Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River


Area Status: Open

Little Manistee River

The Little Manistee River offers many opportunities for steelhead and trout fishing. The river banks are covered with lowland brush, swamp conifers, white pine and a variety of oak. The river has many bends and large logs. Water levels can become fairly shallow during dry summer months. There are a number of dispersed fishing access sites along the river, some of which allow camping.

 

Map: This brochure is set to print on 8.5x11 paper, landscape (wide) orientation.

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise posted.
Rentals & Guides: Watercraft Rentals -
  • Manistee
    • Manistee Paddlesport Adventures
  • Irons
    • Enchanted Acres
  • Wellston
    • Pine Creek Livery
Fees: Concessionaire Fee - Camping -
  • Bear Track Campground
  • Old Grade Campground
Permit Info: Special Use Permit -
  • No special use permit is required for individuals or small groups (74 people or less).
  • Permits are required for commercial, event or large groups (75 people or more).
Visit the Passes and Permits section for more information on obtaining a special use permit.
Usage: Light
Restrictions: As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forests. Applicable Orders -
  • Motorized Vehicle Use of Roads, Trails and Off-road Areas; R904-14-02
  • Occupancy and Use - Developed Recreation Areas, Dispersed Areas, Being Publicly Nude, Marine Prohibitions, Parking and Sanitation; R904-14-03
 
Closest Towns: Manistee, Irons
Operated By: Cadillac Manistee Ranger District - 231-848-7090
Information Center:

General Information

General Notes:

Counties - Manistee, Lake, Mason


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Bear Track Campground has a short, 1.5 mile connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. 

Old Grade Campground is completely surrounded by federal land.  There is a short, interpretive hiking trail from the campground through the surrounding the forest.  The campground is located near a wetlands area, making it an excellent area to view wildlife. 

A reservation is not needed for these sites, all sites are first come, first served.

Areas for Campground Camping at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

RV Camping

Bear Track Campground has a short, 1.5 mile connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. 

Old Grade Campground is completely surrounded by federal land.  There is a short, interpretive hiking trail from the campground through the surrounding the forest.  The campground is located near a wetlands area, making it an excellent area to view wildlife. 

A reservation is not needed for these sites, all sites are first come, first served.

Areas for RV Camping at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

Group Camping

Bear Track Campground has a short, 1.5 mile connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. 

Old Grade Campground is completely surrounded by federal land.  There is a short, interpretive hiking trail from the campground through the surrounding the forest.  The campground is located near a wetlands area, making it an excellent area to view wildlife. 

A reservation is not needed for these sites, all sites are first come, first served.

Areas for Group Camping at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing Mode Boat, Shore, Wade
Fish Species Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Fishing Platform No
Cleaning Station No
Water Temperature Cold
Accessible Platform No
Fishing Method Fly, Pole

Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

Day Hiking

Bear Track Campground has a short, 1.5 mile connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. 

Old Grade Campground is completely surrounded by federal land.  There is a short, interpretive hiking trail from the campground through the surrounding the forest. 

Areas for Day Hiking at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

Backpacking

Bear Track Campground has a short, 1.5 mile connector trail to the North Country National Scenic Trail. 

Areas for Backpacking at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

Picnicking

Picnicking is a popular activity that is permitted anywhere on the National Forests.  The sites listed below have picnic areas with tables or shelters that are available for visitors to use.  Some sites have pedestal grills, beaches or other amenities.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Trailer Parking Yes
Class of rapids 0
Size Restrictions None
Type of Craft Canoe, Kayak
Marina/Mooring No

Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Little Manistee River, National Scenic Study River

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
42 miles