Walleye

While Manistee is renowned for its salmon and trout, walleye fishing in the Manistee River and Manistee Lake offers a different angling experience. The best walleye fishing typically occurs in the spring and fall as water temperatures cool. In the spring, target areas near the mouth of the river as walleye migrate upstream to spawn. In the fall, they tend to congregate in deeper holes in the river and along the drop-offs in Manistee Lake. Trolling crankbaits or jigging with minnows are effective techniques. A local tip is to fish the piers and breakwalls at night with lighted crankbaits, as walleye often move into these areas to feed under the cover of darkness. Be aware of the river's strong current, especially during high water levels, and use appropriately weighted tackle. The walleye population in the Manistee River is maintained through stocking efforts, resulting in a good mix of sizes.