Contracting

The Huron-Manistee National Forests are accepting applications for outfitting and guiding special use permits through a competitive selection process, or prospectus.

Up to nine permits for guided fishing on the Manistee River from National Forest System river access sites may be available through this prospectus. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. (EST) on March 9, 2026.

 Applicants must submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of their applications and supporting documents to the forest’s contact listed in the prospectus.

 If you have questions, please contact the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger Station (before Feb. 13, 2026) at (231) 848-7090, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (EST).

Supplemental info and Prospectus

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is the permit application open only to people with existing permits or is it open to anyone?

All applicants have an equal opportunity to apply. Any individual or entity may apply, except for members of Congress, Resident Commissioners and current USDA Forest Service employees. Please refer to page 9 of the prospectus.

For existing guides, would this be a “new tag” or additional usage added to their existing tag?

This would be a new tag (additional vessel authorized on the Manistee River). Successful applicants with existing special use permits on the HMNFs may receive a permit amendment or may be issued a new priority use permit to reflect this. Please refer to page 7 of the prospectus.

Do I have to pick an application at the Ranger Station or is there an online link to download it?

Interested applicants can access and download the prospectus by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/working-with-us/contracting. The prospectus contains instructions for applying.

Can the application be mailed to interested applicants?

No. The prospectus is available to the public for download or printing from our website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/huron-manistee/working-with-us/contracting. The HMNFs will not be mailing the prospectus to interested applicants.

Does the prospectus special use permit allow access for all federal launches?

No. The prospectus Special Use Permit is for National Forest System launches on the Manistee River including Rainbow Bend, Bear Creek, Blacksmith Bayou, High Bridge and Red Bridge. Please refer to Appendix 1 – Vicinity and Area Map.

Is there an advantage to applying sooner?

No, there is no advantage to applying early. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated following the close of the application period at 4 p.m. (EST) on March 9, 2026.

What is the best way to prepare the application package for submission? Do I need to print and fill out by hand or is there a way I can type the information into the application?

The prospectus must be downloaded and edited using a Portable Document Format (.pdf) editing software, such as Adobe, to type information electronically into the application, or converted into a Microsoft Office Word document (.docx), or similar file type to input information, which allows for copying and pasting of text.

Applicants must submit one hard copy of their application and one electronic copy saved on a USB drive.

For application instructions, please refer to Section V. - Application on page 8 of the prospectus.

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