Michigan Fishing Update – Hendricksons, Steelhead, and Inland Lake Action
Spring fishing is picking up across northern Michigan! Trout are rising to Hendricksons, steelhead are still hanging below Tippy Dam, and inland lakes are alive with spawning bass and bluegills. Whether you're fly fishing creeks or chasing pike on the edges, this is a great time to get on the water.
Fishing Report – May 12, 2025 | Northern Michigan
Spring is in full swing here in northern Michigan, and the fishing has been steadily heating up along with the weather. Conditions remain similar to last week, but each day brings a little more action, especially in our smaller creeks and tributaries. Whether you're a fly angler chasing hatches or a conventional angler targeting spring predators, there's something biting right now.
Trout Waters Warming Up
The smaller tributaries and creeks are seeing increasing numbers of trout as water temps climb and flows settle. Fly anglers will be happy to hear that Hendrickson hatches have been occurring with regularity, especially on warmer afternoons. This is a great time to get out with a dry fly rod—fish are starting to look up.
Look for rising fish in slow seams, tailouts, and near structure. A well-presented Hendrickson pattern can make for exciting, visual takes. Keep some emergers and spinners on hand to match different phases of the hatch.
Steelhead and Walleye Below Tippy Dam
The Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam is still holding a mix of steelhead and spawning walleye. The steelhead run is tapering, but there are still fish to be found—especially in the deeper pockets and tailouts. While some fish are post-spawn and starting to move back downriver, others are hanging tight in classic holding water.
Walleye are sticking around in surprisingly good numbers, giving anglers a fun bonus catch. Drifting beads, spawn, or soft plastics under a float can still produce both species, depending on your target.
Inland Lakes: Bass, Bluegill, and Spring Predators
If you're fishing inland lakes, things are getting exciting. Largemouth bass are actively spawning and can be seen paired up in shallow flats. Sight fishing can be productive—and just plain fun—this time of year.
Bluegills are also starting to move in and will likely begin bedding soon. Keep an eye on sandy or gravely shallows and approach quietly for the best chance at success.
Predator activity is also on the rise. Northern pike are beginning to prowl the edges of spawning zones, and the occasional musky has been reported showing interest in large baits. Working big swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or glide baits near structure or staging areas can result in a heart-pounding strike.
What to Bring & Tips for the Week
Fly anglers: Bring Hendricksons, emergers, and small nymphs. A 4–5wt rod with floating line will cover most scenarios.
Conventional anglers: For steelhead and walleye, floats with beads or spawn are still effective. Don’t forget your polarized sunglasses for sight fishing bass and bluegill.
Pike & musky hunters: Focus on transition areas near spawning zones. Big, flashy baits can provoke reaction strikes.
Book Your Spring Fishing Trip
Whether you're after trout on a dry fly, steelhead on spinning gear, or looking to introduce someone to fishing on a calm inland lake, Due North Guide Service has trips available this month. Our local waters are coming to life, and this is one of the best times of year to be on the water in Michigan.
📞 Give us a call to book your trip today—we’d love to get you out on the water! Spots are filling quickly, so don’t wait too long to reserve your date.
Tight lines,
– DNGS (Brian)
River to Lake: Chasing Bites in Early May
Fishing Report – May 5, 2025
Location: Brethren, MI – Tippy Dam, Inland Lakes, and Local Creeks
Steelhead season on the Big Manistee is sadly drawing to a close, but there’s still opportunity for those willing to put in the time. The last fresh push of fish is in, and while numbers are thinning, anglers using beads, flies, and spawn are still finding success. If you’re looking to make the most of the tail end of the run, now’s the time to get after it.
Trout fishing in the smaller creeks and tributaries is bouncing back nicely following the opener. With pressure tapering off, the bite is picking up day by day. Spinners and live bait have been producing well, and for the fly anglers, subsurface presentations like nymphs and streamers are your best bet right now. As always, be mindful of ticks — they’re out in force this season.
On the inland lakes, things are slowly coming to life. Water temps on Green and Long Lakes are still on the cooler side, and the fish have been a bit sluggish. That said, pike are showing interest in spinners and flies, especially on Green, but getting them to fully commit has been a challenge. Keep at it — they’re out there.
Smallmouth bass are beginning to prowl the flats and drop-offs. If you're looking to tangle with some big ones, now’s a great time to start scouting those areas.
As for Long Lake, we haven’t had a chance to get out after walleye and perch yet this season. We’ll have more on that in next week’s update, so stay tuned.
All signs point to a promising summer on the water. Whether you're interested in drifting a river by boat or raft, or hiking in to chase backcountry trout, we’d love to help you make it happen. Don’t hesitate to reach out — let’s get on the water together.
Tight lines,
– DNGS (Brian)