Tippy Dam near Manistee: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Tippy Dam lies in Manistee County, in Michigan. Height above sea level is 673 feet. The water covers around 1,080 acres, which puts most of it out of reach from the bank. You have roughly 20 miles of edge to choose from, which rewards a scouting trip. It is among the larger waters listed here for Manistee County. Some 21 miles away sits Manistee, the nearest settlement. Then Baldwin, 24 miles, and Cadillac, 25 miles. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Tippy Dam

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Survey and observation records for Manistee County include alewife, rainbow smelt, bloater and johnny darter. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Tippy Dam gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 20°F in January to roughly 68°F in July. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer and winter test it. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from early April. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early April until roughly mid December. The weeks after the thaw and the ones before the freeze are the strongest. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Tippy Dam.

• Tackle & Baits

  The paperwork position is blank for this one. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. Chittenden Lake sits 2.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm access to Tippy Dam locally before you travel.