**Fishing Report: Mouse Fishing for Brown Trout on the Manistee River** The Manistee River is heating up as we enter the prime season for mouse fishing, with brown trout becoming increasingly active. This method, renowned for its excitement and accessibility, doesn't demand expert-level skills—just the ability to stay up through the night and a willingness to embrace the adventure. **Equipment:** For the best experience, gear up with top-tier equipment. A sturdy 9-foot, 5 to 7 weight rod paired with a reliable reel and a smooth drag system will handle these aggressive fish perfectly. Use floating lines designed for mousing and leaders around 0X to 2X to ensure strength without sacrificing stealth. High-quality mouse patterns, such as the Moorish Mouse or the Mr. Hankey, mimic the movement of a small rodent skimming across the water's surface, irresistible to hungry browns. **Current Conditions:** Fishing is starting to peak on the Manistee River. The warmer nights have triggered the brown trout's predatory instincts, leading to explosive surface strikes. The river is in excellent condition, with water levels and clarity ideal for night fishing. As darkness falls, the magic begins. Casts near undercut banks, fallen trees, and deeper pools yield the best results. **Tips for Success:** 1. ****Fishing Report: Mouse Fishing for Brown Trout on the Manistee River** The Manistee River is heating up as we enter the prime season for mouse fishing, with brown trout becoming increasingly active. This method, renowned for its excitement and accessibility, doesn't demand expert-level skills—just the ability to stay up through the night and a willingness to embrace the adventure. **Equipment:** For the best experience, gear up with top-tier equipment. A sturdy 9-foot, 5 to 7 weight rod paired with a reliable reel and a smooth drag system will handle these aggressive fish perfectly. Use floating lines designed for mousing and leaders around 0X to 2X to ensure strength without sacrificing stealth. High-quality mouse patterns, such as the Moorish Mouse or the Mr. Hankey, mimic the movement of a small rodent skimming across the water's surface, irresistible to hungry browns. **Current Conditions:** Fishing is starting to peak on the Manistee River. The warmer nights have triggered the brown trout's predatory instincts, leading to explosive surface strikes. The river is in excellent condition, with water levels and clarity ideal for night fishing. As darkness falls, the magic begins. Casts near undercut banks, fallen trees, and deeper pools yield the best results. Now is the perfect time to experience the thrill of mouse fishing on the Manistee River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to this technique, the excitement of a brown trout crashing through the surface to take your mouse fly is unparalleled. Get your finest gear ready, embrace the night, and enjoy what is shaping up to be the best fishing of the year. -Casey

The upper Manistee River have been experiencing excellent to outstanding conditions lately, particularly with Rapala and streamer fishing. The warming temperatures have heightened anticipation for the upcoming mayfly hatch and nighttime mouse fishing, promising exciting opportunities to target sizable brown trout. As we eagerly await the arrival of topwater action and bask in the warmth of spring weather, these days on the river are undeniably some of the best of the year.