Archived Manistee Fishing Reports
2021 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016
Manistee County in West Michigan has an abundance of places where anglers can catch a variety of fish. Numerous charter captains make Manistee their home port, and will happily take you out on Lake Michigan to fish for salmon and trout.
The Manistee River runs 190 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula, entering Lake Michigan along the city of Manistee in West Michigan. The Manistee River is considered to be one of the best steelhead, salmon, and trout rivers in Michigan and the Great Lakes.
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All Area Fishing Reports:
Hamlin Lake - Pentwater - Manistee - Ludington - Pere Marquette RiverThe Fishing is Great in Manistee County!
Manistee Fishing Report December 12, 2019
Manistee River: Steelhead still can be found on the right day when using egg flies or beads. The occasional fresh fish also has been caught.
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Manistee Fishing Report December 5, 2019
Manistee River: Steelhead continued to be caught though the fish were somewhat scattered. Try spinners, crank baits, flies or beads in the slower water. Those fishing near Suicide Bend caught the occasional coho.
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Manistee Fishing Report November 21, 2019
Surface water temperatures were in the mid to high 40’s. Pier anglers should find some steelhead.
Manistee River: Steelhead were in the deeper holes through the cold front however the bite should pick up with the warmer temperatures this week. Most were fishing below Tippy Dam.
Manistee River: Steelhead were in the deeper holes through the cold front however the bite should pick up with the warmer temperatures this week. Most were fishing below Tippy Dam.
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Manistee River Fishing Report November 14, 2019
Should still have a decent number of steelhead and those braving the cold have been rewarded with a fish or two. A few brown trout can also be found.
Manistee Fishing Report November 7, 2019
When they could get out, pier anglers continued to target steelhead when using fresh spawn. A few whitefish were hitting on salmon eggs or wax worms.
Manistee River: Flow is a bit high and steelhead fishing was fair. Water temperatures below Tippy Dam were in the mid to high 40’s. Anglers caught steelhead, brown trout and even the odd salmon on flies, beads, spinners and crank baits. Those wading above and below the coffer dam caught a few fish.
Manistee River: Flow is a bit high and steelhead fishing was fair. Water temperatures below Tippy Dam were in the mid to high 40’s. Anglers caught steelhead, brown trout and even the odd salmon on flies, beads, spinners and crank baits. Those wading above and below the coffer dam caught a few fish.
Manistee Fishing Report October 24, 2019
Surface temperatures were about 53 degrees. Boats have not been able to get out. High water levels are hampering pier fishing, but when they can get out, steelhead were caught on spawn. There were some good reports of steelhead being caught off Bar Lake when using spawn.
Manistee River: Salmon fishing is winding down and the remaining fish are in pretty rough shape. Anglers on the lower river have begun to catch chrome steelhead. Good catch reports were coming from pier and surf anglers on the right day.
Manistee River: Salmon fishing is winding down and the remaining fish are in pretty rough shape. Anglers on the lower river have begun to catch chrome steelhead. Good catch reports were coming from pier and surf anglers on the right day.
Manistee Fishing Report October 17, 2019
Surface water temperatures were about 54 degrees. Windy conditions made it difficult but when they can get out, small coho were taken with spawn off the pier and when surfcasting from the beach.
Manistee River: Continued to produce some salmon though the fish are quite dark.
Manistee River: Continued to produce some salmon though the fish are quite dark.
Manistee Fishing Report October 10, 2019
Surface temperature readings were about 61 degrees. The fish cleaning station is now closed for the season. Few were out but shore and pier anglers were getting small coho 10-15 inches with spawn. Those targeting steelhead were surfcasting or fishing from the piers.
Manistee River: Anglers were catching Chinook and steelhead. Chinook could be found throughout the system with lots of fish spawning in the upper river. The run could peak this week. Try spawn, yarn or flies. Anglers were starting to catch steelhead on spawn or beads in the lower river.
Manistee River: Anglers were catching Chinook and steelhead. Chinook could be found throughout the system with lots of fish spawning in the upper river. The run could peak this week. Try spawn, yarn or flies. Anglers were starting to catch steelhead on spawn or beads in the lower river.
Manistee Fishing Report October 3, 2019
Manistee: Had no reports as wind, waves and thunderstorms have kept boat anglers off the big lake. High waves kept anglers off the piers as well.
Manistee River: Look for fresh fish especially after all the rain. Look for steelhead near the gravel.
Manistee River: Look for fresh fish especially after all the rain. Look for steelhead near the gravel.
Manistee Fishing Report September 26, 2019
Surface temperature readings inched up to about 67 degrees, so fishing remains slow. Warm water top to bottom made things tough for pier anglers. Out deep, anglers found good numbers of coho and steelhead. Fish were caught 70 to 100 feet down in 300 to 500 feet with spoons and flies.
Manistee River: While the warm-up may have slowed catch rates, salmon were still moving up into the river and will continue to do so especially with any rain and cooler temperatures. The peak of the run typically occurs in the first week of October.
Manistee River: While the warm-up may have slowed catch rates, salmon were still moving up into the river and will continue to do so especially with any rain and cooler temperatures. The peak of the run typically occurs in the first week of October.
Manistee Fishing Report September 19, 2019
Surface temperatures were about 65 degrees. Some anglers did well out deep taking Chinook, coho and steelhead 70 to 100 feet down in 200 to 500 feet with spoons, flies and meat rigs. Pier fishing was slow.
Manistee River: Salmon fishing was fair to good with more fish showing up every day. Those trout fishing below Tippy Dam were taking fish on streamers, beads and wet flies.
Manistee River: Salmon fishing was fair to good with more fish showing up every day. Those trout fishing below Tippy Dam were taking fish on streamers, beads and wet flies.
Manistee Fishing Report September 12, 2019
Surface water temps were at about 65 degrees. Fishing slowed, but some Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught offshore in 150 to 300 feet, 50 to 90 feet down. Spoons, j-plugs and meat rigs were the most successful.
Manistee River: Chinook and coho were both there!
Manistee River: Chinook and coho were both there!
Manistee Fishing Report September 5, 2019
Offshore fishing was tough due to strong winds. When they could get out, the better fishing was 80 to 100 feet down in 200 to 500 feet for Chinook, coho and steelhead when trolling spoons and meat rigs. Pier fishing was a bit slow, but a few were taken by those casting spoons early or late.
Manistee Lake: Had a lot of anglers. Some reported success when trolling or jigging with artificial baits.
Manistee River: Salmon fishing has begun as fish were caught in the lower river. Water temperatures were favorable with the cooler weather.
Manistee Lake: Had a lot of anglers. Some reported success when trolling or jigging with artificial baits.
Manistee River: Salmon fishing has begun as fish were caught in the lower river. Water temperatures were favorable with the cooler weather.
Manistee Fishing Report August 29, 2019
Surface temperature readings were about 55 degrees as the lake had rolled over. Chinook salmon out on the “Shelf” had pushed into the channel and around the pier heads where those trolling spoons, flies and J-plugs had success. Out deeper, anglers came in with a mixed bag of Chinook, coho and steelhead taken 30 to 50 feet down in 80 to 150 feet. Pier anglers casting spoons caught a few fish.
Manistee River: Salmon are slowly starting to make their way into the system and a few have been caught but no big numbers yet.
Manistee River: Salmon are slowly starting to make their way into the system and a few have been caught but no big numbers yet.
Manistee Fishing Report August 22, 2019
Chinook, coho and steelhead were caught 40 to 70 feet down in 100 to 200 feet with spoons, J-plugs and meat rigs. A decent push of salmon moved into the harbor and were caught by those trolling in the channel and around the piers with spoons and J-plugs. Pier anglers casting spoons also caught a few fish early or late.
Manistee River: Is producing some bass and pike. Below Tippy Dam, a few small brown trout and Skamania were caught above and below the coffer dams and near Suicide Bend.
Manistee River: Is producing some bass and pike. Below Tippy Dam, a few small brown trout and Skamania were caught above and below the coffer dams and near Suicide Bend.
Manistee Fishing Report August 15, 2019
Surface water temperatures were up near 70 degrees. Big, healthy Chinook salmon continue to come in including many over 30 pounds. The fish were scattered. Chinook and steelhead were taken 40 to 60 feet down in 100 to 300 feet as well as 50 to 80 feet down in 500 feet or more. Some reported a mixed bag of Chinook, coho and steelhead. Spoons and meat rigs caught the most fish. Pier fishing was slow.
Manistee Fishing Report August 8, 2019
Surface temperatures were near 70 degrees and the Chinook salmon fishing was heating up. Fish were found 30 to 50 feet down in 100 to 150 feet or 40 to 70 feet down in 300 to 400 feet. Steelhead and a couple lake trout were also caught. Meat rigs and spoons were producing the better catches. Pier fishing remains slow.
Manistee Fishing Report August 1, 2019
Surface temperature readings were at about 70 degrees. Chinook were starting to show back up. The best fishing was found in 150 to 200 feet of water, 80 to 100 feet down. Meat rigs and flies were most successful. Lake trout were caught off shore in the same depths while bouncing the bottom. Pier fishing was slow.
Manistee Fishing Report July 25, 2019
Surface temperature readings were near 65 degrees. Some big Chinook salmon are starting to show back up as a couple 30 pounders were caught recently when trolling spoons and meat rigs 40 to 80 feet down in 120 to 250 feet. Lake trout area still being caught when bouncing the bottom in 100 to 180 feet. Pier fishing was slow as high water has kept anglers off the piers.
Manistee Fishing Report July 18, 2019
Surface temperature readings were about 65 degrees and salmon fishing was slow with only a couple taken along with steelhead 30 to 90 feet down in 90 to 150 feet. Lake trout fishing is still good along the bottom in 70 to 120 feet. Pier fishing remains slow. Anglers had some decent days for steelhead, but catch rates were not consistent.
Manistee Fishing Report July 11, 2019
Surface temperature readings were about 55 degrees. Chinook salmon fishing was slow however a good number of lake trout were caught. The best fishing was in 80 to 150 feet when bottom bouncing with cowbells and spin-glo’s. Pier fishing was slow however a couple steelhead were taken on shrimp or alewife.
Manistee River: Skamania have been caught all the up to Tippy Dam.
Manistee River: Skamania have been caught all the up to Tippy Dam.
Manistee Fishing Report July 4, 2019
First the water was too cold but now it is too warm as surface water temperatures increased to 65 degrees. Catch rates slowed as the fish were scattered. A couple Chinook, steelhead and lake trout were caught 90 to 120 feet down in 120 to 150 feet on spoons and flies. Chinook and steelhead were found 80 to 200 feet down in 300 or more. Pier fishing picked up with steelhead caught on spawn, shrimp and alewife off the north pier.
Manistee River: Skamania were caught at Tippy Dam.
Manistee River: Skamania were caught at Tippy Dam.
Manistee Fishing Report June 27, 2019
Surface temperature readings were holding near 50 degrees. Fishing was spotty but salmon and lake trout were found in 100 to 220 feet when trolling spoons. Baitfish have moved back into the harbor where pier anglers caught Chinook and steelhead on alewife.
Manistee Fishing Report June 20, 2019
Surface water temperatures were 50 degrees. The Chinook salmon bite has slowed. Anglers are still picking up a few along with lake trout and steelhead in 140 to 250 feet with spoons and flies. Pier fishing slowed as most of the baitfish have moved out of the harbor.
Manistee Lake: Anglers caught crappie and bass.
Manistee River: Walleye were caught north of the Hodenpyl Dam with crawlers and rapalas.
Manistee Lake: Anglers caught crappie and bass.
Manistee River: Walleye were caught north of the Hodenpyl Dam with crawlers and rapalas.
Manistee Fishing Report June 13, 2019
Surface temperatures were near 52 degrees. A good number of Chinook were caught on spoons and flies in 90 to 200 feet. Steelhead and lake trout were also caught. Pier anglers using alewife in the harbor caught Chinook and steelhead.
Manistee Fishing Report June 6, 2019
Surface water temperatures inched up to near 50 degrees. Chinook salmon fishing was on fire with most fish taken with spoons 60 to 80 feet down in 150 to 200 feet. A small number of steelhead and lake trout were also caught. Pier fishing is slow.
Manistee Fishing Report May 30, 2019
Surface temperatures reached 45 degrees and the Chinook salmon have finally showed up and some big fish are coming in. The best fishing was 60 to 80 feet down in 100 to 120 feet with spoons. Good lake trout fishing continues when bouncing the bottom in 40 to 80 feet. Pier fishing is slow, but anglers did manage to get a couple Chinook salmon or a couple walleye at night.
Manistee River: Trout fishing remains strong with higher flows. We are starting to hear of some good fly hatches and dry fly fishing.
Manistee River: Trout fishing remains strong with higher flows. We are starting to hear of some good fly hatches and dry fly fishing.
Manistee Fishing Report May 23, 2019
Surface temperature readings were about 42 degrees. Only a few Chinook salmon were caught but the lake trout fishing was still on fire. Both the salmon and lake trout were caught in 30 to 60 feet. Pier fishing was slow and windy conditions made it hard for anglers to get out. Those targeting walleye at night caught fish.
Manistee Fishing Report May 16, 2019
Surface water temperatures were holding near 40 degrees. Lake trout fishing was very good in 30 to 60 feet. A small number of Chinook salmon were also coming in. Pier fishing was slow however night anglers caught a decent number of walleye at night.
Manistee River: Steelhead are still being caught mainly on the gravel. Most are bottom bouncing with spawn or using beads and nymphs. Brown trout were caught.
Manistee River: Steelhead are still being caught mainly on the gravel. Most are bottom bouncing with spawn or using beads and nymphs. Brown trout were caught.
Manistee Fishing Report May 9, 2019
Surface water temperatures were about 40 degrees. Lake trout fishing was heating up in deeper water as limit catches were reported. A few Chinook along brown trout were caught on spoons in 12 to 20 feet. Perch fishing slowed however both pier and boat anglers were getting a few on minnows or wigglers. Pier anglers caught a couple brown trout on spawn. Walleye were caught at night with body baits.
Manistee River: Water levels are dropping so trout fishing should improve. Reports came in on some decent fly hatches during the last warm up. Anglers were still taking some steelhead up near Tippy Dam.
Manistee River: Water levels are dropping so trout fishing should improve. Reports came in on some decent fly hatches during the last warm up. Anglers were still taking some steelhead up near Tippy Dam.
Manistee Fishing Report May 2, 2019
Surface temperature readings were near 42 degrees. Perch fishing slowed but some were still being caught off the pier with minnows and wigglers. Boat anglers caught a few walleye in the channel when jigging with artificial baits. Those trolling in six to 12 feet outside the piers caught lake trout and a few brown trout on body baits.
Manistee River: The trout opener was slow because of cold water temperatures and higher water levels. A few fish were caught in the deeper holes. Fishing on the Little Manistee was also slow.
Manistee River: The trout opener was slow because of cold water temperatures and higher water levels. A few fish were caught in the deeper holes. Fishing on the Little Manistee was also slow.
Manistee Fishing Report April 25, 2019
The fish cleaning station is now open and all but one dock is in. Surface water temperatures were about 38 degrees. Those trolling caught brown trout and lake trout with spoons and body baits in six to 12 feet. Small numbers of brown trout and lake trout were caught by pier anglers using spawn. A few perch were also caught off the pier. Smelt anglers found a few fish off the piers and near the creek mouths.
Manistee River: Steelhead fishing was a little more difficult due to high water levels, but a few fish were caught. Anglers are hoping the levels will be down somewhat by the trout opener this weekend.
Manistee River: Steelhead fishing was a little more difficult due to high water levels, but a few fish were caught. Anglers are hoping the levels will be down somewhat by the trout opener this weekend.
Manistee Fishing Report April 11, 2019
Surface water temperature was about 38 degrees. There is one dock in however the fish cleaning station is still closed. There is still a lot of ice on the piers but enough has receded to get around. Pier anglers caught steelhead and brown trout with spawn. Those trolling spoons and body baits caught a couple steelhead, brown trout and small coho in six to 12 feet.
Manistee River: The steelhead bite slowed with the colder weather. Try slow drifting over the deeper holes in the lower river.
Manistee River: The steelhead bite slowed with the colder weather. Try slow drifting over the deeper holes in the lower river.
Manistee Fishing Report April 4, 2019
Manistee River: Anglers caught a moderate number of steelhead in the lower river.
Manistee Fishing Report March 28, 2019
Manistee River - Is producing fresh steelhead in the lower river.
Manistee Fishing Report February 28, 2019
Manistee River: Some are getting steelhead up near Tippy Dam. With cold water temperatures, they are fishing the deeper holes with spawn and beads.
Manistee Fishing Report February 21, 2019
Manistee River: Steelhead fishing is still slow, although a few were taken up near Tippy Dam.
Manistee Fishing Report January 17, 2019
Still had a few steelhead reported.
Manistee Fishing Report January 10, 2019
Pier anglers managed to catch a couple steelhead.
Manistee River: Was producing a few more steelhead during the mild weather.
Manistee River: Was producing a few more steelhead during the mild weather.
MANISTEE FISHING REPORTS:
2021 - 2020 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016
All Area Fishing Reports:
Hamlin Lake - Pentwater - Manistee - Ludington - Pere Marquette Riverlocal advertisement