DNR Question and Answer – Lake Michigan
8 Hot Topics about Lake Michigan and the Chinook salmon. The DNR answers some of the latest questions. Why are Chinook populations so low, down 75% in Lake Michigan? DNR Link
Entries by Chuck Hawkins
DEQ confirms two new invasive species
The DEQ has announced that it has found two new invasive species in Michigan rivers. The Pere Marquette River near Ludington has New Zealand mud snails and the St Mary’s river has didymo. Read the announcement here. Both of these species are very harmful to our rivers and the fish we pursue. To stop further spread […]
Hoppers and Poppers – Bass & Trout Reports
Smallmouth & Pike along the Manistee continue to chew on different types of baitfish patterns. New report is up. Salmon continue to trickle in, hunting them with big streamers is the only way right now. As numbers are low. But to escape the crowds plenty of open smallmouth water still to play around in. Pere […]
DNR changes tackle regs to reduce snagging
Hawkins Outfitters applauds the DNR for taking action to reduce snagging. Read below for more information. – http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=1222098#.VYxoHOuFldV Hawk In an effort to crack down on illegal fish snagging, the Natural Resources Commission approved new fishing gear regulations this year for certain rivers in the state. The Department of Natural Resources says snagging has become an […]
Damsel Fly Pattern
Black Damsels seem to get very little attention from Michigan anglers. But when they fly gets too close to the surface of the water. Brown trout and brook trout love this easy meal. With water levels up, and some big fish close to shore hunting. The Black Damsel is getting noticed. Also this fly has […]
Learn how to tie up double dry fly rigs
Double Fly Rig There are times when trout are rising that you are unable to determine what fly they are eating. There are also times that trout aren’t rising much or at all that you would still like to catch fish. There is a tactic that we use to combat both of these situations. It’s […]
Before the Hatch
What do you throw before the hatch this week, I would suggest you throw a stonefly pattern. With a little bit of high water in the area with all the rain. Your going to need a big profile to grab attention. With water temps coming back on the rise after the weekends cold front, stoneflies […]
Hexes, and other big bugs!
Hexes and other big bugs! Manistee River trout fishing is some of the finest dry fly fishing that can be found in the Midwest. Trout can be taken on the surface regularly between April and October but Manistee River dry fly trout fishing really rocks when the big flies are hatching. Hexes, Drakes, and Isonychia […]