I know what you’re thinking upon viewing this…it has been a long time since I’ve posted a fishing report. The fishing has picked up nicely the past 2 weeks, and the weather looks good for the weekend with temps in the mid 70’s to mid 80’s and only a small margin of the likelihood of rain. Sulfur’s have been in full swing for at least a week or more now, but don’t ignore throwing a Hendrickson pattern around as the fish have been seeing these for about 3 weeks.
The Hendrickson hatch was about 7-10 days late this year due to the cold spring we had, but a rather warm few days we had about to weeks ago sped things up real fast, and the hatches are back on track now.
Brown Drakes have been on Lake Margrethe since this past Tuesday, and will most likely hit the North Branch by next Wednesday, June 1 if not a day or two before then. With temps on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday predicted to hit 90, I’m betting on this to happen.
What about the fishing in general? Ronda and I have always told the truth about the fishing here in Grayling, and it is, sad to say, only a fraction of what it once was. In other words, we’re not going to dance around the subject and elude to the river being stuffed with trout, as it is not. Expectations of catching copious amounts of trout, and large ones at that are very slim, especially this time of year. Sure, there are times when the stars are lined up and a nice fish or two (18″ or bigger), are landed in one day, but again, don’t bet on it as a constant daily activity. When the night fishing begins in June, the average for a larger sized fish and the quantity can increase, again, depending on weather, hatches, the trout’s mood, and of course, the ability of the fisherman.
The important thing is to get out doors and spend time in the beauty of the AuSable and Manistee rivers!
We’re very well equipped and stocked with fly fishing gear, flies, clothing by Patagonia, and Columbia, and other supplies! As a side note, we’ll be open this Sunday, and closed on Memorial day. We hope to see you up north this weekend, and if you do decide to make it to the Grayling area, we sincerely hope you enjoy your stay!
