NORTHERN MICHIGAN FISHING REPORT | SALMON, STEELHEAD AND TROUT CONDITIONS SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2026
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
Lower Manistee River
We are in the thick of salmon season on the Lower Manistee. We’re seeing fish actively spawning, with new fish continuing to move upriver. There has been a good mix of both Cohos and Kings in the river.
Water visibility is around 4 feet, which is perfect for fishing.
Eggs have been the name of the game lately. Beads in 10mm and 8mm have been producing best, especially in the most natural colors possible to match a fresh salmon egg.
Steelhead will start to show up as we get further into the salmon spawn. In the meantime, be sure to pack some Steelhead Buggers, as they have been producing a few fish as well. We like to trailer them behind a bead and fish them when they swing out at the end of the presentation.
Recommended flies and baits:
- 10mm and 8mm beads
- Steelhead Bugger
- Egg Sucking Leech
- Yarn Flies
Upper Manistee River
Fishing has gotten a bit more difficult as water temperatures cooled down quickly, slowing the bite. If you’re heading out, focus on late morning through the afternoon, when water temperatures have a chance to warm up.
You can continue throwing dries until leaf debris becomes too heavy on the water.
We are also entering our fall streamer window ahead of the brown trout spawn. When conditions are right, this is a great time to throw larger streamers and target some of the bigger fish in our rivers.
Recommended flies:
- Chubbys sizes 18–14
- Hurst Thrasher
- Circus Peanut
- Barely Legal
Boardman River
Just a few days remain of trout season on the Boardman River (above Beitner Bridge) Be sure to get out one last time to enjoy this wonderful small river. Fishing can be challenging at times but you'll likely find colorful brook trout and browns this time of year willing to eat soft hackles, nymphs, and streamers.
One of our favorite ways to fish this time of years is swinging classic wet flies downstream and across. Wade the middle of the river, cast to the woody banks and let your fly swing towards the middle of the river.
Be sure to follow regulations as many of our favorite Michigan streams are subject to trout season closures.
Recommended flies:
- Black nosed dace
- Mickey finn
- Royal coachman
- Galloup's micro dungeon (tan/olive/black)
- Craven's baby swim coach (brown/olive)