry 4X for clear water or spooky fish

    • Trim your leader back when it gets dark
  • Evening Drake/Hex Fishing:

    • Start with a 7.5 ft 0X leader, add 1X or 2X leader if necessary
    • Build out to 9–10 ft total length if needed

You can adapt this setup depending on conditions, but the key is flexibility. As hatches intensify and fish get more pressure, you may need to go finer—but use the heaviest tippet you can get away with based on fly size and water clarity.


Fly Floatant: What Works Best

Efficiency matters, especially during a fast-moving hatch. Instead of gels or powders, many guides now rely on Fly Dip—a liquid floatant that’s simple and effective.

How to use it:

  1. Tie on your fly.

  2. Dunk it in the dip.

  3. Let it dry until slightly chalky.

  4. Fish it.

This system keeps your fly riding high for longer stretches, saving time and preserving your fly supply.

Pro Tip: Watch for white residue on your leader. Wipe it off with wet fingers before casting—it could tip off wary fish.


Fly vs. Presentation: What Really Matters

Anglers often obsess over exact patterns, but when it comes down to it, presentation is king.

A perfectly tied fly will still fail if it drags or if the tippet lands ahead of it. Focus on:

  • Fly-first drifts

  • Proper angles and reach casts: make sure the fish sees your fly first.

  • Adjusting your leader/tippet to match conditions

You can trim hackle, clip wings, or even sink the fly lower in the film—but nothing replaces a clean, natural drift.


Final Thoughts

June in Northern Michigan offers a full month of thrilling dry fly opportunities—from daytime ISOs to after-dark Hex madness. Understanding the hatch progression, knowing your water, and dialing in your rig can help you make the most of this incredible season.

Whether you're chasing trout on the Manistee, Boardman, or Au Sable, bring a couple good bugs, a versatile leader setup, and your best presentation game—you won’t be disappointed.