NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT- BASS & TROUT CONDITIONS | JULY 9, 2026
Hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. Summer has been flying by its crazy we are already getting close to the end of our Hex Season. This means terrestials and small streamers fished early in the mornings will be the mainstay of our fishing for the next couple months, with mousing for the nocturnal angler. Please make sure to bring a thermometer as river temperatures rise quickly and its up to you to be the responsible angler when to reel up for the day to respect the trout during or mid summer heat.
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 early in the mornings. Streamer fishing in the morning hours has produced some nice fish. Hex are still popping with Iso’s mixed in as-well in the faster gravelly areas. We are also seeing a few different stoneflies hatching. All in sizes from 16 to 6 depending on the bug. Stonefly imitations like chubby's are a a fun way to spend the day throwing dries all along the banks and bubble lines.
What's Working
- Clearwing Spinner Hex
- Chubbies Purple, Yellow, Royal size 16,14,12
- Salmonfly imitations
- Skunks
Best Tactics
Look for Isos to be in riffle waters and Hex in the more silty sections. For the best dry fly fishing, look for the activity either really early or late in the evening in water temps stay in a fishable range. Even if you do not see fishing rising, throwing a Chubby or terrestrial imitation in the fishy areas can produce some great results during the day. Fish will also eat Hex in the day! They know what the bug is and you might be surprised of the fish that will still look up when the sun is out.
Boardman Ottaway River
The Boardman continues to fish well for anglers willing to cover water and focus on prime holding lies. Cooler sections of the river remain particularly productive. Look to explore more water on this river and focus efforts on sub surface flies such as smaller streamers and nymphs. Evening my provide some dry fly action depending on the section you are exploring. There are Hex in the sandy and silty areas.
What's Working
- Wet Skunk
- Clearwing Spinner Hex
- Sparkle Minnow
Around the Shop
A quick update on:
- New Winston Rods are in the shop. Stop by and cast one!
- Events- Book Signing with Matt Supinski July 11, 2026
- Guide available for float trips on the Manistee for trout or smallmouth and inland lakes for bass and bluegills
- 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.
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.