Steelhead

Late June – July

Each year, summer run steelhead ascend the Big Manistee River, presenting the fly fisherman with classic, two-handed Spey rod fishing opportunities, as well as single handed rod situations. Known for their scorching runs and spectacular leaps, summer run steelhead on the Manistee River are limited in number and elusive so hookups cannot be assured. But, when one connects, they are an experience to treasure. Long, lean, silver rockets that rival the Atlantic salmon for their fighting qualities.

And, if the summer runs don’t cooperate on any given day, our guides switch over to the four weight rods to nymph and dry fly fish the large rainbow and brown trout of the Manistee River. We also use our bigger rods to strip streamers with sink tip lines. Each year, it surprises us guides how relatively few fly fishermen cast for trout on this extraordinarily clear and fertile river. The trout are readily seen as they swing to and fro feeding behind the gravel humps that characterize the upper river. Combine Manistee River summer steelhead fishing with classic trout fishing – all the while dressing in shorts and wading sandals – and you have a winning combination for a day memorably spent.