Chris Izworski’s Michigan Trout Daily weekly overview for Sunday, August 9: here is what the gauges actually show across the state as we move deeper into August, when low water and clear conditions demand precision and patience from trout anglers across Michigan.

This is a tale of two Michigans this week. The Upper Peninsula is running mostly normal to low, with a few notable exceptions pushing above the seasonal comfort zone. The Northern Lower Peninsula, by contrast, is experiencing significant volatility, with one dramatic spike and several rivers running hot while others have dropped to summer basement levels. Southern Michigan remains ungauged and unmeasured by our network. What this means for your week: the best trout water right now exists in a narrow band of conditions, and knowing which rivers match those conditions will determine whether you’re casting to rising fish or wading through dingy flows.

August brings Trico mornings statewide. Small flies, early starts, and the understanding that by 10 a.m., when the sun climbs and water temperatures climb with it, the fishing window closes. The rivers that are running clear and cool will be your best bets. The ones running high or warm are worth avoiding.

Upper Peninsula: Mostly Stable, Some High Water

The UP’s 24 gauged rivers are settling into a mostly normal August pattern, though three rivers are running conspicuously higher than seasonal baseline. The Silver River sits at 151% of median, the Tahquamenon River at 152%, and the Cisco Branch Ontonagon River at 146%. These flows suggest recent runoff or sustained wet weather in that region. If you’re targeting the Silver or Tahquamenon, expect higher, slightly off-color water; smaller flies and deeper runs will be more productive than typical August presentations.

The core of UP trout country is in good shape. The Ontonagon River proper is at 86% of median, the Salmon Trout River at 97%, and the Iron River at 96%. These are textbook August conditions: low enough to require stealth and precision, but not so low that fish are confined to deep pools. The Brule River, which straddles the UP-Wisconsin border, sits at 78%. All three of these rivers should fish well for anglers willing to start early and work small Tricos and other diminutive offerings.

Several UP rivers, however, have dropped into low-water territory. The Sturgeon River in the UP is at 47% of median, the Ford River at 46%, the Black River in Schoolcraft County at 65%, the Presque Isle River at 66%, and the Michigamme River at 68%. These are challenging but not impossible. Concentrate on shaded pools, spring-fed sections, and early morning windows. Temperatures across the UP range from a refreshing 56 degrees in the East Branch Salmon Trout River to 68 degrees in the Presque Isle River; cooler water means longer feeding windows and more active fish.

Northern Lower Peninsula: One Blown-Out Outlier, Mixed Conditions Elsewhere

The Northern Lower Peninsula presents a more complicated picture. The Thunder Bay River is running at 331% of median, a staggering spike that makes it essentially unfishable for trout work this week. Avoid it entirely unless you enjoy fishing in chocolate milk.

Beyond that outlier, the region splits neatly. Several major rivers are running high but fishable. The AuSable River, Michigan’s signature trout stream, is at 134% of median. The Manistee River is also at 134%. The Rifle River is at 145%, and the Pine River near Oscoda is at 146%. The East Branch Au Gres is at 140%. These flows are above normal but not prohibitive; they’ll require patience and slightly larger flies than typical August presentations, but they’re not blown out. If you’re committed to these rivers, fish early, fish deeper, and fish darker patterns.

Several other Northern Lower Peninsula rivers are holding steady near normal. The Pere Marquette River is at 97% of median, which is textbook August; the Jordan River is at 110%, the Muskegon River at 109%, the Pine River at 100%, and the Sturgeon River in the Northern Lower Peninsula at 121%. These rivers are where I’d focus my week. They offer the balance of low-water stealth with enough flow to keep fish active and fed. The Manistee and AuSable, despite their elevation above median, are storied rivers and worth fishing if you adjust your tactics accordingly.

The problem waters are real. The Maple River is at 41% of median, Wolf Creek at 47%, the Tittabawassee River at 58%, and the Pine River in Mid-Michigan at 68%. These are summer-hold situations where fish have retreated to deep, cold spots. Fish them if you know the water, but manage expectations. Water temperatures in the Northern Lower Peninsula range from 60 degrees in the Manistee River to 72 degrees in the Muskegon River. The Manistee’s cooler water is a bonus given its higher flows.

Southern Lower Peninsula: No Data

Our gauge network does not yet cover Southern Michigan’s trout rivers. This remains a gap in real-time regional intelligence. If you fish the Au Sable’s Lower Peninsula reaches, the Pigeon River, or other Southern Michigan trout water, you’re operating without our hydrological snapshot.

Where I Would Go This Week

Target the Pere Marquette River if you want the highest-probability August experience. It’s at 97% of median, clear, and will fish like August should fish: early Tricos, small flies, short window, big rewards. The Jordan River at 110% is the second choice if you want water with slightly more push and slightly less competition. Both rivers are cool enough to support all-day fishing for anglers willing to work soft presentations in pocket water and under overhanging vegetation.

If you want to test your high-water skills on a legendary river, the AuSable at 134% is worth the drive. Expect to fish larger, darker nymphs in runs deeper than typical. Start before sunrise and be off the water by 10 a.m. The Manistee, at the same elevation, offers similar challenges and similar rewards.

For detailed conditions on individual rivers, visit https://michigantroutreport.com.