Headwaters near Grayling, excellent brown trout in the upper reaches and world-class steelhead in lower sections. One of Michigan's longest and most diverse trout rivers.
Species present: Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead trout. Stream type: freestone.
Based on current water temperature (64.9°F) and time of year, the following insects are active or expected on the Manistee River.
| Hatch | Latin | Top Patterns | Time of Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphur | Ephemerella dorothea / invaria | Sulphur Comparadun #14, Sulphur Parachute #14 | evening |
| American March Brown Spinner | Maccaffertium vicarium | Rusty Spinner #10, March Brown Spinner #10 | evening |
| Light Cahill | Stenacron interpunctatum | Light Cahill #14, Cream Comparadun #14 | evening |
| Hexagenia (Hex) | Hexagenia limbata | Hex Wiggle Nymph #4, Extended Body Hex Dun #4 | night |
| Terrestrials | Beetles, ants, hoppers, crickets | Foam Beetle #12, Chernobyl Ant #10 | afternoon |