Little Manistee River
🍃 Natural River
Lake / Mason Co. · 55 mi · Class Riffles
—CFS
Loading…Optimal: 150–600 CFS · USGS #04126130
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Michigan Natural River
Premier steelhead river and home to the Michigan DNR weir used for egg collection to stock rivers statewide. The Little Manistee runs cold and clear through the Manistee National Forest. Designated a Michigan Natural River, the 55-mile stream flows from Luther to Manistee Lake, with the lower reach from Old Stronach Road serving as the main steelhead corridor.
Trip sections
Upper — Luther to Old Stronach Road, narrow forest paddle
Lower — Old Stronach Road to Manistee Lake, steelhead corridor
Outfitters
Little Manistee River Outfitters
Canoe and kayak rentals in Lake County
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.