Fall Fishing in #MyManistee

Fall fishing in Manistee County offers anglers a season of transition and excitement with action
across inland lakes, scenic rivers and the vast waters of Lake Michigan.

Inland Lake Fishing

As the air cools and leaves change colors, the inland lakes like Bear Lake, Manistee Lake and Portage Lake come alive with perch, bluegill and bass. Casting from the shore, drifting in a small boat or paddling a kayak allows anglers to take in both the brilliant fall colors and the quiet calm. Early mornings and evenings are especially great times to fish.

On the River

On the rivers, fall and the cooler temperatures signal the return of the king salmon and steelhead. The Big Manistee River and Little Manistee River draw anglers from across the world eager for the challenge of these powerful fish. Whether fly fishing, drifting with a guide or simply finding a quiet stretch of shoreline, the rush of hooking into a salmon in the crisp autumn air is unmatched.

Tippy Dam can get crowded as the salmon’s upstream migration ends at the dam. Find a quieter spot along the shoreline of the magnificent Big Manistee River or consider going mid- week. Always remember to understand the DNR regulations, be courteous to others and pack out your trash so we can all continue to enjoy and preserve our magnificent watershed.

Big Lake Fishing

On Lake Michigan, charter boat captains in Manistee, Onekama and Arcadia run fall trips targeting trout and salmon moving closer to shore. Pair the thrill of fishing with the beauty of Manistee’s harbors, sandy beaches and historic lighthouse views, and you’ll find that fall fishing in Manistee County isn’t just about the catch. It’s about immersing yourself in the season and the landscape.

Charters

Some of our favorite charters in Manistee County include John Gouker Fly Fishing (Manistee River steelhead and Pine River trout), Darkblue Charters (Lake Michigan salmon and guided river steelhead), Stumpy Fishing Charters (Lake Michigan fishing) and Reel Pleasure (Lake Michigan fishing).

Be sure to book your guides and your lodging early as hotels tend to fill up with fall fishermen and women.