Fishing the Big Manistee and Betsie Rivers in Michigan offers anglers an exceptional experience, with both rivers renowned for their diverse fish populations and scenic settings. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Big Manistee River
The Big Manistee River is one of Michigan’s premier fisheries, particularly famous for its steelhead and salmon runs. It’s a year-round destination, with opportunities for fly fishing, drift boat fishing, and spin fishing. The river is best known for:
• Salmon Runs: King and Coho salmon migrate here in late summer and fall, providing exciting opportunities for anglers.
• Steelhead: Steelhead fishing is strong throughout the year, with the best runs occurring in spring and fall.
• Trout Fishing: The river is also home to brown and rainbow trout, making it a versatile fishing spot.
The river’s diverse access points, from wading areas to drift boat sections, make it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels .
Betsie River
Flowing into Lake Michigan, the Betsie River is known for its excellent fishing, particularly in the fall when salmon migrate upstream to spawn. The river also supports a healthy population of steelhead, trout, and even smallmouth bass. Notable points about fishing the Betsie include:
• Salmon Runs: Like the Big Manistee, the Betsie sees large numbers of salmon in the fall, especially King and Coho.
• Steelhead and Trout: Winter steelhead fishing is popular, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
• Family-Friendly: The Betsie is more accessible to new anglers, with calmer sections of the river ideal for a more relaxed fishing experience .
Both rivers offer guided trips with expert fishing guides, ensuring an unforgettable experience whether you’re targeting trophy salmon or enjoying a peaceful day of trout fishing. With their abundance of fish and beautiful landscapes, these rivers are a must-visit for anglers in Michigan.
Big Manistee River
The Big Manistee River is one of Michigan’s premier fisheries, particularly famous for its steelhead and salmon runs. It’s a year-round destination, with opportunities for fly fishing, drift boat fishing, and spin fishing. The river is best known for:
• Salmon Runs: King and Coho salmon migrate here in late summer and fall, providing exciting opportunities for anglers.
• Steelhead: Steelhead fishing is strong throughout the year, with the best runs occurring in spring and fall.
• Trout Fishing: The river is also home to brown and rainbow trout, making it a versatile fishing spot.
The river’s diverse access points, from wading areas to drift boat sections, make it an ideal spot for anglers of all skill levels .
Betsie River
Flowing into Lake Michigan, the Betsie River is known for its excellent fishing, particularly in the fall when salmon migrate upstream to spawn. The river also supports a healthy population of steelhead, trout, and even smallmouth bass. Notable points about fishing the Betsie include:
• Salmon Runs: Like the Big Manistee, the Betsie sees large numbers of salmon in the fall, especially King and Coho.
• Steelhead and Trout: Winter steelhead fishing is popular, with opportunities to catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout.
• Family-Friendly: The Betsie is more accessible to new anglers, with calmer sections of the river ideal for a more relaxed fishing experience .
Both rivers offer guided trips with expert fishing guides, ensuring an unforgettable experience whether you’re targeting trophy salmon or enjoying a peaceful day of trout fishing. With their abundance of fish and beautiful landscapes, these rivers are a must-visit for anglers in Michigan.
