Fishing Season: All Year

Lower Manistee - MI

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 45°

Temp:

45°

Water Temp:

52

Hawkins Outfitters's Tip of the Week

We are wrapping up spring steelhead season and looking to trout. The water temps will help prespawn smallmouth.

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Manistee

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Hawkins Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 4/29/24

The trend will move more and more to smallmouth and warmwater species with the exception of a few sections with trout.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/29/24

Swim baits, soft baits, streamers and Hendrickson dry flies.

Local Species Available All Year

  • Fish Icon

    Brown Trout

  • Fish Icon

    Steelhead

  • Fish Icon

    smallmouth bass and pike.

Hawkins Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Jonny Darter copper 4
Grapefruit Leeches pink heads 4

Jonny Darter

Image Not Found

Item #

Buy Now

Hawkins Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Lower Manistee

The Manistee River below Tippy Dam is a world class steelhead, salmon and brown trout (both resident and lake run) fishery. Fishing is open year round. Steelhead are available from Sept to May, salmon from July to October and resident trout all year.

Nearest Airport:

Traverse City, MI

Hatches:

Look for black stones and some fry patterns. Streamers too.

Best Time to Fish:

Mid Day - Warmth of the Day

Best Stretch:

Tippy to Bear Creek

Best Access:

South side of Tippy down Tippy Dam Rd for walk in.