July and August is prime to chase Smallmouth Bass on the Au Sable and some other rivers here in NE MI. This time of year for day time fly fishing this is much more action than trout fishing and some really quality Smallies. Currently the lower Au Sable has been fishing real good! During daytime streamer fishing is what has been producing. Lots of different flashy bait fish and trout patterns – these bass love rainbows and the little tiny ones that our DNR stocks are ideal food. Murdich Minnows has been working well of late also Sparkle Minnows and Shad patterns. A 6wt with a 200 grain sink tip is ideal for this time of year. During evening hours and periods of low light top water is very productive. Floating lines and poppers are my go to rig. Our top poppers are Booglebug and zudbuggler. Also frog pattern are very effective. On real hot days just after dark can be just killer time for top water. Dark Hex are just starting in the lower river and this hatch makes for some good dry fly fishing. Here some photos from my boat from the last week:
