June 22, 2026
Chasing bugs and feeding trout remains the play for this time of year. When bugs are around they provide a natural chum line and inspiration for trout to leave their hiding spots and feed. Cloudy days have offered some of the better conditions for both bugs and fish, with Isonychias showing up a bit more than some of the other bugs making an appearance which includes the last of the Brown Drakes, Gray Drakes and yellow/brown stone flies.
Some of the large Hex flies have begun to show up at dark on certain sections of area rivers and will continue to become more widespread as June comes to an end. Most of the bugs are from the ponds and lakes which offer the silt and warmer water temps to get these bugs to emerge after two years of life as nymphs. The good news is that is seems the epic mosquito population has diminished and the bugs are tolerable, however bug spray is still a necessity.
The water had a tannin stain to the upper Manistee after some rain last week but has mostly cleared up and the water level has dropped some with the river still running full. Water temps have been ideal – starting in the upper 50s and climbing into the 60s with the day’s sunlight.
Streamer fishing was an ideal complement to the dry fly fishing and the evening bug hatches in the higher water, but it seemed the fish are keying in more on bugs and are looking up rather than wanting to chase down a stripped or twitched fly. It continues to be that time of year for dry fly anglers look forward to the most.
The local ponds and lakes continue to offer action for bass and bluegill. Lower light periods of the day have been better than the sunny days. Some fish are still in shallow water but more have dropped off into the deeper water adjacent to the shallow stuff. Weeds (lily pads and bullrush) are a great place to target some of the bigger fish that are up there looking to feed on smaller fish.
Good luck
Ted
Trout Fishing – June’s big bugs lead to Tricos and Terrestrials in July and August on the upper Manistee.
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.