Little Mantisee River - Wellston - Michigan
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Little Mantisee River – Wellston - Water Flow Chart
Little Mantisee River – Wellston - Weather report & radar
Little Mantisee River – Wellston - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | No Significant Hatch | Midday | #8-#12 | Nymphs and Midges |
| February | No Significant Hatch | Midday | #8-#12 | Nymphs and Midges |
| March | Early Black Stone | Midday | #14-#16 | Early Black Stone Nymphs |
| April | Quill Gordon, Blue Wing Olive | Afternoon | #14-#18 | Quill Gordon or Blue Wing Olive Dries |
| May | Mayfly, Caddis | Evening | #12-#18 | Mayfly or Caddis Dries |
| June | Hex, Isonychia, Caddis | Evening | #10-#14 | Hex, Isonychia or Caddis Dries |
| July | Terrestrials | Midday | #8-#12 | Ants and Beetle patterns |
| August | Terrestrials | Midday | #8-#12 | Ants and Beetle patterns |
| Tricos | Morning | #18-#22 | Trico spinners | |
| September | Terrestrials, Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Midday/Evening | #12-#22 | Ants, Beetles, and Blue Wing Olive Dries |
| October | Tiny Blue-Winged Olives, October Caddis | Afternoon to Evening | #12-#22 | Blue Wing Olive or October Caddis Dries |
| November | Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-#22 | Blue Wing Olive Dries |
| December | No Significant Hatch | Midday | #8-#12 | Nymphs and Midges |
Little Mantisee River – Wellston Access Points
The Little Mantisee River in Wellston is a hotspot for fly fishing, with several high-quality access points:
- Coates Highway Bridge: Noted for its plentiful Brook Trout; it’s public and easily accessible.
- Upper Branch Bridge: Great for fly fishing, you can also find Brown Trout in this region.
- Green Cottage: A privately-owned area with large amounts of Brown Trout and some Brook Trout.
- Warfield Road Bridge: This spot has superior parking facilities and is known for its Rainbow Trout. Additionally, accessibility does depend on the season. The top times for fly fishing on the Little Mantisee River are spring and fall when trout is spawning.
- Spring: Late April through June
- Fall: Late September through November
Little Mantisee River – Wellston Fishing Spots
The Little Manistee River in Wellston, Michigan is an ideal destination for fly fishing aficionados. Here are some of the top spots:
- Sands Park Campground: With its easy river access, this spot is perfect for beginners.
- Johnson Bridge: This location has a deep pool that’s great for fly fishing, especially for Brown Trout.
- Upper Flies Only Section: Known for its large population of Rainbow Trout, this 2.5-mile stretch is a must-visit. Remember, barbless hooks are required here.
- Stronach Bridge: This spot is renowned for its prolific Salmon runs in the fall.
- The Weir: Right below the Little Manistee River Weir is an excellent place to fish for Steelhead in the spring. However, it requires a special permit.
Little Mantisee River – Wellston Local Fish Species
- Brook Trout: Native to the Little Mantisee River, the Brook Trout population in the river is substantial and a prominent target for fly fishermen.
- Rainbow Trout: Non-native but is well-established. Rainbow Trout are aggressive feeders and provide exciting fly fishing action.
- Brown Trout: Known for their selective feeding habits, makes fishing for Brown Trout a strategic and rewarding challenge for fly fishermen.
- Chinook Salmon: These hefty fighters provide hefty intense action for fly fishermen during their spawning runs.
- Lake Whitefish: Typically caught in winter, they require different techniques making them an interesting challenge for fly fishermen.
- Lake Sturgeon: Though rare, hooking a sturgeon can be one of the most thrilling experiences for fly fishermen due to its size and strength.
- Northern Pike: Known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights, Northern Pike provide exciting fly fishing opportunities.
- Smallmouth Bass: An aggressive species that dwells in the warmer sections of the river providing fly fishermen with plenty of action.
About the Little Mantisee River – Wellston
Nestled in the heart of Wellston, the Little Manistee River brings life and rich history to the region. The river’s roots extend deep into Michigan’s lumbering past, tracing back to the early 1800s when the area was buzzing with sawmills and logging camps. The swift current served as means for transporting massive logs down to Lake Michigan.
- The Little Manistee remains central to the local economy today, enticing visitors with its exhilarating fishing opportunities. Known for its bountiful trout and salmon, it’s surely a fisherman’s paradise.
- Contributing to its importance, the Little Manistee River is home to the Little Manistee Weir, a unique structure engineered to collect eggs from spawning salmon, ensuring the continued abundance of fish population.
In essence, the Little Manistee River embodies Wellston’s industrious past and continues to shape its vibrant present, inviting locals and tourists alike to partake in its storied legacy and natural beauty.
Community Contributions
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