Even though we still have a few steelhead and some great smallmouth available, it is time to start shifting gears and hunting our beautiful brown, bow, and brook trout. Any of us full-time Michiganders know that our trout season and beautiful weather are only around for a short time. We are getting ready for an exciting shift in our fishing season! The transition from steelhead and smallmouth to trout is always a thrilling time, especially with the anticipation of new hatches and changing conditions. It's great to hear that Mother Nature has provided some much-needed rain to bolster the streams for trout fishing.
Keeping an eye out for hatches is key, and we have got a good handle on what to expect with hendricksons, stones, caddis, and the upcoming sulphurs and brown drakes. And it's always fun to experiment with different streamer patterns like D&Ds, zoo cougars, and the top-secret drunken foresters!
With storms on the horizon, it sounds like the water levels and temperatures will stay favorable for trout fishing, which is excellent news for anglers like yourself. Enjoy the upcoming trout season and tight lines out on the water!
P.S. Some of the early-season smallmouth and steelhead photos for your enjoyment
