With May underway, it’s time to transition from the steelhead to the trout fishing.
Cool nights and more cooler days than warm ones has made the trout fishing a little fickle on the upper Manistee river. Ideal water temps in the upper 50s just haven’t been consistent to get the fishing rising steadily. The bugs have been building with caddis, Hendricksons and BWOs fluttering around most afternoons once things have warmed up a little.
Fishing streamers is a great way to cover the water until you notice the surface activity and dry fly fishing. Those overcast days combined with the remaining stain to the rivers can make for some ideal streamer conditions.
Smallmouth bass are starting to move into the shallow water of lakes to do some pre-spawn feeding. Small baitfish and minnow patterns fished along the drops and near structure is the best approach, but fish the streamers slow – the water is still cold and the fish lethargic.
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 for all seasons: Steelhead, Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Salmon & Learn to Fly Fish trips.