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
  • My grandson wanted to try fly fishing. As beginners, we quickly learn the difference between fishing and catching fish. I knew my limitations(in patience, skill and fish finding ability), and went with a PRO for introduction to Trout Fly Fishing. Jon Ray was that Pro. We had a great day on the Manistee river. My grandson caught about 10 trout, including 1 large trout and a very large one that got off just before landing. Jon was great with young people, and old as well. Jon has all the attributes I lacked and we had a great trip and a new fly fisherman was born. Thank you Jon and Mangled Fly.

    D Daddario Avatar D Daddario
    May 10, 2025

    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

    Mangled Fly targets Steelhead, Trophy Brown Trout, Smallmouth and Muskie. This versatility allows for the greatest opportunity for fishing success across the most variable conditions. After several trips with Ed McCoy over the years you realize he has off the chart observational skills. He is one part entomologist, one part stream ecologist and a true naturalist that knows how to catch fish. Every time I fish with him, I walk away learning something new.

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2
    Jason Rowntree Avatar Jason Rowntree
    May 20, 2024
  • I have fly fished with Captain Ed McCoy in Northern Michigan for over 20 years. Every float has been outstanding—dry flies, streamers, night time mousing/frogging, egging steelhead—seems we’ve done it all! Ed knows the addresses of the trophies so where he shows you where to place your fly do it and be ready—that fly is likely to be mangled. Ed knows the flys that will hunt as he makes his own for each time of year and river condition. He has a wealth of knowledge about the flora and fauna you will encounter as you float the river. He is a patient teacher—I learn something each time we go out and am humbled when he demonstrates a casting technique he wants me to use. In short, I can’t recommend Ed highly enough and hope you have an opportunity to float the river with him

    media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2
    James Troester Avatar James Troester
    February 24, 2024

    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

    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
  • 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

    This was my very first time steelhead fishing and it was the highlight of the weekend!! I was intimidated hopping on the boat and lacked confidence with fishing but Jon made the entire experience fun and educational. Jon is the perfect dose of professional and fun. He wants to teach you the right way to fish and have a blast while doing it. Also, he’s got your back and is there to keep you safe. I highly recommend Mangled Fly. It was a memorable experience and we look forward to fishing again.

    media thumbnail 0
    David Graham Avatar David Graham
    March 2, 2024

    Absolutely fantastic experience on the Upper Manistee River. Jon was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and fun. He made the experience memorable for me and my son. We caught some beautiful trout and had a great time doing it. We learned a lot and can’t wait for another trip. Highly recommended.

    Dan Lynch Avatar Dan Lynch
    July 7, 2025