Standish area, July 12

[DaveW731]

I will be working in Standish on Monday, but will be arriving in town Sunday afternoon. Would like to fish a couple hours that evening, so need to find a spot within a 15 minute drive. I know this is the trout stream forum, but I am open to fishing for smallies as well. I do not know the area at all, so any suggestions for particular rivers would be appreciated. I know how to look for promising water, so do not need specific locations, other than ideas on where I can get access to fishable water, and what species I may find. I could bring a canoe, will bring waders.
Thanks for any help,
DaveW

[Boardman Brookies]

If you are willing to drive a 1/2 hour you can explore the Rifle River.

[Pike Eyes]

The Rifle is a nice river if you can do it like BB said. It has some nice spots with good access.

[QuackerWhacker]

There are also some great flats for carp fishing.

[woodie slayer]

drive north of standish 10 minutes to alger exit an turn right you'll hit the rife river.lots of trout

[Ralph Smith]

If you put a canoe in the Rifle, I'd suggest below the rapids, and pulling out around pnnacle bridge greenwood. Alot of area through there that holds some nice browns. If you put in upstream, I'd go to the rec. area and come down from there. Seems more rainbows and brookies north. Atleas thats how it used to be, been awhile since I fished the Rifle, always has been my favorite river.:)

[DaveW731]

Sounds like the Rifle is it and the Alger exit area is within range. Can I wade the river at that point? Is it flies only? I do have a flyrod, but it is too heavy for dryflies, so if it is flies only I would be tossing streamers or nymphs.
Thanks again,
DaveW

[Ralph Smith]

Sounds like the Rifle is it and the Alger exit area is within range. Can I wade the river at that point? Is it flies only? I do have a flyrod, but it is too heavy for dryflies, so if it is flies only I would be tossing streamers or nymphs.
Thanks again,
DaveW

No bait restrictions anywhere on the Rifle that I know of, but check your handbook to be certain. Drift some small spawn bags if you have them, but I think with the regs now they have to be from the same stream. Don't be afraid to toss some gold bladed small spinners also.;)

[lewisg]

Normally this time of year it gets pretty warm for trout anywhere downstream from Sterling, so I'd suggest the farther up stream you can get the better. Anything will work, spinners, flys, or pork chops. I was up near Skidway Lake area last week and got lots of 'em on spinners, and almost had my arm tore off with one huge rainbow using a bead headed nymph. Remember it's a Class 3 river.....no possession under 15 inches!