Northern Michigan Fishing Report – Steelhead & Trout Conditions | April 17, 2026
April 17, 2026 Northern Angler Fishing Report
Hey guys, this is Marco with your weekly fishing report. The rain over the past week has led to widespread flooding across Northern Lower Michigan. All area rivers are at historic levels, with bridges and roads washing out. We’ve had to cancel and reschedule guide trips for this week and next. Hoping we can get back out around the trout opener.
Manistee River
The Big Manistee below Tippy Dam is at historic flows and not safe for fishing. Highbridge Road and the boat ramp are closed due to road damage and washouts. I’ve never seen the river this high, especially for this long—this is an EPIC flood.
Bear Creek is flowing through the boat launch parking lot, and several roads around Brethren and Kaleva are closed. If we avoid more rain, we’re hopeful to be back on the water later next week. If you do head out, please use extreme caution.
Boardman
Like every other river in Northern Michigan, the Boardman is at flood stage and expected to stay high for at least another week, if not longer. Use caution as flows drop, and keep your fingers crossed conditions line up for the trout opener on 4/25/26.
Closing Thoughts
This high water isn’t all doom and gloom. Steelhead from West Coast systems are used to flows much higher than what we’re seeing, they simply push into smaller tributaries to spawn.
- Our rivers also have large floodplains that allow trout to get out of heavy current. Right now, they’re likely feeding hard along the edges on worms and dislodged bugs. As flows drop, they’ll move back into the main channel.
That special 18-inch brown you see every year behind that log jam might not be there, but he’s still around, just in a different spot and likely well fed.
This is a great time to reflect on your goals for the season, tie flies, and get organized for when the getting’s good. This water will help later in the season when flows are typically low and warm.
Exciting Raffle with Marco
I’m excited to be working with Winston Rods and having them available on guided trips. I’ll be raffling off a Winston Pure 2 9’ 5 wt (retail $995) to anyone who books a full-day trip with me from May 1–August 1. This is a fantastic time to experience Northern Michigan fishing whether it be throwing dries in the afternoon, streamers on cloudy rainy days, or watching a bass explode on a popper. Let’s get out and fish and you’ll have a chance to win one of the greatest trout rods on the market. The winner will be drawn the first week of August.
- One full day booked = one entry.
- Already booked? You’re automatically entered.
- No maximum amount of entries.