May 17th 2024
Mid May Report
The river fishing is good to great in the Central U.P. right now with water conditions being almost perfect on most rivers. Flows have dropped to easy wading conditions and higher water temps are starting to produce some hatches. Dry fly action is limited to select water, but looking at the forecast we may be seeing some decent action over the weekend. I would expect a mix of bugs so this is the week to carry way too many flies. Hendrickson's, caddis (black/Grannom), BWO's and a few others will be out. The transition to sulphurs and brown drakes will be in a few weeks. If the dry fly fishing is slow it is safe to say that streamer fishing will take up the slack and produce some fish.
Inland Lakes
Walleye opener fell on a pretty cold Wednesday this year, but it didn't slow folks down. There was steady traffic on the popular walleye fisheries in the area, but reports close to Marquette were pretty slow. Lakes about 30 miles away however produced fish for many. Jigging with minnows or plastics has been the most popular method followed by leeches and slip floats.
Bass
The bass have hit the banks in the warmer bays and even some top water action exists. I found the best bite to be on the banks with quick drop offs on my last outing. Large and flashy streamers had pike and bass kicking up a wake to chase them down. Gear guys are reporting good success with ned rigs and in line spinners. Suspended fish are also easy targets with electronics and drop shotting, but the fish will be focused on spawning soon.