Michigan Fly Fishing Report RSS

King Salmon are here in full force, and they are pretty much everywhere. They are quite large this year, and put up a major tussle when hooked. Some pushing 40lbs have been landed.  Coho salmon are also in full swing. Lots of them were at sixth street dam last week, and there are still some lingering. Most have made it through the dam and are in rivers upstream.  With all the rain last week, the rives are finally receding to a normal level. Nonetheless, make sure to wade with caution, as they are still a bit on the high side. ...

September is here, and the Salmon are rolling upstream at a pretty good pace. Most rivers have them, with more filling in each day. Just need some nastier weather to really get the main push going.  There are some Coho at 6th Street Dam, and a handful of Kings. The rivers up north are starting to really fill in with fish, especially the Manistee, Platte, Betsie, and Pere Marquette. It will really improve within the next couple weeks. Best flies are Eggs (Chartruese, Orange, Pink), Egg Sucking Leeches, Stones, and Caddis. Contrary to popular belief, they will grab these flies. They...

As we wrap up August and look ahead to September, it feels like summer is fading. Nights are getting cooler and thats been a welcome change. Water temps have finally cooled down and the trout fishing has been steadily improving.  Nymphing for trout has been excellent lately, and large stonefly nymphs have been the ticket. Check out this tutorial for a quick easy pattern that is one of our favorites this time of year. Try tying it with a tungsten bead and a few wraps of lead for euronymphing.  Hopper fishing continues to be productive, cover water and pound the banks. ...

Despite the low water and hot temperatures, fishing has been solid. Getting plenty of trout on hoppers, ants, and nymphs. A big foam hopper twitched along the bank can yield some surprising results. By far, the most important aspect of this approach is stealth. With the water the way it is, you must keep a low profile. Wade quietly and slowly. Keep a very long distance between you and your target. The longer drift you make, the better.  Foam hoppers in tan and yellow are safe bets. A small beadhead nymph dropper can pick up some fish too. Ant patterns...

Now that it's August, we are entering the final phase of summer. Attractor flies for trout is a good option, nymphing is productive, and mousing at night can be epic. Tricos fished with extremely light tippet and super small flies can be fun (if you're into that sort of thing). Hoppers, ants, and beetles are also on the menu. Daytime smallmouth fishing is in it's prime. August is great for smallies. They are widespread, and willing to chase and eat nearly any type of fly as long as you don't spook them. Everyone loves to fish poppers and topwater flies, but...