Hex Fishing

[jnpcook]

Have been fly fishing several years but have never fished the Hex hatch yet. I am definitely going this year and plan on going either the the week of June 19 or June 26 depending on the reports I see. Having never fished this hatch are there areas of the Au Sable or Manistee that have better hatches of hex? I know they like silty bottoms but am not sure what sections of the river would be best. I would like to camp also and was wondering if anyone could recommend a good forest campground near a good hex area? I don't have a preference on which river or which branch. Just hope to get into some fish for my first time.

Thanks

John

[WEEZER]

John, Hitting the Hex is not an easy task!!(I still haven't hit it right!). It seems like I always go a tad early or a tad late. I have friends that will be on the river about every-other day till the hex is through. That way I can guarantee that I won't miss it!
The weekend that you picked should be really good.(I hope!, since I plan on going up for the 25th-27th)
As far as the rivers, stay clear of the North Branch of the Ausable and either go to the South or Mainstream You should be able to locate good Hex water really easily(Stop at the Fly Factory,Gate's, or Bachelder's, they will be able to help you out on location more than I will :))
There is a campground near Canoe Harbor and one near connors Flats. you should be able to find good hex water near both of those places ;)
The Manistee gets the Hexes a little later cause of water temps. Never fished it so I couldn't give you any other info.
Good Luck, maybe I'll see you up there!(I'll be the guy hitch-hiking if these gas prices don't go down soon)
~Rick

[WEEZER]

Fished the South Branch last night. We didn't get a spinner fall of Hexes but there was a sporatic hatch of sulphers that lasted for about 20 minutes at around 9:30pm. Saw lots of decent fish rising to them but being the greedy individual that I am, I waited in hopes of seeing hexes and larger fish. I got neither!!!! I finally started casting a hex pattern and picked up a 13 incher and a 10 incher a little after darknest set.
Anyways the hatch is going right now!! People are out in force! Get your spot early and hold it!Pray that you don't get too much rain or cold weather! And if you see a good bunch of fish rising to sulphers DON'T IGNORE THEM!!!!