Are there salmon in the Little Manistee River?


Sharing is Caring


A small river with spectacular scenery, the Little Manistee River is wade-able throughout its length and is considered one of the best wild trout and salmon streams in the Midwest. Fishing is excellent for trout and salmon with many access sites available along the river.

Can you fish the Little Manistee River?

The Little Manistee River in western Michigan has a reputation for excellent trout and steelhead fishing. Starting from the springs near Luther, this trout-filled stream offers about 65 miles of excellent fishing opportunities as it flows into Lake Michigan.

Where can I fish on the Manistee River?

  • Off Fayette Road in the town of Deward.
  • The CCC Bridge.
  • Country Road 612 Bridge.
  • Sharon Bridge.

Where can I salmon fish on Manistee River?

The best Salmon fishing on the Big Manistee River is during early September through late October and November for King Salmon. Steelhead and Coho Salmon are found below Tippy Dam in October and Novermber.

Are salmon in the Betsie River?

Located in Benzie County, Michigan, about 30 miles south of Traverse City, the Betsie River is best known for prolific runs of Chinook (King) Salmon and steelhead from Lake Michigan. The upper river also provides excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout.

Can Salmon pass Tippy Dam?

The Manistee River is a mecca for early Season kings. Chinook Salmon ascend the Manistee River below Tippy Dam, a solid month before most rivers in Michigan. Good numbers of Salmon can be caught as early as late July.

Can you camp along the Manistee River?

There are several small campgrounds located along the National Recreation River portion of the Manistee River. No reservations are needed at these sites, all sites are first come, first served. Camping is allowed 200 feet or more from the river, in addition to camping at designated campgrounds and primitive campsites.

How do you Salmon fish in Michigan rivers?

  1. One of the best how to tips for Michigan Salmon is casting Thunder stick lures for Kings in early morning. How to rig the Thunder stick is the key.
  2. Less Line Twist โ€“ Soak spool of line in hot water.
  3. Skein fishing for King Salmon in Michigan.

Where are the salmon running in Michigan?

Lake Michigan, Superior, Erie, and Huron are all at your disposal with their unique, but productive Salmon fisheries. St. Marys River: This is easily one of the best spots for Salmon fishing in Michigan, with fish from Lake Michigan and Huron converging here for their fall spawn.

What is Manistee Michigan known for?

Manistee claimed to have more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. They also had city-provided fire protection, a parks department, water, sewer and street lighting. After 150 years Manistee County has both changed and remained the same.

What is there to do in Manistee Michigan in the winter?

MANISTEE โ€” Manistee County is primed and ready for winter visitors, boasting more than 20 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, 30-plus miles of groomed fat tire biking, 80 lakes and four rivers for winter fishing and paddling, access to 500 miles of snowmobile trails, and two neighboring downhill ski resorts.

How is the fishing at the Betsie River?

The Betsie has some very good runs of salmon and steelhead and an excellent population of trout. Betsie River Fishing Report: 02/18/2020 The stream is turning out some good steelhead catches. Our Perfect Fly Pink Sucker spawn fly and steelhead nymphs are working good.

Is the Betsie River open for fishing?

river fishing is late August-November: w/prime fishing usually mid-Sept to mid-Oct. *Steelhead/Rainbow Trout fishing happens from mid-October through December (weather permitting) in Crystal Lake and other inland lakes, all year round.

How deep is the Betsie River in Michigan?

The Betsie River is a state designated wild and scenic natural river. From Thompsonville down to Fred’s Landing the water depth averages 2-3 feet.

How many salmon does Tippy Dam hold?

Minimum size limits in this section are 15″ on brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout (steelhead), 24″ on lake trout, and 10″ on coho, chinook, and pink salmon. The possession limit for trout is five fish, with no more than three fish 15 inches or larger.

What river is Tippy Dam on?

The Big Manistee River from Tippy Dam to Manistee Lake offers approximately 25 miles of water. Fishing below Tippy Dam is an experience unlike any other river in the Midwest.

Can you camp for free in Manistee National Forest?

Dispersed Camping Dispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or “No Camping”.

Are bikes allowed on the Manistee River Trail?

Seaton Creek Campground is located at the northern end of the trail, and is a trailhead and campground. Although mountain bikes are not allowed on the Manistee River Trail, they are allowed on the section of the North Country Trail from Marilla Trailhead to Dilling Road that is part of the 23-mile loop.

How long is the Manistee River Walk?

The South Riverwalk stretches 1.75 miles from the mouth of the Manistee River at Lake Michigan east to Manistee Lake. It passes under two bridges and provides easy access to shopping all up and down Manistee’s River Street.

What time of day is best for salmon fishing?

In general, the magic hours of early morning just before sunrise, and late evening just after sunset are the best for salmon fishing. The phases of the moon come into play, high and low tide, and even low-pressure systems moving in can enhance your opportunity.

What time of year are salmon in rivers?

Most adult Atlantic salmon migrate up the rivers of New England beginning in spring and continuing through the fall as well, with the migration peaking in June.

What is the best fishing time?

The best times to fish are when the fish are naturally most active. The Sun, Moon, tides, and weather all influence fish activity. For example, fish tend to feed more at sunrise and sunset, and also during a full moon (when tides are higher than average).

What is the best bait to catch salmon?

Minnows are always a good choice, as almost any freshwater fish are attracted to and eat them; just make sure they are lively when you bait the minnows on your hook. Sand shrimp are another option. Sand shrimp usually are the best bait for catching salmon, but they are also the most expensive and hardest to rig.

What month do Salmon Run in Michigan?

Best times for Salmon fishing in Michigan is late August, through early November hence September and October is prime. Coho Salmon also run later on the Manistee River below Tippy Dam.

Where is the best fishing in Michigan right now?

  • LAKE MICHIGAN.
  • PERE MARQUETTE RIVER.
  • MANISTEE RIVER.
  • GRAND RIVER.
  • SAGINAW BAY.
  • LAKE ST.
  • LAKE ERIE.

Craving More Content?

Safe Harbor Fishing