Skip to content
Executive Angler

Trip brief · Bear Creek (Manistee)

How to go fish the Bear Creek (Manistee)

The months we list for the Bear Creek (Manistee) are May, June, September, October. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.

September

No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.

Flies to tie — September

Access

  • Coates Highway

    44.314, -86.047parking

  • Bear Creek River Access

    44.292, -86.114parking

Regs — check current rules before you go

Michigan DNR no longer maintains an active Blue Ribbon list; current rules are stream Types 1-4 plus special artificial-lure rules. 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations: on all waters of Bear Creek (Manistee Co.), special artificial lure regulations apply. Confirm the Inland Trout and Salmon map for the Type on the exact reach. Michigan fishing license required. USDA Bear Creek River Access requires a vehicle parking pass.

Pack list

  • A current state fishing licence
  • Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
  • Net, nippers, forceps
  • Floatant and desiccant
  • Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
  • Water, sun cover, polarised glasses

Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.

Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Bear Creek (Manistee) page →