Fishing Report 9/27/25

Northern Angler Fly Shop Fishing Report September 27, 2025

Rain finally happened this week and the migratory fishing really kicked off in full force. We saw a good pushes of King salmon, coho, salmon, and a few skippers showing up in the system this week on the big Manistee. The Betsie river has fish still coming in the lower sections and it appears that fish are really hitting the gravel on that river. There are a few fish spawning in the big Manistee, but I would say it's not full force as of right now. Any more rain is completely welcome but the forecast for the next 10 days looks like it's going to be pretty dry in summer, like temperatures seem to be in the forecast for the first part of next week.

Trout fishing remains good on the upper Manistee with dry, fly action and small streamers. The brown trout are starting their pre-spawn feed and the fish are getting their beautiful fall colors.

Boardman River Report

Trout season on The Boardman and many of our smaller Northern Michigan rivers ends Monday, Septermber 30th. Get your last outings in and enjoy some beautiful weather on the river this weekend! After Monday, The Boardman River closes to trout fishing above Beitner Road.

Salmon continue to stage in the lower section of water below the weir.   The pedestrian bridge is a great place to go see the fish as they stack up below the gates of the weir.

The DNR has installed the weir below front street and soon the raceways will be filled with water and the salmon egg collection will begin.  Take the family down and check it out.

Upper Manistee River Report

Flying ants have been going all week on the upper Manistee and a tractor patterns remain good. Small streamers are also excellent in the morning hours. 

The upper Manistee has been pretty void of pressure since so many Anglers are focusing their efforts on fall salmon. 

Lower Manistee River Report- Below Tippy Dam

The Big Manistee received a decent amount of rain this week and the fishing really picked up. As the fishing picked up, the crowds have become almost oppressive.  The warm weather and big fish bring out the crowds. I've been out on the water every day this week and have struggled to find a parking spot at the boat ramps. The fishing has been good even with the crowds and we have seen fresh pushes of fish move in with the rains of last week.