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October 1 Update

stevepriestap — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:05:33 +0000

Just a reminder that the Trophy Waters section of the Au Sable is still open for fishing, per the new regulations that were put into effect this year. The weather’s nice, the water temperatures are great for trout, and the fish are active, so give it another shot. Fishing for trout amid the blazing fall colors is a great experience. Streamers are the best option.

Labor Day Update

stevepriestap — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:02:09 +0000

White fly hatches have been sporadic for the last couple of weeks but are still coming off. Olives, isos, and various attractors are also working. We have a good selection of white fly and iso nymphs for the days when the fish aren’t hitting the surface, which seems to be a lot of days lately. Bigger streamers might be a good option this weekend with the rain we’re supposed to have.
Don’t forget that the Trophy Waters does not close at the end of this month, it’s now open all year round. There’s still a lot of good fishing in October.

White Flies

stevepriestap — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 13:14:43 +0000

Better news this week. The water temperatures have fallen below 70 degrees and it looks like they may stay there. White flies are active now throughout the Trophy Waters. Other good choices are terrestrials and, occasionally, isonychias. All in all, the best fishing report we can give you in quite a few weeks.

Water Temps and White Flies

stevepriestap — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 14:23:09 +0000

As of today the water temperatures are still too warm for productive fishing in the Trophy Waters, and dangerous because the fish will die when caught. However, the good news is that the forecast for the coming week is calling for cooler temperatures and some rain, which should combine to bring the water temperature back below 70 degrees. White flies have been spotted sporadically from Mio to 4001, but look for epherons to increase significantly over the next week which, combined with the lower temps, should improve the outlook dramatically. Check back for updates.

Water Conditions for July 24

stevepriestap — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 19:22:34 +0000

Yesterday’s rain was nice, but did little for the high water temperatures. The river at the Mio boat launch was 76 degrees this morning. There is just no reason to fish during these conditions. The trout will be hiding most of the day anyway, and if you are lucky enough to catch a few you will probably kill them. Best to wait until this heat wave subsides.
Try fishing the local lakes for bass, pike and walleye instead, and maybe check with us next week if the weather improves the outlook on the Trophy Waters.

July 16 Update

stevepriestap — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:49:06 +0000

We are urging extreme caution when fishing the Trophy Waters stretch due to water temperatures consistently above 70. With even hotter weather on the way, this will persist for awhile. Fish caught during these high temps will often die even when released quickly. The water does cool as you get farther away from the Mio Dam.
Best options now are terrestrials. The water is very clear, so something with a little color will help get the trouts’ attention and get them to the surface.
Hex are done, and isos are sporadic.

Update for July 9

stevepriestap — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:58:39 +0000

Attractors and stimulators may be the best choice this week. Try anything with a flash of bright color. Hex are pretty much done, although there could still be a sporadic hatch. Isos and cahills are still possible, but fading. We may be very close to terrestrial time.

Watch the water temperatures as they have pushed above 70 in the last few days. If you fish on these hot days, please be extremely careful with any fish, and release them gently. We want these fish to get bigger, not die in their first year in the stream!

Hex Report

stevepriestap — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:29:25 +0000

The hex hatch is in full swing in the usual places on the Au Sable — between Parmalee and Whirlpool, Mio Pond, and downstream from the Trophy Waters between McKinley and the 4001 Bridge. I must have scraped a few dozen of them off my windows this morning. Who knows how long the hatch will last, but warmer termperatures may keep them around a few extra days.

Try Isos during the day, or stoneflies. Small olives between #18 and #22 will also get results. Light cahills have also made their appearance. These flies are whitish in color, but not like white millers — cahills have clear wings.

Isos

stevepriestap — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:36:38 +0000

Isonychias are the dominant dry fly right now. There have been scattered reports of hex below 4001 Bridge, but the big hatch is still lurking.

For variety, try stoneflies and iso nymphs. We also have some great new streamers, so stop in and give them a try if you’re looking for the big ones. Water levels and temperatures and normal.

Brown Drakes

stevepriestap — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:54:34 +0000

The brown drakes are here, along with sulphurs, olives, and yellow stoneflies. Isonychias are also making their first appearance. Fishing is excellent right now, and the water levels are normal despite heavy rains this morning.

This is prime fishing time — it won’t get a whole lot better.