We are into the hot part of the Summer now here in Northern Michigan and the ideal to chase Smallmouth Bass! Many of our rivers flow into lakes or ponds and the summer heat sends these Smallies into rivers with moving water and lots of food. This time of year big trout can be very tough to find with day time fishing but the Smallies love these conditions and provide some good day time fly fishing.
During the mornings thru afternoons streamer fishing is best. Lots of different bait fish patterns, small trout patterns and sculpins patterns are top producers. Floating lines with weighted patterns are ideal. Strip stop retrieve or jig the fly along the log piles and rocks. In the evening hours till dark it’s top water time and hard to beat hard bodied poppers.
Currently the Au Sable is in great shape. Of late been getting weekly rains and some cooler nights. Dark hex have started and for those that want to stay till dark the last hour should have some good rising Smallies.
