Manistee River Fly Hatch Chart

About Manistee River

The Manistee River below Tippy Dam runs cold and clear year-round, creating a tailwater environment that extends the trout season well into fall. The regulated flows keep temperatures in the optimal range for brown trout through summer when most Michigan freestone streams run too warm. The river holds self-sustaining wild browns from Tippy Dam downstream to the town of Manistee.

The Hex hatch is the signature event in late June, but the Manistee's tailwater character makes it productive across a longer season. Midges from November through March, BWOs in April and October, and Tricos through August give trout reasons to look up for most of the year. Caddis hatches run from May through August with peak action in June.

The most accessible sections are near the Tippy Dam recreation area and along Coates Highway. The river is wide and powerful in the lower stretches — wading requires care, especially after dam releases. Check Consumers Energy's flow release schedule at Tippy Dam before planning a trip, as generation schedules affect both wading safety and hatch timing.

See the full Michigan Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Michigan's top trout streams.