Half Day Salmon And Trout Fishing Trip On Manistee River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sixhour guided salmon and trout fishing on Manistee RiverAll fishing gear and tackle included with professional guideAccommodates two anglers with third person addon option
The Manistee River delivers some of Michigan's best salmon and trout fishing, and our half-day trips put you right in the action. From September through October, this river system lights up with massive salmon runs that draw anglers from across the Midwest. You'll spend six solid hours on prime water with an experienced guide who knows exactly where these fish are holding and how to get them to bite. At $400 for two anglers, this trip gives you access to world-class fishing without breaking the bank, and if you want to bring a third person along, it's just an extra $50.
We launch early to beat the crowds and hit the sweet spots when fish are most active. The Manistee's lower sections offer perfect habitat for staging salmon and resident trout, with deep pools, undercut banks, and gravel runs that hold fish year-round. During peak season, you'll witness the spectacle of salmon pushing upstream to spawn - these aren't your average lake fish anymore. They're aggressive, territorial, and absolutely explosive when they hit your line. The river runs clear most days, which means we can sight-fish to individual salmon and watch them react to our presentations. Your guide will position the boat in prime lies and coach you through every cast, ensuring you're fishing the right water with the right technique.
We provide everything you need - quality rods, reels, line, and a full selection of proven lures and bait. Depending on conditions and fish behavior, we'll run everything from spawn bags and skein to spinners, spoons, and plugs. The Manistee responds well to both drift fishing and casting techniques, so you'll learn multiple approaches during your trip. We use medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle the power of a fresh salmon while still being sensitive enough to detect subtle trout bites. Your guide carries backup tackle for different scenarios - if the fish want something specific, we've got it covered. No need to worry about licenses either; just bring yourself and dress for the weather.
The Manistee River system supports four premier species that make every trip exciting. Each fish presents its own challenge and rewards, creating variety that keeps even experienced anglers on their toes throughout the day.
Coho salmon arrive in good numbers starting in September and provide non-stop action for anglers of all skill levels. These silver rockets typically run 6-12 pounds and fight like fish twice their size, making multiple jumps and screaming runs that test your drag system. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of presentations, making them perfect for newcomers to salmon fishing. They're also excellent table fare when fresh from the lake.
Steelhead trout are the river's year-round residents, offering consistent action even when salmon runs slow down. These chrome-bright fighters average 4-8 pounds but pack incredible power and acrobatic ability. Steelhead are more selective feeders than salmon, requiring finesse and proper presentation to consistently hook up. They're known for their aerial displays and long, sustained runs that can take you well into your backing.
Chinook salmon represent the heavyweight division of Manistee River fishing, with mature fish reaching 15-25 pounds or more. These powerful fish provide the ultimate test of angling skill and equipment, often requiring extended battles in heavy current. King salmon are most active during early morning and late afternoon periods, and their sheer size and strength create fishing memories that last a lifetime. Landing a trophy chinook is considered the pinnacle achievement for Great Lakes salmon anglers.
Brown trout offer technical fishing opportunities for anglers who appreciate subtle presentations and careful approach. These wary fish average 2-6 pounds but can reach much larger sizes in the Manistee's nutrient-rich waters. Browns are primarily active during low-light periods and require stealthy tactics and natural bait presentations. They're considered the smartest fish in the river and provide a welcome challenge between salmon encounters.
Peak salmon season runs through October, and prime dates fill up fast as word spreads about hot fishing. The Manistee River consistently produces when other systems struggle, making it a top choice for serious anglers and families alike. Whether you're targeting your first salmon or chasing a personal best, this trip delivers the goods with professional guiding and prime access to Michigan's best salmon water. Contact River Chasing Guide Service today to secure your dates and experience why the Manistee River is considered one of the Great Lakes region's premier salmon destinations.
Your salmon and trout fishing adventure starts aboard this well-equipped 18' aluminum boat, perfect for navigating the Manistee River's currents. Built to handle up to three anglers comfortably, this motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The onboard fishfinder helps locate those prime fishing spots where salmon are holding, while the GPS keeps you on course as you work different stretches of the river. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. The aluminum construction handles the river's shallow areas and rocky bottom with ease, letting you focus on landing that trophy salmon or steelhead. All your fishing gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to cast some lines and enjoy Michigan's excellent salmon run.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart guys of the trout world - they didn't get big by being careless. These fish average 8-24 inches but the real trophies hide in deep pools under cover during the day. They love cool, clear water around 60 degrees and you'll find them near fallen logs, undercut banks, or rocky structure. Fall brings the best action when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night. What makes browns special is they're both challenging to catch and excellent eating - mild, sweet meat with firm texture. They're also homebodies, so once you find a good brown spot, it'll produce for years. Here's something most people don't know: try fishing right after dark in fall. Browns get bold when the sun goes down.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of our river - these bruisers can hit 30+ pounds and they know how to use that size. Unlike coho, chinook stay deep and fight more like a freight train than a rocket. You'll find them in the deepest holes, especially around structure where they can rest during their spawning run. Early morning and evening are your best shots since they're light-sensitive. What guests love is landing the biggest fish they've ever caught - there's nothing like a 20-pound king to make your day. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the grill. One tip that works: use heavier tackle than you think you need, and when you hook one, don't try to horse it - let the fish tire itself out in the current.
Oncorhynchus KisutchThese silver rockets are what make fall fishing on the Manistee so special. Coho typically run 12-30 inches and fight like nothing else - they'll jump clean out of the water and make runs that'll test your drag. You'll find them in the deeper pools and current breaks, especially where the water stays cool. September through October is prime time when they're moving upriver to spawn. What guests love most is that acrobatic fight and the bright orange meat that tastes amazing smoked or grilled. Here's a tip I always share: when you feel that first jump coming, bow your rod toward the fish to keep slack in the line - it'll save you from a lot of break-offs when they go airborne.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the big water, and that ocean living makes them strong, silver, and mean. These fish average 24 inches but can push much bigger - I've seen 45-inchers come out of this river. They love deep runs with good current and cover like fallen trees or undercut banks. Best fishing runs from fall through early spring when they're moving up to spawn. What makes steelhead special is that hard pull - they're built for fighting current and they'll use every ounce of that power against you. Pro tip: fish your drift slower than you think. Steelhead often follow baits downstream before committing, so let that spawn sack or jig really hang in the strike zone.
Michigan