Manistee Fishing Forecast
Tippy Dam tailwater
Open year-round (check section regs)
Many sections open year-round. Some designated trout stream sections follow general season (last Sat Apr - Sep 30)
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 8:17 AM
53°F
--
11 PM - 1 AM
Scud
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Steelhead
tailwater
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Scud
Crustacean
Year-round tailwater food source
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| April | 44-54°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| May | 52-62°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| June | 58-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| July | 62-70°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| August | 62-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| December | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Steelhead
Spawn months: March, April, May
Spring-run steelhead are particularly vulnerable during spawning. Avoid wading in gravel runs during March-May. Anadromous form of rainbow trout.
Access Points & Parking for Manistee
Cameron Bridge
Upper river access to quality water.
CCC Bridge
Popular access to productive water.
Tippy Dam
Below dam access for salmon and steelhead.
Mesick
Town access with services.
How to Fish Manistee: Tips & Tactics
The Manistee River is one of Michigan's most diverse fisheries, offering resident trout fishing in the upper river and world-class steelhead and salmon below Tippy Dam.
Best Times of Day
The Hex hatch in late June is legendary. Spring steelhead runs are excellent. Fall salmon fishing draws crowds.
Recommended Techniques
Match the Hex hatch in the upper river. Swing flies for steelhead. Indicator nymphing with egg patterns.
Water Conditions
The upper river is classic Michigan trout water. Below Tippy Dam holds anadromous fish. Water clarity varies by section.
Fly Selection
Hex patterns essential for upper river. Egg patterns for steelhead. Streamers for salmon. Adams and caddis for trout.
Local Knowledge
The Hex hatch on the upper Manistee is a bucket-list event. Tippy Dam is the steelhead and salmon destination. Multiple access points throughout.
Local Tips
The Hex hatch is a Michigan institution. Plan for crowds during prime times. The upper river offers quieter fishing.
When is the Best Time to Fish Manistee?
Spring
Steelhead runs below dam. Resident trout fishing improving.
Summer
Hex hatch in late June. Resident trout fishing.
Fall
Salmon runs begin. Brown trout active.
Winter
Steelhead fishing below dam.
Recommended Equipment for Manistee
Rod
9-foot, 5-weight for trout. 7-8 weight for steelhead/salmon.
Line
Floating for trout. Sink-tip for steelhead.
Leader & Tippet
Varies by target species.
Waders
Breathable waders. Insulated for winter.
Essential Flies
Manistee Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Michigan DNR for specific regulations.
Limits
Varies by section and species.
Special Regulations
Type classifications apply.
Bait Restrictions
Check by section.
Notes
Different regulations above and below Tippy Dam.
Always verify current regulations with Michigan fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Manistee
Local Fly Shops
- Schmidt Outfitters - Wellston
- Pere Marquette River Lodge
- The Northern Angler
Guide Services
- Manistee River Guide Service
- Schmidt Outfitters
- Michigan Fly Fishing
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
300 - 800 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
52° - 68°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Michigan Trout Rivers
Au Sable
Pere Marquette
Boardman
Betsie
White River
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