Teaching the Art of Angling

Mangled Fly is Northern Michigans premier fly fishing guide service. Jon Ray, Ed McCoy and Jeff Topp have a combined 56 years of local guiding experience specializing in Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and Muskie.

Northern Michigan Guide Service

Mangled Fly is centrally located in the heart of the “Century Circle,” a coveted fishing destination for Trout and Steelhead encompassing more than 100 miles of Northern Michigan. All Mangled Fly guides are licensed and insured United States Coast Guard Captains and permitted to fish all waters in the State of Michigan including, but not limited to the Boardman, Betsie, Manistee, Little Manistee, Pine, Pere Marquette, and Au Sable Rivers.

Contact Us to book your Northern Michigan Fishing Adventure. 231-631-5701

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider”

“This institution operated under special use permit with the Huron-Manistee National Forests”

Mangled Fly Clothing

Latest Northern Michigan Fishing Articles

Steelhead are the most sought-after gamefish in Northern Michigan, and they make their way into the rivers as early as late September. By the second week of October, the fall steelhead fishing becomes particularly strong. The Big Manistee River, in particular, undergoes a remarkable transformation during the months of October, November, and December, becoming one of the top Steelhead fishing rivers in the Midwest.

During this period, we particularly enjoy using streamers and egg patterns to target these impressive game fish. Steelhead remain available throughout the winter months, and they can be caught using swung flies and various float fishing techniques even during the cold weather.

As spring approaches, the number of fish increases, reaching its peak season in late February and March. Float fishing is a popular method during this time, as these migratory rainbows heavily feed on salmon fry eggs and stoneflies. The Manistee River is known as an outstanding steelhead river, offering opportunities to catch these incredible gamefish for six months of the year.

Mangled Fly guides also enjoy pursuing Steelhead in the Pere Marquette and Bestie River. Both rivers provide exceptional runs of Steelhead during the fall and spring seasons.

Steelhead Fishing

Teaching the Art of Angling

Mangled Fly is Northern Michigans premier fly fishing guide service. Jon Ray, Ed McCoy and Jeff Topp have a combined 56 years of local guiding experience specializing in Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and Muskie.

Northern Michigan Guide Service

Mangled Fly is centrally located in the heart of the “Century Circle,” a coveted fishing destination for Trout and Steelhead encompassing more than 100 miles of Northern Michigan. All Mangled Fly guides are licensed and insured United States Coast Guard Captains and permitted to fish all waters in the State of Michigan including, but not limited to the Boardman, Betsie, Manistee, Little Manistee, Pine, Pere Marquette, and Au Sable Rivers.

Contact Us to book your Northern Michigan Fishing Adventure. 231-631-5701

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider”

“This institution operated under special use permit with the Huron-Manistee National Forests”

Latest Northern Michigan Fishing Articles

Steelhead are the most sought-after gamefish in Northern Michigan, and they make their way into the rivers as early as late September. By the second week of October, the fall steelhead fishing becomes particularly strong. The Big Manistee River, in particular, undergoes a remarkable transformation during the months of October, November, and December, becoming one of the top Steelhead fishing rivers in the Midwest.

During this period, we particularly enjoy using streamers and egg patterns to target these impressive game fish. Steelhead remain available throughout the winter months, and they can be caught using swung flies and various float fishing techniques even during the cold weather.

As spring approaches, the number of fish increases, reaching its peak season in late February and March. Float fishing is a popular method during this time, as these migratory rainbows heavily feed on salmon fry eggs and stoneflies. The Manistee River is known as an outstanding steelhead river, offering opportunities to catch these incredible gamefish for six months of the year.

Mangled Fly guides also enjoy pursuing Steelhead in the Pere Marquette and Bestie River. Both rivers provide exceptional runs of Steelhead during the fall and spring seasons.

Steelhead Fishing
  • I’ve been out with a lot of guides over the last 40 years and Ed is the best I have ever worked with. He is knowledgeable, patient, a very good teacher and great with the boat. He is highly recommended.

    media thumbnail 0
    John Kausal Avatar John Kausal
    June 10, 2024

    What an amazing experience with Jon at the Mangled Fly! His patience to get us comfortable with this type of fishing and willingness to share his abundance of knowledge made this trip a 10 out of 10. Can’t wait to get back on his boat!

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2
    Brandon LeBlanc Avatar Brandon LeBlanc
    March 2, 2024

    We had a great day on the water with Jon!! Every detail is managed impeccably! He has top of the line equipment and he is very focused on making sure his clients have a great time. He also put us on some SLOBS 💪🤘🐖. Will definitely fish with him again next summer

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2media thumbnail 3media thumbnail 4media thumbnail 5
    Gordon Sutton Avatar Gordon Sutton
    July 23, 2024
  • If you're looking for a world-class steelhead experience, book with Captain Jon Ray of Mangled Fly. My recent two-day trip with my son was absolutely phenomenal, creating memories we’ll cherish forever. Jon’s knowledge of the river system and his expertise in reading the water are unmatched, and he was incredible with my son. He patiently taught him how to do it and he caught his first steelhead—and then landing several more! Beyond the fantastic fishing, Jon is a great guide—patient, friendly, and genuinely invested in your success. We had so much fun on the trip that we’re already rebooked for next season! Highly, highly recommend!

    Jeff Dawson Avatar Jeff Dawson
    November 20, 2025

    Jon was an excellent guide. He’s full of knowledge, energetic and put us on some trophy steelhead! You can tell he just loves to fish. Already looking forward to another trip with Jon and Mangled Fly.

    Andrew Deisler Avatar Andrew Deisler
    March 1, 2024

    Always a great experience with the Mangled Fly crew! These guys deliver a top level, professional guide trip every time. I fish with them every chance I get. Check them out!

    media thumbnail 0
    Steve Bartz Avatar Steve Bartz
    May 22, 2024
  • A friend and I had an incredible day swinging flies for fall Steelhead on the Manistee with Jon. He did an exceptional job putting us on fish throughout the day, making the most of every minute on the water. Jon's professionalism, skill, and positive attitude made the trip a fantastic experience. Highly recommend him for anyone looking to enjoy a great day fishing in northern Michigan!

    media thumbnail 0
    Joe Filippelli Avatar Joe Filippelli
    November 12, 2024

    Excellent steelhead charter experience. John Ray puts you on the fish. The rest is up to you. Great teacher. Back again soon!

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2media thumbnail 3
    Alexander Freiberg Avatar Alexander Freiberg
    March 4, 2025

    Epic day on the Big Man with Jon Ray. The Mangled Fly grand slam. Brown, Rainbow, beautiful brook and throw in a sweet smallie. Jon is simply the man. If you want to fish for all species Mangled Fly is the choice.

    Billy Vail Avatar Billy Vail
    May 17, 2024