Manistee Fishing Report: King Salmon Bite Rebounds, Lake Trout Stay Steady

King Salmon

King salmon fishing out of Manistee slowed after last week’s strong north blow (Thursday through Saturday), but reports have steadily improved throughout the week. If conditions remain stable, the Manistee salmon bite should be very good again by the weekend.

Top-producing gear has been:

– Double Pearl Slick paddles with Riverside flies

– Double Pearl Spin Doctors with Blue Bubble meat rigs

– Moonshine spoons

The best action continues to be during first light and the last hour before dark.

Lake Trout

Manistee lake trout fishing remains steady from Manistee to Pierport. Most fish are being caught in 80–150 feet of water, although anglers may need to cover some water before locating active schools.

Top-producing setups include:

– Spin Doctors with Spin-N-Glo combinations

– Double Chrome flashers

– Double Gold flashers

– Chartreuse and black Spin-N-Glos

Once you find the fish, expect consistent action.

Captain’s Tip: Pay attention to changing lake conditions after strong winds. As bait and temperature breaks settle back into place, the salmon bite often improves quickly. Early mornings and evenings continue to offer the best opportunity for both king salmon and lake trout.