On the Lakes

Lake Michigan

Imagine yourself sitting at the bow of a boat, wind in your hair, sun on your face, jetting out of the channel of the Manistee River onto majestic Lake Michigan for a day of big lake fishing. Whether you are towing your own, or are interested in chartering a boat, our world-class fishing port invites you to begin your angling adventure right here in Manistee.

Inland Lakes

Portage Lake is one of 3 Lake Michigan ports in Manistee County. With depths to 60 feet and 2,000 acres of open water, Portage Lake is as popular a spot when the weather is warm as it is for ice fishing through the winter months.

Bear Lake is known for large and small mouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, crappie and bluegill. These fish can all be caught on this quiet inland lake surrounded by quaint cottages and a canopy of trees. It is exactly the setting that comes to mind when you dream about an Up North fishing getaway.

Arcadia Lake is smaller, at 100 acres, and with its channel to Lake Michigan, offers both quick access to the Big Lake, and protection for boaters from heavy weather. It is boater-and user- friendly, with depths to 25 feet. The eastern shore is home to Veterans Memorial Marina with transient slips, a boat launch and adjacent to Grebe Park with a universally accessible fishing platform and canoe and kayak launch site.

Learn more about inland lake fishing in #MyManistee here!

Full and Half Day Charters

Let the experienced charter captains of Manistee curate your big lake fishing adventure. Whether you are experienced angler, or this is your first-time fishing on Lake Michigan, a fishing charter can provide the necessary equipment, tips, and tricks for success in hooking king salmon, coho salmon, and lake trout.

Learn more about fishing charters here!

On the Rivers

Big Manistee River

The Big Manistee River is one of the finest salmon and steelhead rivers in the world. The river is more than 200 miles long, but all of the salmon, steelhead and other migratory trout fishing is done in the last 30 miles of river located below Tippy Dam. The Big Manistee River is home to the world record Brown Trout, a monster that weighed nearly 42 pounds!

Learn more about the Big Manistee River here!

The Betsie River

The Betsie River is a formidable four-season fishery, especially in winter. Focus on the lower river just across the Manistee County lines because the fish are cold and they want a big meal. So grab a rod and get ready to land ‘em. 

Learn more about the Betsie River here!

River Fishing with an Expert

Manistee County is home to over 250 miles of winding river. Both stunning in beauty and tranquil in its remote setting, Manistee is the perfect destination for a relaxing day casting on the water in all 4 seasons. The Big Manistee and the Betsie Rivers are known throughout the country for excellent river fishing.

John Gouker of Gouker Fly Fishing is a local guide with over 20 years of experience fishing the waters of Manistee. He takes great pride in teaching all aspects of fly fishing and helping to preserve the rivers and fishery through conservation practice. Whether you are a new to the sport, or an experienced angler, let John provide you with an unforgettable fishing experience of a lifetime.

Learn more about Gouker Fly Fishing here!

Little Manistee River Weir 

The Little Manistee River Weir plays a significant role in ensuring a future for the Great Lakes sport fishing industry. It is the only steelhead egg-take operation in Michigan and the primary egg-take facility for Chinook salmon in the state. The work done here each year helps ensure a healthy steeelhead population in the Great Lakes.

During the fall season, as the water temperature drops, Chinook and Coho salmon run upstream from the big lake, some making their way to the Little Manistee River Weir. Whether you are a fishing enthusiast or not, the Weir provides a unique viewing experience you won’t want to miss. Stand at the sidelines as salmon leap to ascend the fish ladder and make their way through the egg-take facility. You just might learn a little something about the annual salmon migration and the fish species of our region, all while taking in the serene beauty of the Little Manistee River.

Learn more about the weir here!