Pre Michigan Fish-In scouting trip this weekend

[Jim Flamming]

Headed off to Grayling tomorrow for a long weekend filled with Hex's (hopefully) and bamboo rods. Going to the Grayrock bamboo rod maker gathering for the first time, and the weather has taken a turn and hopefully will slow things down a bit. ITS GONNA BE GREAT!

The weather has been blingin hot up here and the hatch was really crankin along last week. Just ends up speeding up the hatch, so that it is gone before you know it. Hopefully, this cooler weather will put the brakes on things a bit.

When I return, a report... and hopefully some fish porn to share.

[J Castwell]

Looks like the FI will just miss the hatch due to that hot weather. Hope not.

[Mato Kuwapi]

There was a HUGE blanket hatch of Hex off of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River two nights ago. That is about a week early...so I'm not holding my breath on hitting the same at the Fish In. I'm tying Iso's. LOL.

Jim;
Check the water temps for us. The Spring fed rivers may be a little cooler and slow the hatch down a bit.
I've been watching the weather in Grayling but have failed to do a comparison (It is a lot cooler than Tullahoma!!)

[flyfishmichigan]

This past weekend was cold - did I say COLD!! After the sun went down, you could see your breath very quickly. Water temps dipped and the bugs shut down. We fished the North Branch and the Mainstream and saw plenty of bugs in the evening, but nothing after dark. Conversations with others on the Manistee, South Branch, and below Mio all seem to report similar situations.

However . . . this week has warmed up again. The Hex were only just starting and VERY sporaic on the Manistee before the cold spell last week. We'll see what this week brings . . .

Joe

[Mato Kuwapi]

Sounds like there is still some hope of picking up some night time action. I guess I better tie a few hex.

[Jim Flamming]

Well folks I'm back. Here's the scoop...

The main push of the hexs appears to be waining on the main branch of the Ausable. The south is done, but I do not believe the north branch has started yet. Everyone at Grayrock was fishing the Manistee above CCC bridge and from last Thursday on it seemed to be dwindling more and more each night. I fished Thursday night and Saturday night above M-72 and saw very nice hatces and good rising fish. The other group I also stayed with was from the local TU section that was staying at Wa-Wa-Sum. They seemed to hit the Ausable more and didn't get as much action. EVERYONE complained about the fish not committing to the fly. They seemed to rise to any pattern you would throw, but wouldn't take the fly in. When you set the hook they would just let go of the fly. I must have gone zero for a hundred on Saturday night!

One thing I noticed that may help to get more hookups is that the standard hex flys are all tied on 3x long hooks. But that only mimics about a third of all the spinners and emergers on the water. At least half to two thirds of the spinners are floating in more of a knock down or even crippled fashion. I think I am going to try and come up with a knock down or cripple hex pattern, which will allow me to use a shorter shanked hook. Hopefully this will cause the fish to take whole hook into his mouth and increase the likelihood of getting a hook set on them. Also, I am going to try to eliminate some bulk. All the hackle and calf hair you use probably makes it easier for them to take the fly into their mouths, gum it and spit it out later if something doesn't feel right.

In summary, I would guess that the big push of hexs will likely be over by next week, although the North branch may start firing up, and I am sure that fish will likely continue to rise to hexs even if the bulk of the hatch is over.

All in all an awesome weekend. Grayrock, the bamboo fly rod builders gathering ROCKED!! Will definitely do that again. It was awesome to meet so many real gentlemen and cast so many rods. Also met one of our own there, a fellow FAOLer, unfortunately I meant to mark his name down, but didn't. Forgive me I am the pits with names, but it was great to see him and he said that he will be coming to the Fish-In as well, so that will be great.

Can't wait to go back up. Should be a blast no matter what happens!

[J Castwell]

tks for the report Jim. Worst news I could hope for, but will bring other flies. See ya next week.

[mcsteff]

hey jim
His name is Mark and he's a really nice guy!
mcsteff

[Jim Flamming]

Sorry Mark! It was great meeting you, and like I say, I am the pits with names. I also didn't get a full list of those that came to the gathering, only the first page up to the J's. Do you have the rest of the list?

Don't mean to rain on everyones parade. Like I said, I do not believe that the hex's have started on the North Branch yet, and there may still be some action on the Upper Manistee for those who get there early. I would guess that they still would rise to a Hex fly if shown it, but who knows. Today was hot, but I hear it is supposed to cool down again this week and be around 80 degrees on the 4th. Don't give up hope entirely. Besides, the tricos should be just starting on the North Branch then, which is always a hoot and a half. Can also throw a mouse or a gurgler after dark on the South for Mr. Big too.