Conditions: Map of Upper and Lower Manistee coming soon with access points and float distances
Upper Manistee: 6/6/2010 updated
Dry fly season is in full swing on the upper. All of the usual bugs are out, just a little sooner than we would like to see. The month of May was nealy 5 degrees warmer this year than over the last couple, making for some weird activities on the water. Water temps have spiked big time, pushing bug actiivity well ahead of schedule. It appeared there was going to be a May Hex hatch. Thankfully, the weather cooled down as did the water. I'm guessing the big bugs will probably will show up some time around the 15-18th (around the CCC Bridge). There had been hex coming off way down on the Au Sable, but I imagine that's going to slow down there. Typically, there's a week delay between the Au Sable and the upper. The cool weather and rain recently should slow things down. Bugs didn't show until the 24th last year, so i think the 18th is a unreasonable prediction. We'll see!
Meanwhile, Isonychia's and brown drakes are coming off the water and should be going for some time. Iso's should provide some really good fishing from now through well into July. It's without a doubt the most important bug on the upper. The drakes should merge right into the hex's. Don't be afraid to use drake patterns during the hex hatch. The smaller patterns historically have worked better than the standard monster fly's that are offered commercially: A little too big for my liking
The other flies are out too. Sulphurs are always an important fly. Fish feed a long time on the spinners and do so without much noise. If you see a fish feeding in a prime spot that doesn't look big, IT IS! There's also another fly that's often overlooked. It's commonly called the bat fly. Detail's about it are located on this site, which is a really fine site. www.troutnut.com.
Manistee below Tippy: 6/6/2010 updated
Trout fishing remains great and should stay that way until the water gets over 70. The DNR plants tons of browns below Tippy and they provide plenty of action long after the steelhead leave. It's a great oppurtunity to take a youngster out.
Caddis is the "go to" fly on the big water. Wet flies are prefered choice, but connecting with fish skating a dry fly over holding water will definitely connect with some respectable fish.
Betsie: 6/6/2010
Waiting for salmon! Typically, the first of August a few chrome king salmon make their way into the bestie.
