NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT | SALMON, STEELHEAD AND TROUT CONDITIONS OCTOBER 1ST, 2026
October is finally here, and with it, migratory fish. Salmon season is in full swing in Northern Michigan, including the Manistee, Boardman, Betsie, Crystal, and many others. The weather has been fantastic, and this is truly one of our favorite times of year to be on the water.
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Traverse City Weather Conditions
USGS Manistee River Tippy Gauge
Lower Manistee River
Salmon season on the Lower Manistee is going strong, with a few skippers starting to show up for the egg party as well. Fish are actively spawning, with new fish continuing to move upriver. We’re seeing a good mix of both coho and king salmon throughout the river.
Water visibility is currently around 4 feet, but that may decrease with all the recent rain.
Eggs have been the name of the game lately and will continue to be for the upcoming weeks. Beads in 10mm and 8mm have been producing best. Try to match the colors of a natural salmon egg, but don’t be afraid to experiment with a larger egg fly or brightly colored bead. Trail a more realistic-sized egg behind it for a two-fly presentation.
Recommended flies :
- 10mm and 8mm beads with UV
- Steelhead Bugger
- Egg-Sucking Leech
- Yarn Flies
Upper Manistee River
Fishing has still been a bit slow, but it has definitely improved from the previous week. I think the fish are still adjusting to the quick drop in water temperatures we experienced.
We received a substantial amount of rain on Wednesday and Thursday, which will bring river levels up and could make fishing a bit less productive until the water begins to drop and clear.
You can continue throwing dries until leaf debris becomes too heavy on the water.
This is also the time to bring out the streamers for brown trout looking to pack on some weight before the spawn. If you haven’t experimented with a sinking line for your streamers, make this the year. A sinking line really helps control your fly depth and allows you to swim your fly in ways you simply can’t achieve with a traditional floating line and weighted fly.
Recommended flies:
- Skunks
- Dungeons
- Circus Peanut
- Deceivers