Manistee River - Manistee, MI Fishing Report on 28th Mar, 2025

As the season transitions, fishing opportunities across Michigan continue to improve. Anglers targeting Brown Trout are seeing promising action, especially those trolling near the river mouths and along the piers. This time of year offers a great chance to land quality fish, with early morning and late afternoon being the most productive times. Slow trolling with stick baits and spoons has been an effective method, drawing strikes from hungry trout moving into shallower waters.

The Manistee River remains a prime destination for Steelhead fishing. With steady water levels and ideal temperatures, these hard-fighting fish are active and providing exciting battles. Both fly fishing and drift fishing techniques have been producing solid results. Anglers using spawn sacs, beads, and jigs tipped with wax worms are finding success in deeper holes and along current breaks.

Meanwhile, Lake Michigan is beginning to open up as the weather warms, signaling the start of another great season on the big water. While the fishing is just getting started, expect to see an increase in activity as conditions improve in the coming weeks. Now is the perfect time to get out on the water and take advantage of the action before the peak season kicks in!