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 limited snow or rain. Water has stayed steady but we are losing temp everyday.  We lost 6 degrees this past week, as normal temps arrived for November steelhead fishing.

Today’s flow at Tippy Dam  are 1500 cfs and 42.8 F. The river received a small amount of new fish this week, as big Northwest winds pushed in a few new ones, but the most amount of fish have spread out thru the system.  Fish movement slowed down with dropping temps, but we did notice they went towards the deepest woodiest parts of the Manistee River.

Fall Steelhead Fly Patterns

Currently, the top Steelhead fly patterns are still the good old egg fly or beads. It’s important to mix up the colors and sizes to match the hatch for success. Yellow, Peach, Chartreuse, and White have been the most effective colors, with beads in 8mm and 10mm also producing results.

Brighter colors are recommended in the mornings and on cloudy days, while pale colors in smaller sizes work best on sunny days and during brighter times. The leaf drop has been minimal so far, but larger presentations can attract Steelhead when the leaves are more prevalent in the river.

Swinging streamers has been consistent, especially when the river is low and clear. Natural tones in fly selection are recommended during these conditions. Adjust your fly size and presentation based on lighting and water clarity, and be prepared to adapt as conditions change throughout the day. The best swing conditions typically occur after the salmon egg biomass diminishes, and we are currently in that window.

The Rio Pickpocket (I’ve been using the 525 grain on a 12 foot Echo Compact Spey 8 wt) has been a great choice this season with lower flows, using about 12 feet of T-12 and an un-weighted fly. Smaller marabou style patterns have been successful, providing great movement in slow flows.

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