Little Manistee

[ryan]

Hey guys. I am heading up to the PM on Friday and plan to fish that all day. On Saturday I am meeting up with a couple buddies and we are hitting the Little M. I have never fished this before and wanted to know if it is generally open enough for fly casting. Are there any areas better then others. Not looking for anybodys secret spot just a general area to hit.

[Direwolf]

Hey guys. I am heading up to the PM on Friday and plan to fish that all day. On Saturday I am meeting up with a couple buddies and we are hitting the Little M. I have never fished this before and wanted to know if it is generally open enough for fly casting. Are there any areas better then others. Not looking for anybodys secret spot just a general area to hit.

It is tight, rarely any room to overhead cast in most areas, start at Irons and work down. Bring plenty of flys as that river eats them like candy. I have landed a few steelies out of there but plan on losing most as there is a ton of lumber in that river.

I still love to fish it though...

[Fishbitch]

Yup, Direwolf's got it nailed down. Tons of timber but a beautiful river. I've gotten a few steelies out of there over the years, but seem to do better on the PM and big Man. Pretty small river for overhand casts. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[ryan]

Thanks. I was kind of afraid of that. I mainly plan on chasing trout since I have no gear for steelies. I may try and talk them into going to the PM instead.

[Direwolf]

Thanks. I was kind of afraid of that. I mainly plan on chasing trout since I have no gear for steelies. I may try and talk them into going to the PM instead.


I would not skip that river for these reasons... it truly is my favorite place to fish... just be prepared is all I am saying.

[flyrod4steelhead]

Don't put that little jem on the backburner. Even though it's a tight river in some areas, there is still room for other methods of fishing that river for trout. Will be up that this weekend to do some more yard work, maybe squeeze in a little fishing time early in the am.

Happy fishing and good luck

[ryan]

I guess you convienced me. Opening day is more about hanging out then actually fishing. I may bring my UL spinning outfit and throw some small spinners or Rapalas .

[flyrod4steelhead]

There ya go. Althought, with steelies still in the river, I'm not sure about the UL rod. Can be done and is fun. BUT, for a "just in case" I would use a med action rod if you are going to be throwing spinners and raps. Plus the extra spine in the rod will give those raps a little more action vs the UL. Steelies are no stranger to crushing a spinner or a rapala. Have caught a few steelies while chasing trout while using spinner and rapalas. Most are drop-backs and are in a feeding mood.

We didn't work today, so not sure if we will be working saturday or not. Hopefully no, KNOCK ON WOOD.


Good Luck to those that do get out for the opener