Northern Michigan Fishing Report – Steelhead & Trout Conditions | February 26, 2026

FEBRUARY 26, 2026

Steelhead, Trout & Seasonal Conditions Update

Overview

The warm up we had last week was really a positive motion to get us thinking of spring.  It was a teaser and I do hear the term “false spring” in conversations at the shop, but whatever it is, we will take it and look forward to warmer temperatures and some snow melt.  We moved right back into a cold snap and more snow, but tomorrow looks incredibly nice, so much so that I really want to play out on the river.  I am excited for the spring season and catching up with clients and hunting down some late winter and early spring steelhead.

Water temperatures are currently ranging from 34-36°F, and we expect stable conditions heading into the weekend.

Next Friday and Saturday we will be at the MFFC Fly Fishing Show! There is a new location this year- Oakland Expo Center, 2112 Mall Drive East, Waterford, MI. The show hours are Friday March 6 from 1pm to 9pm and Saturday March 7 from 9am to 6pm.  These are new show hours and a new venue!!  Stop by the booth for some great deals and cast some of the new rods from Sage and Redington!

River Conditions Snapshot

Water Temps:

  • Larger Rivers: 34-36°F

  • Smaller Streams: 34-36°F

Flow Levels:

  • Near average

  • Some rivers are still showing signs of recent rains and running above normal

Water Clarity:

  • Expect to see typical clear water this time of year.

Weather Outlook:

  • Fluctuating between 30-45 heading into the weekend with a cold one on Sunday. Expect a warm-up next week as we’ll see stabile temps in the 40s.

Steelhead Report

Steelhead fishing this week certainly slowed down with colder temps returning to Northern Michigan. You can absolutely still find find fish if you’re armed with persistence. Target deep runs and pools and enjoy some quiet, low traffic time on the water.

What’s Working:

  • Egg Patterns - Both bright & natural colors have been productive as light & water conditions change throughout the day. Orange & yellow beads, clown eggs, and large rag eggs.

  • Hex Nymphs - A good sized offering for lethargic fish, this is a great pattern for sections of water with sandy & mucky bottoms.

  • Caddis & Stonefly Nymphs - The perfect addition to an egg pattern in sections of rive with rocky bottoms.

Techniques Producing:

  • Indicator nymphing in slower seams

  • Tight-line/Bottom-bouncing/Chuck & Duck presentations in moderate depth

Get out this weekend on the Boardman, Manistee, or Betsie and enjoy some time on the water. Look for things to turn on in the warmer parts of the day and especially next week.

Manistee River 

The Big Manistee below Tippy dam offers some of the most consistent fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead and those migratory rainbows are around from October to early May in some years.  It takes the Manistee a bit longer to warm up because of the pond above the dam and the ice that forms on the lake.  We have a solid amount of ice on Tippy Pond this year and it will be a nice slow warm up for spring, so that means the spring steelhead season should be pretty spread out on the “Big River.”  The warm up of last week really had some fish on the move and it will get some of the wild, winter fish looking to quickly spawn and exit on the next long warm spell.  This helps to spread out the run and is nature's way of helping species survive.  Spring seasons like this one should be really good for fish production in all of the creeks and tributaries  that feed the Manistee River.  When you can get out, focus on orange and yellow colored beads, clown eggs, rag eggs, and we found fish on black stonefly patterns and hex patterns.  It is always good to have some steelhead buggers, fry patterns and green caddis in your fly box for this time of year. 

Betsie River

Fishing on the Betsie River has been mixed over the past week. The warm up brought fish in, but it seems like they quickly scattered and many ran above the Homestead Dam.  This river warms pretty quickly in the spring and Mid-March to early April is pretty much the peak time for fishing on this river.  These wild fish make for great fights in a small stream setting and this river is perfect to wade. The Betsie can be a great little river to run a floating line and indicator or swing for fish with a single hand or two hand rod.  Just a reminder that it is open from Kurick road down to Lake Michigan until the last Saturday in April. The Betsie and Platte Rivers are hidden gems in Benzie County.

Boardman River

I was checking out some fish this week on my walk down to the post office and saw more than one angler out float fishing for steelhead.  There have been some good days and some slow days in the past week, but the fish seem to be moving with increased flows on the warmer days with snow melt.  This is a great spot to fish before or after work if you are in downtown TC. Float fishing and swinging really are the most effective ways to fish this river.  

Trout Report (Same as Last Week)

Early-season trout activity has been slow. Most fish are still holding in slower winter water and can be very difficult to entice even with the best presentations.

Subsurface Patterns:

  • Prince Nymph – A pattern we rarely leave home without. This stonefly imitation is great for dredging thought deep winter water where our trout rest.

  • Hare's Ear Nymph - A classic for a good reason, this pattern is an excellent mayfly imitation but will also be taken as a caddis or stonefly depending on the color scheme.

  • Wooly Bugger - The ultimate utilitarian fly, fish this fly on a dead drift, swung or stripped.

Midday windows have been the most productive, especially when we get a few warm days in a row. Pick the best time to be out on the water and get some fresh air while knocking all the rust off your cast.

What We’re Seeing in the Shop

Anglers preparing for upcoming trips are focusing on:

  • Smaller, natural-colored egg patterns as clarity improves

  • Stonefly nymphs in sizes #6-#12

  • Green Caddis nymphs in sizes #6-#12

  • Hex Nymphs in sizes #6-#8

  • Light fluorocarbon for clear water conditions 6LB-12LB

  • Layering systems for fluctuating temps

If you’re planning a trip in the next week or two, dialing in fly size and depth has made the biggest difference.

Seasonal Outlook

As we move deeper into March, expect:

  • Gradual increases in trout activity. If the weather is right, nymphing and streamer fishing can be productive during the warmest parts of the day.

  • More consistent steelhead movement with warming trends. Many anglers wait too long to get out and chase Spring steelhead. The past few years, early season (February/March) has been very productive.

The next 2–3 weeks in Northern Michigan are typically a back-and-forth between warming trends and cold stretches. Staying adaptable will be key to finding success on the water.

Planning a Trip?

Stop by the shop or give us a call if you’re heading out. We’re happy to help fine-tune flies, leaders, and talk current river conditions.

Now is the time to get your spring and summer trips on the books.  We have March and April dates open for spring steelhead and it is not too early to think of May and June dates for trout!  Give us a call at 231-933-4730 and get your spot on the calendar for the coming season.

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