Section Guide

Mill Creek Fly

Fishing Guide
Ethan A. Cramer

Introduction
Brown Trout
Mill Creek
Getting Started
Preparing for Your Outing
Time of Day
Season
Accessing the Creek
Arriving at the Stream
Dry Fly Fishing
Nymph Fishing
Streamer Fishing
Wet Fly Fishing

So You Hooked a Trout, Now What?

Proper Catch and Release Practices
Barbed vs. Barbless?
Closing Statements

exploring its over 200 miles of cold water trout habitat. I can say
from experience, that Mill Creek offers anglers a real opportunity
to land a large healthy Brown Trout over 20 inches in length.

Introduction
My name is Ethan Cramer, and I suffer from the incurable
disease of fly fishing addiction. My father taught me to fly fish on
the Huron River when I was 11 years old, and I have not been
able to keep a fly rod out of my hand for an extended period
ever since. As my skills as a fly fisherman developed, my
interest turned from panfish and bass, to trout. In my opinion,
trout are the most rewarding species to pursue. Catching a trout
on a fly is one of the most exiting experiences to a fly fisherman,
and doing so represents a significant achievement by any
standards. Over the years I have fished almost every major trout
stream in Michigan and have been able to catch every species
of trout in the state. In 2012 when I learned that Ann Arbor Trout
Unlimited had begun stocking Mill Creek in Dexter Michigan, my
reaction was nothing short of ecstatic. For the past two years I
have spent hundreds of hours fly fishing Mill Creek and

Brown Trout
Powerful fights, tantalizing selectivity, and ability to reach a very
large size in river environments all make Brown Trout one of the
most sought after species by fly fisherman around the world.
They are ferocious feeders that will consume nearly any living
creature that will fit in there mouth. Mice, crayfish, even other
trout are all on the menu for a large brown living in a temperate
stream. Spawning occurs from September to November, with
eggs being deposited and fertilized in redds where they will
hatch about 40 days later. Brown Trout can exhibit a variety of
colors, but are usually olive to brown on the top, fading to

shades of gold along the sides and grey or white on the bottom.
The entire body is usually speckled with black and red dots
surrounded by light colored halos.

Brown Trout are not native to Mill Creek, or any body of water in
North America for that mater. A gift from the president of the
Detacher Fischerei-Verein, Baron L. von Behr, to Fred
Mather, an American fisheries biologist, the first Brown Trout
eggs were brought from Germany to the United States in the
early 1880s. The eggs were raised to fry, a broodstock was
created, and in 1884 the first official stocking occurred. The
location of this first stocking the Pere Marquette River,
near Baldwin Michigan. Since that historic day, Brown Trout
have been successfully introduced to bodies of water in
every continent (excluding Antarctica).

Mill Creek

Mill Creek, located in Washtenaw and Jackson Counties, is the

largest tributary of Michigans Huron River. With a drainage
basin encompassing 143 square miles, the multiple branches of
the creek flow over 226 miles, through agricultural and forested
regions. The creek is its largest where it meets the Huron River
in Dexter, Michigan. As a result of the activities of farming, the
cool spring water that once created large swamps and wetlands
has been diverted through drain tiles directly into Mill Creek. The
result, a creek that is substantially cooler than any other in the
region. This favorable attribute was first identified during a
temperature study conducted by the Ann Arbor chapter of Trout
Unlimited in 2006, aimed at determining if a section of the Huron
River could prove suitable for stocking trout. Board member Tom
Edsalls, attention quickly turned to Mill Creek when the data

was reviewed. He speculated that the temperatures in the creek

were low enough to permit the development of a year round
trout fishery. After additional analysis, the decision was made to
begin an experimental stocking of Brown Trout in 2011. Since
then, the results have been promising. Subsequent stockings
have occurred every year since 2011 and angler returns as well
as electro-shock surveys have shown that Brown Trout are in
fact surviving and thriving throughout the year.

Getting Started
For those new to the sport of fly fishing, or interested in trying it
for the first time, its important to understand that getting on the
water doesnt have to put a 4 figure dent in your bank account.
Quality outfits such as the Redington Crosswater, or Orvis
Encounter can be purchased for around $150, and retailers like
Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop offer outfits that can be had for well
under $100. Most kits of this type include a rod, reel, backing, fly
line, and even a leader with a selection of flies in some cases.
For a beginner I would suggest a 5 weight rod between 8 and 9
long. This weight of rod will work great as a general-purpose
trout rod and will also suit many other freshwater applications.
Other items I would suggest purchasing are a net, pair of needle
nose pliers or hemostats, and polarized glasses. Polarized
glasses eliminate the glare off the surface of the water and allow
the angler to spot fish that would otherwise be invisible to them.
Purchases you may want to consider in the future include
waders and a fly vest, but these items are not essential when
getting started.

rod from 76 to 9 in length. Most of the public section of the

creek offers an open area where casting a longer rod is not a
challenge. A tapered 5x to 6x 76 to 9 leader and a selection of
the listed flies and you are set to hit the river.
Before fishing the creek, I always like to check the water
conditions and water temperature. You can check what the
discharge levels on Mill Creek at the United States Geological
Survey website by searching Mill Creek Dexter USGS on
Google. The discharge is measured in cubic feet per second, or
cfs. Normal low flow levels are anywhere between 20 and 50
cuffs, and in high water/flood conditions, the discharge can
reach over 1000 cfs. As a general rule, I would not suggest
fishing Mill Creek when the discharge is above 150 cfs, as
conditions are not conducive to successful angling. Although
fishing can become more challenging when discharge is above
75 cfs, these conditions also present the opportunity to catch
very large trout on streamers. The turbid water obscures a
trouts vision resulting in aggressive strikes on large flashy
streamers.

Preparing for Your Outing

The first step to catching a trout is preparation. For Mill Creek,
the equipment I would recommend would be a 4 to 6 weight fly

To check the water temperature, a small fishermans

thermometer will do the trick. When water temperatures are
above 70 F it is best to abstain from pursuing trout as the

stress caused by fighting the fish can result in high mortality

rates after release.

Time of Day
As a general rule, morning and evening represent the best times
to fly fish for trout. The first hour after sunrise is often very
productive, with catch rates tapering off through the day and
then picking back up in the evening hours before sunset. During
the morning and evening hours, insect hatches are more
prevalent and trout are more likely to be actively feeding. Caddis
and Cahill hatches are common on Mill Creek in the morning
hours during the summer months. Also the summer months
represent a period when brown trout often feed throughout the
night, so by fishing in the morning or evening you are likely to
catch the beginning or end of their aggressive feeding. Although
fishing in the early morning may result in a few less hours of
shut-eye, the excellent fishing waiting for you when you arrive at
the stream should be more then enough motivation for you to
drag yourself out of the comfort of your bed. (tip: prepare your
gear the night before. Trying to tie a leader or even assemble
your set up can be very frustrating when you are only half
awake, especially when there are feeding tout waiting to be
caught)
Nighttime fly-fishing poses many obvious challenges to the
angler, but can also present an opportunity to catch the largest
browns that predominantly feed at night. In order to target large
browns at night, you need to fish in a location that you have
already familiarized during the day. Nighttime wadding can be
very dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the section you are
fishing. Patterns like mice or frogs that create a disturbance as
they are jerked across the waters surface can entice large
brown to strike violently.

Season

A Brown Trouts diet and behavior change with the season, and
as a result, the techniques used to catch them do as well.
Generally speaking, late spring through fall (May through
November) sees the most action. As water temperatures rise in
the spring, so does the metabolic activity of the trout (coldblooded) living in the stream. In addition to the effect on the
trout, rising temperatures also result in increased insect activity.
Throughout the summer, there are numerous hatches and
feeding is strong most days. By late summer, August and
September, terrestrials (insects that spend their entire life on
land, like crickets and grasshoppers) become a major
component of a brown trouts diet. In mid to late September,
brown trout begin preparing to spawn and hold over for the
winter. During this period, brown trout feed aggressively to build
up their energy reserves for the months ahead. After spawning,
brown trout settle in for the long winter ahead. During the winter,
trout hold in deep holes and runs and move very little as not to
expend energy. Brown trout do feed during the winter, but the
feeding is limited to small nymphs and other insects, and is rare
when water temperatures are below 40F.

Accessing the Creek

As of today, over three miles of Mill Creek are accessible to the
public, although this is will likely increase in the future. The
public reach begins at the south end of the Sloan Preserve and
ends at the confluence with the Huron River 1/3 of a mile north
west of downtown Dexter. The creek averages between 25 and
35 feet in width throughout this reach. Parking for anglers is
available in downtown Dexter as well as at the Sloan Preserve
located 1.5 miles south of downtown Dexter on the west side of
Baker Rd.

purchased by Scio Township through a grant in 2012. Mixed

deciduous forest and lowlands dominate the landscape of the
preserve. Anglers can access Mill Creek by walking a short
distance (less then 5 minute walk) down the trail which heads
north from the parking lot before turning west towards the creek.
Be aware the first channel you will reach will be the East
Branch, a smaller, low flow branch of the stream. The quality
trout fishing is located on the West Branch. You can cross the
East Branch at small rock damn and continue down the trail
another 150 yards west to the West Branch of the Creek. One
should allow 4-6 hours to fish the Sloan Preserve stretch of Mill
Creek thoroughly. Dont be surprise to see beaver or mink as
they too make their home on the creek.

The most accessible reach of the creek is that which flows

through downtown Dexter. Anglers can park in the parking lot
located at the intersection of Broad St. and Grand St. or at Mill
Creek Park in downtown Dexter (formerly Warrior Creek Park). A
boardwalk and trail-way follow the stream for most of the
downtown stretch. I would suggest beginning at Mill Creek Park
and fishing upstream to Forrest Lawn cemetery, which is located
directly adjacent to the Broad-Grand parking lot. This section of
Mill Creek offers wide-open areas to cast as well as multiple
deep pools and rapids. One can spend 2-4 hours fishing the
downtown stretch.

Suggested Mill Creek Flies

The Sloan Preserve is a 33-acre natural area that was

Drys - Royal Wolff 12-14, Red or Yellow Humpy 12-16,

Light Cahill 14-18, Parachute Adams 12-14, Various

Hopper Patterns 12-6

Streamers - White or Tan Zonker 2-4, Mickey Finn 2-8,
Bead Head Wolly Bugger 6-8
Nymphs - Copper Johns 12-18, Hare's Ear 12-16, Bead
Head Prince 12-16
Wets - Royal Coachman 12-14, Hendrickson 12-18

`
Arriving at the Stream

As with any trout stream, a fisherman should first observe the

conditions before he begins fishing or enters the water. Although
it may be tempting to immediately begin fishing, you will be
much more effective if you spend the first few minutes of your
fishing time assessing the conditions. It is important to
remember that trout are very easy to spook, so keeping a low
profile and walking slowly and quietly are crucial when
approaching the steam. On sunny days the shadow cast by an
angler can send trout darting for cover.

If fish are feeding on the surface then selecting a dry fly pattern
is a good place to start. If there is an obvious hatch (a mass
reproduction event that many insects of the same species
partake in) it is best to try to select a fly that imitates that insect.
To make this process much more straightforward it is advisable
to try to match the important aspects of the insect
characteristics. These are size and color. A selection of green,
brown, white, and yellow dries in sizes 12-18 will match the
majority of hatches on Mill Creek.
If there is no apparent hatch, but fish are clearly feeding on the
surface, it is best to select an attractor pattern (a fly that does
not imitate a specific insect, but poses characteristics that make
it attractive to feeding trout). The best attractor patterns for Mill
Creek include a Humpy, Royal Wulff, and Adams flies.
Before you begin fishing, you must first apply floatant to your dry
fly. There are many brands of floatant, but hey all accomplish
the same task; keeping your fly on the right side of the waters
surface. The best way to apply floatant is to place a small
amount on the tip of your finger, then thoroughly work it onto the
fly, especially the wings. Floatant is hydrophobic allowing the fly
to repel water and maintain buoyancy. You will have to be
periodically reapply floatant while you fish. If false casting,
(casting quickly multiple times without allowing the fly to touch
the water in order to dry if off) is no longer allowing your fly to
maintain buoyancy, its time to reapply.

Scan the water for a trout, as targeting an individual fish is often

an effective method when possible. Also look for feeding fish
that can be seen as they leap from the water or simply sip flies
off the surface (tip: often the largest fish produce the smallest
rings on the surface when feeding). Once you have determined
if there are fish feeding on the surface or not, it is time to select
a fly pattern.

Dry Fly Fishing

If you have observed a specific fish repeatedly feeding in the

same location, begin targeting that fish. When casting, avoid
slapping the water above the fish with your fly line, as doing so
will likely spook the fish. Trout search for flies on the surface by
looking upstream, as a result, it is best to place your fly
upstream of the fish by 6 to 8 feet and allow the fly to float
naturally downstream until it passes over the fish. Maintaining a
drag-free drift is crucial to making a realistic presentation, so the
skill of mending line is important to be successful.
If the fish does not take your fly the first time it floats over the

location that you observed it feeding in, do not give up. Often, it
may take numerous drifts over the same fish before it makes the
decision to feed on you fly. It is also possible that the fish may
attempt to strike, and will miss the fly as it leaps from the water.
If this occurs, it is a good sign as it indicates that the fly you are
using is a good choice, and that the fish is actively feeding.
Continue making cast to the fish and making drifts over its
location as it will likely try again to feed on your fly.

down stream. The surface currents tend to direct floating objects

down the same path. Trout will often sit below the bubble line
knowing it will bring food their way, so making drifts that follow
the bubble line is often and effective approach.

When fishing for trout with dry flies, it is best to move upstream
as you fish. As trout feeding on the surface are often looking
upstream, they will be less likely to notice the angler if you
approach from behind.
The locations where trout feed are often predictable. Trout are
cover-oriented fish, meaning that they like to spend their time in
locations that offer cover from predators or protection from the
current. During the day, trout like to stay near cover, including
large rocks, undercut banks, wood (logs or branches) in the
water, deep pools and runs. Targeting these location with your
fly is often effective.
In late summer, terrestrial insects become a major component of
a trouts diet. Grasshopper and Cricket flies work very well on
Mill Creek, especially on days with a breeze. As terrestrial
insects climb on grass and braches overhanging the edge of the
stream, they can loose their grip or be knocked off by the wind
and fall onto the waters surface. Trout are very aware of the
occurrence and as a result spend much of their time cruising
along the bank waiting for an easy meal to fall from above.
Casting a large terrestrial fly along the bank and twitching it
occasionally to simulate a struggling insect can be very
effective.

You will often hear fly fisherman say put your fly in the bubble
line. This indeed is a wise tip. Often insects on the waters
surface will follow the same path as bubbles or foam floating

Nymph Fishing
When there are no trout feeding on the surface, it is likely that

fish are still actively feeding, however they are consuming

insects that are below the surface in their aquatic life stage.
Many insects that trout feed on spend the first portion of their life
cycle living on substrate material and other organic material in
the channel (branches, logs, aquatic plants, rocks, etc.). During
this stage of their life, these insects often enter the drift,
meaning that they release from the substrate material and begin
floating downstream. There are many reasons why this occurs,
but all a fly fisherman needs to know is this: small insects
floating downstream in the water column are an easy meal for a
hungry trout, and comprise a major portion of a trouts diet.
Using patterns knows as nymphs, a fly fisherman can imitate
these aquatic insects and increase their chances of catching a
trout under certain conditions.
The best locations to target when nymphs fishing are deep
pools and runs. These locations offer the perfect opportunity to
fish a weighted nymph rig. Fish are often feeding near the
bottom in these locations and may be unwilling to come up to
the surface for a dry fly, so targeting them with a weighted
nymph rig can be very productive.
To effectively fish a section of stream it is best to use a
systematic rather then random placement of each drift. With
every cast, place your nymph rig ~ 6 to 1 farther across the
current then where it began its previous drift. By doing so you
insure that all of the water has been covered thoroughly giving
any fish in that section of stream an opportunity to strike your fly.
Using a systematic approach is advisable when blind casting
(fishing a section of water rather then targeting a specific fish)
with dry, wet, and streamer flies as well.

A simple rig is used when fishing nymphs. The popular, stand-by

patterns, work well in Mill Creek, these include Copper Johns,
Hares Ear, pheasant tail, and Prince nymphs in sizes 12-16. The
most basic set up is composed of a small floating indicator, a
weighted nymph, and possibly a small split-shot weight. The
nymph is tied to the end of the leader, usually 4x or 5x tippet
works well. Above the nymph, an indicator is attached to the
line. In general, you want the distance between the indicator
and the lowest nymph to be twice the distance from the surface
to the bottom. This distance varies based on the speed of the
current (longer in faster water and shorter in slower water). The
ultimate goal is to find a distance between the indicator and
nymph, that allows the nymph to drift downstream just off the
bottom by a few inches, as this is the location where trout feed
on the drifting aquatic insects.
There are a variety of indicators available to be used in your
nymph rig. Small cork or foam indicators with a small rubber
band that is used to secure the indicator to your line are one
option. These are very lite weight and easy to cast on a smaller
rod. Another option is a plastic indicator sold under the brand
name Thingamabobber. These indicators float high, are very
easy to see, and easy to adjust up and down your line. They are
slightly more expensive then the foam or cork indicators but

have an indefinite life span. A third option is to use a larger dry

fly as an indicator. On slow days this can be the ticket to
catching a trout when all other anglers fail. On many occasions I
have caught fish on both the dry fly and nymph on the same
outing using this set up. The beauty of this set up is that you are
able to fish a dry and nymph at the same time. Choosing an
appropriate dry fly to serve, as your indicator is important. It
must be large enough that the additional weight of the nymph
does not pull it under. Foam hoppers are often a good option as
the foam floats high and is very buoyant. The section of tippet
used to tie on the nymph is tied directly to the back of the dry fly
hook. This set up is not appropriate when fishing large weighed
nymphs or when fishing water over 2-3 feet deep.

increasing your chances of catching a trout is adding a

dropper. A dropper is an additional nymph placed bellow the
top fly on a nymph rig, this is accomplished by tying a 6 to 8
section of 5x or 6x leader to the back of the first hook, then tying
the second nymph to that section of leader. The benefit of this
set up is that you can fish two different patterns at once and
double the portion of the water column you cover with each drift.
If fishing with a dropper, take note of which nymph is catching
the fish. If one nymph is consistently outperforming the other
you may want to switch your second nymph to the same
productive pattern.

Nymphs are considered to be in the strike zone when they

stop sinking and begin drifting downstream. The size and weight
of the fly as well as the speed of the current effect the time it
takes the nymph to reach the strike zone. Larger nymphs with
copper of brass bead heads sink more quickly as a result of the
additional weight. Some smaller nymphs tied without bead
heads will likely need additional weight to help them reach the
strike zone. This can be accomplished by adding a small split
shot weight to the fly line about 6 above the lowest fly. If there
is slack in the rig as a result of underweighted flies it is difficult if
not impossible to detect action of the trout striking the nymph.
In faster water, the length of tippet between the nymph and
indicator will need to be longer then that of a rig being fished in
slower water. The velocity of the water is faster higher in the
water column then that near the bottom where the nymph fly will
be drifting. To keep the fly from being dragged along by the
indicator without reaching the strike zone you must increase the
distance between the indicator and rig. This process is not a
science and requires that the angler practice a trial and error
process to achieve the correct depth. As you become more
familiar with nymph fishing you will be able to achieve the
proper depth much more quickly.
If you are comfortable using a nymph rig, an effective method of

Just like when fishing a dry, it is important to maintain a drag

free drift when nymph fishing. Aquatic insects floating
downstream move at the same speed and in the same direction
as the current, as a result, if you do not maintain a natural drift
it's unlikely your nymphs will trick a feeding trout.
Quick reactions are very important when nymph fishing. When a
trout does strike a nymph, you will know because your floating
strike indicator will stop moving downstream and will be pulled
below the surface. When this occurs, it is time to set the hook,
and doing so as soon as possible is crucial, as any delay may

result in the fish spitting the nymph resulting in a missed

opportunity. Not every time the indicator is pulled under will it be
the result of a fish, however you should still set the hook if you
are unsure. Be prepared to loose flies, as its not uncommon to
snag the bottom when nymph fishing.

Streamer Fishing
Another effective method for targeting brown trout in Mill Creek
is streamer fishing. Streamers are large flies that are dragged
through the water by the fisherman by stripping the line in at
various speeds and patterns. Large trout in Mill Creek consume
frogs, crayfish, leaches, and even other fish (including smaller
trout), so many effective streamer patterns imitate these food
sources. Some of the most effective patterns for Mill Creek are
Wolly Buggers, Black Nosed Dace, Mickey Finns, and Zonkers.
When streamer fishing, I would recommend either a 5 wt or 6
wt, 9 rod as they allow the fly fisherman to more easily cast
larger, heavier pattern longer distances more accurately and
easily. I would also suggest using 4x tippet when streamer
fishing, as strikes can be more aggressive and the stealthiness
of thinner tippet is not necessary.
Generally speaking, brighter, flashier patterns work best in
summer and fall when Brown Trout are very active and
aggressively feeding, especially so in the fall during the period
they spawn. In the winter and spring, natural colored steamers
in shades of browns and greens are effective when fished slowly
in deep holes.
When fishing streamers, I would recommend moving
downstream as you fish. Cast at 90 angle to the direction of the
current and strip the fly in as it swings downstream. Varying the
speed and length of each strip is recommended. If you are
trying long slow strips with no success, try shorter faster strips.
Often the speed and length of strip may be a deciding factor in a
Brown Trout striking the streamer. Target cover, deep pools, and
runs. Often large brown trout will hold in these areas and will

respond aggressively to the opportunity of a large meal passing

them by.
As I mentioned earlier, high water conditions in Mill Creek (those
between 75 150 cfs), and any trout stream for that mater,
represent a unique opportunity to effectively target large Brown
Trout. In theses conditions, trout often move near the banks or
behind large structures in the river to avoid the force or the
increased flow. In these conditions, I would recommend using
3x tippet as the increased turbidity of the water will make the
line impossible for the trout to see, and allows the fisherman to
avoid braking the line when fighting a large fish in the elevated
flow. Large streamer patterns with red, yellow, purple, and lots
of flash work well under high water conditions. Focus your cast
along the bank and behind substantial structure.

Wet Fly Fishing

Although it has fallen out of fashion in recent decades, swinging
wet flies is one of the oldest techniques of fly fishing. Arguably
one of the easiest methods for a beginner, wet fly fishing is
accomplished by casting a wet fly across the current, and
allowing it to swing downstream covering a swath of water as it
does so. Effective wet fly patterns on Mill Creek include the
Royal Coachman, the Hendrickson, and the Adams (Wet fly
version). A 4x or 5x tippet is best when using this method.
Find a location that is open and enough to begin making cast at
an angle across the current. Wet flies will stay just below the
waters surface, as they swing downstream. Mending your fly
line upstream will slow the swing and allows the fly to sink
deeper in the process, where mending downstream increases
the speed of the swing. As with other techniques, use a
systematic approach to cover the section of water you are
fishing, moving downstream 1-2 feet with each cast.
___________________________________________________

So You Hooked a Trout,

Now What?
Once you have successfully tricked
a trout into striking your fly and
have set the hook, you are but one
step away from landing the fish.
Fighting a fish properly not only
insures that you will land it, but also
that you will land it in a timely
manner as not to overstress the
fish. As soon as the hook is set, it is
important to keep the rod tip up at
all times. Doing so keeps constant
pressure on the line, which reduces the chances of the fish
shaking the hook during the fight. Additionally, keeping pressure
on the fish helps tire it out more quickly. Large Brown Trout have
a tendency to stay deep as you fight them and are less likely to
jump into the air (although they sometimes do so).
As you fight the fish you should always be thinking about
possible obstacles in stream. Brown trout will often try to run to
the nearest cover when hooked, which sometimes results in the
line breaking or the hook being dislodged. The use of
appropriate sized tippet for the fish you are perusing is also
important. Using the largest size tippet possible (without
affecting the presentation of the fly) allows the angler to fight the
fish more aggressively, and have more control during the fight.
For example, in most places 5x tippet will work well on dry flies
12-18, only with smaller flies or in very clear water is 6x or 7x
necessary. Dont be discouraged if you lose fish during the fight,
as even experienced fly fisherman are not immune form this
frustrating occurrence.
Netting a trout should always be done so from behind when
possible. The fish is less likely to see the net and try to swim
away from it when netted in this manner. If you have
successfully netted the fish, congratulations, you have officially

caught a trout. Keep the net and the fish in the water until you
are prepared to unhook or photograph it.

Proper Catch and Release Practices

One of the most rewarding aspects of fly fishing, is releasing a
trout so that it can remain in a stream, to reproduce and provide
another angler with the satisfaction of catching it down the road.
In a stream like Mill Creek, practicing catch and release fishing
is crucial to maintain the recourse at a sustainable level. A
mature spawning age female lays as many 1,000 eggs per
pound, but 95% of the resulting fry will not survive past their first
year. After their first year, mortality rates drop to around 60-80%
for every year thereafter. So using these statistics, an average
15 female trout that successfully spawns, will lay about 1500
eggs, of which about 75 will survive to the 1 year mark. Of
these, as few as 3 may survive to the 3 year mark to begin
reproducing. As you can see, removing even a single spawning
age female can have a dramatic effect on fishing in future years.
In a stream like Mill Creek, releasing all the fish caught is
important to creating sustainable resource that can be enjoyed
by many anglers well into the future. (Also remember that if
lucky, the 15 trout you release this year, will be 18 next year,
21 the year after that, and can provide many anglers the joy of
catching it in between)
Its clear that the survival of trout you catch is important,
therefore using safe fish-handling practices is critical. Trout are
not as tolerant of improper handling as other species. A pair of
hemostats or needle nose pliers, and a landing net are musthaves before hitting the water. A rubber landing net is highly
preferable if at all possible. Rubber landing nets remove less of
the fishs protective coating and are less likely to cut into a
trouts skin or gills. Additionally, you are far less likely to get your
hook caught in a rubber net, an event that may extend the
release process and ultimately reduce the survival rate of the
released fish.

One common failure I have observed is keeping a trout out of

the water for too long. When a tout is landed it has just
expended a large amount of energy during the fight, like a
runner who just finished a marathon. As soon as the fish is
removed from the water its gills can no longer provide it with
oxygen, so minimizing the duration of the unhooking process is
important. Remember, the stresses imposed on the fish are
increased when the water temperatures rise, as warm water
holds less oxygen then cooler water, so expediting the process
is even more important under these conditions (>70F). If
possible, un-hook the fish in the net and avoid touching it all
together. If holding the fish is necessary for unhooking it, or to
take a photograph wet your hands before doing so. This
minimizes the amount of protective coating removed during the
process. If you are fishing alone, it is best for the fish to
photograph it in the net rather then trying to hold it one handed
risking injury to the fish while trying to maintain a firm grip.
Never place a trout on the ground at any point during the catch
and release process, leave it in then net. Also remember never
to hold a trout by the gill or by the mouth like you would a Bass.
Placing your hand behind the gill plate poses a significant risk of
damaging the gills. When you hold a large trout, place one hand
below the front of the fish, near where its pectoral fin are, and
the other around it body just in front of its tail (tip: holding a trout
upside down has a calming effect allowing for easier handling).
Ultimately, the time the trout spends out of the water should be
no longer then 15-20 seconds. At any point past the first 30
seconds, the mortality rate increases exponentially; with some
studies suggesting mortality rates greater then 50% at one
minute.

When releasing a trout, hold the fish facing upstream in moving

water, if the fish does not swim out of your hand, continue
holding the fish until it regains enough strength to swim out of
your hands under its own power. This process can sometimes
take minutes, but will significantly increase the chance of
survival for the fish that just provided you the excitement of
catching it.

Barbed vs. Barbless?

For years there has been much discussion and disagreement in
the world of fly-fishing over barbed vs. barbless hooks. Many
anglers are proponents of bending down the bard on all their
hooks when trout fishing. By crushing the barb, the hook is
much more easily and quickly removed form the fished mouth,
resulting in less time spent unhooking and releasing the fish. It
is also true that when using barbless hooks, less damage is
done to the tissue in the trouts mouth.

Others point out

that there are some
negative
implications of using
barbless hooks.
When using
barbless hooks,
many anglers may
be more reluctant to
fight the fish more
aggressively for fear the fish may shake the hook loose during
the fight. As a result, the longer period spent fighting the fish can
push them to the point of exhaustion leading to high mortality
rates after they are released. Also, many believe that the
damage done to the tissue when removing the hook is
insignificant and does not pose any serious threat to the trouts
well being.
I am of the mindset that using barbless hooks is only sometimes
necessary on larger flies (size 6 and up). In my opinion, the
barbs on small hooks do not pose a serious threat to the well
being of the fish, and the risk of minor injury is outweighed by
the benefit of being able to quickly play and land the fish.

Closing Statement
Fly-fishing is a sport that
has been enjoyed by
anglers for hundreds of
years. The best trout
streams often happen to
be some of the most
scenic places in the world.
In my opinion, there are
few things better then
being alone with your
thoughts, standing in the
middle of a flowing stream with a fly rod in your hand. Lifes

stresses and concerns always seem to drift away like the water
disappearing around the bend, and you are left to focus on your
pursuit of your clever adversary, the trout. The fly rod begins to
feel like an extension of your own body, the pace of your cast
and the water floating by seems to slow your hart rate until you
are in tune with the world around you. On Mill Creek you can be
less then a mile from the village of Dexter, yet feel a million
miles away from civilization, as if you were in a remote reach of
a vast wilderness. There is nothing better then bringing to hand
a beautiful speckled trout from the cool water, to complement a
perfect day on the stream. With this guide, I hope to have
encouraged you to enjoy your local recourses through fly
fishing, and provided you with information that will assist you in
doing so.