NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT- BASS & TROUT CONDITIONS | JULY 23, 2026
Conditions & Outlook
Record high temps, wildfire smoke, then a cold front coming through, our late July weather has been all over the place. With this recent rain and cooler temps it has really helped cool down the river and improve the fishing. The last couple days water temps stayed below the 68 degree mark where we stop fishing far into the afternoon.
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
The Manistee River has been fishing well in the early mornings, conditions really improved with the cooler weather we started to receive a few days ago. This is mid summer fishing so terrestrials, attractor patterns and twitch bugs are all on the menu. Start early in the day, your best fishing will be before the sun hits the water into the later morning. Check your river temps when the weather decides to warm back up, catch rates will typically drop off anyways once water gets above 68 degrees. Smallmouth has also been fun on the lower river. When you find one slow your roll and cover the water well because there are usually a couple others hanging around.
What's Working
- Chubbies size 12-16
- Patriots
- Ant Acid
- Wet Skunks
Best Tactics
Fish the inside bend seams early with small dries looking for brook trout.
Inland Lakes
Fish early and look for the bass and bluegill in the shallow areas before they decide to go deep when you have a high sun. Find some lily pads throw a top water frog and get ready to see some cool eats
What's Working
- Boogle Bugs!
- Clouser Minnows
- Bluegill Spiders
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.
Around the Shop
A quick update on:
- New Winston Rods are in the shop. Stop by and cast one!
- The Northern Angler Fly Fishing Classes: July 25 and August 2
- Guide available for float trips on the Manistee for trout or smallmouth and inland lakes for bass and bluegills