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 using Mangled Fly for several years and have ALWAYS had a GREAT experience! Ed, Jon, and their crew have multiple years of experience, and have never failed to be able to pick the right lures for the species, seasons, and conditions. Best of all, I have come away from every trip with both great memories and the knowledge that they’ve helped me improve my skills and knowledge!

    M. Grinwis Avatar M. Grinwis
    May 19, 2024

    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.

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    David Graham Avatar David Graham
    March 2, 2024

    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!

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    Steve Bartz Avatar Steve Bartz
    May 22, 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.

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    John Kausal Avatar John Kausal
    June 10, 2024

    Jon just guided my son and I on the best day of steelhead fishing I’ve ever experienced. Multiple bobber drops, hook ups and boated fish. It was just silly:) I could go on and on about Jon. His patience, professionalism, knowledge of the river and positive attitude are first rate. He is attentive to every detail and works incredibly hard to teach, coach and guide you to a great experience. At the end of the day, he taught my son to use a center pin rig and he promptly hooked a fish. That made me smile. Jon is a pleasure to be with on the water. Can’t wait to fish with him again.

    Tom Smith Avatar Tom Smith
    November 15, 2024
  • Excellent steelhead charter experience. John Ray puts you on the fish. The rest is up to you. Great teacher. Back again soon!

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    Alexander Freiberg Avatar Alexander Freiberg
    March 4, 2025

    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

    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