Fishing Report - Tributaries of the Grand River

This client caught this nice smallmouth bass casting a small baitfish streamer.

Well the official start of summer is still a few weeks away, but it sure feels like summer has been around for a bit now. With minimal to zero rain the past month we are experiencing summer water flows and the temps are getting close to summer ranges. Morning have been cool and the day time temps are in the 80’s. With that said, the fishing has been phenomenal and with some much needed and anticipated rain next week, we hope it’s going to stay that way.

If you’re going out this weekend, before the rain, it’s important to find the shade lines and getting the fly close to the bank and structure. Top water fishing has been productive and with low clear water, subtle twitches and movement is the name of the game. Frog patterns are producing well in the morning and evenings and boogle bugs and more subtle topwater patterns during the mid-day.

Topwater takes are some of the most exciting to experience. This smallmouth came up for a frog pattern.

Streamer fishing is still producing numbers for us and pairing down to a fly under 5” has given us the most success. Intermediate lines with buoyant flies help us get the fly up and round submerged structure while still getting the fly down to areas where the fish are holding. Look for those transition zones and remember to pause and let that fly hover. You’ll thank me later.

Olive and yellow with gold fish have been the go to fly all spring long.

Don’t neglect the dead drift. Finding pocket water and troughs can make the mid day lull more exciting. Many of the fish we have caught have had nymphs and crawfish still in their mouths. Any time you see that it’s time to bounce those crayfish patterns.

Be sure to check the fishes mouth. Often times it can help you dial in what fly to fish next.

Now is the time to get out and fish before the heat of the summer takes hold. Reach out to me with any questions and subscribe for report directly into your inbox.

As always, I hope you get out and enjoy the waters safely with friends and family.

Cheers,

Allen