Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report May 29th

While we were in dire need of rain, we got a lot all at once; our rivers are running high after two days of a cool rain – some places received over 2 inches. Thankfully it was a soft rain and the sandy soil was thirsty so it isn’t as bad as it normally would be. Levels are up a bit on the Upper Manistee and will probably continue to rise some more, but it is still fishable. The Lower Manistee is up too and it's clarity is good, but look for that to change over the weekend as the run-off from the Pine River works its way through the system. The Boardman is up but should be close to normal by the end of the weekend barring significant additional rainfall.

While this rain might put a kybosh on the hatches, don’t count them out totally. Before the rain the sulphur numbers were building nicely. Along with these prolific bugs, it’s been pretty much more of the same: the last of the Hendricksons, Black Quills, Caddis, Mahoganies, March Browns, medium Brown Stones and a few Yellow Sallies. With the water up, look for the streamer fishing to improve now that there is some color to the water.

To learn more about our great dry fly fishing in June, read, "Fishing Before the Hex Hatch" by our head guide, Ted Kraimer.

Fortunately, if you don’t like the river conditions right now, we have other fishing options. The carp have been on the flats of Grand Traverse Bay. Having a high sun and fishing afternoons will be the key to having good success since we are forecasted to have cooler days in the forecast with highs in the 60s. Wind direction and the night’s temperature are the key to success. A few smallmouth bass are around too doing a little pre-spawn feeding. If you haven’t pursued carp this could be a great opportunity to try it - guide dates available.

Lake and pond fishing is really good right now for those looking to catch bass, bluegill and pike. The bluegill are mostly on beds and are eating poppers and spiders, but the nymphs are working too when fished as a dropper from something on top.

If you are heading up North this weekend, please note that The Northern Angler has moved. Our new address is 803 W. Front Street. Call if you need directions 231-9323-4730

Good luck!

The Northern Angler