August 16, 2026
The mid-mark of August finds us with low and clear water on the trout rivers with water temperatures that are staying cool enough thanks to the cooler evenings.
About the only bugs hatching on the river are Tricos – typically mid-morning and they have been going for what could be the longest stretch I have ever witnessed (over six weeks already). The smaller bugs are often fished in tandem as a dropper to a little larger fly that is easier to track on the water.
It’s also what I call the “foam and rubber season” – attractors and terrestrial patterns that are tied with foam and usually have some rubber legs that wiggle and get fish to rise. It can be surprising what sometimes comes up to a big Chubby Chernobyl or meaty grasshopper pattern. With over a month gone by since the heavy fishing pressure of June, those big fish are starting to come out from the log jams and kind of feel safe. The rest of the time, smaller brook and brown trout are also eating these patterns.
The smallmouth bass fishing on the lower Manistee seems to have hit the lull that often comes usually a little later in the month. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is scheduled to treat the Manistee below Tippy Dam starting Monday, August 17th through the 19th. While necessary to manage the lamprey population and their effect on the migratory species in Lake Michigan (Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead), it does interfere with good fishing and it’s been my experience to give it a couple days after the treatment for the fishing to stabilize again. With the lack of: NW winds on the lake, cool weather, and rain, the early teases of salmon haven’t moved into the river in any numbers yet.
The largemouth bassand bluegill fishing on the lakes continues to be perfect for those looking to learn how to fly fish. Already know how? Go after some gills with your lighter weight rod and a small dry and have some fun during the dog days. Or cast a frog or diving bug near the weed lines and drop offs for some fun bass fishing.
Good luck.
Ted
Trout Fishing – August offers: Trout, Tricos, and Terrestrials as dry fly fishing continues.
Fall Steelhead – Finish the season with some chrome. Some November and December dates available.
2027 Season – Now booking through July 2027. Be sure to get your dates and plan life around your fishing.