Planning a trip to the UP of Michigan

[Tim McDougald]

My wife and I are planning a trip to the UP of Michigan in May 2019. At this point we are planning on fishing the Ausable and Black rivers. Advice on others to include and places to see would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

[Deadstream]

I'm a little confused. The AuSable is in the lower peninsula along with the Black River.  There is a Black River in the upper peninsula also. Are you making a loop thru the state? 

[Tim McDougald]

Nah, my mistake 

[Deadstream]

Might as well fish the Manistee when at the AuSable, it's right there.  Hartwick pines is nearby (old growth forest) and  Mackinaw Island is one hour north. Lots of great fishing in the area. Bring bug spray.

[Tim McDougald]

Thanks for the info!

[Gavin]

AuSable & Manistee are LP streams. Worth a visit. Take a trip on an AuSable long boat if you can. Track down Steve Southard or  Jeff McGowan if you want to longboat there. Usually best around Father's Day 4th of July for the big hex hatch. A smaller late hex should be firing right about now.

[watermen2]

In May fish late steelies  on the pidgeon as well as big browns.  The upper boardman is nice as well.  There is a great drake hatch on the Maple that time of year.  All of those are in the same area you will be.  They are lessor known rivers, but better fishing IMHO.  Like Gavin said take a canoe, but most of the rivers I mentioned are very woody.   The reason for the big fish.  The HEX hatch later can be hit or miss, but it  is worth seeing when it goes off.  Thousands of helicopters above your head.  The seams on the outside of the log jams always hold some monsters.  Landing one in the dark is tough.  The strike in the dark will make you fill your waders.  The upper sections of the Big Manistee also fish well at times.  If you are inclined to chase big browns, mousing these rivers right at dark will produce fish in May.