August 23rd, 2024
Over the last couple weeks we've seen rain showers and cooler temperatures move in. We're finding most of our smallmouth congregated around rocks or mid River structure. We have found that the bass in both the Grand and Muskegon river systems have started to migrate and school up. Being that most of the smallmouth are grouping up, you may have to do a little bit of searching to find where they're at. Once you find them, focus on that stretch and look for similar areas that other schools might be using. For flies we've been using small to medium size craft fur streamers and crayfish patterns with a sinking line or sink tip. On the warmer days we found top water can be a good option as well, but typically is slower in the cooler morning hours.
Carp fishing still remains strong for us on many of our local lakes. The late summer weed growth has made spotting and getting a cast to the carp a little trickier than usual, but we are still getting plenty of shots to get a fly in front of their face. Take your time when looking for the fish. As I push pole through the shallows I've been looking for bubbles of rooting fish and movement in the lily pads indicating that there's a fish feeding there. Being patient and waiting for the fish to present itself in an opening between weed clumps and getting a well placed cast is your best bet. Small nymphs, leeches, and crayfish patterns have been our go to flies lately for the carp.
We've also scouted the lower Pere Marquette River and found good numbers of Salmon starting to come into the system. In the coming weeks the system will fill up with fish. To catch them in the lower sections of the river swing big flashy flies on heavy sink tips or an intermediate line. A two handed 8wt rod is our go to rod, but a single hand 8-10wt will work too. Just make sure you have the room to cast. During the swing, be sure to give the rod a bouncing or jigging motion. We've found our best success when we are putting some action into the fly, especially on the dangle.
We do have a few open days for guided trips for warm water bass, carp and fall salmon and steelhead. We also have some 101 classes at the shop starting up soon. Thanks for reading and tight lines
- Capt. Matt