I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful 4thof July with your friends and family. I have been busy on the St. Mary’s River the past few days and today on the Manistee for a shot at some summer runs. The Atlantic Salmon fishery is in full swing in the “Soo”; the salmon have for the most part transitioned from bait fish to bugs and soon will be looking for spent hexes. Bill Darooge and his dad George and son Brad joined me recently for some tedious (lots of casts) but rewarding fishing. Whitefish are plentiful as always and some really good Atlantic’s are present. Brad fought a very large Atlantic for quite a while only to have the size 12 straighten on the last lift. Bill was able to capture this mid-teen pound fish in mid air during the battle (I will post picture as soon as I receive it). Pictured is Bill Darooge, his father George, and Son Brad. I still have a few remaining dates available in the next few weeks in the “Soo” if you are interested.
Summer steelhead fishing on the Manistee River below Tippy was challenging today for us with one fish boated and another lost on the first run after the hook set. Fishing where you know the the fish will be is key; the river is still fairly big for this time of year and very stained-sight fishing is out of the question for now! Hexes, white buggers, and articulated marabou minnows are top choices. The bait guys put the hurts on us today!
Smallmouth fishing on the Muskegon is going well; both Don and Fred report good numbers of fish. Carp fishing on the flats of Grand Traverse Bay is providing good action with warmer water temperatures. Hexes, crayfish, and sculpin patterns round out the essentials.
Tight lines,
Captain Steven Kuieck
