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
  • 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

    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

    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!

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    Joe Filippelli Avatar Joe Filippelli
    November 12, 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

    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

    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
  • One of the best guide services your can get, they know there stuff and are great to fish with!

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    Jamie Mcc Avatar Jamie Mcc
    April 2, 2024

    Great experience with Captain Jon Ray and Mangled Fly Outfitters. I caught several brown and nice brook trout. Jon enabled me to catch my personal best 21 inch brown. He is extremely knowledgeable of his waters. I have already booked another outing.

    Jim Clark Avatar Jim Clark
    July 15, 2024

    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