July 4, 2026
July is upon us and the hex hatch is winding down.
There are a trickle of bugs in the upper reaches of river systems as the hatch moves upstream and has been going for two weeks. The hot weather of last week really condensed the hatch, but also brought up water temperatures. Parts of the Manistee are in the mid-to upper 60’s and with some significant sunlight, could put temps over 68 which is when we suggest not fishing in a conservation effort to take the stress off the fish. You can monitor water temperatures on the upper Manistee here and having a thermometer in your vest/gear bag is highly suggested.
Some significant rain fall also happened last week dumping a lot of rain in short order leaving the river with a heavy tannin stain but still in good shape as far as depth – it is running high but not over the banks and it should drop as no significant rain is in the forecast.
This time of year can be tricky as far as what bugs are around and getting noticed. After eating a steady diet of ever-increasing sized mayflies for the last 6 weeks, the trout either are full, or look to keep the feed bag on. Smaller Isonychias (#12) continue to show up and should be in your box all summer. The stoneflies (yellow/brown) are winding down but will still bring up some fish when skittered across the surface. After the high water, a smaller leech and streamer would be a good approach, too. Terrestrial season is almost here, but the lack of them on the shoreline and areas near the river indicate it might take another week of the warm weather before they find themselves in the river.
Trico’s belong in your box should these small mayflies start showing up – usually in mid-morning, which usually starts the second week of July. It seems bug schedules are off this year with some showing up early and other’s late. Then there are attractor patterns that are consistent fallback patterns that reliably catch fish..
Smallmouth bass on the lower Manistee is another option for both some surface and streamer fishing. Small poppers have been working along weed beds while smaller baitfish streamer patterns fished near the wood structure have been catching fish subsurface.
The local lakes and ponds continue to fish well for those looking for panfish/bluegill and largemouth bass. With water temps increasing, look for the drop off with weeds to provide the best action for the bigger fish.
Good luck.
Ted
Trout Fishing –July offers Trout, Tricos, and Terrestrials as dry fly fishing continues through August.
Smallmouth Bass – Lakes or Rivers, these eager to please fish bend the rod and continue to put smiles on faces.
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