WE TIE IT FLY SHOP Fishing Report - 1999 - May 16th

We finally got that rain we had been asking for, and it has really done a lot to improve the water conditions even though the hatches were slowed down. Some lake levels are still low and the stream flows are still not what they should be. In Wisconsin the water levels are good to excellent, but the U.P. wasn't so lucky their levels are still low, but improving. All stream temperatures are in the mid fifties to low sixties.

You will do best if you stay on small to medium-sized lakes. Allequash and Firefly Lakes have been fishing very well. Generally, the fishing is extremely good. In fact, Crappie action is HOT. Bluegills and Bass are in the shallows. Walleye action is consistent in the mornings and evenings. Muskies are still spawning, but some small males have been active in shallow bays. You can find Northern Pike in 4 to 10 foot shallow bays using Divers and B.P.'s. Spring ponds and trout lakes are offering excellent evening hatch activity.

In Sylvania the best action is on the smaller lakes. On Clark the lake trout are still in the shallows. Some smallmouth and largemouth are moving into the shallows in the afternoons and evenings, but you would do much better to go elsewhere. On little lakes like Fisher and Florence use brown tongue depressors, strip leeches, muddler minnows, olive wooly buggers, and small poppers. Work your flies slowly, and pause often to allow the fly to sink.

Now that the rain has stopped, the hatch activity is very good, and the best times are usually between noon and seven p.m. Right now evening spinner falls are abundant. The Mother's Day Caddis and Sulfurs are still hatching along with Midges, Hendrickson's Blue Wing Olives, Mohagany Duns, Slate Drakes, Pale Evening Dun's, and Yellow Sally's. The hatches in the U.P. are about one week behind Wisconsin's.

The recommended patterns right now are mostly in the 12 to 16 range with the exception of the Griffith's Gnat which you should be using #18-22. Use a size #14 for your Sherry Evachute Spinners, Sulfur Comparadun, and Tan Elk Hair Caddis. The #14 and 16 Adam's are working very well right now, and for overcast days use a #16 Blue Wing Olive. Also, watch for a late Hendrickson hatch and use a #12 Dark Hendrickson. **Right now the Border Brule is a great spot to find some nice action!**



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