Northern Michigan Fishing Report – Bass & Trout Conditions | May 22, 2026
Hey everyone, this is Marco with your Northern Michigan fishing report.
Temps are finally starting to warm up this coming week, and we’re getting back into a more normal weather trend after all the rain and cold we experienced earlier this spring. We’re starting to see fish become more active with every warm day after a very feast or famine few weeks.
Upper Manistee River
I’ve been spending a good amount of time guiding both upriver and in the lower river sections, and we’re finally seeing things improve after the flooding we dealt with a few weeks ago.
To be honest, fishing has been tough with the high water and extremely well fed fish from the historic worm hatch we had while water levels stayed above the banks. A few days ago, though, it felt like someone flipped a switch, and we finally started seeing some consistency.
Remember: high water can actually be a good thing because it concentrates fish. Focus your attention on slower water, as fish don’t want to sit in heavy current right now.
Streamers have been the most productive way to start the day. Colors that have worked best are yellow, white, and olive/yellow in the 3–6 inch range. Focus on slower inside seams and softer water over structure, as fish are feeding in those protected areas.
We’ve also started having some solid hatches with caddis, March Browns, stoneflies, and I believe to be early Iso's following warm ups, but finding fish actively rising has taken patience and picking your spot wisely. With water still high, look for areas less than 3 feet deep where current pushes bugs into seams or concentration spots.
One of my favorite places to look is the backside of a shallow bend where an overhanging limb creates a bubble line and soft seam. Those spots can hold happy rising fish.
This is the time of year to load up on bugs and be ready for anything. We have a huge mix of insects right now, and you need options for every stage emergers, duns, and spinners. The prepared angler is going to have the best results through June. Having multiple options can make all the difference on difficult fish.
Stop into the shop we’ve got you covered. Expect the leave with 15-20 flies to have all your bases covered. The Manistee is a technical fishery so if you find yourself so lucky to take shot at riser you need to have options .
Lower Manistee River
Fishing has picked up as flows have steadied, and fish are becoming much more active on streamers compared to a few weeks ago.
Fry patterns have worked best for us from the boat with sinking lines, but wade anglers can have just as much success fishing from the bank with floating lines. Lamprey patterns in the 3–5 inch range have also had their moments.
Caddis are around, and late mornings have provided opportunities to target fish actively feeding on the surface.
Boardman River
The Boardman came up with the recent rain, but fishing can still be productive using streamers or nymphing deeper bends and seams created by wood along the banks.
I’d focus my attention on water from Brown Bridge access and upstream. Fishing quickly and covering water has been key. If you find success in one type of spot, take note and look for similar water nearby.
Don't overthink your fly selection - covering water is going to be the real key to success. Wet skunks, Sculpzillas, and Craven's Baby swim coach are great flies to have in your box. For nymphs, Prince Nymphs, Hares Ear Variations and Pheasant Tail Variations are great. If you find a gravel run adjacent to some depth, consider swinging a soft hackle.
Please be cautious floating the Boardman this spring - we've received several reports of a large log jam and a damaged private bridge between Brown Bridge and Shumsky access points.
WIN A WINSTON ROD!
I’m excited to be working with Winston Rods and having them available on guided trips this season.
I’ll be raffling off a Winston Pure 2 9’ 5wt (retail value $995) to anyone who books a full-day trip with me between May 1 and August 1.
This is an incredible time to experience Northern Michigan fishing — whether it’s throwing dries in the afternoon, streamer fishing on cloudy days, or watching a bass explode on a popper.
Let’s get out and fish, and you’ll also have a chance to win one of the best trout rods on the market. The winner will be drawn during the first week of August.
• One full-day trip booked = one entry
• Already booked? You’re automatically entered
• No maximum number of entries