Kayak Camping on the Little Manistee River Michigan - Part 1

Part 1 of a three part series showcasing my experience on the beautiful 48 mile Little Manistee River in early October from the very beginning of navigable water at Spencer Bridge Public Access on N. Peacock Rd, all the way to Lake Michigan.
It may be possible to begin at the Old Grade Campground on Rt. 37 approx. three more miles up river from Spencer Bridge Public Access but the campground was closed at the time of my thru-paddle.
Gaia GPS Files:
Day 1: www.gaiagps.com/public/R7yB1j...
Day 2: www.gaiagps.com/public/OmbhSu...
Day 3: www.gaiagps.com/public/os09Go...
Starting location at Spencer Bridge: maps.app.goo.gl/7rSX5qvXme8ha...
Night one: maps.app.goo.gl/3BJtmoMgCT3C6...
Several good stealth camping areas on river right before Driftwood Rec area:
maps.app.goo.gl/ZMTS3pvQvWJD9...
Bear Track Campground: maps.app.goo.gl/GEP3oxEuLTSuP...
Little Manistee Weir (with camping, maybe?) maps.app.goo.gl/AkGWt9KEbJeTM...
Night two, somewhere just beyond this private property here: maps.app.goo.gl/BA5uwLvJLvz8M...

[@TheJkiprotich]

Feeling homesick for Michigan, so I’m rewatching this series!

[@jasonwish-]

Michigan rivers are the best!

[@donnettewebster2504]

It’s so pretty. I’m from Michigan and I miss it so much. I moved to Florida 40 years ago. I can almost taste those Salmon. Nothing like a fresh caught fish cooked next to the river.

[@jasonwish-]

I can't believe I missed the opportunity to catch and cook one of those...I've been thinking about doing that since our first river trip up there in 2012!

[@donnettewebster2504]

@@jasonwish- if you catch one next time you won’t be disappointed 😊

[@clearlyepic9958]

So glad you posted a new one before the winter!

[@jasonwish-]

Got several in the hopper right now so plenty of content coming before winter, thanks!

[@Greenriver592]

Jason, I grew up in Mich, and went on a week long canoe trip in 1965 on the Little Manastee with the boy scouts. There were very few cabins back then, real wilderness feel. Watching you video brought back some memories. Thanks!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Peter, that is so cool! that was one of my all-time favorite rivers and I definitely want to go back and do it again someday now that I have a better idea of where potential campsites could be. Hopefully I can eat salmon next time too!

[@mowerparts3824]

Amazing! You hit a perfect time. Makes me want to head back Up North again. God sure shared his creation with you.

[@jasonwish-]

Yes, it was perfect! Love Michigan rivers, and yes He did!

[@joelcarminati7822]

Wow between the huge salmon and all those trees down you did real good. Glad to see a video from you last night.

[@jasonwish-]

The Little Manistee has been on my radar for ahwile, so glad I finally got to experience it and glad it was mostly cleared!

[@PoonDog1963]

This is awesome! Used to fish steelhead on the Little Manistee back in the late 70s with my dad. I've been wanting to go back and see if I remember all the old spots. Pass Bellefontaine all the time traveling to and from Columbus.

[@jasonwish-]

I love visiting old spots from the past and reminiscing. So many great rivers in Michigan. Definitely looking forward to going back and trying some fishing there. glad you enjoyed the video!

[@DMSAdventures]

What a beautiful little river! All the fish were crazy! Mister thought you should just "bonk" one of the fish on the head and have it for dinner like Golum (We've been watching Lord of the Rings!) Ya they looked big enough to knock the boat over! Finding a campsite almost always seems to be an issue! Awesome start to an adventure!

[@jasonwish-]

I was craving some shashimi that's for sure! I hope to go back there next year for a short trip just to get a salmon!

[@davidt.3673]

So bummed I didn't make that trip. Definitely need to see some Michigan rivers.

[@jasonwish-]

Yep it was a good one! Don’t worry, there are plenty more for us to explore next year!

[@dontransue9843]

You are in my favorite part of the world. I am in Irons all the time. About 2 miles from your camp to the South, Elk Twp. Great video.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Don! Yes, beautiful area, would love to own some property near there someday.

[@HillOrStream]

12:25 This is an old RR bridge from the Pere Marquette RR, there is a date of 1909 on the other side. Unfortunately, this part of the RR was not included in the Rail-Trail, private closed land. 15:04 Johnson Bridge,, use the left culvert if your getting out there. I have done a ton of videos on this river and the Pine.

[@ronfox5519]

Yup. Rode that rr grade many times when it was open. If I remember correctly, there was a flood that caused some heavy erosion there, and that's why they closed the trail

[@PanfishingJournal]

Absolutely beautiful area. Great video. Liked and subscribed!

[@jasonwish-]

It sure is! We hope to go back this October and try to catch some salmon! Thanks!

[@jamesosborne5950]

Love king salmon fishing and there’s some really nice ones there . Great trip as always . It’s nice to live through your trips . Thank you buddy

[@jasonwish-]

Glad you enjoyed it James! I’m definitely going back to fish for salmon in that river someday!

[@dontransue9843]

Great video, our cottage is in Irons about 2.5 miles from Johnson Bridge. Safe travels, us Michiganians bid you great adventures! If your ever up again, ask for Don on Little Bass Lake! SW shore!

[@jasonwish-]

I'll definitely be back! Thanks Don!

[@unclebilloutdoors136]

Great first day. I have been looking at the Little Manistee as a future trip. Looks mighty inviting. Looking forward to the next parts.

[@jasonwish-]

It was a good one, but what Michigan river isn't?! Thanks!

[@billmitchell7731]

Like number 109. New subscriber from Arkansas. But born and raised in Michigan. Michigan will always be home. Still have a cabin about 17 miles from luddington Michigan.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks for the like Bill! I love Michigan and hope to own a small piece of property on a river up there someday. I have yet to travel to Arkansas...my wife and I were supossed to RV camp in the Ozarks this past fall but changed our minds at the last minute and went to Western N.Carolina instead...maybe next year.

[@talldude5841]

Beautiful Jason. Michigan is so pretty this time of year.

[@jasonwish-]

It sure is, hopefully I can get up there more often next year.

[@Maxspeed1998]

Great video Jason, looking forward to part 2.

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Tom, glad you enjoyed it!

[@JourneyontheTrail]

Awe man definitely jealous of this trip! Awesome trip video and looking forward to part 2. Thanks for sharing bud!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks AJ! It was a super fun trip, I just love Michigan rivers!

[@user-rv5ig8xm9v]

Beautiful,my son would go ape over those salmon darting off in front of your kayak.l am curious,what is that little stove and the fuel in the bottle you had on the first night camping dinner when you had teriyaki chicken.l am always looking for new ideas for camping,wish l was there on water unwinding.

[@jasonwish-]

Yeah, the salmon were amazing, I wish I could’ve caught one and had sashimi at camp! That stove is called a cat can stove because it is made with a fancy feast can on the outside and a tomato paste can on the inside with a strip of carbon felt between them to wic up the fuel. I have found that denatured alcohol works the best, and that was just a squirt bottle that I carried the alcohol in. It’s very light, quiet and simple and there are hundreds of videos on KZbin on how to make one.

[@jamesosborne5950]

Can’t wait to see part two . Hopefully a better campsite for you.

[@jasonwish-]

Part two of this journey was excellent, can’t wait to share it…got to finish editing it first though 🤪

[@JohnVanHare]

That bridge is where the railroad used to run, it’s pretty overgrown now and private property precludes access other than getting out to the left after you go under the bridge.

[@jasonwish-]

Interesting, thanks for the information!

[@SinchuwusOutside]

As always, great stuff!!! Those fish are huge, they would have been fun and a challenge to land in a kayak. They would have pulled you halfway down the river! HAHA Thank you for sharing. -dave

[@jasonwish-]

Hey, thanks Dave! Next time I will definitley be eating salmon on the river!!

[@MIurbex]

oh FRIG yeah

[@jasonwish-]

That was a really fun river, hope to get back on it again soon!

[@maleaJ4743]

Those salmon are crazy out there!

[@jasonwish-]

I hit it just right, I just wish I would have had a net or pole with me!

[@jacobpoucher]

Nice!

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks man!

[@skullcarver30]

What Michigan river adventure is on the agenda for next year maybe we’ll see you there

[@jasonwish-]

Not sure yet, maybe a section of the Big Manistee again but have also considered several others like the Platte, Boardman, Rifle, Pigeon, and the Sturgeon. What would you recommend?

[@skullcarver30]

@@jasonwish- well we go to Chippewa landing stay there the night and next day take one of there offered trips trip up river usually 3 day trip back fun and grueling lol and not expensive camp is all rustic and the Muskegon river in Newago is great for day trips but not much camping but has some great clear water at around 3-5 mph

[@nickbates4554]

Jason, really enjoy your river trip videos. I sent you an email to your website. Thanks Nick

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks Nick, so glad you enjoy the kayak videos! I got your email and will reply when I get a moment.

[@SeniorHiker77]

Well I finally recognized a quick draw filter. Lol. You didn't have many options left for camping. A little traffic noise would make me feel safe. Lol

[@jasonwish-]

That filter is the best! It would have been nice to know more about the river before I left but sometimes just winging it is kind of fun, thanks!

[@stephentompkins8516]

Can you do a video on what you typically pack on your kayak camping adventures?

[@jasonwish-]

I’ve had quite a few requests for what and how I packed my kayak so I will do my best to put one of those together before spring, kayaking season, thanks for the suggestion!

[@stephentompkins8516]

That sounds awesome and greatly looking forward to it. Thanks Jason and keep it up man!

[@sickpunx3556]

I did the manistee 3 night trip last year. I want to take my 12 year old son on a couple night canoe trip and I was wondering your suggestions.we don't want to camp in established campgrounds. We like finding our own spots. Any suggestions?

[@jasonwish-]

are you talking about the Big Manistee or the Little Manistee? Big differnce on camping options. Easy to find great spots on Big not so much on Little.

[@TheCosmicGuy0111]

Classic

[@jasonwish-]

Thanks!

[@jaxcoop1511]

I would say it’s spawning time for those King Salmon

[@jasonwish-]

That was my guess, some of those salmon looked like they were at the end of their life.

[@billmitchell7731]

I go to bear track inn campground every year👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jasonwish-]

I wish could have found it. If I had not been short on time I would’ve stopped to see it before I began. Maybe next year. How close to the river is it?

[@billmitchell7731]

@@jasonwish- right on the river. It's up on a hill but they have steps going up. Its primitive but it has water pump and toilets

[@jasonwish-]

@@billmitchell7731 Thanks!

[@billmitchell7731]

​@@jasonwish- 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Crazy_Anglers28]

How i wanna join so bad

[@jasonwish-]

That was a fun one for sure!

[@johnabraham4003]

What are you using on your water bottle

[@jasonwish-]

I just use a smart water or life water bottle and the platypus QuickDraw and the Sawyer squeeze water filters both screw right on. This is what i and nearly all backpackers use on trail as well, very simple and effective.

[@davidt.3673]

What is that filter?

[@jasonwish-]

Only the best filter on the planet…Platypus Quick Draw.

[@chrisgrappin439]

Are you really drinking that water didn’t think you could do that

[@jasonwish-]

Absolutely! That was probably the freshest, cleanest water I've ever drank from a river or stream. If filtered properly, you can drink from just about any source.

[@chrisgrappin439]

Thanks for answering me back enjoyed your video

[@DC-fy7hy]

Fishing the little Mainstee river is illegal during the salmon run. They use that run to collect spawn for the whole Great Lakes at the weir.

[@jasonwish-]

You are right but also wrong. I called and talked to the head DNR Biologist and there are many differnt dates and areas of the river that are open to fish. From the Weir up is open to fish until Jan 1 till Apr. 1, but from the Weir down to the mouth of the lake the river is closed to fishing from Sept. 1- Nov. 14. There are different dates for above Peacock Rd. as well, Apr. 30 to end of Sept. Steelhead are fair game anytime. He gave me a lot of info and it was hard to remember it all but just call them for yourself if you disagree, he said everyone fishing above the weir that I saw on Oct 1-4 during my float was perfectly legal.