Manistee River Steelhead Report below Tippy Dam
Manistee River
Fall Steelhead fishing Below Tippy Dam
The Manistee River fishing report below Tippy Dam for the early November. It is Fall Steelhead time! I continued to be impressed by the fishing giving how tough the conditions are. This fall is the driest I can remember and the river is as low and clear as I can imagine. But we have started to receive some rain, levels are starting to climb. Sh0uld help to lock in fish for the remainder of the season.
Water Levels remain unseasonably low. But even though conditions are not favorable I would say fishing is pretty strong for the conditions. Over the last 6 weeks of our season, I have been in shocked steelhead even ran the river this fall. But now as temps are starting to fall, and winter is on the horizon. Our fishing has honestly been really good. This December should be one of the best we have recently had, just need to dress correctly and keep your hands warm.
With low water all our guides are changing up a few small details each day to combat this water levels. Downsizing has been a real key to success. Some new flash combos on our streamers have been paying off, smaller shanks and cotter pins.
One other aspect to this fall run, is I believe December this year is going to fish better than the previous two years. With the run we have and the conditions so far on the great lakes, I would expect late fall to be good. All guides are open, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Want a date drop me an email, or send a text message.
Open Fall Steelhead Guide Dates
Fall Steelhead
Steelhead are often considered the holy grail of freshwater fly fishing, and for good reason. These powerful, elusive fish combine the challenges of both salmon fishing and trout fishing, offering a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out.
The Thrill of the Fight
Steelhead are renowned for their hard-fighting nature. Once hooked, they put up an explosive battle, making runs that test your gear and skill. Known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, landing a steelhead is a test of endurance, patience, and technique. These fish can weigh anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, with some trophy fish reaching even larger sizes, making each catch a memorable event. For fly anglers, steelhead provide one of the most challenging and rewarding targets in the freshwater world.
Swinging Flies
Swinging Flies currently has been really solid Leeches, sculpins, gobies, and baitfish patterns are all excellent choices for enticing fall steelhead. The key is to work the water methodically, allowing your fly to swing or strip
naturally, triggering the steelhead’s predatory instincts. Vary your retrieve or fly swing, experimenting with different speeds and casting angles, to discover what presentation the fish are most responsive to on a given day.
The next few weeks on the Big Manistee River represent a prime window of opportunity for passionate steelhead anglers. With the fish actively feeding and primed to strike, this is the time to capitalize on some of the most exhilarating fly fishing action of the season. Persistence, presentation, and a keen eye for reading the water will be your greatest allies in connecting with these magnificent migratory trout.
Steelhead Clothing
Stay Warm new Hoodie
Mangled Fly Hats & Beanies
Booking a Trip
Manistee River below Tippy Dam is one of the best west side rivers in the state of Michigan. Mangled Fly guides are available for late fall trips so give us a call soon to join in the fun at (231-631-5701) you can also shoot us an email. Also it’s not too early to get your Winter/Spring Steelhead trips on the books.
We have a new sticker available in the shop, this sticker is pretty cool so make sure to get yours today.
Jon Ray
