Fishing Report 7/30/21

As July comes to a close and we move into August I'm reminded how much I enjoy fishing this time of year. Our shop gets pretty busy in July and things seem to slow down just enough for us to relax a little and enjoy one of the last warm months of the year in Northern Michigan. This is the time to take a relaxing early morning float down the river fishing dries to likely spots and eager brook trout. If you're looking for a little more adventure, bushwhacking into some of those small hidden-away places can provide all-day fun on a light rod. 

SEVEN DAY FORECAST

UPPER MANISTEE 

Despite some of the heavy mid-summer downpours we've had in the past two weeks, the upper is looking great. Water is a little up with a slight stain but most of us like it that way. Fish can still see you surface presentations and always seem a little more willing to chase when the river is not crystal clear. You can keep track of the flows on the upper here (CCC) and here (M72). Temperatures have been pretty consistent as of late and most guides are running their floats in the morning before the heat of the day brings water temperatures up too high. 

This time of year fly selection doesn't have to get really technical. I think really if you have the patience to let your fly drift instead of making that extra cast you might be surprised. Foam might be the most popular thing to have on the end of your line but don't overlook the classic flies you probably still have tucked away in your box. The Humpy, Patriot, and Royal Wulff still fish pretty well for us!

FLIES TO HAVE

  • Northern Angler Terrestrial Assortment
  • Chubby Chernobyl 10-14 (tan, peach, purple)
  • Parachute Hopper 10-12 (yellow, tan)
  • Hippy Stomper 10-12 (red, green, black)
  • Opal Caddis 12-14
  • Royal Wulff 10-14
  • Humpy 10-14
  • Parachute Patriot 12-14
  • Parachute Trico 18-22
  • Trico Spinner 18-22
THE BOARDMAN
The Boardman hasn't been quite as reliable this week but that may have to do with the mid-summer recreation traffic. That should be good incentive for you to get out early or stay out late! Flows have stabilized after last weeks deluge that brought the river from 250cfs to over 600cfs in just a matter of hours. You can always check the flows here (Brown Bridge) and here (Beitner Rd)
Like the Manistee, it's a great time to fish hopper patterns and terrestrials but you'll want to think about sizing up for the Boardman to really get the attention of those fish that sulk down on bright sunny days. Alternatively, taking the time to nymph through riffle sections and runs can definitely produce when topwater action is slow. 
If you're an early bird, get out with a light rod rigged with 6X and fish the calmer flats where you may see trout enjoying the Trico hatch. These small mayflies might not get a ton of attention from the biggest fish in the river but you'll have a fun time and no competition!
FLIES TO HAVE
  • Northern Angler Terrestrial Assortment
  • Chubby Chernobyl 6-12 (tan, peach, purple
  • Fat Albert 6-10 (tan, black, red)
  • Hippy Stomper 10-12 (red, green, black)
  • Spruce Moth 10
  • Elk Hair Caddis 10-14
  • Royal Wulff 10-14
  • Parachute Adams 14-22
  • Parachute Trico 18-22
  • Trico Spinner 18-22
  • Copper John 12-16
  • Prince Nymph 8-12
  • Peacock & Partridge 10-14