Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing

Manistee River Trout Report

The Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing report for late April has us transitioning out of some pretty serious flooding.  This was probably the highest flows I have seen on the Upper Manistee River.  Most of April has provided some very high water and flood stage conditions. Water has been dropping and clearing this past week and is now fishable in the upper sections.

Wading is still currently going to be very challenging around the CCC bridge and Sharon access sites. The upper sections near 72 have been dropping and clearing up nicely while water temps have been mostly 52-55. Fishing was pretty tough heading into the Trout Opener this past weekend. Last week a huge impulse of worms hit the system.  The fishing has slowly been rebounding the past few days and we actually saw a couple of rising fish today!

Currently, the river is still pretty high and stained with water temps running in the lower 50’s.  The water temperatures have mostly been in the low to mid 50s so I would expect the dry fly bite to pick up as the water continues to drop and clear.

Streamer Fishing

With the big surplus of water this spring, the conditions haven’t provided us with many chances to fish until the last few days.  We have been more focused on getting several sections of river opened up so we can navigate it safely.  Mid sized streamers in White, yellow, black, and chartreuse have been the best in the colored water.  If you’re not getting any response, change it up, change the retrieve, try weighted vs unweighted flies. Look for the streamer bite to reset once the river leans out.  

Dry Fly Fishing

The dry fly opportunities really haven’t been there for us yet.  We did see some fish rising today while clearing obstructions in a lower river section.  The dry fly fishing should pick up this week as the river continues to fall and clear.  As of right now we have been seeing plenty of BWOs (spinners and duns) and a handful of Hendrickson’s.  Currently we are sitting in a cold front and as we come out of it we should see the insect activity pick up.

The river went through some considerable changes this spring.  A lot of wood has moved and some new wood was added.  It’s always fun to come back after a long winter and see what changes have occurred.  If you’re heading out anytime soon I would still plan on bringing a saw as we still have some pretty high water and we’ve had some strong winds.  Most of the fishable sections have been cleared of any major obstructions to this point.

Didymo

Consider the ENTIRE RIVER TO BE CONTAMINATED and treat it as such. Clean, Drain, Dry your gear before entering another Body of Water.  Currently, there are no known effective methods to eradicate didymo once it is established in a river.  To prevent spreading Didymo and other aquatic invasive species, it is critical to thoroughly Clean, Drain and Dry waders, equipment, and boats upon leaving a waterway.

• Clean by removing mud and debris from all surfaces.
• Use a 10% Solution of Dishwashing Soap with hot water for 10 minutes (Example 1 gallon of water is 12.8 oz of Dawn Soap). Then it must dry for 48 hours (mandatory if your fishing different water systems)

Trout Guide Trips 

We have very limited openings available during the peak hatch season. Make sure to book your dates now for 2026!  If you’re looking to book a Trout Guide Trip you can reach us at 231-631-5701 (leave a message or text) or shoot us an email. 

Tight Lines,

Ed