Water temperature and fly update
The water temperature below Mio Dam this morning is 66, which is a big improvement. Cooler nights have helped. That could creep back above 70 over the next few days of hot weather, but it looks like a cooling trend toward the end of this week will keep the water where we need it for the foreseeable future.
Contrary to some reports, white flies are still hatching below Mio, although the hatch will probably peter out over the next week to ten days. Orange rubberleg attractors, tarantulas, and ants for daytime action, and mouse patterns and white flies in the evenings are getting good results. We also have a good selection of nymphs and streamers that are working — just stop in for suggestions.
Update for August 20
The white fly hatch remains the best evening choice. These flies should start coming off around dusk every night. Other options are slate wing olives, hoppers, ants, and other terrestrials.
The water temperatures have finally dropped below seventy degrees, and cooler days ahead should keep it that way.
We have several white fly options at the shop, so stop in and we’ll fix you up.
They’re Here
White Flies have made their arrival. The Au Sable near McKinley Bridge was covered with them last night, and cooler temperatures should liven up the fish. Expect the next few weeks to be productive as fish look for this prolific hatch.
Fishing Update for August 1
It’s been a slow month of fishing on the Trophy Waters, with water temperatures consistently above 70 degrees and no dominant hatches. The temperature this morning at Mio Dam was 71. The best time to fish is still morning and evening, but recent rains and cooler temperatures should help things considerably as we move into August.
We are very close to seeing the beginnings of the Epheron hatch, better known as White Flies. Look for them by next weekend. This is one of the longest and most productive hatches we see all year, and the Trophy Waters is possibly the best place in Michigan to fish it. In the meantime, fishing with various terrestrials, slate wing olives, nymphs, and smaller streamers will produce fish.
Call the shop for daily updates.
