River Reports Archives - Northern Michigan | Guide Service

Manistee River Below Tippy Dam

The Manistee River Steelhead report for the third week of February. Spring steelhead are making a push already and signs of spring are already visible. The Manistee River this past week actually remained at about the same water levels as the last two weeks, this consistency in the conditions we have been seeing it positively translate into our fishing as well. The river stayed right around 1900- 2050 for this past week. Temperatures have been staying in the 34-36 degree range, all about perfect for this time of year.

Jeff Topp Fishing Report

The Manistee River has been fishing very good. The past few days has brought a fresh push of Steelhead. With a mix of fall steelhead that wintered over in the river and the push of spring run steelhead it is a great time to get outside and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. The cold weather and dropping, clearing water has changed the game a bit.

With the spring migration starting look for steelhead to be stopping in the tail-outs and heads of the runs. We have also found some winter over fish in the deep slow winter pools. This time of year you almost have to fish it all. The low clearing water has made us have to change our setups. Lighter longer leaders, smaller offerings, and a quiet presentation has made a difference in the catch rate. Beads and glow bugs have been working best. As spring starts to warm look for nymphs to start to fire. Stoneflies should start here soon as days continue to get warmer and hex nymphs should do the trick.

It is an amazing time on the rivers of Northern Michigan. With mother nature waking up from its winter slumber and all the wild life coming out of hibernation that is reason enough for a day on the water. With fishing good, recommend getting out now and beat the spring crowds!!!

Guide Trip

March and April are prime time Steelhead months and Guide Trip availability will go fast. Dates have been booking at the shows and tying events we have been attending so plan ahead and book early. We should be venturing down to the Pere Marquette this week, look for a new report page about the PM coming soon.

Drop us an email if your thinking about fishing this Spring, or use the Contact Page to request a day. Also feel free to text us at 231-631-5701 for open availability.

Jeff Topp

Manistee River Trout Report

Had a chance to venture out on the Upper Manistee River again this past week, with Mother Nature allowing us to still access most of the launches. We took advantage of the warm weather and lack of snow and spent the day chasing trout instead of steelhead on the lower Manistee. Water levels are good and with a slight stain to the water, it looked great for a day of streamer fishing. While winter streamer fishing is never about how many, it’s always a good day when you can catch a few fish, and see a few others. As was the case on this day.

Winter Trout Fishing

Winter Trout fishing when it’s in the upper 40’s and the sun is on your face and your having a few brown trout chasing is hard to beat. While I can pretty much sum up winter streamer fishing as the opportunity to catch brown trout in the 14-20″ range. I hardly ever see the little guys, and the same goes for the magnums. But nothing wrong with the trout in that range, in my mind. Streamer selection at this time of year I also think needs to be what I consider as medium to small sized. With some sort of weight added. Getting the fly down in the zone quickly, as trout don’t have the energy to climb up out of their zone. Also wood runs and deeper cuts had the best activity on this past trip. Looking for that same type of water speed as we have been finding most of our steelhead lately. Closer to the bank and out of the main seam. That harder to mend area, on the fair side of the bubble line. Slow water.

Guide Trips

With warm air in the immediate forecast trout fishing is still very much an option. Looks like some rain headed our way as well, some additional color to the stream could make it fish even better. Not that much snow can melt so water temperatures should bump up as well. Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year. Hope to update this page soon, but if not make sure to check out the Steelhead Report, and if your thinking of booking a trout trip for next year make sure to contact us soon. Prime dates always fill up fast.

Happy Holidays

Jon Ray

Manistee River Steelhead Report