Fishing Report 5/4/24

We have had some favorable weather conditions for the week following the Trout Opener and the rain in recent days has really done wonders for the trout streams.  The past two mild winters have been great for the overall trout population in the local waterways and we have had customers coming in with favorable reports from all over the area.  There has been Didymo discovered in the lower/middle section of the Ausable, so please be sure to clean, drain, dry everything out when going between rivers.  Dawn dish soap, 409 both work well and are effective in cleaning boots, laces, waders, boats, anchor lines!

On Saturday June 8 we are hosting our annual Cheese Cup!  Be sure to get signed up as this is always a great event to support Suicide Prevention and Awareness programs for our local Child and Family Services Center.  We do this in honor of our good friend Alex Hawke that lost his battle to depression in 2017.  This is our eighth year to host the event and with your support and the support of our sponsors we have raised over $70,000.  If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to Child and Family Services and in the memo please put “Cheese Cup.”  If you are interested in sponsoring, we are always happy to answer any questions and appreciate your support.

Manistee River Report

Upper Manistee River Trout Report- Fishing has been really good for this time of year.  Hendricksons are still going, but be prepared with Sulfurs!  Caddis are hatching throughout the system and streamer fishing has been good in the middle sections. Fish are looking up for dries.  River levels are great for a streamer float!  Look for 3-5’ streamers to get a reaction bite and prepare to put some time in to get the reward!

Lower Manistee River Report

Steelhead are done and we have been targeting pre-spawn bass with streamers and sinking lines with mixed results.  Some days are great and others have been a struggle.  Nice, pre-spawn fish are showing up and there is plenty of bait for them with the baby salmon and steelhead heading out to the lake.  Olives, whites and chartreuse have all been productive colors. 

Boardman River Report

Water levels in the Boardman/Ottaway River are great for streamer and nymph fishing.  The hatches on this river are sporadic, but if you encounter rising fish, be prepared with Hendricksons and Caddis.  The health of the fish this year seem to be really positive and look for cloudy days to have the best fishing.  Work slowly and wade quietly for best results.

Local Lakes Report

Area lakes have the bass and bluegill in pre-spawn mode.  Fishing drop offs and shorelines have been productive.  Smaller lakes should see panfish working towards the shallow flats for spawning.

Thanks for taking the time to check out our fishing report!  Get out and enjoy the weekend.