The Manistee below Tippy Dam is in great shape for spring. We are running a bit high at around 3100 and the river has a really nice stain to it. The recent and sustained higher flows have brought in a nice push of steelhead that are in a variety of runs at the moment. However, with water temps in the mid to upper 30’s so there are still plenty of fish in the lower winter runs as well.
Pinch points have been really productive for moving fish, as well as staging areas closer to gravel. With the stain in the water, going slightly bigger and brighter for flies has been the ticket. Brighter oranges and clown rag eggs have taken a bulk of the fish. Salmon fry have also started to pop out of the gravel and flashier fry patterns have taken a fair number of fish as well.
Everything is setting up for a great spring. We still have openings for the spring steelhead season, give us a shout at 231-228-7135 or click here to see availability.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Hawkins Team
Manistee River Steelhead Fishing Report – April 11, 2026
