NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT- BASS & TROUT CONDITIONS | AUGUST 8, 2026
Conditions & Outlook
Our first week of August has us fishing skunks early, terrestrials when the water warms up and mouse patterns after dark. It's definitely the time of year to monitor water temperatures and make sure
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
Start early as the sun comes up and fish until the water warms and the sun is high over head. River came up a bit with rain we had earlier in the week but is back to normal flows. 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
- Hippy Stompers, Green, Purple, Blue, Red
- Tricos
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
Boardman Ottaway River
What's Working
- Wet Skunk
- Chubbies
- Hoppers
Around the Shop
A quick update on:
- New Winston Rods are in the shop. Stop by and cast one!
- Marco’s Spey Casting School August 22nd dates still available
- Guides 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.