The big Manistee is currently 69 degrees with the water flow at 1540 cfs. It’s the start of salmon run here on our northern Michigan streams I’ve been chasing king salmon for the last week or so. Fishing has been fair. I’ve been able to hook fish every time I’ve been out. Landing them well…. has been another story. They are huge this year! Fish in the thirty pound range are around with one verified 41 pound king I saw caught in the lake.  I’ve been mostly running half day morning trips from day light till around 9am. Once the sun gets high in the sky it seems to be game over. But it makes for a very fun morning and good time for sure.

I’ve been using crank baits. You get to feel the take from these fish and its comparable to salt water fish like tarpon right now. We are going to be getting cooler nights here in the near future which will drop our water temperature on the big river. We could use some rain for sure. I believe our main push of salmon will be in next few weeks. I have openings this month and for fall steelhead in October and November, would love to have you out on the boat!