Fishing Season: All Year

Lower Manistee - MI

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Hawkins Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Salmon are in the lower river and some are moving up but catching is limited right now due to low numbers and moving fish.

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Manistee

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Hawkins Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 9/15/25

This hot weather isn’t helping. We need rain!

Techniques & Tips as of 9/15/25

Lip baits, streamers and floats.

Local Species Available All Year

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    Brown Trout

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    Steelhead

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    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

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Item #

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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.