Manistee River Report Spring 2018

Spring color is popping up…

Manistee River Report March 1st, 2018.

River report: Water flow is 2390 CFS, water temperature is 35 degrees.

Spring is the air here in Northwestern Lower Michigan! The rivers are starting to come alive up here! I’ve been out fishing recently and have been catching a good amount of winter holdover steelhead along with some fresh spring fish this last week.  

The rivers have all had a good bump in water flow this last month. This has pushed some fresh steelhead  in from lake Michigan. I’ve been using a variety of techniques, bottom bouncing and back dropping bobbers have both been effective.  Large beads with brighter colors have been effective due to the water clarity from our run off.  Stone flies, buggers, hex patterns and salmon fry patterns have also been useful.  They are still in “winter water,” slow pools near wood and deep runs are where to target your drifts.

I can accommodate services for fly fisherman along with traditional spin casting anglers. I’ll be out regularly on the river next two months. Gimme a call or email if you’re interested on getting in on the fun this spring!

God bless,

Chris Martin

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