Fishing Report 6/14/24
June 14, 2024 Northern Angler Fishing Report
It is that time of year! Christmas in June for those of you who covet dry fly fishing. The colder temperatures we had last week slowed the hatches down a bit and put things back on track. Hex are here in the usual early spots and with the hot temperatures in the forecast for the coming week it will be in full swing until the end of the month. This is the best time in Michigan to target big browns with dry flies. Make sure you have your headlamp and bug dope when you hit the river and remember to keep an eye on water temperatures, especially with temperatures in the 90’s next week. Use heavy leaders and tippet and do not overplay fish with water temps in the 60’s. It is dark out, so 0X, 1X and 2X should be the norm as the fish are not leader shy. Give the fish a break once the water temperature hits 70. Isonychias have been steady this week and we are seeing stoneflies, and not sure what really happened with the brown drakes this year… they fizzled quickly.
Thanks everyone for helping to make this year's Cheese Cup the best ever! With your help we raised over $7000 for Suicide Prevention Programs for Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. The event participation levels were at record levels and we loved having the afterparty at Earthen Ales. We had so much fun! Ben Hunting was on hand with Rods to cast and gear to check out, we had the team from Scientific Anglers on hand fishing and supplying great prizes once again this year and Rich Hohne from Skwala was at the event and we all had a great time.
Manistee River Report
Upper Manistee River Trout Report-Hex are starting and the isonychias are providing great action in the evenings and have the fish looking up. Yellow stoneflies are also getting some attention by the trout. Throughout the system the river is primed for the next two weeks of big bugs and we have the patterns and gear you need to get out and make some memories. Time to start the sleep deprivation time of the season. Chasing that big fish until all hours and creating new stories to tell to get us through the long winter months. Keep an eye on water temperatures-70 degree water temp is too hot for trout. Get out and enjoy “the hatch” and use common courtesy and good etiquette while on the river. Big fish and big bugs bring out the big browns, and don’t let that translate into big egos and bad manners!
Boardman River Report
The Boardman has been fishing well this early summer with small streamers, nymphs, and twitch bugs. It is a cold running river, especially with the dam removals and will be a bit behind the Manistee and Ausable when it comes to the Hex hatch, but this week's high temps may kick it off a bit early. Stoneflies are going and caddis in the evening have been steady producers for anglers exploring this wonderful resource.
Local Lakes Report
Bluegill are still up in the shallows on many lakes and this is popper time from now until the end of the summer. One of my favorite things to do is grab a handful of poppers and hit a local lake for some fun evening action that is not far from home and free from crowds. Listening to the loon calls and watching the sunset makes for a magical evening. Get out and fish!!