05/28/2026
It’s been an interesting week on the river. Sulphurs showed up very suddenly in both systems, while we’re still seeing strong numbers of brown bugs around as well. Some of the bigger stoneflies have also started making an appearance.
The fish are still slow to respond, but timing still seems to be everything. Hit the right window and there’s good opportunity to find active fish, especially during the evening emergence and brief spinner falls right at dark. Warmer afternoons have fish sliding into softer seams and shaded water, while streamer anglers are still finding some success during low light periods and overcast days.
Both the Au Sable and Upper Manistee are starting to feel more like early summer every day. The warmer temps have me thinking big bug season is not too far off now — and it won’t be long before everyone starts looking toward drakes, Isos, and eventually hex time. For now, though, the fishing has been far from easy, and success is still coming mostly to anglers willing to stay late, cover water, and pay close attention to changing conditions.
If the forecast holds, the next stretch of stable weather should continue pushing hatch activity forward. It’s a great time to be on the water and the next couple weeks could bring some of the best fishing of the season so far.
Stop into the shop for the latest river reports and current fly recommendations. We’ll see you soon.
-Scott
