Manistee River Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Manistee River fishing trip is US $510, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $615 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Manistee River are good for families?

Fishing charters in Manistee River that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Manistee River?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Manistee River are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Manistee River?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Manistee River are:

What are the top types of fishing in Manistee River?

The top 3 types of fishing in Manistee River are:

Do Manistee River fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Manistee River provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Manistee River?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Manistee River are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Manistee River?

Who are the top awarded captains in Manistee River?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Manistee River?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Manistee River are:

4-hour fishing trips – US $310
5-hour fishing trips – US $630
6-hour fishing trips – US $633
8-hour fishing trips – US $606

Fishing in Manistee River

Countless rivers in the US offer great fall fishing experiences but Manistee River fishing has to be up there with the best of them. Located in northern Michigan, the river passes through many villages and great fishing spots, before finally flowing into Lake Michigan. The Manistee River is rich with strong currents, calm pools, rocky bottoms, and cool waters that move swiftly. This means it's the perfect habitat for a whole variety of famous freshwater fish.

Where to Go

Even though the river is around 230 miles long, the most popular fishing spots are in its lower part. Only 25 miles long, between the Tippy Dam (close to Brethren) and Lake Michigan, this part of the river doesn’t freeze during winter, which makes it a year-round getaway for fishing. The local fishing guides take pride in these “Gold Medal” waters, which means you can find huge Rainbow and Brown Trout here. Trout are a part of everyday fishing trips and a fantastic species for novices to target. More experienced anglers catch them too, but they make the pursuit more challenging by using fly fishing equipment.

The Manistee River is wadeable in most parts, so check if your fishing guide runs these trips as well. Use this as a chance to explore the river’s creeks, especially Bear Creek around Brethren. You only need a pair of reliable chest waders and you’re ready to go.

Full day trips are the safest way to reach your catch maximum but you can also take a half day trip and use the rest of the day to hike on the Manistee River Trail.

When to Go

Trout fishing is persistent year round and you can always count on Rainbow, Brown, and Lake Trout action. But the target list doesn’t end there – the Manistee Rivers also holds Chinook and Coho Salmon. Giant Salmon start their annual spawn run in September, when they move upstream from Lake Michigan to Manistee.

Need to Know

Every angler over 16 years of age needs to purchase a Michigan All Species fishing license (daily or annual). You can purchase it online or at any sports shop and license retail center.
Depending on the section of the Manistee River you’ll be fishing, there are different regulations when it comes to catch size and number of fish you can keep.

When your fishing trip ends, it doesn’t mean the fun is over. All fishing guides in the area let you keep your catch, so you’re bound to have a tasty lunch once you return to land. With so many species on offer, it’s easy to see why fishing the Manistee River is one of the best river angling experiences you can have!

Manistee River

4.9 / 5

Based on 28582 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Manistee River Fishing Seasons

January

The beginning of the year is best for Rainbow Trout. Parts of the river downstream do not freeze during winter and you can target this species here on a fly or using live bait.

February

Rainbows and Browns are still your best shot at this time of the year. Find a fishing guide that will take you anywhere between Lake Michigan and the Tippy Dam.

March

Different types of Trout still rule these waters, so you only need to choose which fishing technique you’re going to use to catch them.

April

Trolling close to Lake Michigan is popular, as well as pier fishing. Upstream, wade fishing is a better option. Trouts are the main targets.

May

As the water gets warmer, Chinook and Coho Salmon are on their way to the lake. Fishing the river just got that much more exciting!

June

This is often considered to be the Manistee River’s peak fishing season. Both Trout and Salmon can be found here in huge numbers, so you just need to choose what you want to catch.

July

If you’re fishing in the area close to Lake Michigan, head out to the lake and target Walleye. You can’t find them in the river.

August

Salmon are still in the deeper water of the lake, looking for colder spots. Trolling for them should do the trick. Trout are in the Manistee River, as always.

September

Chinook and Coho start their autumn run, so the best places you can fish for them are at the mouth of the river.

October

As it gets colder, the main action moves from the lake to the river. Salmon are still present in good numbers, so catch them while they’re still here.

November

Once again, Steelhead and Brown Trout reign supreme! Explore the Manistee River but don’t forget to check the creeks. Challenge yourself with a fly rod!

December

Downstream, the river isn’t frozen and you can catch fish the usual way. If you want to try ice fishing, make sure to go with an experienced fishing guide.

Manistee River Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!

Please Wait...

What anglers said about fishing in Manistee River

Have patience and trust you're captain. You may know what you're talking about but these guys live on the rivers

5.0 / 5

Have patience and trust you're captain. You may know what you're talking about but these guys live on the rivers

Manistee River Fishing Company

Be patient and time your trip. He will find the fish, and enjoy the day. The boat is excellent as well as the captain.

5.0 / 5

Be patient and time your trip. He will find the fish, and enjoy the day. The boat is excellent as well as the captain.

Manistee River Fishing Company

Make sure you have a dependable GPS to find your way, the area can be a bit confusing if you're a total stranger to it.

5.0 / 5

Make sure you have a dependable GPS to find your way, the area can be a bit confusing if you're a total stranger to it.

Manistee River Fishing Company

The salmon are running by the thousands!! Also saw some huge brown trout caught. The whole experience was just awesome and fun! And if you love the outdoors, Michigan that time of year on the river is beautiful.

5.0 / 5

Due North Guide Service

Make sure fish are showing up in large numbers and are biting frequently.

4.7 / 5

Make sure fish are showing up in large numbers and are biting frequently.

Manistee River Fishing Company

I'd recommend Captain Gabe with Elsie K Charters and he'll take care of you.

5.0 / 5

I'd recommend Captain Gabe with Elsie K Charters and he'll take care of you.

Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan New Hudson, MI

Absolutely with the big Manistee and the little Manistee converging and where they do it's an excellent area to Target salmon recommend it to anybody had a great time and planning next year's trip already

5.0 / 5

Pro Fish'n Sea Charters Mason, MI

Sure, lots of charters there, so I presume fishing there is good at the right time. I will book again for a 2nd time with the same captain.

5.0 / 5

Sure, lots of charters there, so I presume fishing there is good at the right time. I will book again for a 2nd time with the same captain.

Manistee River Fishing Company Warren, MI

We unfortunately came the day after they had really bad north wind storm. None the less we still caught Salmon and had a great time!

5.0 / 5

We unfortunately came the day after they had really bad north wind storm. None the less we still caught Salmon and had a great time!

Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan Peoria, IL

Get a knowledgeable guide or captain. If you're not sure about if you get sea sick take medicine before you go out. Dress appropriately. Lot's of sites to see

5.0 / 5

Get a knowledgeable guide or captain. If you're not sure about if you get sea sick take medicine before you go out. Dress appropriately. Lot's of sites to see

Offshore A-count Sportfishing LLC – Manistee Portland, TN

Book multiple days. Lake Michigsn is unpredictable and you don't want to miss out!

5.0 / 5

Book multiple days. Lake Michigsn is unpredictable and you don't want to miss out!

Class Act Charters – Manistee China Township, MI

Great fishing and great town with friendly people. The town has lots of charm.

5.0 / 5

Great fishing and great town with friendly people. The town has lots of charm.

Fast Times Sport Fishing Charters Triana, AL

Coordinate the departure time with the Captain (the earlier the better) Be on time. Take snacks and beverages. HAVE FUN!!!

5.0 / 5

Coordinate the departure time with the Captain (the earlier the better) Be on time. Take snacks and beverages. HAVE FUN!!!

Class Act Charters – Manistee Rineyville, KY

Bring a jacket or wear layers as it gets a little cooler out on the water.

5.0 / 5

Bring a jacket or wear layers as it gets a little cooler out on the water.

Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan Versailles, KY

Patience and flexibility. If you don’t catch on the big lake, try a small one or river

5.0 / 5

Patience and flexibility. If you don’t catch on the big lake, try a small one or river

Fast Times Sport Fishing Charters Orlando, FL

Make sure to have layers of clothes it can get chilly out on the water latter in the evening.

5.0 / 5

Make sure to have layers of clothes it can get chilly out on the water latter in the evening.

Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan Sparta, MI

Have been to Manistee few times in the first week in July and haven’t been disappointed yet with catching Salmon.

5.0 / 5

Have been to Manistee few times in the first week in July and haven’t been disappointed yet with catching Salmon.

Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan Cadillac, MI

If you’re looking specifically for Salmon in Lake Michigan, then I would recommend Manistee, MI.

5.0 / 5

If you’re looking specifically for Salmon in Lake Michigan, then I would recommend Manistee, MI.

Elsie K Charters – Lake Michigan United States

Manistee not only offers some great fishing . The scenery is beautiful too !

5.0 / 5

Manistee not only offers some great fishing . The scenery is beautiful too !

Jerryriggin Sport Fishing Charters Northwood, OH

Call Capt Mike class act all you have to do is bring a lunch something to drink the captain supplies, everything equipment, Baits

5.0 / 5

Call Capt Mike class act all you have to do is bring a lunch something to drink the captain supplies, everything equipment, Baits

Class Act Charters – Manistee Detroit, Michigan

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Manistee River?

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Capt Ken really knows the river and best techniques for landing the fish. Took us to some of the best spots in the river.

Les R.

Jerryriggin Sport Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Manistee

5.0 / 5

(44 reviews)

We set off on a cold windy afternoon with Captain Jeremy and his crew. Our guides were great helping my two teenage sons get used to fishing on the big water. After a little nausea they both ended up catching their limit and are still talking about the experience hours later. It was one of those trips we’ll never forget. We will be coming back for the really big one that got away!

Mike M.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Nick taught us how to read the water and what fishing technique to use . Depending not only the on the target fish, but where and how the fishes are hanging on.

Juan F.

Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
Fishing charter in Manistee

5.0 / 5

(2 reviews)

Chris was awesome and he made my two teenage sons feel really comfortable on his boat. Chris was honest with me the day before our trip telling me that the run had slowed down dramatically but we decided to try our luck and both of my boys caught steelhead.we fished several spots throughout the morning and he shared a lot of information about fishing the Manistee river. It was a great day on the river.

Mike M.

Steelhead Fanatics Guide Service
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(1 review)

Capt. James was very ambitous to get me and my son onto some fish. He knew where the fish was and there was plenty. The fish were very picky on this day but we caught some small brown trout and had 4 steelhead on the lines. We were able to reel in one of them in the boat. We were the only ones in the vicinity to get fish on the line this day. James was very informative and educational on how to fish for Steelhead. We will booking another trip with him again. Thx Capt. James for the great time!

Tom G.

Jerryriggin Sport Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Manistee

5.0 / 5

(44 reviews)

We went out after some major wind. Seas were rough for a bit, but ended up catching our limit with time to spare. Shout out to the fist mate who did a fantastic job and was always on the ball. Definitely going again.

Robert C.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Weather not so good-rained steady 3/4 of day. Started catching 1st drift. Lots of missed on our part but ended with 7 netted. Lunch was hot and delicious enjoyed on the river in the heated cabin during pretty good storm. Great day

Ken D.

Slipknot Steelhead Charters – River
Fishing charter in Manistee

5.0 / 5

(24 reviews)

Post spawn, cold and rainy, three boys (2 younger). Lenny has his work cut out for him. He prevailed tremendously. He worked hard to keep the four of us entertained as we spent long hours searching for fish that just weren’t there due to an early spawn. I highly recommend him for families. We will be going back this summer to try the big lake.

Jeremiah B.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Captain Brad and the Manistee River Fishing Company work hard to make for a successful fishing day. We will definitely charter with him again.

Ronald G.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Very professional and prompt. Wife and son really enjoyed themselves. Will be a repeat customer.

Ronald S.

Darkblue Charters and Guide Service
Fishing charter in Manistee

5.0 / 5

(2 reviews)

My boys and I took a six hour trip with Captain Chris and had a great time. Chris was very friendly, personable and patient. My boys and I agreed that we will definitely be scheduling our next fishing trip through Dark Blue Charters. Thanks again for a great day of fishing, Chris! Pomranky Family

Steve P.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

After meeting Brad at the dock my friend Kyle and myself got in the boat and headed off to catch some fish. Brad was a great guide and person!! We seen plenty of other boats but our boat was the only boat that put fish in the boat all day as far as we seen !! We were so pleased with Brad we are scheduling a trip for next year .

Brian C.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Great time. The captain(Brad) is a great guide and very knowledgeable of the river which yields a great time fishing

Rick B.

Darkblue Charters
Fishing charter in Manistee

5.0 / 5

(1 review)

I booked a trip with Captin chris and he was very responsive with dates and times.He had top of the line equipment and boat. He’s a wonderful Captin, very knowledgeable and his mission is to make sure you have a good time and catch some fish. Doesn’t matter if you fish everyday Or first time out, you will have a great time . I will be booking again, I would definitely recommend booking with Chris.

Thomas S. Oak Park, Michigan

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

This was our first time on the Manistee and man was it a great time! We did a short, late season trip and he was able to get us on and hooked up with good numbers of fish! He was great with my two young boys and it’ll sure be a trip they won’t soon forget. Boat and gear were top notch and although we were prepared to battle late season cold temps, the canopy and heater kept us all warm and cozy. We will definitely be booking another trip with Captain Brad!

Jordan D.

Due North Guide Service
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(14 reviews)

Brian is a fantastic guide. His knowledge of the river and personable approach are great. We ran the river on a day with a high pressure system moving in so the bites were slow, but I had a great time! I would recommend Bryan to anyone and look forward to booking again soon!

Matt V.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Do your homework and time your trip out. There are times when there are fewer fish in the river. He still put us on fish when the numbers were low and we had a great time. He is a great fellow with great knowledge of the history of the river.

Brian S.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

I've been on many charters, this one tops them all. Capt Ken is the best of the best. I was hoping to land 3 or 4 salmon, we boated eleven. Ken made the trip a lot of fun.

John G.

Slipknot Steelhead Charters – River
Fishing charter in Manistee

4.7 / 5

(24 reviews)

Landed a 8 fish and lost a dozen more. Captain Lenny was knowledgeable and down to earth

Matt Q.

Manistee River Fishing Company
Fishing charter in Brethren

5.0 / 5

(97 reviews)

Brad was VERY helpful with everything and did a fantastic job getting us on fish. It’s very clear he knows the river and where to find the fish. Top notch equipment as well!