Spring in some of west Michigan’s rivers that have wild salmon, like the Pere Marquette, is a time of an often overlooked hatch. From mid April through May, these rivers can be stuffed with clouds of salmon fry. A look along the shoreline will often reveal dozens of these 1-1 1/2″ baby salmon.
Everything loves to eat these little guys, so I always have some in my steelhead box for drifting with an egg. If that gym sock sized streamer isn’t turning any spring trout, tie on a fry pattern, it will often turn your day around.
My Baby Salmon Fly:
Hook… Daiichi 1530, size 6 or 8
Tail and Body… Flashabou Mirage, 3005 opal
Wing… natural mallard
Head Base… built up black thread
Gill Accent… red thread
Head Finish… your favorite head hardener
