June 2018 – In the Drift Outfitters

Amazing and magical things are transpiring after the suns sets on the Pere Marquette…if you do not know what that is then you need to come dabble in some amazing and magical nights. Hexs are here folks!!! Words cannot fully describe the hex hatch or the fish it brings to the surface. If you have not seen or experienced the largest mayflies in the world bringing our largest salmo trutta to the surface to feed….you need too!!

With all this talk of amazing, magical, giant mayflies and trophy trout comes pressure and traffic. This time of the year not everyone on the water will be happy. Bug fever can bring out the Mr Hyde’s in anglers. Just please be respectful and be the better angler, trout karma is real!! Now is not the time to listen to a JBL or Bose on the river. Now is not the time to show off your boat headlights. Now is not the time to sit on a corner and have a frat party. Save that for the fall when the big fish are here or better yet a different watershed. This is a sentimental, cherished, and special event for a lot of anglers…let it become one for you as well.

Go Fish!!!

Pere Marquette Watershed Conditions

Water levels: Normal

Water temp: 62

Water Clarity: Slight Stain

First and foremost sorry about the time in between the reports kids, ladies, and gentlemen. The river is healthy as we head into our dry fly peak season. The river will receive some additional traffic the next few weeks and these big bugs we all chase can give even Josey Wales bug fever. This condition can make the most level headed individual unbalanced. So let’s remember there plenty of bugs, fish, and water to share so please be respectful and use proper river etiquette so all of us can fully enjoy and appreciate these wild June nights.

Waiting is the game as the hexs are soon to swarm the our river but until then. Drakes are making a rebound in their more concentrated spots, stonesflies are hatching steadily into the evening and night hours, streamers are still turning a few fish, and snacks are being eaten all night on the water. The big bugs are days away and the heat wave this up coming weekend should all but guarantee to start things.

A few last notes for all until next time. Fishing after dark is difficult, floating a boat after dark is even more difficult. Unless you are extremely experienced on the oars do not float the river at night, please!! If you have never floated a section of river before do not do it at night for your first run, please!! Your headlight ruins your night vision and everyone else’s around you use it sparingly on the actual river, please!! Get a red or green light for your headlamp, please!! Most importantly people run into things more often at night…this is a proven fact folks. Keep your wits up and use your green or red light to communicate with the walk in and boat traffic after dark!!

Be safe, responsible, respectful and enjoy the hatches!!