Manistee River

Early Spring Steelhead Report Below Tippy Dam

Latest River Conditions for Steelhead fishing below Tippy Dam on the Manistee River. Tippy is running 2550 CFS** and **36.5°F. We also got a good shot of rain in the area this week, and that bump has the Manistee looking and feeling a lot more like Spring Steelhead. That fresh water is a welcome change after a winter of stop-and-go opportunities. One thing that stands out right now: the creeks are coming up even more than the main river. They’re definitely pushing bigger, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see fish start sliding into those tributaries as conditions line up.  

Manistee River Steelhead

The Manistee River Spring Steelhead run starts in February and Peaks in March.  March Madness has started and we have plenty of Steelhead in the system right now.  As is the usual for me on the Manistee River in the Spring, the color wheel spins back to some of the classic fall colors.  After a winter full of Pinks and Chartreuse, it feels like Orange takes the center stage.  One of the colors from this week that took center stage was a Bloop Bead. 

While the bead or egg bite remains strong in the lower river, you better get your nymph or minnow patterns ready for farther upstream.  Spring is here and time to understand what the river is offering on the buffet table.

 

Spring Steelhead Fly Patterns

Spring steelhead fly selection shifts a bit from the “old reliable” fall program of egg flies and beads. Instead of strictly matching the hatch with eggs, it’s more about understanding what’s starting to change in the river system. As water warms and flows rise, bugs and minnows begin coming out of winter mode.

Black stoneflies become more active, and baby salmon (alevins) start to show up as an important food source—both can become major factors in the steelhead diet this time of year. 

Get Jiggy

Spring is the time of year I experiment with jigs more than any other. As flows bump up and snowpack melts, having a little extra weight—and a presentation that stays in the zone—can be the difference between a slow day and consistent hookups. Lately I’ve been rotating through: 

• Balanced leeches
• Balanced pink worms
• Balanced alevins

As fish start sliding into classic spring water—especially near gravel and staging zones ,the egg bite can still be solid. But in my experience, keeping some diversity in your lineup (and being willing to change looks) usually leads to more fish over the course of a day.

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 winter fishing for a Full or Half Day Trip. 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 Winter and Spring Steelhead Trips.  

Jon Ray