The water temperatures below Mio Dam have returned to safe levels with the recent rain. The water level is up a bit today, but not to unsafe wading or drifting levels.

Lots of people are asking about the Hex hatch. The answer is, who knows? I’m getting reports of sporadic hatches on the Upper Au Sable and downstream of McKinley Bridge to 4001, but nothing very predictable. Our guess is the Hex are petering out and will be mostly gone in the next week or so.

Other good choices are still isos, #12 and #14 Light Cahills, BWOs in #18, stoneflies, rubberleg hoppers like the black and yellow skunks, Dave’s Hoppers, and Tarantulas, and of course several different attractors like Adams and Borchers. In other words, a smorgasboard, and if one fly doesn’t work throw another one on.

For streamers, try an olive Matuka sculpin, a Little Rainbow Trout, or a ghost.

Although the water levels below Mio have come down, the water is still higher than normal, so be very careful when wading or operating drift boats.

Hex and Isos are still the dominant flies, along with olives and various stoneflies. There are reports of light cahills, which would be an early appearance by these whitish bugs.

We also have some new streamer patterns, so stop in and take a look.

It’s that time of year again. Hex flies have appeared in their usual places throughout the Au Sable, although they are sparse on the Trophy Waters until you get past McKinley Bridge. They should stay abundant over the next week or so. Call for updates.

Isos are still plentiful and should stay that way for awhile, and are the best choice right now for the Trophy Waters.

Brown Drakes are pretty much done, although there may still be a few here and there. The dominant fly will now be the Isonychia, which should be appearing anytime. Blue Wing Olives should also get results. We have some new streamer patterns that are good choices on these overcast days, so stop in and check them out.

The water temperatures have returned to a safe level below Mio, and should stay that way through the weekend. As always, treat the fish carefully.

The start of the Hex hatch is probably very close, and there have already been scattered reports of Hex on the upper Au Sable.  Keep your eyes and ears open.