Open River Dates:

Fishing Report...Fishing Report...Fishing Report...Fishing Report

Manistee River Actions starts NOW...   Don't miss it....

Book a trip call 

(231) 884-2198

 e-mail a question    

Information Center

(Click on Links for Information)

  Michigan Fishing License     (Purchase Fishing License Online)

      Manistee Surface Temps   (Lake Michigan Surface temp Map)

    Manistee Wave Forecast (Manistee wave forecast)

   Manistee Net Locations         (Commercial net Locations)

    Manistee River Flow Info (Water Temp, Height, Flow)

15 day Weather Forecast (Wellston, Mi.)

Links of Interest

      Franks Great Outdoors         (Online fishing Lures / Fishing Reports Bay Area)

 Cabela's News Cut-Bait Fishing (Featuring Capt. Jay Frolenko)

    KRW Flies & Cut Bait Rigs  (Your source for flies and cutbait rigs)

Invision Boatworks        (Fiberglass repair & Stringer Repair, all Composite no wood)

Twin Oaks Campground

233 Moss Rd.

Wellston, Mi. 49689

(231) 442-3102

We still have many open dates

Call Today Fish Tomorrow!

(231) 884-2198

Reservations not required, but they are a good idea to insure your fishing trip.

3-9-10  Back in Northern Michigan, just in time...   Fishing is already good right now on the Manistee.  The weather next few days is only going to flood the river with fresh fish, temps are going to be in the high 40's for the next 5 days with light rain forecasted almost everyday.  If we get this combination look out the Steelhead flood gates will be open and the river is going to fill with Spring Steelhead.   Look out it's going to be a mad rush... 

I will be spending today changing the lower unit on the motor back to Jet and getting everything ready for the Manistee River.

We end the St. Joseph River trips with great fishing, Saturday was the exception with slow fishing, mostly like because of the heavy boat pressure.  Sunday action was fast and Monday was a early limit.

3-2-10  Only back in Cadillac for a day and half, have to be back Thursday afternoon so this is going to be a short report.   Fishing is really picking up managed to limit out, Two of the past three days.  Fish are really moving around right now and they are staging getting ready to move up on the gravel.  Steelhead spawn is still working best right now.  I only have one day left open on the St. Joseph river  (Sunday 3/7/10).   After the trip on 3-8-10, its back up to the Manistee for the start of the fantastic spring steelhead run on the Manistee.   Don't miss out as it's already starting.

2-23-10  Back home for one day, heading back to Berrien Springs early Thursday morning Steelhead are really starting to move around, and fishing is in the transitional phase right now.  The fish are just trying to figure out if it's winter or springs.  This should all change after tomorrow.  An example of this was Wednesday was terrible only had  4 or 5 bites all day, Thursday Landed 6 with a lot of bites missed.  Saturday and Sunday where mediocre days with a few fish landed and a few fish missed.   This morning I fished by myself because of a scheduling mix up and ended up landing 5 fish before noon.  So it's stating to happen. 

We have 5 days left open right now for the St. Joseph River 2/28 3/1 3/2 3/7 & 3/8, then it's back to the Manistee.  But since I have to be down on the St. Joseph River and I have a few open week days.  Here is a special off if you can fish Monday or Tuesday 3/1, 3/2 or 3/8.  You can fish for $200.00 for 2 people for 7 hours.

2-16-10  Just got my computer back for the second time this week, Now I can update my website.   Fishing is picking up as fresh fish are making there way up the St. Joseph river from Lake Michigan. Winter is loosening her grip a little and the weather feels a little like springs we are getting a slight run off and bright sunny days are warming the water just enough to get things moving. Steelhead Skein Spawn is still the choice bait, plugs are starting to take a few fish.  Walleye action has also taken off in the past week.  Some very nice walleye have been caught including one brute that was just over 13 lbs.  However most walleye have been 2-4 pounds with a lot of throw backs.   I am leaving first thing in the morning for Berrien Springs and I will be fishing until Tuesday 2-23-10.  I have two open days while I am down there Thursday 2-18 & Monday 2-22.  If you are looking to head out and catch some Steelhead or Walleye give me a call (231) 884-2198, I will not be checking e-mail

2-9-10  Waiting on a big snow storm to hit Michigan today, as of right now nothing is going on in Cadillac.  Must be the calm before the storm, no wind, no snow.  It's hard to believe that we are only a month away from the start of spring steelhead season on the Manistee.  I am trying to get everything ready for the show this weekend, I took my Laptop in to the computer shop over a week ago because it was running slow.  I got it back and all my documents and files where not reloaded, so I had to take it back in that was over a week ago, and I still haven't gotten it back, every time I go in it the same story it will be ready tomorrow.  I am really getting frustrated, I'm starting to think that they may have lost everything.  Which means rewriting all my presentation for the shows.  

2-8-10  Made it home last night toward the end of the first quarter of the Super bowl, after being on the St. Joseph River for the past four days, overall fishing was decent we had a lot of opportunities missed with 6-12 bites everyday and 3-6 fishing in the boat on average.  At this point fishing should start improving as the worst of the winter is hopefully over.  There are a lot of fish in the river right now, we just need a little warmer water to get them active.  Sunday morning the water surface temps were actually below freezing and ice was forming on the water as it flowed by the boat.  The bite has been all spawn for steelhead, walleye fishing actually improved over the weekend, still not getting strong numbers but I saw quite a few 3-5 pound walleye, and heard from a very reliable source a person that I have know all my life boated a monster 13 pound walleye.   I will be in Monroe Michigan at the Fairgrounds this coming weekend for the Monroe Steelheaders show Saturday and Sunday.

1-31-10 First month of the new year is done and gone, 28 days of February and for the most part winter is over and spring is here.  So far this year has been a lot nicer than last year, fishing has been better and weather has been better.   This is the first weekend this winter that has been really cold (Subzero wind-chills).   Last year at this time, I was really watching the ice on the river because it was getting dangerously close to the boat ramp.  This year no problem for the most part the river is open all the way to Lake Michigan except for some shore ice.  At this time in Cadillac last year we had over 40" of snow on the ground, right now about 18".   Yes this has been a much better year.

I still have a few open dates left on the St. Joseph River, I am heading to another fishing show in two weeks and I think most of those dates will be gone when I get back from that show.  Also Manistee river dates always go quickly since it is one of the top 10 steelhead rivers in the United Sates.  Click here for open dates

1-29-10  Mother natures heater must be broken, because it's definitely not on right now.  But I keep looking at the extend forecast and by Saturday it looks like the coldest of this is going to be over.   By next weekend high temps are back into the upper 30's,  I have one show coming up in February in Monroe Michigan at the Monroe Co. Fairground on February 13 & 14.  This is a really nice smaller show put on by the Steelheaders, the past two years they have had a lot of equipment for sale both new and used.  I will also be speaking about catching Lake Michigan Salmon & River Salmon.  This will be a condensed how to seminar as time is going to be limited, but I think it will be very insight full.   This is mostly brand new information that will improve your success.  A lot of this information is talked about in our on the water classes, but rarely if ever spoken about in a classroom setting.  I also posted a new special for the Manistee River it will be offered until 2-28-10  the trip has to be booked by 2-28-09, I will be on the Manistee from 3-12-10 to 4-20-10

1-28-10  Headed out this morning toward Berrien Springs, conditions where terrible check the weather for the next few days only to find out that it was not going to improve much over the next couple of days.  Morning temps with wind chill are predicted to be around zero to 10 below zero.   This does not make for very good fishing conditions, so I quickly made a couple of phone call all trips for this weekend made excellent choices and decide to go another time when the weather is going to be more conducive to better fishing.   So it looks like I get a weekend with the family in Cadillac.  It looks like the weather is going to start improving on Sunday, with mid 30's for the next week or two for high temps, Very fishable weather.  Below zero temps are brutal even for the most die hard fisherman.

1-26-10  Finally was able to confirm the two Lake Michigan Salmon fishing class dates both will be held in July #1 on Saturday the 17th and #2 Friday July 23rd.   I have also updated the open dates for all locations.   Looks like mother nature is only going to get really cold for about a week, the long range forecast is already predicting temps back above freezing for the first week in February.  We still have a few open dates the last week of February and the first week of March on the St. Joseph river.  This Sunday is also still available if your interested call as I will be leaving tomorrow to head back down to the St. Joseph. 

Here is a link to a brand new weather station right in Manistee.  This means that we no longer have to depend on the weather from the point or mid lake buoy.  While it really isn't much use right now once Lake Michigan fishing gets going it will be a great tool for everyone to use. 

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=MEEM4

1-25-10 Fishing on the St. Joseph river started out pretty good the first couple of days, but by the weekend it was just plain slow.  Having a major cold front moving into the area wasn't helping much along with water levels that where moving 10 - 18 inches in 8 hours.  Warm temps snow melt off and drizzle/rain and still they where holding water back.  But by Sunday they couldn't hold it back anymore, the water was starting to get a little cloudy.  Should be in good shape by this week end as temps are going to drop and we are heading back to winter. We still managed to catch a few nice steelhead.  It looks like we are going to return to winter for at least a couple of weeks.  It was really nice to have spring break in the middle of January.  Open Dates and fishing class dates will be updated tomorrow.  Manistee Spring Steelhead and Saginaw Bay Walleye are getting a lot of attention right now week end dates will go quickly.

1-19-10  Fishing in January when it's 30 - 40 degrees out just isn't normal, but hey lets not complain about this great weather just take advantage of it and be happy.  Besides remember last year......Anyway I spent the last two days at home, today was spent pouring a new anchor for my river boat.  Melting 90 lbs of lead is always fun only managed to burn a couple of fingers.  The word on the St. Joseph is Steelhead, Steelhead, Steelhead this warm weather has got the steelhead moving and another nice weekend is in the forecast.   Walleye fishing has been on the down slide this year, only a few keepers have been caught not really sure what's going on.  Most likely it's a combination of lack of planting and people keeping short fish. 

First thing in the morning I am back on the road toward Berrien Springs and will be there until Monday.  I do still have Sunday 1/24 still open at this time please call (231) 884-2198 if you are interested.  Please Do Not E-mail I won't get it until Monday.  Thanks, Tight lines and smooth drags

1-17-10  Spent the last four days on the St. Joseph chasing steelhead, started out with very slow action on Wednesday with water temps at 30.7 degrees and ice forming on the flowing water.  Then the warm up started by Thursday afternoon water temps climbed to 33 degrees and the steelhead starting moving.  Action has been picking up everyday with 3-5 steelhead in the boat everyday, plus a few that got off for one reason or another.  Water temps should continue to rise a little with above average temps forecasted all week, this means that fishing action should also continue to get better over the next week or two.  Lots of fish moving around right now with fresh fish moving up the river right now.  We still have both Saturday and Sunday open this coming weekend.  I will be home until Tuesday then it's back to the St. Joseph for more great steelhead fishing.

1-11-10  Back from Novi first time in year that we didn't have to drive in ice or snow.  Thank you to everyone that came out to visit.  Now it's time to get back on the river and start fishing, looks like we have a warm up heading our way for Wed. - Sat.   This should really improve our fishing getting a little run off and warming the water just a bit.  Look for steelhead to start moving again.  I am heading back to Berrien Springs tomorrow and I will be there until Sunday we still have Sunday open this week end.

1-4-10 Are you a deer hunter? Deer feeder? or Deer lover?  Do you disagree with the DNR and believe that you should be allowed to feed or Bait deer in lower Michigan.  A small group of people have started a movement to get this baiting ban lifted.  They have been in contact with state represtantive's who feel there is not enough support from the constituents to lift the ban.  There is a petition to have the bait ban lifted,  PLEASE show your support, I will have a representative from the group that started this movement at my booth all week end.  Please stop by and sign this petition to have the baiting ban lifted.  The baiting ban is not just about hunters using bait.  It also keeps people like myself from putting out deer feed all winter.  The show open's Thursday afternoon and runs until Sunday, see you there....

1-1-10   Got home a day earlier than expected, 10-12 inches of snow with 20-25 mph winds and high temps in the teens caused us to cancel our fishing trips for the next two days.   Did manage to fish two days, walleye fishing was better than expected while steelhead fishing was just a little on the slow side.   Everything should pick up a little with some stable conditions.  Now... It's time to get ready for the Novi Sport fishing and RV show, show opens on Thursday.

12-29-09  Ran the last trip of "09" on the Manistee yesterday and it will be memorable, one of the worst trips of the 2009 season "Weather Wise". Todd, Chris and Kevin where great the weather was just terrible. It started out pretty good, a slight breeze and by 9:00 am we where at a full gale 20 -25 mph sustained wind, with gusts to over 40 mph.  The wind was pushing me all over the river in one spot it actually sent the boat all the way to the bank.  I was unable to fish most of my favorite winter spots.   We did called it a day shortly after 11:00 am, and reschedule to a later date. We did end the day with one nice hen in the boat...

The jet pump is off and the lower unit is ready to go on, still need to check the wheel bearing and pack everything up.  But it looks good for being on the St. Joe tomorrow.

12-24-09  Things are going to get nuts the next two weeks, Last trip on the Manistee is Monday, Tuesday the jet pump come off and the Lower unit goes on.  If all goes well Wednesday I'm off to the St. Joe, Thursday and Friday will be spent making sure everything is right on the boat.  Then it's hurry back home and get ready to leave for Novi.  I will try and update on Tuesday before I leave for the St. Joseph River and again as soon as I get back.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

12-23-09  Only two Days left before Christmas time, one week before I pack up and head to the St. Joseph River and two weeks till I head to Novi for the first show.  Wow I'm starting to get really busy.  Spent most of yesterday re-spooling fishing rods and getting ready for the winter season on the St. Joseph.  18 rods and over 4000 yds. of fishing line almost done, just need to tie on the leaders and we will be all set.

12-21-09  Weather has been great for Steelhead fishing on the Manistee and the Steelhead have been cooperating very well.  Spawn and plugs are both working.  We are a little over a week away from heading to the St. Joseph river.  I am really excited to get down to Berrien Springs the St. Joseph River has a spectacular winter fishery, and with the Mild winter so far it's going to be great when we get down there.

 Remember the Sports Show season starts January 7 at Novi, Mi. Rock Financial Center.

This year is really flying by, we are two months from the Manistee Spring Steelhead season, and four months from the start of Saginaw Bay Walleye.  Last year at this time, was miserable 30+ inches of snow on the ground and temps below zero every night.  This year so far has been down right pleasant compared to last year.

Merry Christmas only a few more days...

12-17-09  Steelhead action on the Manistee is fair to good, The St. Joseph action is going really really good.  On both spawn and plugs right now, no new word on the walleye action.   In the Cadillac area a few guys are venturing out unto the ice there was about 1-2 inches of clear ice under about 3-4 inches of slush ice yesterday afternoon.  Last night it was down to -2 degrees.   So I am sure that it's safe to get out now.  I am planning a trip this afternoon for a couple of hours, nothing like fresh Crappie for dinner. Last trip on the Manistee is 12/28 so I'm planning on heading to Berrien Springs on 12-30 this will give me a couple of days to make sure everything is working right.   Last year was a nightmare with shifting issues on the lower unit, actually ended up breaking a shift cable.  This year should go much smoother.

12-15-09  We had a thaw over the past couple of days that pushed up the water levels and put some color back into the water.  Steelhead activity has picked up and they appear to be pretty active right now.  Ice fishing should start taking off any day now on Cadillac and Mitchell as of Saturday Cadillac still has a couple of open spots in the middle, Mitchell was iced over except for a couple of spots where there are springs.  A few brave or crazy guys have managed to get out a few hundred yards and catch some nice crappies. We have cold temps predicted for the next few days, so we should have good SAFE ice by Friday or Saturday as long as we don't get a lot of wet heavy snow.

12-12-09  The storm has finally passed and we got a kick in the pants, the storm came in so fast and temps dropped so quickly that our secondary roads has been left with stretches of ice on them 3/4 to 1 inch thick.  Most side roads are rutted and very dangerous to drive down.  The highway (US-31) coming into Cadillac as of yesterday morning was still only one lane and covered with black ice.  In a 45 mile stretch yesterday morning I saw at least 5 cars in the ditch.  So be careful out there remember with four wheel drive you can go like crazy, but you still can stop....

The new problem that we have now is mother nature has decided it's time for winter, our wind chills for the past three days have kept us below zero.   It does look like we are going to get a warm up about mid-week and next weekend is looking good according to the weather forecasters with high's in the upper 30's to 40 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   Should get some fish moving again after this deep freeze.  Stay warm and stay safe.

12-9-09  This morning we are at the beginning of our first winter storm.  If you recall last year at this time we already had over 30 inches of snow on the ground.  We have been very blessed this year.  It looks like the snow and wind will be around until Friday and then the cold is going to hang around for a few more days.  Fishing has slowed just a little bit on the front edge of the storm here are just a few pictures from the past couple of days.  First fish boat yesterday was a 14 lb King (Yes, we are fishing in the river) very nice and bright and I remembered the camera....  Sunday Action was 50/50 plugs and spawn, since then it has been all plugs for me.

14 Lb. December 8th River King Salmon

12-4-09  Looks like we are going to get our first significant snow fall of the year, the guys for today had to reschedule which didn't upset me to bad.  The weather man was predicting wind gust to 30 mph today, and 2-4 inches of snow. I haven't seen any wind yet, but the snow is falling we have the 2-4 inches already and it's still falling pretty good.  That's alright we have been very blessed so far this fall/winter with very mild winter.  Even though we are getting snow right now the temps still are not really that cold.  Lows have only been getting into the 20's and highs are in the 30's.   This is perfect winter steelhead weather, I just have to remember to bring a lighter fire up the heaters.

12-3-09  After driving  across the state yesterday I realized that I haven't posted the hot lures since the fish where on a wiggle wart bite.   The wiggle wart bite has fallen off, and the hot-n-tot bite has really taken off.  Why did I have to drive across the state to get these.   Well as you can see these are not your standard off the shelf colors for Steelhead.  I put them on white paper to help show off the colors.  If you are looking for these colors.  Franks in Linwood Michigan stocks these, You can order on line from Franks at www.franksgreatoutdoors.com put not all the colors are listed online. 

Steelhead action continues to be good, the water are falling a little bit and clearing just a little, fresh fish are moving into the river from the lake and are trickling up the river. The entire river is holding fair amounts of fish.  You just have to work every hole and work the entire hole from top to bottom.

Just a reminder that starting January 1 2010, we start fishing the St. Joseph river for Steelhead look for the first 3 weeks of January to be very very good for Steelhead on the St. Joseph river.  This year fall/winter has been very late.

12-01-09   Last month of the year and it looks like we are going out with a bang, yesterday was the first day of this fall steelhead season that felt like really steelhead weather.  We had a little snow in the air and had to run the heaters all day to take the chill off.  It was Great....   I had two great guys on the boat Bill and Rick,  Rick was fantastic on the rod yesterday boating two Steelhead one 10 lb Double red striped male and a very fresh 8 lb hen.   Bill on the other hand managed to get all the fish that didn't want to cooperate.  Bill managed to get one uncooperative female to the boat, but had two spit the hooks on jumps and then another one that just came unbutton.   Not a bad day on the river considering we also had 2-4 other hits that just shook the rods in the holders.  Thanks guys, Hope will see you on St. Joseph for winter steelhead.

11-29-09  The rain has finally brought our river levels back up a bit and put color back into the water, with the rising water levels a fresh run of Steelhead have entered the river and the action is really heating up again looks like it's going to be a very good December for Steelhead Action.  If you would like to try winter steelhead fishing out of a heated boat and you can get away in the middle of the week here is a deal for you.

December Manistee River Mid-Week Special  2 people / 6 hours

$225.00 Total  (Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday)

11-28-09  Fished today with Loree and Randy, the morning started out slow and then around noon the fish just seemed to show up we where 1 for 3 at noon, Then is just started to happen a wave of fresh steelhead from Lake Michigan showed up very silver, and with very bad attitudes.  Doing everything they could to throw hooks, from spinning up the line to cartwheels, we saw it all.   But, that's why we go steelhead fishing, as they say the show must go on and we did finally land 3 out 8 for the day with the best action occurring after noon.

11-27-09  Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving,  Fishing was a little slow the past few days of days the water is really clearing up.  However I received a really good report that on Tuesday a lot of fish where just outside the harbor on lake Michigan with rain and north wind the past two days these fish should have moved into the river.  I have been taking it pretty easy since Tuesday. I had a little accident that has left me with some banged up ribs.   We will be on the river tomorrow.

11-24-09  I am really excited about getting my top back today, I had it shortened by about 3 feet to provide more fishing room in the back of the boat.  The weather has been great and we have not needed the top so it was a good time to have it done.  But starting tomorrow the temps start dropping and the rain starts falling.  When the daytime high temps are in the 30's it's time to put the top back on.  Today will be spent putting the windshield and top back on the boat and getting ready to fish tomorrow.  We really need the rain to get these fish moving.  Here are a couple of pictures of the boat with the shortened top on.

11-23-09  Fishing pressure really increased over the weekend and put a lot of pressure on fish that where already spooky from clear water  fishing became very tough.  We had to fish deeper water and it had to be loaded with wood. But with rain predicted again mid week and cooler temps fishing should pick back up by the week end.  Here are a few photo's from over the week end.  December is a great month for steelhead and fishing pressure is very low, we still have week end dates available. 

11-21-09  The past couple of days fishing has slowed just a little bit, but action is still good with 6-8 fish on per trip.  Plugs still seem to be the lure of choice right now, with gold's with orange or black working best. The little bit of rain that we received Wednesday and Thursday didn't really do much.  Looks like our mild weather is almost done, mid week a change to more seasonable weather is going to happen.   Looks like I am going to have to but the top and windshield on the boat.  I had a cancellation for Friday after Thanksgiving, so Friday is now open.  Only 5 weeks till we head down to the St. Joseph river time is running out quickly.

11-18-09  Fishing has kept me very busy the last few days, pressure on the river has been fairly light with most people in the woods and fishing has been good despite the lack of rain.  Most days we are getting 4-6 fish in the boat with 8-12 fish on per day.  Plugs have been the bait of choice and color really hasn't seemed to matter a whole lot.  It's just a matter of slowing down and really working the hole and/or run.   Here are a couple of photo's from the past couple of days.  The best steelhead fishing is yet to come, look for December to be very good as many of our fall fish are still staged outside the pier heads.

11-12-09  Fished with Denny and Dakota yesterday, and made extra sure that I brought the camera along.  First hole we dropped into Dakota landed and beautiful 12 pound buck steelhead, I pulled the camera out snapped a photo and realized that I had forgotten the memory card.  (Sorry no pictures)   The action slowed a little from the previous days, I think we had either 6 or 7 hits landed 3.  Besides the really nice Steelhead, Dakota also landed a lake run Brown that was over 6 pounds.   That makes three browns this week.   We need a little rain or at least some cloud's, the water is getting very clear again. (Light rain predicted for Saturday)  Then look out fishing will be awesome.

11-10-09  Steelhead action continues to be very good averaging over 10 fish on a day for the past 5 days.  Landing fish was difficult yesterday as a group of bigger fish moved in.  The first four fish we had on where all 10 lb+ fish, the first went into a log in the middle of the river the next fish spun up the line and broke it.  The next two where able to jump out of the water and throw the hooks.  Looks like we are going to have a great fall run on the Manistee, the rain and mild weather is going to keep the steelhead action hot into January.   The St. Joseph river should be incredible in January and February as they action is generally a month behind ours in the fall.  No new photo of Hot lures, I am still using the same one's. I forgot my camera yesterday so no picture of yesterdays catch which included another nice fat lake run Brown.

11-7-09  No need for a big long report, I will let the photo's speak for themselves. We started about 7:00 am  The first photo was taken at 8:00 am the second was taken a little after noon with the boat on the trailer in Wellston.  The last photo is what we where using.  What is not photographed was all the hits and fish that we missed.   Fishing is very very good right now and should stay good for another 4-6 weeks.

11-4-09  The Steelhead action continues to be very good, fresh fish are pushing up the river everyday.  All the rain and high water are causing the fish to move from the lower river much earlier than in past years, water temps are just a bit lower than normal at 46 degrees right now.  A few fish have already moved into the winter holding water deep slow water with lots of wood.  Conditions are perfect for great days on the water right now.

 Looks like the weather is going to turn mild at least for a couple of days next week lows in the high 30's and highs in the 50's,  perfect temps for steelhead.   Had a chance yesterday to tie up the brown trout eggs from Monday, ended up with 150 spawn bags from those eggs.   I only have one open day next week. Thursday Nov.12  The following week I have the 16th 17th and 18th open. If your interested please call (231) 884-2198 please leave a message.  Cell Service on the river is very spotty.

I received a report from the Grand yesterday, not good.  All the rain has the river blown out and at the top of the river bank.   Should be better in a few days.

11-2-09  Steelhead fishing is good right now, boat five fish today, four steelhead and a nice 6lb Lake run Brown Trout.  We also managed to have a couple throw lures back at us, and one that wanted the lure and took it with him.  Overall  I think we where 5 for 11, but I lost count of the fish that didn't make it to the boat.  Everything was on plugs and color really wasn't important.  The water is high with quite a bit of debris.  But it was a great day on the river and I look forward to fishing with the guys again next year.

10-29-09  Had a chance to hit the river today for a short morning trip with Capt. Dick from Adventure 1 charters.  I wanted to check out some new area and see if the area was holding fish.  We hit 5 areas and had activity in 4 of the 5 holes,  Fish where hitting extremely hard.   We had one fish (pictured) that ferociously hit the outside plug, line was peeling off the reel and before I could get to it the rod went limp.  I started reeling the line in expecting to find the line broken, all of the sudden the line tighten up and a bright beautiful chrome hen was doing cartwheels behind the boat with our green pirate gold wiggle wart in it's mouth.   After a short battle with several more impressive jumps the fish was land successfully.  I  love fall Steelhead, they have a bad attitude....

10-27-09     Fishing is picking up on the river, the rain moved some fish into the river and it gave the river some color so it's not gin clear.  The plug bit is taking off, the average has been 5-8 fish in the boat almost everyday.  We still don't have the new top on the boat so dress for the weather.   It's been pretty nice temp wise, but a little wet.   September we went 3 weeks without rain and now I think it's rain for 3 weeks straight.  But the rain does bring in Steelhead.

10-21-09  I have had the last couple of days off, which was nice because it gave me time to repack the wheel bearings on the boat trailer install side boards on the trailer and today since it was raining all day, I had a chance to rig all the rods with new line and get ready for the Steelhead season.  Tomorrow will be the first trip on the river where I have only targeted Steelhead.  It's just a scouting trip with a couple of guys from here in Cadillac.  Probably won't fish all day but, I will check out a few spots.   I suspect that steelhead are moving into the slower water now that the Salmon have pretty much finished spawning.  I am going to try and run some plugs, hopefully the leaf's won't be to bad.

10-18-09  Steelhead numbers continue to increase as Salmon numbers are decreasing rapidly.  We saw several Salmon yesterday floating down river belly up but still kicking barely.   I spent yesterday afternoon shortening up the framework on my river boat top.  The old top was just two big to fish effectively and to keep warm in the winter.  The top was shortened by about 30" and a back drop is also going to be made.  The top heads to the canvas shop here in Cadillac this week.  But because she is backed up it will take 3-4 weeks to get it back.  But the weather looks like it's going to hold out with 30's - 40's as over night lows and 50's in the mid day.  She will only need to boat for a couple of hours to measure it up and then the boat heads back to the river since steelhead season is the best season of all.

10-13-09  Salmon numbers are dwindling, but never fear Steelhead are near.  Many Steelhead have already entered the river and are feasting on Salmon eggs.  Best bet for steelhead right now is Spawn Bags, Yarn flies, and egg pattern flies (orange, Chartreuse, Pink or combinations).  This should start changing in the next week or so and the plug bite should really take off my favorite plugs this time of year Flatfish, followed by wiggle warts.   This is my favorite time of year Steelhead in double digits are in the river, most are staged up behind gravel, but look for that to change. steelhead should start moving to more traditional steelhead water very soon.

10-11-09  The consistent thing about the Salmon fishing is change, most of the salmon have moved from the deep water to the gravel.  Yarn flies have been extremely effective the past three days.  Usually once salmon hit the gravel they do not strike, but this year maybe because the run was late these fish are attacking yarn flies in chartreuse / pink or charise colors.  We are even picking up a few steelhead mixed in with the salmon. 

We had our first major leaf drop on the river yesterday and even had snow in the air yesterday afternoon.  The salmon season is coming to an end, but the fall steelhead run has already started and is shaping up to be excellent this year.

10-7-09   Fresh Salmon are in the river and fishing should remain decent for another week or two.  Steelhead fishing is picking up with more and more Steelhead arriving everyday.   North winds and rain are keeping the conditions right and steelhead will keep running up the river until Mid-December.  Look for a great run of steelhead in November and December.  Our most productive method for Salmon the past few days has been casting Thundersticks into the wood and deep water close to gravel.

9-29-09  Fresh Salmon have moved into the river and are pushing up the river. Salmon Fishing had picked up in the lower river and then slowed on Saturday.  A few steelhead have shown up already, I have been off the river for the past two days.  Saturday I hit a stump, I haven't hit anything in years but Saturday I hit a stump and put a 4" hole in the bottom of the boat.  The hole will be repaired by this afternoon.  Looking forward to getting back on the river and catching some Salmon and Steelhead.   Steelhead are my favorite fish to target as they are aggressive and always fight hard.  Salmon can be moody, but steelhead are generally aggressive and feed for nutrition while on the river.

9-19-09 The Salmon run as stalled, no rain in three weeks, low water levels and high temps.   All have combined to bring our salmon run to a crawl, there are fish in the river but they are very old and stale refusing to bite.   Look for this to all change with rain and a little cooler temps.  There are still adult kings in Lake Michigan waiting to head up the Big Manistee.  Rain is predicted for Sunday night, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.   We should see some really good fishing for the next 2-3 weeks.

9-14-09  Fishing on the river has been a little slow the past couple of days, heavy fishing pressure, along with rising water temps and blue bird sunny skies has made the fish very moody.   Also if you are thinking of bring your own boat up to the Manistee River please be very very careful.   The river is the lowest that I have ever seen it....    Fishing should start to take off after today, weather is supposed to start cooling off.  We have plenty of fish in the river so that's not a problem.  Another bright note is steelhead are already staging in 200 -300 feet of water in Lake Michigan we could get our first run of Steelhead with the next good rain. Both casting sticks and spawn has been working.

9-10-09 After more investigation into the weight discrepancies from my sources, I finally got to the bottom of the problem. Michigan DNR fisheries biologists Mark Tonello and Todd Kalish weighed the fish after leveling the certified scales and determined the weight. Upon the second weighing with the scales leveled, the weight was determined to be 1 pound, .75 ounces heavier than originally determined. Tom Healy caught the 41-pound, 7.25 ounce monster on a crank bait while fishing with Tim Roller’s Guide service (Ultimate Outfitter).  It is the new record hold for Michigan.

9-9-09 Update On New World Record Brown Trout caught from the Manistee River.  The certified weight of the fish was 40 pounds 6 1/2 ounces on a state certified scale.  The fish was taken from the Bear Creek area of the Manistee River.  Fisheries Biologists are inspecting and testing the fish to make sure that it is a true Brown Trout and not a hybrid.   Lets all hope and pray that this turns out to be a true Brown Trout and we have a new WORLD RECORD BROWN TROUT.  The current world record is 40 lbs 2 1/2 ounces and caught in Arkansas. (I believe)

9-9-09  The hot news today was a possible record Brown Trout was taken out of the Manistee River, this morning so information is very limited right now..  Everything I have been able to find out has been second hand right now.   The fish was taken from the Manistee River while casting crank baits into the wood.  The weight as not been confirmed but are very consistent three weights keep coming up 40.3, 40.5 & 40.8 pounds.  The fish was taken by a client of Tim Roller's from Ultimate Outfitters and Wild Addiction (TV Show Fox 32).  Congratulation's to Tim and the Angler that caught the fish!

9-8-09  The Lake Michigan Season is finally over for me, the last week was tough fishing with fish scattered all over the lake (30 - 500 Feet of Water) and a full moon.  It just made conditions really tough.  The next couple of days will be spent getting the Lake boat back home and getting it put away for winter.  Then it's on to the river, with decent amounts of fish already in the river, I am really looking forward to getting back on the river.  Should be some very big fish on the river this year, 30 plus pounds.  Also it looks like we might get an early run of steelhead this year if the wind blows the right direction, on Sunday evening a large group of steelhead started staging in 280 feet of water straight out from the harbor.  Water temps are already cooler than they should be and they Steelhead could hit the river in the next couple of weeks.    I still have a few week days open during the peak time end of September.  I will get the open River dates updated this evening.  

If you are still interested in fishing Lake Michigan, please let me know, several knowledgeable and skilled Captains will be fishing into October this year on the big water and I will assist you in getting into contact with them.  Fishing on the big water can be excellent in fall, put the wind & waves are very unpredictable.  Which is why I switch to the river where I know we can go fishing.  Plus the majority of the big fish enter the river.

9-1-09   Lake Michigan fishing is wrapping up, but the river is just getting started.  Lots of fish already in the river and more entering everyday.  The big blow on Lake Michigan Saturday and Sunday has really screwed up the fishing on the big water.  Cold water close to the piers and the beach and plenty of fish and bait in close.  My Lake boat comes out of the water in 6 days and then we focus on just the river.  I am really looking forward to hitting the river for big Salmon and then Steelhead in November and December.  We have a several peak river salmon dates still open, and we have started booking Lake Michigan trips for 2010.  I have one Saturday morning left open for August 2010 that date is 8/28/10.  We are also booking for Saginaw Bay walleye May and June, it may seem like a long ways off but dates go quickly so don't delay. 

8-25-09  Wind and Wave kept most boat tied up to the dock this today, fishing has been very good.  Fish are coming everywhere now....  I have even heard a few reports of fish being caught up in the river.  Right now the river temps are around 67 degrees.  This is about 6 degrees lower than normal for this time of year, look for a big push of fish up the river with the nest north / east blow and a little rain.  It won't take much!   As for the big lake fish are scattered and coming from 50 - 200 feet down fishing from 50 - 350 feet of water.  I heard of some fishing being caught last night in the harbor.   Like the weather the fish are mixed up this year, but they are big.

8-20-09 Waves and Storms prevented us from getting out on the big water this morning.  So I came home to try and get caught up on Confirmation letters for River Salmon Trips.   We already have a few King Salmon in the Big River and should get another push of fresh fish mid week if the weather forecasters are right.   But for now fishing remains very good on Lake Michigan fishing between 150 - 300 feet of water as long as you are fishing 100+ feet down.  Location does seem to matter North South or Straight out are all producing fish.  Flashers and Flies or meat have been working best for me, while other have report success on plugs Silver horde green spatter back and blue spatter back have been best.    If you want a shot at a 30+ pound fish we are going to have many of them in the river this year, as fish over 25 pounds are common right now.

8-18-09   I apologize to everyone that tried to call me between Saturday 8/17 5:30 am and Sunday 8/18 2:00 pm.   Saturday morning about 5:30 am I accidentally dropped my cell phone over board in 160 feet of water, I with out a cell phone all day Saturday and most of today.  Fish have been coming any where from 150 - 275 feet of water fishing any where from 75 feet down to the bottom.  Everything has been working at different times, Spoons and J-plugs in the low light and flies in the mid day.  There are even Coho salmon showing up already.  Fishing has been very good,  there are even a few fish up the river.  20 pound fish are in the cooler on almost every trip with fish close to 25 pounds very common.   Look for these fish to be very close to or over 30 pounds when they hit the river in the middle of September.  Here are just a few photos from the past week.

8-11-09  Fishing has been good with fish in the 20+ pound class everyday.  Which means we will have 30 pound fish in the river next month.  I will be in Manistee until September now and will not be checking e-mail Sorry.  I will update open dates today.  Please call to schedule a date, Please do not email.  Daily fishing reports will resume in September good fishing and good luck be safe on the water.  Capt. Jay

Fishing has been much better the past few days, however the weather was less than cooperative, strong south winds blew all weekend and are going to continue through tomorrow.  The plus side is this is really turning our fishing around as long as you don't mind fishing deep.....   Still have next Sunday open in the morning.   I have been fishing almost straight out 100 - 150 fow water 55 down to the bottom,  Mountain Dew, Blue blades glo tape & White Glo flasher have all been working with a variety of flies Aqua Gold, along with several custom tied glo flies have been working very very well, as well as meat behind the same flashers.  Once the sun comes up move west and keep it close to the bottom with big flashers teasers and meat.  200+ down.

7-31-09   July is done, Hello August....  Fishing was a bit more consistent today, we actually boated our last two fish after 10:00 am.   Fishing out in 200-230 feet of water, fishing down 210 on the riggers.   Morning action was a bit shallower, 75, 85, 105 on the riggers and 140 - 220 back on the dipsey's.   The break is down around 110 - 120 feet, but this is all going to change again with a southwest blow tomorrow 15-25 with gusts over 30.   But it will bring more fish to the Manistee area.  We ended up with 9 kings today, and lost a few including one nice steelhead around 10 pounds.   Fishing should only get better from here on out...

7-29-09  Fishing is good one day and then really tough the next, the fish just haven't put the heavy feed on like normal, my guess is that it's this crazy cool weather that has everything slowed down.   But I think when it turns on which should be any day, it's going to be a slaughter.  These fish have to put on a lot of weight in the next 5 weeks.   Right now they are just feeding to sustain themselves not to put on weight.   A few warm days and fishing should heat up...

7-27-09   The only consistent is there is none,  one day the fishing is good and the next we are scratching our head wondering where the fish went.   We need some west or southwest winds to set up our lake and we are just not getting them.  They are predicted for the end of this week.    All I can tell you is fish from 50 -170 feet first thing in the morning and Hope you catch your fish before 8:00 am, as the fishing has went down hill after the morning bite.   The eggs in our fish are extremely immature for this time of the year.   I suspect that everything is running late including our fishing. I have been very busy fishing almost everyday and dealing with my insurance company last week on the way to the boat, black bear met black truck and caused $4000.00 worth of damage to my black truck.   Hopefully it will be out of the body shop by the first of next week. also on the days not fishing we are getting the river boat ready for the Fall Salmon season that starts in just over 4 weeks.   Summer is almost over, I wonder when it will get here!

7-20-09  Fishing has been tough out of Manistee the past few days,  The fish are just now starting to show up in small pockets.  This means that the major run should show up any day, this is normally what we see the end of June first week in July.   Seems like everything this year is running 2-3 weeks behind.   I have been hitting the bank at first light and then working out into deeper water after the sun comes up.  We have managed to put steelhead in the boat everyday.  Some days are better than others, but it should be any day now and the big run will be here.   Could even be tomorrow that's how close we are.

There was a rumor of an Asian Carp that was found in the dumpster at first street fish cleaning station on Sunday night.   I have it from a very good source that it was not an Asian Carp  it was just a very big plain old common carp.   It's only time before they show up, but lets hope it take a while.

7-16-09  A expected the wind yesterday changed everything, the cold water has been pushed about 10 miles closer to Manistee which is good news for the small boats.   This should also set up the bank for King Salmon fishing in the next couple of days.  This is the year of Big Salmon, we have already seen several fish pushing 28 -30 lb and 20 lbs is common right now.  I can't wait to see these fish next month and they are really going to be a lot of fun in the river. We still have a few weekend dates left for Lake Michigan Salmon

July 19,25,26 & August 9,29,30 are open Morning Trips

July19,26 & August 1,8,15,16,22,23, are open evening Trips

7-15-09  Saturday the Kings where in the Harbor, Sunday they where now where to be found.   The King Salmon have entering into the black hole but all of that should change with the wind blowing the next few days.   The bright spot on the horizon has been the Steelhead and Lake Trout fishing offshore.  There were really nice breaks set up around the 40 line, for those unfamiliar with this it is the lat / lng line the breaks where any where from 13 -20 miles offshore.  Limits of steelhead where taken along with Lake Trout fishing the top 20 feet of water using anything with orange, my best was a small orange spoon all orange on one side no tape and silver backed, 75 feet behind the board with a 1/2 oz rubber core sinker 6 feet in front of the board. (My favorite Offshore Set up).

7-9-09 Somehow I got a day ahead of myself, anyway finished adjustments on the shift cable and then decided to replace the other cable also.   The boat is ready to go, Saturday the 18th is now booked both Morning and Afternoon.  We do still have an opening for this Sunday morning as well as next Friday.  Fish are being caught from the Harbor out to the 40 line 18 miles offshore.   Find the bait find the fish, look for fishing to really take off this weekend or mid week as we exit this full moon phase, and the water stabilizes a little bit water was around 50 degrees just outside of the harbor.  Standard and Smaller Spoons have been working around the harbor, Flashers and Flies on the shelf and Spoons in the offshore water targeting the top 40 feet of water looking for Steelhead.   Did here of a 19 lb king taken near the harbor in the morning.  Big fish are showing up already.

7-9-09  Made it to Manistee with the second boat yesterday, almost didn't.  At the intersection of old 61 and new 61 a small car, locked up it's breaks and skidded through the stop sign and came to a stop directly in front of us.  I don't know how Dick who was driving managed to miss her with the truck and the boat but he did.  I think the boat missed her by inches, maybe less.  I know that Dick had to crank the wheel hard and the boat did some serious dancing behind the truck but everything worked out.   Everything in the boat that wasn't tied down ended up on the floor but that can be picked up.    It would have been ugly if we would have hit her, you have to figure Ford Excursion diesel about 8000 lbs, boat and trailer about 16,000 total about 24,000 lbs, figure the average compact car weighs about 1200 - 1600 lbs.   Ouch that gonna hurt.....     Will be in Manistee all day today getting the boat ready and adjusting the new cables, will have a new fishing update tomorrow.

7-7-09  Stuck my boat in the water yesterday morning a little after 7 am,  everything went great until I was backing into my slip when I went to shift into neutral with my port engine the shift cable broke.  Luckly a local marina actually had one in stock and it was installed.  I need to go back and adjust it a little bit, but we are ready to hit the water.   Today I will be on the road moving another boat from Saginaw Bay to Manistee.   The Steelhead and Salmon action are picking up, look for this to really pick up as soon as the full moon phase is over.  The fish are there, the bait is there, but these fish are feeding all night long and are stuffed by first light.  Evening trips are better during a full moon that the morning trips.   We do still have openings for this weekend Saturday Afternoon and Sunday morning, Also we have July 18th Saturday morning open.

7-6-09  Just getting ready to leave for Manistee this morning with the boat in Tow,  Looks like it's going to be a beautiful week, thermoclines should be setting up nicely after tomorrow and the fishing should really start picking up around the point and out deep.  We still have Friday and Sunday open for this week end.

7-3-09  Weather prevented me from moving the boat yesterday morning so it has to sit in my drive way until Monday.   Lake Michigan fishing as slowed the past few days because of the NW blow,  but action is already on the turn around.   Look for fishing to become more productive very quickly as the weather stabilizes and the thermoclines set up over the weekend.   First light Monday morning I will be in route to Manistee with the lake boat in tow.

7-1-09  The rain and cooler weather has prevented me from getting everything done to the Lake boat that I would like to get done.  I am ready to get back on Lake Michigan and go after some Salmon and Steelhead.  The inshore action is good at first light, but the offshore action is very good with steelhead over 15lbs being caught.   Steelhead are the acrobats of the Great Lakes and it's common to see them jumping before the rod even bends over.  The offshore steelhead fishing should last about 2-3 more weeks before the Salmon fishing takes over completely.  

We have also started booking 2010 Walleye and Salmon trips right now.  If you book this year you get the current prices and don't have to worry about a rate increase. 

6-27-09  Fished Saginaw Bay today just northwest of 1&2  left the dock at 20 minutes to 9:00 am and pulled lines at 12:30 pm with our 30 fish limit.  Crawler harness with 1 oz 55 feet back  2 oz  25 feet back, spoons and mini disks 60 feet back colors really didn't matter.  We went through 10 dozen crawlers and had to break out the hardware to catch our last couple of fish.  Speed was between 1.4 & 1.6.  Fishing remains very good out on the Bay with lots of little fish being caught which is great news for next year.   Can't wait but it's time to head back to Lake Michigan for the Salmon run.

6-26-09  I spent today running around town and getting a permit to move my boat back to Manistee.   If everything goes right I will have it in the water in Manistee before the 3rd of July.  I can not move the boat after noon on the 2nd of July until day break of the 6th of July.  This is because the boat is over width and travel is restricted over the holiday.   I need to bring the boat home for about a day and get it rigged for Salmon.

   The good fishing news is that the offshore fishery is really taking off, 400 -700 feet of water is producing good catches of Steelhead and a 2-3 year old King Salmon.  Most people overlook this fishery because it is a long run and they just don't know how to fish the offshore water.   Most people thing you have to fish deep, but really the offshore fishery is shallow water fishing.  Most fish are in the top 20 feet and you really don't make a lot of the fish you catch.   The offshore fishery is really exciting when it's on...   Look for the big Salmon to start showing up on the shelf in the next week to 10 days. 

6-25-09   Headed over to the bay this morning by myself,  so I took the river boat with me which fishes really nice on a nice calm day.   Ran out to 20 feet of water and and started trolling had my limit in about 15 minutes spent the next 2 hours doing catch and release and just had a blast.  I have been running a new color on my boat for the past week which has been out fishing just about any other color in the water 3 to 1.  I know everyone once to see the hot color so here it is, it's the one on the left it's an antifreeze with green and orange with black dots.   The other blade is a "Yeck" blade that has also been very very productive.  Both of these are available at "Franks" or online at www.franksgreatoutdoors.com or at least they where as of today.

 6-23-09  Walleye fishing on the bay continues to be outstanding, inline weights and pink and purple blades are working the best.   Fish are being caught from 6-12 feet of water and out in the deeper water 18-25 feet of water.  My walleye season is wrapping up and it's just about time to head back over to Lake Michigan as the King Salmon and Steelhead action is really starting to pick up with big big big Kings already being caught along with many steelhead.   I may have the boat on Lake Michigan by the 4th of July.   But we still have opening for walleye this weekend, Friday, Sunday and Monday are still open.

6-16-09  The fishing continues to be hot on the bay for walleye, with a lot of boat catching limits along with many small fish.  Crankbaits and meat are both producing fishing in 17-22 feet of water.   Purple and Pink when the water is clear and Orange and White when the water is dirty.   We still have dates left for this season on the bay, including a few select weekends.  Don't miss out this is great family fun.  Just ask my 3 year old

 6-14-09  Wow, the bay is on fire right now with limits or close to limits of keepers being caught, with 20 - 50 short fish be caught along with the keepers.   The fishing is just plain fantastic right now.  Over the past few days we have taken fish from 10 feet of water 2 miles from the marina all the way to 30 feet of water and over 20 miles from the marina.  Colors also didn't really play a role either.  Pinks, Orange, Purple and White all worked.  It's time to go the weather is finally nice and fishing is Hot Hot Hot.... Here are some photos from the past few days.

6-10-09  Well it looks like we are going to have more than just a couple of days of stable weather.   I can not remember a time when we have had so much wind from so many different directions.  We just can't but together more than two days of the same weather.   It looks like that may change as the next 4-7 days are really looking good with typical June weather.  It's about time, we will be at the boat all weekend, still have Saturday Afternoon open.    Go Red Wings..

6-7-09  Thursday and Friday the fishing was Hot, Hot, Hot, then on Saturday the winds blew from the Northeast and the fishing was shut right down to a crawl.  Talked to over 18 different boats fishing from Augres to Linwood and only one boat said they had over 13 keepers.  Most boats had between 3-9 keepers per boat.   We managed to scratch out 10 keepers, 8-10 throw backs and 7-9 sheephead.  The first half of the trip was spent trolling in 2-3 foot waves with winds blowing 10-15 miles per hour right down the chute (Northeast).  The good news is it looks like we finally have a stable weather pattern after sunday. Lets all hope the weather man actually gets it right for a while.

6-4-09  I heard reports all day of how the walleye fishing has slowed and guys where skunked or only had a couple of fish.   Well I don't know if these guys are trying to send people in another direction or they where just trying to keep the fishing a secret, but the action has not slowed.  Today we boated 16 Keeper Walleye's, & three perch (1-14.5"), we also boated 6-10 walleye that did not keep, 6-8 sheephead and we lost at least 8-10 Walleye at the back of the boat that would have kept.   Not the mention the 25-35 other hits that didn't hook up.  

We had walleye pulling boards backwards and then getting off on both meat and crankbaits.  We had rods doubling over and before you could get to the rod the fish would be gone.  Fishing is not slow or slowing it's just taking off.   We do still have Saturday afternoon open and Sunday morning.   Saturday afternoon is looking really nice and with stable weather predicted for the next two days it should be really really really good.   I will be at the boat until Sunday night so if you want to fish this weekend call (231) 884-2198