NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT- BASS & TROUT CONDITIONS | AUGUST 15, 2026
Conditions & Outlook
Need help planning your trip? Stop by the shop, give us a call, or book a guide trip. Our staff and guides are on the water daily and can help point you in the right direction.
Traverse City Weather Conditions
Manistee River
Rinse and repeat from last week. Stable flows and cooler nights have extended our fishing times into the early afternoon. Start early as the sun comes up and fish until the water warms and the sun is high over head. We are seeing Tricos in the morning and terrestrials are still the main offering on our menu. Streamers and twitch bugs have been good early in the day. Once the water warms a bit around 9am you can throw terrestrials. Fishing an ant pattern with a Trico 18 inches behind that can we a good way to trick brook trout rising in the shallow flats.
What's Working
- Chubbies size 12-16
- Ants & Beetles
- Thunder Thighs Hopper
- Tricos 18-24
Best Tactics
Fish the mid river early, then spend your time on the outside seams closer to the bank. Look for the riffles and bubble lines where fish will hold looking up. Look for long stretches of shallow water to hold brook trout in the mornings searching for tricos. Fish a trico 18 inches behind your Chubby to help keep your eyes on the fly.
Boardman Ottaway River
Much the same as the Manistee. Fish early and get out before the kayakers hit the water.
What's Working
- Wet Skunk
- Chubbies
- Hoppers
Best Tactics
Access continues to be limited to the Beitner bridge area due to ongoing reconstruction efforts after our historic spring floods. There is still great access at the Brown Bridge Quiet area and upstream for wade anglers. Fish early with skunks or hoppers close to the bank and cover as much water as possible.
Around the Shop
A quick update on:
- Fall Fly Fest is September 12th. Outdoor films, food, fun, and camping!
- Marco’s Spey Casting School August 22nd dates still available.
- Guide trips available for float trips on the Manistee for trout or smallmouth and inland lakes for bass and bluegills
Looking Ahead
As always, stop in, call, or send us a message if you'd like the latest information before your trip. We look forward to seeing you on the water.