Manistee River

Open Fall Steelhead Guide Dates

Fall Steelhead fishing Below Tippy Dam

The Fall Steelhead Fishing Report for Below Tippy Dam fishing has been solid this fall so far. Water conditions continue to be our biggest hurdle, and they are back to low and clear after the rains over a week ago. Water has stayed steady with a slight increase from the week prior.  We lost 3 degrees this past week, as normal temps arrived.

Today’s flow at Tippy Dam  are 1570 cfs and 48.2 F. The river received a decent push of fish this week with Full Moon phase, but the fish have spread out thru the system. It seems liked they really moved around a lot this week, using that full moon as head lights and travel big distances.

Fall Steelhead Fly Patterns

Right now the best fly patterns for Steelhead have been eggs, eggs, and more eggs. Mixing up the colors and sizes to match the hatch is the key to success right now. As always, sometimes throwing something different can be productive as well. Yellow, Peach, Chartreuse and White have been the best colors. Beads in 8mm and 10mm have also been producing in the same color schemes. During the mornings and on cloudy days we have been fishing brighter colors until the day brightens up. Sunny Days and Brighter times of the day have been fishing best with pale colors in smaller sizes. The leaf drop continues in a slow fashion, honestly it hasn’t been too bad to this point. Sometimes when the leaves hit the river hard, bigger presentations can grab the attention of the Steelhead. 

Swinging streamers is showing some consistency now when our conditions are more favorable.  When the river is low and clear focus more on natural tones in your fly selection. I usually approach my color and size selection based upon lighting and water clarity. Make adjustments to the fly size and presentation to match the daily conditions and try to adjust as conditions change throughout the day.

Typically the best swing conditions start when the salmon egg biomass diminishes.  We have entered that window.  I have been fishing the Rio Pickpocket this season and it’s been great with the lower flows.  Been using about 12 feet of T-12, with an un-weighted fly.  Smaller marabou style patterns have been my fly of choice.  Marabou is great choice when flows are slow as you still get great movement.

Booking a Trip

The Manistee River blow 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. Mangled Fly guides are available during the fall, winter fishing, and spring for steelhead fishing trips. 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 Fall and Winter Steelhead Trips.  

Jon Ray