June 12, 2026
The trout fishing has been challenging. A lack of consistent bugs has made it difficult to find rising fish on the upper Manistee. An angler I floated by the other night put it best when he commented, “The river isn’t fishing like it should for early June.” Agreed.
When there are bugs, they are limited in density but include Great Mahoganies, Isonychias and Yellow/Brown Stones. Having Brown Drakes with you would be a good call as on the Manistee they are sporadic and will often surprise you with an emergence or spinner fall.
Wet flies and small streamers are catching some fish, but also not like it should for this time of year.
While it is early into the trout season to fully comprehend what the existing fish density/population is, I am already concerned that the high water/flood in April of this year really had a negative impact on both the aquatic insect and the trout populations. Combine this with the fact that the upper Manistee has not being stocked since 1999 (that’s 27 years!) and it’s no wonder the catch rate has been declining pretty much ever since. One usually had to be skilled to catch fish on that river, but now you have to be both skilled and lucky.
Attempts to bring this to the MI-DNR’s fishery’s attention (Mark Tonello/Biologist) has been dismissed enough times that I don’t even try to address it with him anymore.
In my opinion (definitely not the DNR’s), the river needs supplemental stocking to bolster the population. I am not advocating for widespread, heavy stocking, but some.
One theory I and others have maintained is that there is a solid number of large trout in the river that cannibalize their offspring. In the 2000’s we would often catch a few chubs as bycatch on each trip; we haven’t caught 5 total in the last 10 years combined. This perhaps is evidence that predatory feeding takes place (It has been dismissed by some because it isn’t supported by scientific data). Did some of the 13,108 avg/yr stocked fish all those years when it was stocked help feed the carnivorous brown trout allowing the natural’s survival? When I’ve been told I am not a biologist, I’ve agreed and retorted that I do however spend a lot more time on the water than a biologist does.
If you have had similar experiences on the Manistee and feel like trying to have an impact, consider contacting MI-DNR Unit Manager Scott Heintzelman (Mark’s supervisor) and share your experience. Years ago, the head of MI-DNR Fisheries thought this might be the best way to address Mark’s obstinance. And if you need to, remind folks at the DNR who they are supposed to be working for.
[ Scott Heintzelman’s contact info: 231-775-9727 ext. 6070, Heintzelmans@michigan.gov ]
Thankfully the smallmouth and largemouth bass in local lakes have offered alternatives for anglers looking to get out and catch some fish. The surface activity has been good with poppers and a small streamer will not go unnoticed either.
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.