June 2, 2026
It’s that magical month for trout anglers in Michigan. Lots of different mayflies can be found on the water, or none – it just depends on the time of day and particular day. But when they do emerge and/or the spinners fall, the technical dry fly fishing can be really good. It was a slow start to the trout season as far as the fish’s participation, but a flow of natural bugs on the water is like a dinner bell that tends to bring fish out.
If you are headed to the upper Manistee, Boardman or AuSable, you’ll want Sulphurs, Great Mahoganies, Grey Drakes, Brown Drakes and Isonychias. Some caddis are always good to have in the box as are medium brown/yellow stoneflies. Bug spray it seems is mandatory as the mosquitoes are about as bad as I have ever experienced.
[You can read more about the flies/emergence you’re likely to experience this time of year, here.]
The weather has been much warmer lately increasing the water temps and helping the bugs get active. Thankfully the cooler nights have been keeping temperatures in-check topping out in the mid-60s despite almost no rain in the past ten days. Water levels are about normal for this time of year – they aren’t low, they aren’t high and it seems we still have a little tinge of color to it from April’s high water event.
Streamers and twitch flies fished sub-surface have been working when the bugs and surface activity isn’t.
Lakes and ponds are a lot of fun right now with bass and bluegill. Much of the spawning has taken place and the post spawn feed has been pretty good. Surface activity is always fun and is a respectful approach to fish that might still be spawning.
Good luck.
Ted
Trout Fishing – Streamer fishing and Matching the Hatch with dry flies is at its best May through June.
Smallmouth Bass – Lakes or Rivers, these eager to please fish bend the rod and continue to put smiles on faces.
2026 Season – Now booking all seasons: Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Salmon, Fall Steelhead & Learn to Fly Fish trips.