Tippy Dam, Michigan

[IcatchDinks]

Hey, my fellow Michiganders. I'm going camping this weekend with some family and friends up near Tippy Dam. I've read that there's good fishing there, but have never been. Have any of you been there? Any tips/tricks/advice for me? 

[casts_by_fly]

That's the Manistee River.  I'd be looking for Kings down low in the river or near the mouth.  Haven't fished it myself, but have read good things.

[redmeansdistortion]

It's going to be shoulder with salmon fishermen, and some of them get downright crazy.  I love fishing salmon and steelhead but I usually avoid the streams on the west side because of the crowds.  Booze and a bunch of people yelling at each other for fishing the same hole can and does lead to fist fights.  In your shoes, specifically if you're targeting bass, I'd fish up stream of the dam at the Red Bridge River Access.  Down stream of the dam is also good bass fishing, but this time of the year isn't best due to the salmon crowds.

[IcatchDinks]

Thanks guys. I fished up stream of the dam, and downstream. Crowds weren't too bad. But enough that I wanted to not be there. No luck in the river.  We went to Manistee today and I fished off the pier in Lake Michigan. Also nothing. 

 

Then I fished Man Made Lake. Finally got lucky. Caught a nice little pike (22 inches), the largest rock bass I've ever caught (about a pound), and my pb Smallmouth: 16 inches, 2lbs 2oz. I plan to try the Red Bridge area tomorrow. 

 

Thanks for the advice!!!