Northern Michigan Fishing Report – Steelhead & Trout Conditions | May 8, 2026
May 8, 2026 Northern Angler Fly Shop Fishing Report-Trout and Bass Now on Tap!
This week has brought steady temperatures and some relief from the rain we have experienced over the last several weeks. Rivers are still high, but in great shape to fish. Our guides have been out chasing trout, smallmouth and some late running spring steelhead. We have had hennies, but the fish are reluctant to look up. Some warmer temperatures would help, but I have seen this play out before with flooding conditions, the fish have been gorging themselves on worms and they will eat when they are ready. Streamer fishing for trout has been productive and streamer fishing for the pre-spawn smallies has been good, but this time of year, the angler has to work for it, but don’t worry, the fishing, bugs and conditions will continue to improve. I really enjoy fishing this time of year. There is a great variety of ways to target fish and I do not have to adjust my sleep schedule to target trout! Daytime fishing is really fun and moving around to different sections of the river or hitting a local lake for bass or pike is always fun!
We have some great new products in the shop. New rods from Sage and Redington along with the addition of Winston Rods and Lamson Rods really have rounded out the shop offering. Our fly selection is ready for your next adventure, whatever you are chasing this time of year. Book your summer guide trips or enroll in one of our fly fishing classes. The staff at The Northern Angler is here to help!
Manistee River Report
Things are slowly getting back into shape on the Manistee below Tippy Dam. Water levels are evening out and we have been out on the river targeting bass and some late-running steelhead. Streamer action is picking up for bass and this section of the Manistee will continue to improve over the next few weeks. Water temperatures have been around 55 degrees this entire week, which is ideal for trout! The boat launch at Tippy is a mess after the floods, so be prepared with waders to launch and recover your watercraft. Highbridge Boat launch is open, but only accessible from the south side of the river off of M-55 due to road damage on the north side of the bridge from the flooding and snowmelt.
Upper Manistee River Report
The Upper Manistee is in great shape for fishing and there have been stoneflies, hendricksons, and caddis present and on the water, with some sporadic rising, but nothing with any consistency. I would focus efforts and streamer fishing and nymphing for your most productive techniques. We have been through all the sections from Hole in the Wall all the way down to below Rainbow Jims and everything is in great shape and passable with watercraft. Temperatures have been in the mid-50’s and this is a great time to get out. Be prepared with hendricksons, caddis, smaller black stones and start with streamers in all size ranges.
Platte River
The Platte River is fishing well for trout and there are a few steelhead kicking around. Our shop staff has been fishing above and below the fish hatchery with good success. Streamers and nymphs are the ticket! This might be an easier place to fish with all of the road closures on the Boardman Ottaway River. This is a fun river to walk and wade!
Boardman Ottaway River
Road and bridge closures have limited some of the access to the Boardman-Ottaway River, but it is in fishable shape and will continue to improve over the next couple of weeks. Target the wild trout in this river with streamers and nymphs. Be careful wading as some areas have drastically changed with the flooding events. Fishing from the Forks down to the Brown Bridge Quiet area is ideal. May is a great time to explore the North and South Branches, before the foliage and understory really start to green up. Do some exploring this spring!