Scroll to the bottom of this week’s report for A) River Cleanup Updates, B) Some Sweet Fly Fishing Classes, and C) A List of Used Rods for Sale!
It could be any fly, really. But what I can tell you from the day-in, day-out of the shop is that folks are finding one fly and riding it to success. Lately, it’s been “something red”, which satisfies my innate desire for folklore to prevail over science. When it’s hot, fish red. Does it work? Usually. Another little tip to help you fish at the best times of day in the summer: whenever the air temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees. If it’s hot, that’ll be in the morning and evening. If it’s chillier, that’ll be in the middle of the day. On dark nights, I like a big white night fly. Unless, of course, they want black. Holden and I broke down a night pool the other evening — a shortened night session since I forgot my waders and we had to drive home and drive back — and we caught a few decent trout but we had to think through it a bit. Well, not much. Try white. Then try black. This one gurgled at white on the swing, but ate black on the dead-drift.
Overall, I think stealth and careful fishing triumphs in the summer.
Today I snuck in a very short wade on the Mason Tract, right in the middle of the day. Knowing I had very little water, I fished slowly…and the fishing was, in fact, slow. But I raised a very nice fish on a yarn skunk along a log, and tried three more flies over it. Nada. Then I tried a Purple Trude. An Adams Para. The brook trout were mostly on lockdown for me, just a few small ones. I started to just fish the shade, and I mean way back in the shade, with a deer fly. Victory takes many forms. In this case, in this small but plucky brown trout. The highlight of the hour.
Our rivers are in beautiful shape.
The tricos are at a peak on the Holy Waters and there are fish rising EVERYWHERE in the morning. More folklore: The more the fish are rising in the summer, the harder they are to catch. True? When it comes to tricos, well, probably. But boy oh boy are they fun to fish. Find a pod, go small, don’t forget the Griffiths Gnat, and tend to that pod like you are planting and raising a garden. Hoard the cast, as Traver advised. Less is best. One perfect drift after another.
Once the tricos are finished, the dry dropper fishing will be on fire. 24″ (or so), small on the bead, fish the drop-offs. This technique works best on the Main, pretty well on the North, and not super well on the South Branch, generally speaking. In the evenings, the same small-fly challenges present themselves in the form of tiny olives. Again, find a pod of trout and enjoy the moment. We are in the middle of a beautiful stretch of summer weather. It feels good to be outside enjoying it.
This will be an excellent week of night fishing. We will be knocking the hex dust off the headlamps and heading out toward the midnight river. It’s going to be awesome.
Upcoming Events:
River Cleanup, Sept 12, 10 am – 2 pm (or so)
On Saturday, September 12th, join a bunch of your fellow Au Sable River devotees in cleaning the river that you love. It’s a special tradition, and one that makes a measurable difference. The first few years this event required a gigantic dumpster. Now, what trash we do find is sorted and recycled. Never done it before? Great! We need you. Bring your waders and polarized sunglasses (to better spot the trash). Grab a poker stick or clasper (provided) and a trash bag (also provided). You and your cleanup team will hit the river and wade a “beat”. If we have enough volunteers, we can cover the vast majority of the popular sections of the Au Sable. This is how we keep the river special, and worth protecting. We do this every year because we have to. If we didn’t, the river would look awful. We meet at Gates Lodge at 9:45, gather in teams, rally, and depart. Most groups are back around noon or 1 pm for a regionally famous cookout! Yes, food and drink ARE provided. We need your help to make it happen. Wanna use your boat? Yeah, we need you too! Questions or to sign up: [email protected]. Click here for a list of wading beats.
Become a Better Angler — September Edition: We have two special classes on the weekend of September 19. See below. Sign up for one. Sign up for both. This is world-class instruction right here on the Au Sable.
Streamer Fishing with Alex Lafkas, September 19, 9 am – 1 pm
Alex says, “At one point in my life streamer fishing was grabbing my sink tip or a floating line and choosing my favorite color woolly bugger. Things have changed in the last 30 years through technical innovation and a deeper understanding of what makes brown trout tick. The focus of this class is to take a deep dive into the whys for each season that is presented throughout the calendar year to a streamer angler. Some times of year are more known for streamer fishing such as spring and fall but there are many other windows that occur each season. Understanding how to use different types of sink tips with varying sink rates also plays a large part in your success. I will cover fly line options and how I use each one for different situations based on fly choice and season to maximize your time on the water. “
We have offered this class previously, and it was very well-received. Includes lunch. Limited to six people. $200 per person.
Sign up at [email protected]
Fly Casting Master Class with Michael Mauri, September 20, 9 am – 12 pm
We are beyond pleased to offer this class with world-renowned guide and fly caster Michael Mauri. If you think you can cast, well, great…but Michael can help you cast faster, better, more accurately, and further. This three-hour session is best for intermediate to advanced casters who want to increase line speed and accuracy. If you’ve cut your teeth on Michigan fly fishing, it’s time learn from an expert on the saltwater flats. Bring your favorite rod and reel and line, and let’s get casting…better.
To reserve a spot, or ask a question: [email protected]. Session will be from 9 am – 12 pm. $200 per person.
Used Rods! We got some great ones…
G. Loomis NRX 9′ 3 wt $400 (Tricos…but here and out west!)
Scott Radian 9′ 8 wt $600 (Carp, bass, steelhead…loves a floating line)
Scott Centric 9′ 5 wt $600 (Great all-around rod)
Sage method 9′ 6 wt $600 (Fall/spring streamers in the upper river)
Winston BIIX 9′ 7 wt $500 (Bass poppers and gurglers)
Winston Air 8’6″ 3 wt $500 (Trico machine)
Winston Pure 8’6″ 4 wt $500 (A great soft dry fly rod)
Scott G2 8’8″ 6 wt $400 (Hex/mouse stick)
