Trophy Waters Blog

Hex are here

Hex flies have finally made their long awaited appearance on the river.  Most of them are concentrated on the lower Au Sable downstream from McKinley Bridge, on Mio Pond, and on the South Branch and parts of the upper mainstream.  With the hot weather we're getting expect the hatch to last longer this year than it did last year.  We have a good selection of hex flies this year, so stop in for a sample.

Hex Update

There have been a few hex sightings in the lower Au Sable and a few on Mio Pond, but for the most part the big hatch has not happened yet.  It could happen any day, though.  Call the shop for more timely updates or check this site.

Brown Drakes

It's now officially my favorite time of year when it comes to bug hatches.  Both brown drakes and isonychias have made their appearance on the river, and the fish are happily feeding on them.  The drakes will be most active in the evening, as will the isos.  Duns and spinners will get the best results, but it will be worth trying the emergers earlier in the day as well.

Another good fly to use right now is the Roberts Yellow Drake.  It's not exactly a brown drake or iso, but it seems to get good results during these hatches.

The river is in good shape right now with decent water levels and good temperatures for trout, and the canoeing pressure on Saturdays has not peaked yet.  If you're thinking about fishing the Au Sable or taking a guided trip, there isn't a better time than right now. 

Memorial Day Update

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, conditions on the Trophy Waters look very nice.  The water level is within the normal range, and water temperatures are ideal.  Dark Hendricksons are pretty well done, although there are still light Hendrickson spinner falls.  Last night the fish were looking for sulphurs, and it should stay that way for at least a week or two.  Other good fly choices are mahoganies and Borchers Specials.  For nymph fishing, stick with hares ears and pheasant tails, with the occasional prince nymph.

Don't forget to remember our fallen troops on Monday.  It's easy to forget what this holiday is supposed to be all about.

Hendricksons

Hendricksons have been coming off steadily for about a week now and are producing good fish.  Our guide Dennis went out the other day and pulled in about 20 fish, all on Hennies. 

The water level is a little high but the Trophy Waters are very fishable right now.  Don't miss the Henny hatch, it's maybe the most fun you'll have on the stream all season.

May Update

Opening weekend was a little wet, but we've come almost come to expect that the last few years.  The rain took the water levels up, so most opening weekend folks were using nymphs and streamers, and quite a few of them caught nice fish.  Dry fly action is still a little slow, but look for the hennies and olives to reappear, then the fish should start looking up.  Black and tan caddis is also evident, as are black stoneflies.  This weekend looks to be cool but fairly dry, so there should be more bugs. 

I'm getting calls from a few people asking if we're renting drift boats again.  The answer is yes ... for now.  You may recall that I stopped renting them last year after several unpleasant incidents, but I've relented, at least for now.  However, if anyone's interested, one of the drift boats is for sale for $2,500, which is a very good deal for a boat that's still in fine shape.  Call the shop at 989-826-3411 for details.

Opening Day...Finally

Well, the 25th is finally here.  Look for light and dark hendricksons on the river, along with larger blue wing olives.  Streamers should be a good choice too, since the hatchery fish just got planted this week.  The water temperature is about fifty degrees.

Be sure to stop in for all the flies you'll need, plus free coffee and donuts...

Regulations

A lot of people have asked about new regulations on the Trophy Waters this year.  Unfortunately, there are no new regulations.  It's still 12 inches for rainbows, 15 inches for browns, limit 2 per day.  However, we are hopeful that the DNR will change the regulations for 2010 so that the river will be open all year, and will be either a no-kill zone or will have very strict rules about keeping fish.  Stay tuned.

March Update

It was a bit of a shock to wake up to an inch of snow this morning, but the afternoon sun is burning it off. The river this morning is high but the water is clear for March.  The Trophy Waters look to be in good shape for 2009.  Took this picture in the afternoon:

You have to live in the north to appreciate the coming of spring.  When winter starts with snow in November and sometimes you don't see the ground again until early March, the little signs that the new season is coming are like small miracles.  Sometimes you have to seek them out:  a bird somewhere, the ice softening on the lake.  It always lifts morale, and triggers dreams about the river, and trout rising, and hotter days ahead. 

No one needs to be reminded about Opening Day, which comes a little early on the 25th this year.  We'll have coffee, donuts, and other freebies on our annual holiday, so make sure you stop in for flies, leader, or whatever.  Let's hope the weather cooperates a little more than it did last year.  Early fly choices will likely be light and dark Hennies, olives, black stoneflies, and maybe a few others.  The shop will open on April 17 if you want to stock up early.

We'll see you all in a few short weeks.....

White Flies Are Here

The white fly (epheron) hatch has started.  Heavy hatches have been reported in the Trophy Waters between Mio and Comins as well as near McKinley Bridge.  Action starts before dusk.  Daytime choices are still terrestrials -- hoppers, ants, gnats.  Small olives and olive emergers are also getting good results, as are hare's ear and pheasant tail nymphs.
Call the shop for a guided trip.  Water temps are below normal for this time of year, and white flies are a lot of fun to fish.

July Update

The hex hatch is still going on the mainstream above Camp 10 Bridge, but pretty well done below McKinley Bridge.  There is a good chance it will be done by the end of this week.  Isonychias, light cahills, and pheasant tail nymphs are all good choices on the river now.  This is also a good time for standards like Adams, Borchers, and Wulffs. Keep an eye on the water temperature, as it is rising.