Steelhead Fishing in the Manistee River in Michigan
Manistee River runs approximately 232 miles between east Mancelona and Lake Michigan. Known by locals as the "big Manistee" or simply "Big" (in relation to the nearby "Little Manistee"), the river is renowned for its trout fishing. According to local fishing guides at Hawkins Outfitters, the section of the river from Tippy Dam downstream to Lake Michigan experiences strong runs of steelhead during the spring season.
Other People Are Reading
-
Manistee River Steelhead
-
Steelhead are rainbow trout that migrate on an annual basis for the purpose of spawning. Manistee River steelhead migrate between Lake Michigan and the river's tributaries to spawn at or near the streams of their birth in the early spring. According to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources, most Great Lakes steelhead reach sexual maturity at age 3 to 5, and a mature steelhead can grow to be 36 inches and 20 lbs. in the latter stages of its life. Manistee River steelhead average between 9 and 10 lbs.
Bait and Tackle
-
Steelhead in the river can be fished with a fly gear or a spin rod. Six to nine weight fly rods are appropriate. Guides at Hawkins Outfitters recommend imitation stone flies such as Andrew's Black and Brown Fuzzbuster, size 6 or 8 Mock Caddis in chartreuse or natural green, and imitation fish eggs like Puff Balls and Hawk's Crystal Egg. Bring both floating and sinking lines to adapt to different speeds and depths of water at different parts of the river. Alternatively, a 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 foot medium action spin rod can be effective. Six to twelve pound test fishing line will hold small to medium sized fish. Heavier line will be required to manage larger prize fish. Spoons, spinners and crankbaits can all be effective lures, especially when combined with baits such as fish eggs.
-
Tips
-
In early spring when the waters are cooler and most steelhead have not yet spawned, cast Crystal Eggs, Puff Balls, and Clown Eggs in shallower pools near cover such as overhanging trees or fallen debris. Fish activity and appetites will be slow so stick to smaller lures and baits. As the water warms up and steelhead activity rises, start fishing for them in faster running water near gravel where they will look to spawn. Target these fish with larger eggs and caddis imitations.
Regulations
-
The fishing season for steelhead on the Manistee River is open year round, however an angler's best chance of catching them is in the early spring and fall when they migrate to the streams of their birth to spawn. Minimum size restrictions are 10, 12 and 15 inches at different parts of the river; see the 2010 Michigan Fishing Guide for detailed information on the classification and regulations of different stretches of water. Special gear restrictions and bag limits are in place for the portion of the river in Crawford and Kalkaska counties from M-72 to the CCC Bridge: only artificial flies and lures may be used, and only two trout may be kept per day. Everywhere else on the river you can catch up to 5 steelhead per day, however no more than 3 steelhead may be over 15 inches.
License and Fees
-
To fish in Michigan you must hold a state fishing license unless you are under the age of 17. An annual fishing license for the 2010/2011 season costs residents $28 and non-residents $42. Twenty-four hour fishing permits are also available; they are $7 for both residents and non-residents. No special fees or permits are required to fish in the Manistee River.
-
References
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations
- Fly Fishing Connection: Fly Fishing the Manistee River in Michigan
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: 2010 Michigan Fishing Guide
- Hawkins Fly Fishing: Steelhead Fishing on the Manistee River
Resources
- Photo Credit river image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com
