Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing

Manistee River Trout Report

The Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing report for the end of May has seen some improvement as we step into June.  The water levels are still 6″ above normal, but the river has cleared and warmed up this week. Coming into the weekend the upper sections near 72 have been dropping and clearing up quickly with water temps reaching lows around 54 and highs around 65.  There is still a lot of fluctuation in water temps, leaving us with some inconsistency in the bite and bug activity. Overall the dry fly fishing has been much improved.

Improving Conditions

Fishing showed a lot of improvement this week as we jumped right into a summer weather pattern after the holiday weekend.  The bug activity really took off almost immediately.  Bug densities in the evening have been impressive, but the spinner falls have been inconsistent.  As we continued to warm this week some of the larger fish began to take notice of the evening bug hatches. Water temperatures have been slow to climb this year, but with the warmer weather we are finally starting to see the temps hold where we need them.

Hatch Matching Opportunities 

The dry fly fishing improved as the week progressed, afternoons were the best early in the week and the evenings became the peak feeding window heading into the weekend. The Mahogany’s took over the show this week, we had a few good spinner dumps providing some good fishing.  The Sulphur’s have slowed down and have been dribbling all week.  The dorothea have been making up the majority of the hatching Sulphurs this week.  Olive Stones have also been rolling pretty hard in the evenings too, this is a sleeper hatch and you better pay attention to fish rising on this one. Pick the right bug for your first cast or you’ll regret it.

The Great Mahogany was the Gold Medal winner this week. We found several nice fish rising to the spinners and got beat up and busted off by some next level fish.  This hatch has always been one of my favorites.  Currently we are also seeing more Mattress Thrasher stones, Sulphur Spinners, Gray Drakes, Little Mahogany spinners, Yellow Cahill’s, March Browns, and Great Speckled Olives (easily confused for Drakes).  There are a ton of spinners to come down and the next warm evening should have some larger spinner falls.  Timing is everything nowadays.

Presentation has been key. Light tippet, clean drifts, and accurate casts are making the difference for success.  The lighter tippets have been making it harder to win the brawls with our bigger fish, but it’s been necessary to get the bites before dusk.  Blind fishing bigger dries and dry-dropper rigs can help cover water between rising fish. Conditions should continue to improve as stable weather is in the forecast, I’ll take stability in the weather any week while chasing the hatches. 

Streamer Bite

Streamer fishing on the Upper Manistee has been put on hold for us at the current moment.  The bite windows have been there on the overcast and stormy days, but with the warmer weather our hatches have been our main focus.  Early mornings will be best time to go before the water temps hit 60 in the afternoon. Lamprey imitations have been some of the best producers, especially when worked low and slow through deeper runs, logjams, and undercut banks. On brighter, sunny days, sparkle minnows have been a strong choice, giving off enough flash to grab attention. Vary your retrieve, pause often, and focus on structure where larger trout can ambush an easy meal.

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)

New Summer Swag

Just added two new hats to the shop section, will be adding a new Trout T-shirt here this week for some new Summer Swag.

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