Fishing Season: All Year

Lower Manistee - MI

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Hawkins Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Trout season is full on! The consistently cool evenings this past week have not helped for a successful Hex hatch. However, this week's warmup will most likely be the big last push for bugs. Other than that, it's summer smallmouth time!

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Manistee

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Hawkins Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 6/29/26

This is mostly swim baits and baitfish patterns from here on out.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/29/26

Dry fly and streamers.

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.