April 19, 2026
Water levels throughout the region’s rivers are still VERY high after recent significant rains that combined with a late winter blizzard and a snowy winter.
Record water flows and levels have been experienced on most watersheds throughout the State. Fishing hasn’t been much of an option in NW Michigan from both a safety and realistic perspective with the amount of debris in the water and the associated turbidity that comes with flooding.
While it seems the water levels have reached their peak and are starting to drop, they are not falling rapidly and I suspect we still have another week of unfishable conditions. Smaller watersheds and upper sections of rivers might provide an opportunity for some to get out for Saturday’s trout opener. The forecast, thankfully, looks favorable with not much precipitation predicted.
While the Spring steelhead season was pretty much the best I have been a part of, it’s also been the worst as far as weather related cancellations. It is unknown how successful the spawn will be with all the extra water, sediment, and fish displacement, but I have learned that rivers can be resilient and heal themselves with time. When we do get back on the water, look for a lot of change as far as logs jams, fallen trees and other structure changes that have been rearranged or possibly eliminated. Often some good comes with the bad. Spring 2026 has been one for the record books, indeed.
To monitor water levels on the Manistee below Tippy Dam, click here.
For the rest of the monitoring stations in Michigan, click here.
Good luck and be safe.
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.