Manistee River Steelhead Report

Manistee River Steelhead Report below Tippy Dam

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Manistee River

Manistee River Steelhead Report

Spring Steelhead Report Below Tippy Dam

The Spring Steelhead Fishing Report for Below Tippy Dam fishing has been fair to good depending upon the weather and water levels.  Current Water conditions are high and heavily stained from the recent rains and snow melt. With higher water and dropping temps the bite cooled off a bit, but it should pick back up with the warmer days coming our way. Water levels have  been slowly dropping and clearing and today’s conditions are 2920 cfs and 38.1 F.

The river received a decent push of fish in the high water a week ago, but the fish have slowed down a bit in the big temp drop early this week.  It looks like the forecast moving forward is for some warmer conditions so this should increase their overall activity levels. Some of the fall and winter fish have been actively spawning in the high water despite the colder temps. As we warmup closer to 40 degree water we should see the majority of our spring fish start to push into our streams. Fishing for steelhead is typically best in the falling water.

Spring Steelhead Fishing

The Spring Steelhead Run so far this year has been pretty good until the big Melt.  High cold water always makes the bite inconsistent at times. There is still quite a bit of snow remaining from our recent storms, but most of the snow from this winter has already moved through the system. As we continue to warm-up we should see our water temps start to climb a little faster.  Spring is here, unfortunately we have still had a few days to remind us of winter’s grasp. 

In the high water the slower pocket water was our best producer.  The faster runs did provide shots at fresher fish on the move.  As of late you have had to work for the bites, I haven’t had too many fish bite on the first or second cast this week.  Gridding out your runs and fishing methodically close to far has been the best approach.  As the water levels drop this week I expect to see the fish start to spread out into their traditional spring areas.

Right now there hasn’t been much insect activity in the colder temps, but the midges have been popping when the sun breaks through the clouds.  I expect to see the Stone fly activity to really pick up this week as well.  Green Caddis are always a good choice in falling water, I would tie some bigger versions until the water clears up.  The Salmon smolt bite should also take off soon. I haven’t seen many in the slow pools around the boat ramps yet, but they have to be close based on time of year.

Spring Steelhead Fly Patterns

So far the best flies have been eggs/beads in Chartreuse, bright orange, and some in-between blended shades of orange and yellow such as the old grapefruit.  On the first high water peak we were having to really upsize our presentations to get the bite, but the last few days smaller presentations in 10mm and size 8-10 egg flies have been best.  Brighter has still been better even in the high sun. This will change as the water continues to drop and clear and fishing pressure increases.  So far the nicest days have been the busiest, but that will soon change as everyone has some cabin fever to cure.   

Right now the best fly patterns for Steelhead have been eggs, eggs, and more eggs. Mixing up the colors and sizes in the high water to find Manistee River Steelhead Reportsomething they can see has been the key to success right now. As the water begins to fall and clear look for the stonefly and smolt bite to take off, but I would also make sure you have plenty of green caddis and hex nymph variants.  Jig style nymphs under a float can fish well in the clearing water on those high angling pressure days.

The spring swing bite is always challenging in the high cold water. Typically the best swing conditions begin at the end of the peak spawning period in mid to late April. Water temps and water conditions are typically better at that time of the year.  As the fish wrap up their spawning activities they tend to act more like fall fish in search of food again and are much more aggressive. If the swing is your thing I would tie some bigger flashy flies until things clear up, right now the biggest challenge is presenting your offering where the fish can see it.

Booking a Trip

The Manistee River below Tippy Dam is one of the best west side rivers in the state of Michigan.  We specialize in Steelhead and Trout fishing on this section of the Manistee River Watershed.  Now is a great time to book your Spring Fishing adventure as well, with Steelhead, Trout, and Pre-Spawn Smallmouth on the agenda.

If catching a Great Lakes Steelhead in on your wish list give us a call to join in the fun at (231-631-5701), you can also shoot us an email.  We are currently booking Spring Steelhead, Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Bass, and a few remain peak Trout Dates for Michigan Dry Fly Fishing. 

Ed McCoy

Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

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Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Capt Owen of Clear Water Angling

Smallmouth bass fishing season in Northern Michigan for Mangled Fly guides is in its last few weeks, as we transition towards the Big Manistee and Fall Steelhead  But by no means does this indicate that the fishing is slowing down, I highly recommend reaching out to Owen at Clear Water Angling if you have the smallmouth itch this fall.  As fall is a prime time to hunt some of the biggest fish of the season, as they put on the feed bag before winter.

Baitfish

One of the key indicators of the fall transition is when you find big Baitfish concentrations.  Baitfish are grouping up in huge baitfish balls, and predator fish take advantage.  Yesterday on Grand Traverse Bay when we found the bait we found not all smallmouth, but Cisco and even a King Salmon feeding on the baitfish.

Northern Michigan Smallmouth BassWhile Grand Travese bay is still in the upper 60’s for tempature as of mid September, which has kept most of the Smallmouth out deep, it is only a matter of time before Baitfish and Smallmouth go shallow.

When they go shallow throwing A-rigs, or jig and a minnow type outfitters will serve you real well, currently with them hanging on the deeper edges drop shot is the name of the game.

Fishing Drop Shot

Fishing with a drop shot rig for smallmouth bass during the summer months has beeen highly effective for a number of reasons. Smallmouth bass tend to be more active and aggressive during the warmer months, making them more likely to strike at a bait presented in a drop shot rig. The drop shot rig allows for precise presentation of the bait at different depths, which is crucial when targeting smallmouth bass in the late summer as they may be holding at varying depths depending on water temperature and oxygen levels.

Additionally, the drop shot rig is a finesse technique that allows for a subtle and natural presentation of the bait, which can be particularly enticing to wary smallmouth bass in clear water conditions. This can be especially beneficial during the summer when bass may be more selective in their feeding habits. Overall, fishing with a drop shot rig for smallmouth bass during the summer months can increase your chances of success and help you catch more fish.

Some of my favorite late summer finesse baits to fish on a drop shot are Baby Z Too (Arkansa Shiner)  KVD Dream Shot (KVD Magic) , and Roboworm 4.5″ (Aarons Magic)

Northern Michigan Smallmouth BassFirst 6 pound Smallmouth
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Booking a Smallmouth Trip

Interested in booking a Smallmouth Bass Trip or going for Lake Trout on light tackle, drop us a message via email, or text/call us directly 231-631-5701.

Jon Ray

2024 Fall Fishing Review

2024 Fall Fishing Review Video

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New YouTube Video

Have you checked out the new YouTube Video?  Ed, Jeff, and I sat down with Brian Pitser from the Northern Angler to discuss our thoughts about the 2024 Fall Fishing.  This is a new format that we tried and I’m open to any thoughts you have or comments.  So please drop us an email positive or negative on what your thoughts are.

With still a few weeks left before the Spring Steelhead season, we would like to kick out some more content before the season ramps up again.  Thank you for watching.

Jon Ray

 

 

 

 

cold weather fishing gear

Cold Weather Fishing Gear

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Cold Weather Fishing Gear
Cold Weather Fishing – New Updates Dec, 2024

Fall and Winter Steelhead Gear

One of the more difficult challenges we face in the Midwest during Steelhead season is staying warm. This leads to many questions when preparing for your fishing trip. What do I wear? What cold weather fishing gear do you bring on your trip? With over 30 years of fall/winter steelhead fishing under my belt, I thought I would share how I layer myself before each steelhead trip.

I live by the philosophy that if I get hot I can always take it off. I’ll also share a few bonus tips, tricks, and some new technology along the way. We found some new tech last year that we used with great success and I’ll share that as well.

Base Layer

Once I determine wether the day is going to be wet or dry and what the overall forecast is, I can make my base layer choices. I have two layering systems that I can choose from based on what the weather forecast might be for the day. If I believe it’s going to be wet I prefer my base layer to be a Merino Wool based material. Having tried almost every other type of layering fabric, wool is my go to choice for wet days. No matter how cold and wet I get, wool based materials still keep me warm. The majority of my favorite wool base layers I purchase have been from Patagonia and now Duckworth. Duckworth is a new company for me, but to say I’ve been impressed is an under statement . Make sure to check out the Mens Powder Hoody, you will not be disappointed.

One more quick tip here, no matter if it’s a wet or dry forecast, I will NEVER wear cotton based materials! Even on the unseasonable warm days I still go with a synthetic base layer on dry days. Synthetics are always my go to base layer, wether the forecast is wet or dry. I always start with some sort of wicking layer for my base. Some of my favorite wicking layers range from our hoodie less sun-shirts to any of the Simms fabrics.

To complete the base layer system I choose for the day, I may double up on my base layers depending upon the low and high temperatures for the day. It’s not uncommon for me to start with lightweight layers and then add a mid or expedition weight base layer before adding one of my favorite layers of all, the Puffy Jacket.

Read more

Fly Fishing the Manistee River

Trout and Steelhead on the Manistee River Podcast

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The Wadeoutthere Fly Fishing Podcast

I had the opportunity to give my opinions on a few different topics ranging from Steelhead to Trout and everything in between on the Wade Out There Podcast.  If you looking for a fly fishing podcast to listen to give this one a try.

I go into some of my thoughts on what fish see.  How I use colors, sun, and water clarity to crack the daily code of catching a few fish.

 

Best Time to fish Grand Traverse Bay for Smallmouth Bass

Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass Fishing

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Grand Traverse Bay

Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Throughout the year, the changing seasons play a significant role in smallmouth bass fishing.  Seasonal change affects both the behavior of the fish and the strategies employed by anglers. In particular, the optimal month for Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass fishing can vary depending on the season.

Pre Spawn

Spring often boasts a period of heightened activity as smallmouth bass feed aggressively coming out of winter. As the waters warm up in late spring to early summer, smallmouth bass move shallower for the spawn. This period we call the pre-spawn is one of the highlights of the year.  This one of the periods you can catch the biggest bass of the year. Therefore, anglers may find the months of May and June to be particularly ideal for targeting smallmouth bass.

Summer

During the summer fishing for Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. With the warming temps Smallmouth in Grand Traverse Bay will tend to go deeper than they do in the Spring.  However, this doesn’t Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bassmean they are too deep for topwater offerings, especially if you’re willing to get up early.  Fishing smallmouth bass on topwater is truely an exciting approach to fishing the Grand Traverse Bay.

When targeting Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass in the summer it is important to focus on areas with structure.  Rock structures such as rocky points, ledges, and rock piles, are all areas where these fish like to feed.  Goby and Crayfish patterns are a key food source for smallmouth bass.  The key to success here is to find the preferred bait which usually means you will find the smallmouth bass.  One thing about smallmouth bass that translates well universally is no food = no smallmouth bass.  These guys love to eat and will be found very close to their food source.

Fall Fishing

Fall is a prime season for smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Michigan. The Fall is particularly renowned for its abundance of trophy-sized smallmouth bass. As the temperatures begin to cool, these elusive and aggressive fish become more active.  They can often be found moving into shallow waters in search of food to prepare for the upcoming winter. The crisp autumn air and vibrant colors of the changing leaves provide a picturesque backdrop for anglers seeking the thrill of battling these hard-fighting Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass.

Whether casting along rocky shorelines with Umbrella rigs, targeting submerged structure with swimbaits, or working shallow flats with the fly rod, the opportunities for landing a trophy smallmouth are plentiful during the Fall in Northern Michigan. With the combination of ideal weather conditions and the smallmouth’s voracious feeding habits before Winter, Fall smallmouth bass fishing offers anglers an unparalleled experience on the water.

With more anglers focused on King Salmon and Steelhead fishing many of the best inland lakes and Grand Traverse Bay can be barren of other anglers.

Fishing Techniques

Fishing methods for smallmouth bass can range from using gurgle bugs on a fly rod to drop-shotting deep rock piles off a point. While we primarily enjoy using a fly rod with various patterns such as Goby, Crayfish, and Topwater flies, we also recognize the importance of having a spinning rod as a backup.  Windy conditions and the need to approach larger fish in clear water from a distance are conditions that at times are better managed with spin tackle.

In the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, smallmouth bass may not always be approachable with a fly rod thus prompting the need for spinning gear. Grand Traverse Bay is known for regularly yielding smallmouth bass weighing in excess of six pounds. These larger bass are old and wise and often require long casts to catch.  Additionally, many anglers appreciate the exhilarating challenge of catching and fighting a smallmouth bass on light spinning gear.

Conclusion

Want to experience the thrill of smallmouth fishing in the pristine waters of Grand Traverse Bay where the breathtaking natural beauty meets unparalleled angling opportunities. Northern Michigan is home to some of the finest smallmouth bass fishing in the country.  This picturesque bay offers the perfect setting for both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to hone their angling skills. Grand Traverse Bay promises a fishing experience like no other!  So come and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Grand Traverse Bay, feel the excitement of each bite, and savor the joy of reeling in a prized smallmouth bass.

Fly Fishing Insider Guided Podcast

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Fly Fishing Insider Guided Podcast

Scientific Anglers

I am honored to be selected to be part of the Fly Fishing Insiders Guided Podcast series, this series features the Scientific Anglers Ambassador’s and Advisors . This being episode 15 in the series, the host of the show Greg Keenan and I decided to discuss Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass.

Smallmouth Bass

Greg mentioned he had not had the opportunity to interview anyone yet as it relates to smallmouth bass. I did my best to cover the different ways that I like to target smallmouth bass in Northern Michigan. Going over a few different lines and setups. A key tip I disclose is how I use smallmouth bass to help me later in the year show me those off the radar steelhead spots. Make sure to give the podcast a listen and let me know what you think.

Podcast

Jon Ray

Ice Dub Minnow

Ice Dub Minnow

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Tying Ice Dub Minnow

Our latest upload to our YouTube Channel is a super simple baitfish pattern that we call the Ice Dub Minnow. A favorite pattern to fish below Tippy Dam, but also works great below Hodenpyle Dam and in the backwaters for smallmouth bass on Tippy Pond. Of course these are only a few of our favorite spots, as it has worked really well for bluegills in the spring when they are shallow and pre-spawn.

If you honestly haven’t tried hunting big pre-spawn bluegills, and you want to test your skills this is a great activity during quarantine. No motor needed for this type of fishing. Get ready to be humbled by the big gills. Great casting practice before the big bugs start hatching on our trout rivers.

Kids Fishing

What also makes the Ice Dub Minnow so great is that you can easily teach it to kids and get them started in fly tying, but also it’s a great pattern to fish with kids, to get them a taste of fly fishing. As I mention in the video this minnow pattern really does fish well by itself, with a tiny split shot. I tend to like Sure Shot, but black bird shot will just work as well. Size No 4 or No 6, are both really small and easy to cast.

Let this fry pattern swing in the current with small twitches of the rod, and it will fish itself. Small minnows can’t swim very fast for very long, so they become easy meals for hungry trout. Fish this pattern in the shallows where small baitfish tend to hide. Good luck and Stay Safe.

Jon Ray

Northern Michigan Guide Service

Big Announcment

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I have some very exciting news to share with you all! After 17 plus years of guiding for Chuck and Cherie Hawkins and Hawkins Outfitters, the time has come for me to venture out on my own. Mangled Fly will now be more than just a photo and video blog; it will be home to my full time fly fishing guide services as well.

Everything on the fly fishing side of my business will stay the same. I will continue to guide primarily on the Manistee River and have secured Federal and State access to all launches as well as using my Coast Guard license when needed. My SmithFly Raft, Huron Drift boat, and ‘Tiny Dancer’ Jet Sled will float the big water you all know and love as well as some of the smaller and less well known streams that Northern Michigan has to offer.

Over the next few weeks Mangled Fly will be getting a major facelift with a fresh logo and updated design and you are the first to get a peek at the new look. I will be updating the Mangled Fly website as well as all social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and YouTube (all searchable under ‘Mangled Fly’). I have loads of content in the works for these platforms including fresh imagery, fly tying tutorials, up to date river reports and seasonal fishing tips.

I could not be living this dream without the continued and loyal support of all of you. I am forever grateful for the hours spent in the boat together rowing, casting, storytelling, catching (and losing) fish, capturing great moments on film and video and enjoying the beauty that I am lucky to call ‘my office.’ I am so looking forward to this next leg of my journey and am happy to have you all along for this ride.

My new email is jray@mangledfly.com. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding this transition.

Tight lines,

JR

Pic of the Day – 2018 Fall Steelhead Run

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The 2018 Fall Steelhead run has begun, so far size of the fish is very impressive.  Looking forward to the next 2 months.  Make sure to check out the fishing reports for the Manistee River and the Muskegon River for more pictures and updated information.  Hope to see you out there, have a great fall.