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trout fishing the upper manistee

Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing

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Upper Manistee River trout fishing report

Manistee River Trout Report

The Upper Manistee River Trout Fishing report for mid May has been a grind to say the least.  The upper sections near 72 have been dropping and clearing up nicely while water temps have been mostly 52-55. Fishing was pretty tough everywhere we have been.  With so much worm protein early in the season, and lack of temperature to get the digestive juices moving again.  Trout have been lazy to go hunt.

Tough Conditions

Fishing remains a bit of a grind across the area as cooler temperatures and steady winds continue to keep things challenging. Anglers willing to stay patient and adjust throughout the day are finding opportunities, but it has not been easy. Water temperatures are slow to climb, and that has kept the hatch activity inconsistent from stretch to stretch.

The dry fly bite is picking up, but slowly — and we mean really slowly. There have been enough bugs around to keep fish looking up at times, especially during softer weather windows. Mattress Thrasher stones are still worth having in the box, along with Little Mahoganies, a few Sulphurs showing yesterday, and plenty of caddis, which remain the primary bug right now. We’re also seeing the last of the Hendrickson spinners mixed into the menu.

Presentation has been key. Light tippet, clean drifts, and accurate casts are making the difference when fish do commit. Blind fishing bigger dries and dry-dropper rigs can help cover water between rising fish. Conditions should continue to improve as warmer weather settles in, so keep an eye on the forecast and be ready when the window opens.

Streamer Bite

Streamer fishing on the Upper Manistee has been productive for anglers willing to cover water and adjust to the conditions. The bite has not been wide open, but quality fish are willing to move when the presentation is right. Lamprey imitations have been some of the best producers, especially when worked low and slow through deeper runs, logjams, and undercut banks. On brighter, sunny days, sparkle minnows have been a strong choice, giving off enough flash to grab attention. Vary your retrieve, pause often, and focus on structure where larger trout can ambush an easy meal.

Didymo

Consider the ENTIRE RIVER TO BE CONTAMINATED and treat it as such. Clean, Drain, Dry your gear before entering another Body of Water.  Currently, there are no known effective methods to eradicate didymo once it is established in a river.  To prevent spreading Didymo and other aquatic invasive species, it is critical to thoroughly Clean, Drain and Dry waders, equipment, and boats upon leaving a waterway.

  • Clean by removing mud and debris from all surfaces.
  • Use a 10% Solution of Dishwashing Soap with hot water for 10 minutes (Example 1 gallon of water is 12.8 oz of Dawn Soap). Then it must dry for 48 hours (mandatory if your fishing different water systems)

Trout Guide Trips 

We have very limited openings available during the peak hatch season. Make sure to book your dates now for 2026!  If you’re looking to book a Trout Guide Trip you can reach us at 231-631-5701 (leave a message or text) or shoot us an email. 

Tight Lines,

Ed

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

Spring Steelhead Report below Tippy Dam water levels remain high but are slowly dropping. However, the Pine River upstream of Tippy Dam is dumping a heavy mud stain into the Manistee, creating very low visibility and poor clarity. As of today, flows are 4,360 cfs and the water temperature is 41.4°F.

All of our guide trips have been canceled or rescheduled since last week’s big rain events, but it’s looking like we’ll be able to get back out there very soon. High water is a common spring issue—especially after a heavy snow year—so we knew this was bound to happen at some point during the spring steelhead season.

The good news: conditions should improve shortly as flows continue to drop and the river clears. With water temps just getting into the 40s, we’re approaching the peak window and things should be firing again soon.

We will have a new update coming soon once we can get back on the Manistee River.

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. 

Jon Ray