Manistee River Report – Below Tippy Dam

The Manistee is once again running clear and a bit below average for this time of year. Last week’s bump of fish has spread throughout the system and covering water has been the name of the game.  Combined with dropping water temps, fish have been sliding over into the softer side of the seams.

Indicator fishing is producing fish in the woody runs.  Top producers have been eggs in the yellow color scheme, as well as chartreuse and bright orange early and late in the day.

With water temps still in the 40’s, swinging streamers has still been quite productive. The top color combinations for me have been more of the purple and blues with a chartreuse or pink head. Flies incorporating grape flashabou or rainbow flashabou are a good bet this time of year.

We have few guide days available in the next couple weeks. If you are looking to chase steelhead by swinging or indicator fishing give us a call at 231-228-7135.

Matt Barthels