NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT - BASS & TROUT CONDITIONS | JULY 2, 2026
Conditions & Outlook
Just as the Hex hatch was really getting into full swing and showing some signs of consistency, the north country got hit with yet another storm! Right now we are looking at rising water and rising water temperatures. Keep an eye on water temperatures and do not fish when the river temperatures rise above 68 degrees.
I would say the local rivers will still have some more time on the evening hex hatch and we will see this continue into next week. The fish are really healthy from all the water and spring flooding with the fish we are seeing having really healthy mass and girth to them. We are seeing good fishing in the early mornings and evenings with after dark action heating up!
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
USGS Upper Manistee River Gauge
Manistee River
Check flows before you go! The river is up and dirty at this time. We have had more storm activity and the river will be in better condition in the next few days. Up higher in the system, the conditions will clear more quickly. The hexagenia hatch is in full swing and the past few nights were really good all through the “flies only” section.
What's Working
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Golden Stoneflies
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Hex patterns
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Isonychias
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Chubby Chernobyls
Best Tactics
Evenings until just after dark are the best. Isonychias and Hex are on the the menu for trout! Fish a stout leader- 0X, 1X, 2X for hex! Land fish quickly and keep them wet with the warm temperatures! Get the quick photo shot, put them back in the net and release when they kick out of the net.
Looking Ahead
Morning fishing will improve and tricos are around the corner. Start to think about terrestrials with some beetles and ants.
Boardman Ottaway River
The Boardman Ottaway River is back on the rise and I would say it is not safe to wade at this point. Be careful if you go out! Be mindful of where you wade and exercise caution. Once the river comes back in shape fish with streamers and nymphs. Rubber legged, foam surface patterns twitched will work once the water drops and clears.
What's Working
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Hippie Stompers
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Pat’s Rubber Legs nymphis
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Conehead streamers
Best Tactics
Fish the Boardman-Ottaway River on an overcast day for best results. This river will humble you on a bluebird day! Work downstream, wading stealthily with a small streamer cast to the bank and worked or twitched out to the center of the river. Swinging nymphs and soft hackles in the riffles.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks look for the fish to start looking up on leggy attractors twitched on the surface. Streamer and nymph fishing is always a great way to fish the Boardman Ottaway Rive.
Inland Lakes
Poppers and Spiders! Dragon flies are getting the bass to look up. Love this time of year for the surface action on all the local lakes. Super fun way to spend an evening or early moring on the water
What's Working
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Boogle Bugs!
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Maddin’s Gil Scorpion
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Rubber Spiders
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Soft Chews
Best Tactics
Look for fishing to be best in the early morning hours and evening hours. Topwater action is the best and it is so much fun to hit a local lake for some bass and bluegill and fish until just before dark.
Looking Ahead
Lake fishing should be great for the balance of the summer, BUT during times of the heavy mayfly hatches the fish may not be as aggressive as they are really targeting the nymphs and adults as they emerge on local lakes.
Around the Shop
A quick update on:
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New Winston Rods are in the shop. Stop by and cast one!
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The Northern Angler Fly Fishing Classes: June 20, July 25 and August 2
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Events- Book Signing with Matt Supinski July 11, 2026
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Guide available for float trips on the Manistee for trout or smallmouth and inland lakes for bass and bluegills
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Demo Day with Ben Hunting July 18th-Sage, Redington Rio and Fishpond!!
Looking Ahead
As we move into the coming week, anglers should keep an eye on weather patterns and water temperatures. A well-timed rain event could improve conditions dramatically, while warmer weather will continue to concentrate activity during the cooler parts of the day. Keep a close eye on water temps and look for warm water action instead of trout when the river temperature is 68 or above.
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.