Manistee River
Below Tippy Dam
Manistee County, Michigan
Open live forecast →Target species: Steelhead, Chinook, and Coho.
Stream gauge: 04126000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Early June brings prime brown trout conditions with Sulphur and emerging Brown Drake hatches driving consistent evening surface action. Water temperatures in the sweet spot at 58-62°F with the warm afternoons ahead accelerating mayfly emergence. Focus evening sessions from 6-8pm when Sulphurs blanket the water — size #16 Parachute Sulphurs and Comparaduns are producing steady rises. Brown Drakes starting to show sporadically, setting up what should be epic #10 dry fly fishing by mid-month.
- Conditions: Stable tailwater flows with optimal 58-62°F temps. Rain Thursday clears by weekend for prime dry fly conditions.
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur emergence 6-8pm with sporadic Brown Drakes starting. #16 Parachute Sulphurs and Comparaduns producing.
- Water Temp: Perfect 58-62°F range triggering consistent mayfly activity. Warm afternoons accelerating emergence timing.
- Best Window: Evening sessions 6-8pm for peak Sulphur activity. Early morning nymphing before 9am also productive.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: May–Sept (trout); Oct–Nov (steelhead)
The Manistee River in northern Michigan is a major freestone trout and steelhead river running through the Manistee National Forest. The Upper Manistee above Tippy Dam supports wild brown and brook trout with a strong Hex hatch tradition. Below Tippy Dam the river becomes a major steelhead and king salmon fishery on its run to Lake Michigan. The Big Bend, CCC Bridge, and Yellow Trees stretches each offer distinct character. Hatches mirror the Au Sable's: Hendrickson, Cahill, and the celebrated Hex emergence.
The Manistee's Tippy Dam tailwater is one of Michigan's most consistent fall steelhead fisheries — Lake Michigan-run fish stacked below the dam through October and November.
Recommended Flies — Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
The Manistee River is a major Michigan steelhead destination. The lower river below Tippy Dam provides excellent wade fishing for fall and spring steelhead. The Manistee's gentle gradient and clear water make for outstanding sight-fishing in certain conditions.
Productive Patterns
- Spey Fly #4–8
- Egg Pattern #4–8
- Egg Sucking Leech #4–8
- Muddler Minnow #4–8
Technique
The lower Manistee below Tippy Dam is the prime steelhead section. Swinging flies and indicator nymphing are both productive. The river is wide and the wade fishing requires careful reading of the runs.
Seasonal Notes
Lake Michigan steelhead, fall run October–December, spring run February–April. Egg patterns and nymphs dead-drifted through the runs and slot water.
January Outlook
January on the Manistee is winter steelhead season on the lower river below Tippy Dam. Fresh fish from Lake Michigan hold in the deep runs. The upper river is frozen but the tailwater section remains fishable.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Nymph
- Streamer
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Winter steelhead on the lower Manistee below Stronach Dam are available in January. Dress in layers — northwest Michigan winters are brutal. Fish the slow deep runs close to shore where steelhead hold in cold water.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 500–1,200 cfs below Tippy Dam. Water 36–44°F. Winter steelhead present in lower river. Cold but fishable.
February Outlook
February winter steelhead continue in the lower Manistee. The fish are fresh from Lake Michigan and in peak condition. Cold conditions but dedicated anglers are rewarded.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Midge Nymph
- Streamer
Tips
February steelhead fishing on the Manistee requires commitment. The tailwater below Tippy Dam stays open — focus on the deep pools and seams. Egg patterns under an indicator produce the most consistent results.
Water Notes
500–1,200 cfs. Water 36–44°F. Active winter steelhead fishery below Tippy Dam. Ice on banks but river open.
March Outlook
March brings the spring steelhead push to the Manistee. Fresh chrome fish enter from Lake Michigan and move quickly through the lower river toward Tippy Dam. One of Michigan's premier steelhead months.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Pink Yarn Fly
Tips
March steelhead on the Manistee can be spectacular — large numbers of fresh fish moving upriver. The section below Tippy Dam is most productive. Local guides are invaluable for locating fish in the large lower river.
Water Notes
600–1,500 cfs. Water 38–48°F. Spring steelhead push underway. One of Michigan's best months.
April Outlook
Peak spring steelhead on the Manistee. Steelhead concentrate below Tippy Dam as fish stage before spawning. The most popular month on the river for steelhead anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Soft Hackle
- Pink Worm
Tips
April is the Manistee's peak spring steelhead month. The section below Tippy Dam draws anglers statewide. Arrive early for parking at the popular access points. Nymphing with egg patterns is the most effective technique.
Water Notes
700–1,800 cfs. Water 42–52°F. Peak steelhead concentration below Tippy Dam. Crowds are expected.
May Outlook
The Manistee River in Michigan offers excellent spring steelhead and early season trout fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Manistee below Tippy Dam is one of Michigan's best spring fisheries. Steelhead in April-May and then excellent brown trout fishing through summer.
Water Notes
Regulated flows 600–1,500 cfs below Tippy Dam. Water 46–54°F. Good spring conditions.
June Outlook
Excellent brown trout fishing with caddis and PMD hatches. The Manistee is one of Michigan's most productive rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Sulphur
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The lower Manistee from Tippy Dam to Stronach is excellent tailwater brown trout water. Evening caddis and sulphur hatches produce consistent dry fly action.
Water Notes
700–1,500 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Good summer conditions on a productive Michigan river.
July Outlook
July trout fishing on the Manistee is excellent for brown trout on evening caddis hatches. The tailwater below Tippy Dam is productive all summer for large browns.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper-Dropper
- Sulphur
- Soft Hackle
Tips
July evenings on the Manistee produce excellent caddis hatches from 7–10pm. Fish the slower sections near Wellston for the best evening dry fly action. Brown trout average 14–18 inches in the tailwater section.
Water Notes
600–1,400 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Tailwater keeps temperatures moderate for summer. Evening hatches excellent.
August Outlook
August trout fishing on the Manistee continues with evening caddis and Hex stragglers. The tailwater provides stable conditions through the summer heat.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Hexagenia (remnant)
- Soft Hackle
Tips
Late Hexagenia activity is possible in August on the Manistee's slower stretches. Caddis evening hatches continue. Fish the bank edges on the lower section near Stronach for summer browns.
Water Notes
500–1,200 cfs. Water 56–64°F. Good summer conditions. Tailwater stability through August.
September Outlook
Fall Chinook salmon run followed by coho. The Manistee produces excellent fall salmon fishing.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Flesh Fly
- Coho Streamer
- Large Stonefly
Tips
The Manistee's fall salmon run is large and consistent. The section from Tippy Dam downstream is the most productive. Bears are very active on the river in fall — be aware.
Water Notes
500–1,500 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Salmon peak in late September.
October Outlook
Coho salmon and the first fall steelhead enter the Manistee in October. One of Michigan's most productive fall salmon and steelhead rivers.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Flesh Fly
- Coho Streamer
- Spey Fly
Tips
October on the Manistee offers both coho salmon and the first fall steelhead. The section below Tippy Dam is the most productive. The Stronach area is a popular access point for fall fishing.
Water Notes
600–1,500 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Peak fall salmon and early steelhead season. Bears still active.
November Outlook
November brings excellent fall steelhead to the Manistee as salmon runs conclude. Fresh Lake Michigan steelhead push into the lower river. One of Michigan's best steelhead months.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Steelhead Nymph
- Spey Fly
- Streamer
Tips
November steelhead on the Manistee can be outstanding. The crowds from salmon season have thinned and fresh steelhead are arriving. Fish the deep runs below Tippy Dam. November weather can be severe — prepare accordingly.
Water Notes
700–1,800 cfs. Water 40–50°F. Prime fall steelhead entering from Lake Michigan. Salmon season winding down.
December Outlook
December winter steelhead fishing on the lower Manistee. Fresh fish from Lake Michigan are entering and the river is at its least pressured. Cold but productive for committed anglers.
Productive Patterns
- Egg Pattern
- Stonefly Nymph
- Nymph
- Streamer
Tips
December steelhead fishing on the Manistee is a solitary experience. The fish are fresh from Lake Michigan and in chrome condition. Fish the deep tailout pools of the lower river below Stronach. Cold weather gear is essential.
Water Notes
700–1,800 cfs. Water 36–44°F. Winter steelhead fishery active. Cold northwest Michigan conditions.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria |
May | Apr, May | #12–14 |
|
| Black Caddis Chimarra atterrima |
May | Apr, May | #16–18 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea / E. invaria |
Jun | May, Jun, Jul | #14–18 |
|
| Brown Drake Ephemera simulans |
Jun | May, Jun | #8–10 |
|
| Gray Drake Siphlonurus quebecensis |
Jun | May, Jun | #10–12 |
|
| Hexagenia Hexagenia limbata |
Jun | Jun, Jul | #4–8 |
|
| Isonychia Isonychia bicolor |
Jul, Sep | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #10–12 |
|
| Yellow Sally Isoperla / Chloroperlidae |
Jun, Jul | Jun, Jul | #14–16 |
|
| Trico Tricorythodes spp. |
Aug | Jul, Aug, Sep | #22–24 |
|
Access & Approach
Wellston, MI is the primary base. Multiple Forest Service access points. Michigan fishing license + trout/salmon stamp required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Baldwin Bait & Tackle
- Hawkins Outfitters
- The Northern Angler
- Mangled Fly
Regulations & License
Fishing in Michigan requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Michigan fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Manistee River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
Manistee River is one of 245 hand-curated waters in Current. The app and web forecast also generate AI outlooks for any unlisted river, lake, or saltwater flat anywhere in the world — drop a pin or paste a name and Current produces a fresh seasonal outlook with weather, flow context, and recommended techniques.
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