Manistee Fishing Report: Lake Michigan King Salmon Season Wrap-Up

Last week, Lake Michigan warmed significantly, with the thermocline dropping to over 100 feet and essentially locking down the remaining adult king salmon on the “shelf.” In a way, the thermocline has become a gate—and right now, the gate is down. When the thermocline lifts to a higher depth, or the lake flips with a north or east wind, the kings will once again make a run toward the river mouth and into the river.

Fishing has been excellent over the past week for Lake Michigan salmon fishing out of Manistee. The weekend did see the thermocline come up to 65–90 feet, changing the location of the fish and putting some kings back into shallower water.

Flasher/fly combinations and plugs have once again been the ticket to success. For us, 115–150 FOW has been best at first light, with 180 FOW producing best as the morning progresses. Paying close attention to depth, speed, and changing water conditions continues to be important as the fall salmon run develops.

This weekend we ran our last two Manistee fishing charter trips of the season. Saturday evening proved to be too rough to fish, with 5-foot seas. We tried, but after a couple of hours, we had to call it and head in. Sunday morning, however, was a great trip with some first-time anglers.

With the Lake Michigan salmon season winding down, the next major change will come as conditions push more mature king salmon toward the Manistee River. Water temperature, wind direction, and the movement of the thermocline will all play a role in how quickly that transition happens.

On Labor Day Monday, we made time to fish as a family and fill our own freezer. It feels good to slow down, enjoy a campfire with friends, and take in some high school football games.

We feel blessed to get to live here in Manistee County and to spend our summers on Lake Michigan doing what we love.

Thank you to everyone who fished with Copperhead Sportfishing Charters this season. We appreciate every trip, every conversation, and every new and returning customer. We’re already looking forward to next season and another year of Lake Michigan salmon fishing in Manistee, Michigan.

Give Captain Matt a call/text at 231-299-7114 to book a trip for 2027.