BIG MANISTEE RIVER FISHING REPORT

Client recommendations for lodging based on their positive experiences include following:
August 27, 2020

April 15, 2020:

As a result of being unable to guide or fish out of a motorized boat due to COVID-19 pandemic, I have not been on the Big Manistee River since April 8th when I had my son out for a few hours. The colder weather that we have been having has the river temps in the mid-40s.

I would look for fish to be holding near spawning gravel or up on the gravel spawning. Using 8mm and 10mm beads should be good this time of year. I would try chartruse or brighter orange to start; but if that does not work, then try more of a natural orange. Lemon Roe, Atomic Yellow, Super UV Orange, and Atomic Orange are some of my favorites this time of year.

Stone flies, fry pattern, caddis, and wolleybuggers should all be working right now to if that is how you like to fish.

Hopefully we can get back out on the water before the steelhead are gone; but if not, then there will be some good trout fishing coming up.


October 30, 2023
Fall Steelhead Making an Appearance in the Big Manistee River:

With the consistent rainfall and cooler temperatures over the last few days, we are starting to see better fish so November steelhead fishing will be good. Natural orange and yellow beads have been working, but float fishing around gravel has been the most productive.

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October 16, 2023
Fall Salmon Sticking Around Big Manistee River While Steelhead Slowly Trickle In:

Despite the recent rainfall, more rain is still needed to help the steelhead that are slowly trickling in to increase in volume and spread throughout the river system. Salmon are still around even though their numbers are starting to decline, but lots of their eggs continue to be found in various parts of the river.

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October 9, 2023
Fall Salmon to Steelhead Transition Begins on the Big Manistee River:

Rainfall over the last couple of days has helped improve the water levels but impacted fishing conditions. The majority of king salmon are spawning now, so steelhead are starting to appear more frequently. There are a few kings still in holes that are biting skein and beads, but that fish activity should be done soon.

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October 2, 2023
Big Manistee River Salmon Fishing Adventures Continue:

Just as there are more colorful leaves appearing on trees along the Big Manistee River shoreline, the next couple of weeks will be busy with people enjoying the adventures of salmon fishing in northwestern Michigan. The first big push has arrived and lots of salmon can be found on gravel. Since the big spawning has […]

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September 25, 2023
Salmon Adventures on the Big Manistee River:

As Fall salmon season progresses, the upper Big Manistee near gravel is growing busier with more people venturing out to fish from boats, wading in the river, and along the shoreline. Although the water is low and clear due to lack of rain recently, new fish are navigating through the whole system. The majority of […]

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September 18, 2023
Having Fun Chasing Salmon on the Big Manistee River:

Over the course of this past week, water conditions changed due to water levels dropping and clearing. There are definitely some sections of the river that could use some rain. Fishing pressure increased over the weekend from everyone coming out to enjoy time on the Big Manistee River but are still getting good fishing results. […]

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