Manistee River - Grayling - Michigan
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Manistee River – Grayling - Water Flow Chart
Manistee River – Grayling - Weather report & radar
Manistee River – Grayling - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges, Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Stonefly Nymph |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #14 – #20 | Parachute Adams, BWO Emerger |
| April | Hendricksons, Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | #12 – #14, #14 – #18 | Hendrickson Dry Fly, Elk Hair Caddis |
| May | Gray Drake, Brown Drake, Caddis | Evening | #10 – #12, #10 – #14, #14 – #18 | Gray Drake Parachute, Brown Drake Parachute, Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Hex, Brown Drake, Caddis | Evening-Night | #6 – #8, #10 – #14, #14 – #18 | Hex Dry Fly, Brown Drake Parachute, Elk Hair Caddis |
| July | Tiny Blue Winged Olives, Terrestrials | Afternoon-Evening | #20 – #22, #12 – #16 | Flymph BWO, Ant Patterns, Hopper Patterns |
| August | Tiny Blue Winged Olives, Terrestrials | Afternoon-Evening | #20 – #22, #12 – #16 | Flymph BWO, Beetle Patterns, Hopper Patterns |
| September | Tiny Blue Winged Olives, Terrestrials | Afternoon-Evening | #20 – #22, #12 – #16 | Flymph BWO, Cricket Patterns, Hopper Patterns |
| October | Blue Winged Olives, Caddis | Afternoon-Evening | #14 – #20, #14 – #18 | Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | #16 – #20 | Parachute Adams |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
Manistee River – Grayling Access Points
The Manistee River offers excellent spots for fly fishing, especially in the Grayling stretch. Here are some of the best access points:
- M72 Access: This point provides easy access to the Upper Manistee, just above the confluence with the North Branch.
- Sharon Access: Located downstream of M72, this spot offers great stretches of wadable water and good hatches.
- Borski Bayou: It’s a beautiful, widely fished area with deeper riffles and runs. It requires a boat for best access.
- Yellow Trees: A popular spot due to large hatch activity. Can be reached by walking from a pull-off on M-72.
- Stephan Bridge: This public access spot is good for wading. It’s a favorite for fly anglers who enjoy night fishing for large browns.
Manistee River – Grayling Fishing Spots
The Manistee River in Grayling, Michigan, offers abundant spots for fly fish lovers. Below are some must-visit spots:
- Tippy Dam: Known for abundant brown trout and king salmon population
- High Bridge access point: Provides easy access to steelhead waters
- Bear Creek Confluence: Famous spot for brook and rainbow trout
Few other locations worth considering are:
- Yellow Trees: A hotspot during the salmon season
- Big Manistee River Valley: Ideal for brown trout, especially in the fall
- Manistee River below Hodenpyl Dam: Perfect for beginners with a wide range of fish types
Manistee River – Grayling Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: The Manistee River is very popular for its abundance of Brown Trout.
- Brook Trout: Brook Trout are also very common in the Manistee River.
- Rainbow Trout: Offering exciting fights, Rainbow Trout are another favourite amongst Manistee River anglers.
- Atlantic Salmon: Although less common, the Manistee River is one of the few rivers in the Midwest where you can catch Atlantic Salmon.
- Smallmouth Bass: The warmer parts of the Manistee River are popular for Smallmouth Bass fly fishing.
- Northern Pike: For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, Northern Pike can be targeted.
- Steelhead: Every Spring and Fall, the Manistee River gets a run of Steelhead, beckoning anglers far and wide.
- Walleye: Known for their hard fights and delicious taste, catching a Walleye in the Manistee River is an accomplishment to any angler.
About the Manistee River – Grayling
The Manistee River is a spectacular gem nestled in Grayling, Michigan. Stretching an impressive 232 miles across Michigan, this river’s humble origins can be traced back to the Anishinaabe, the native Americans who once lived along its banks. Throughout its history, this has been a river of industry – supporting fishing, logging, and fur trading. Today, it has transformed into an outdoor paradise.
- Fishing: The Manistee River is a haven for anglers, teeming with Salmon, Trout, and Walleye.
- Canoeing & Kayaking: The gentle current and stunning landscape make this river perfect for paddlers.
- Hiking: The river is lined with scenic trails offering breathtaking views of the countryside.
Present day, the Manistee River serves as a perfect spot for outdoor adventurer and history buffs. Its vibrant history and varied activities continue to draw visitors all year round, making it a remarkable showcase of Michigan’s wild beauty.
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