# Michigan Trout Weekly Rollup: Week Ending May 31, 2026
Chris Izworski, reporting on the state of Michigan trout water for the week ending Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The final Sunday of May closes a week of stable flows and gathering heat across most of Michigan. Rivers have pulled into shape after mid-month rains, and the sulphur emergence is now the primary event on moving water from Grayling to Wellston. Afternoon surface activity has been consistent, though not spectacular, and the evening spinner falls have been more reliable than the dun hatches in warmer air. Caddis remain present throughout daylight hours, especially on faster northern systems. Water temperatures are climbing into the low sixties by late afternoon on most medium-sized rivers, which has pushed trout into predictable holding lies and made the middle hours slow. The fishing is no longer exploratory. It has settled into rhythm.
Northern Lower Peninsula
The Au Sable system is running clean and steady. The mainstream below Mio is at 480 cubic feet per second, down from early May but still comfortable for wading and good for holding fish in the deeper bends and log structure. Sulphurs are emerging reliably between two and five in the afternoon, though the best surface feeding has been happening during the spinner fall from seven thirty until near dark. The South Branch remains the stronger evening option, particularly the stretch from Chase Bridge down to the mouth. Hendricksons are nearly finished, but a few stragglers are still coming off in shaded water during cooler mornings. Caddis in tan and olive, sizes 14 and 16, have been productive all week in pocket water and riffles. The Manistee above Tippy Dam is also fishing well. Flows are moderate, and the sulphur emergence is thick enough in the evening to bring up fish that have been hiding all day. Wading is manageable, and there is room to work. One specific recommendation: fish the water below Stephan Bridge on the South Branch from seven o’clock forward this week. Bring Sulphur Comparaduns in size 14 and matching spinners. The surface work has been honest and sustained.
Western Lower Peninsula
The Pere Marquette and Little Manistee are both in excellent condition. The PM is running clear at around 620 cubic feet per second near the Walhalla gauge, which is a good read for late May. Sulphurs have been the main event here as well, with consistent emergences in the long flat stretches between Bowman Bridge and the M37 access. There is also a March brown presence, particularly in the faster pocket water upstream. The Little Manistee is quieter, smaller, and more forgiving to approach. Flows are moderate, the water is cool, and the caddis activity has been strong all week. Elk Hair Caddis in size 14, tan and olive bodies, have been taking fish in the morning and again late in the day. The Betsie River near Elberta has also come into form. It is not a large river, but it fishes cleanly this time of year, and the sulphur hatches are beginning to show in the slower bends. One specific recommendation: wade the Little Manistee between Six Mile Bridge and Nine Mile Bridge this coming week. Fish a Sulphur Comparadun or a Parachute Adams in size 14 during the late afternoon window, and switch to an Elk Hair Caddis if the surface goes quiet. The fish are there and willing.
Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula remains cooler, and the hatches are running a week or two behind the Lower Peninsula calendar. The Fox River near Seney is fishing well, with moderate flows and good clarity. Hendricksons are still present in limited numbers, and caddis have become the dominant insect. Water temperatures are in the mid fifties, which has kept trout active throughout the day rather than retreating into the thermal safety of deeper pools. The Two Hearted River is running clear and cold, and there is strong dry fly potential in the upper reaches above the High Bridge access. Caddis in size 14 and small mayflies are both active. The Escanaba River near Gwinn is also worth attention. It is a broader system with good structure, and the early summer insect activity is beginning to build. March browns are showing in scattered pockets, and a March Brown Comparadun in size 12 will draw attention in the right water. One specific recommendation: fish the Fox River in the stretch near Seney this week. Bring Elk Hair Caddis in sizes 14 and 16, and fish them all day if conditions allow. The fish are holding in shallow riffles and feeding without hesitation.
For live flow data, gauge readings, and daily updates from rivers across the state, visit michigantroutreport.com. The network is current and covers conditions as they develop.