Little Manistee River
Current Conditions
Flows are around 127 cfs and holding steady, below the year-round median (Gauge at Nine Mile Bridge near Freesoil — reports water temperature as well as flow, which the old Freesoil gauge never did). Water was 62°F at the gauge. The hatch calendar has Trico on this water in August.
Little Manistee River Fishing Report
The weir count has been very strong this spring. Steelhead are throughout the system — from the lower river up through the deadline above the weir. Egg patterns and stonefly nymphs most effective. Some fish willing to move to swung flies in the morning.
Live Flow Conditions
Hatch Calendar
Gear Recommendations
| Gear | fly Dry Fly | rod NymphingRecommended | rod Euro Nymph | fish Streamer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod | 9ft 5-weight | 9ft 6-weight | 11ft 3-weight or 4-weight | 9ft 7-weight |
| Line | WF5F floating | WF floating | Euro mono rig | Intermediate or Type 3 sink tip |
| Leader | 10ft to 4X | 9ft to 3X | Heavy mono rig | 6ft to 1X |
| Tippet | 4X–5X | 3X–4X fluorocarbon | 4X fluorocarbon | 1X or 15lb mono |
| Waders | Chest waders | Chest waders with wading belt | Chest waders | Chest waders |
| Boots | Felt-soled boots | Felt-soled with studs | Felt-soled boots | Felt-soled boots |
Find Your Guide
Local Fly Shops
Public Access Points
River History & Character
The Little Manistee River, while smaller than its namesake, is one of Michigan's most productive steelhead rivers on a per-mile basis. The Little Manistee State Fish Hatchery on its banks is responsible for stocking millions of steelhead and salmon throughout the Great Lakes — making the river uniquely significant to the entire Michigan fishery. The river flows 52 miles through Mason and Lake Counties before joining Manistee Lake. It is largely unknown outside of Michigan fishing circles, which is exactly how its devotees like it.