Fly Fishing Report for Northern Michigan's Traverse City Region

Mid-September Fishing Report

It’s starting to hint at Fall with some cooler evenings and mornings but sunny days that remind us that summer is still hanging on. The Salmon and their biological clock can’t wait and have begun to enter the local rivers. Some recent rains should help bring more in from the lake as well as add some color to what were really clear rivers. The trout fishing continues especially for those looking to catch the vibrant colored brook trout as they enter their spawning season.

Late August/Early September Fishing Report

As August comes to an end, summer continues. Have the trout rivers to yourself with brook trout preparing for their spawn and some bigger browns looking to eat them. With the warm temperatures, we get an extension on terrestrial season (grasshoppers/beetles). Some wind and water shifts in lake Michigan has kicked off the salmon run as some fish are starting to show up in the rivers.

Mid-August Fishing Report

Mid-August and the trout fishing with Terrestrials and Tricos continues. Foam and rubber patterns either looking like hoppers or just a wiggling mess continue to bring brown and brook trout to the surface. Bass fishing on lakes with poppers and swimming frogs is a rite of summer for keeping it summer time and the livin’ easy. Bluegill continue to bend the rods of beginners or the experienced with a light rod.

Late July Fishing Report

Trout fishing continues with mid-sized and smaller trout playing along nicely and keeping the terrestrial and Trico fishing fun. Smallmouth bass fishing for folks looking to feel more pull from the fish are finding streamers more effective than poppers. Largemouth bass and bluegill are keeping the rods bent on smaller lakes for those looking to learn or have a non-technical day on the water.

Early July Fishing Report

The hex hatch is winding down on most rivers however the fish are still looking to eat after a steady diet of mayflies that past six weeks. Night time becomes less the target time to get out once July hits with morning’s offering some of the better opportunities to take advantage of low light and cooler temperatures. And fewer recreational users.

Late June Fishing Report

More bugs on the water recently have the fish looking up more and looking to feed when the mayflies come drifting downstream. It’s like the bugs get bigger and bigger through late May and June and build in density similar to a multi-course dinner at a restaurant and they know what’s coming – the main entree. In fly fishing this time of year that entree is the hex hatch.

Mid June Fly Fishing Report

Trout fishing has been difficult on the upper Manistee with a lack of bugs and fish. It’s early June and its what is considered the high-holy days of fly fishing yet, we find ourselves using un-holy words to describe the fishing. The river needs help and if you have noticed a decline in fishing over the years, I encourage you to contact MI-DNR to share your experience and perhaps help change the management philosophy.

Early June Fishing Report

June is the month that offers trout anglers some of the best technical dry fly fishing of the year. Lots of emergences and spinner falls and unanswered questions that keeps the headlamps at the ready and fly flotant flowing. For those looking for a more casual approach to fly fishing – head to the lakes and ponds for really good bass and bluegill fishing.

Late May Fishing Report

The cooler May and lack of sunshine has stalled the progression of hatches and good trout fishing. With some warm weather ahead the hatches should improve with streamer fishing when the bugs aren’t around. Bass and bluegill have moved into the shallow waters of most lakes with a mix of fish eating both streamers and surface bugs.

Early May Fishing Report

With steelhead done, it’s time to transition to trout and smallmouth bass. The upper river has had some bugs emerging but the water is still just a little cool for consistent dry fly fishing making streamer fishing the better approach. Smallmouth bass in lakes are starting to move into shallower water putting the pre-spawn feed on.

Late April Fishing Report

The water levels have been dropping steadily on local rivers and starting to reveal how the rivers endured the high water and flood situation of April. Some bugs on the upper river, but it’s more about streamer fishing this time of year (but have some Hendricksons with you!)

Mid April Fishing / High Water Report

High water continues to impact our rivers after record flows/levels in N.W. Michigan. While it appears they have peaked, they are not falling rapidly making next weekend’s trout opener suspect even for the upper sections of watersheds.

Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Report