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Tippy Dam Pond - Manistee River

Manistee County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport required
Tippy Dam Pond - Manistee River Access Map 1 launch
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Boat Launches on Tippy Dam Pond - Manistee River
Tippy Dam State Recreation Area Upper Boat Launch
Orchard Beach State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Tippy Dam Pond sits on the Manistee River, one of Michigan's premier river systems. The river flows roughly 170 miles from its headwaters near the center of the Lower Peninsula to Lake Michigan. Below Tippy Dam, the Manistee continues about 20 miles west through Manistee Lake before reaching its mouth at the city of Manistee. Hodenpyl Dam is the next dam upstream on the river.

Winter & Ice Safety

The pond above the dam may form ice in winter, but conditions can be unpredictable near the dam due to water flow and current from the hydroelectric operations. The river below the dam typically stays open through winter. Always check ice thickness carefully and avoid areas near the dam outflow.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Tippy Dam Pond and the Manistee River below the dam?
King salmon (Chinook) are the main draw in September–October, with fish stacking up below the dam during the fall run. Steelhead (rainbow trout) run in spring and fall. Brown trout, coho salmon, and smallmouth bass are also present. The dam blocks upstream migration, which concentrates fish and makes for exceptional fishing right below the spillway. The pond above the dam holds bass and panfish in calmer water.
When is the best time to fish at Tippy Dam?
Fall salmon runs peak in late September through mid-October — this is when the banks are packed and the fishing is at its best. Spring steelhead runs typically hit in March through April. Summer offers decent smallmouth bass fishing in the pond and river. During peak runs, arrive early in the morning to secure a good casting spot along the banks.
Where is Tippy Dam Pond?
In Manistee County, about 20 miles east of the city of Manistee and Lake Michigan. The dam spans the Manistee River roughly 170 miles downstream from its headwaters. It's accessible via the Tippy Dam Recreation Area off Tippy Dam Road.
Is there a boat launch at Tippy Dam Pond?
There is one launch on the pond. Most anglers here fish from the banks below the dam rather than launching boats. Kayaking on the pond above the dam is popular for a more relaxed experience.
Are there campgrounds near Tippy Dam?
Several. The DNR's Tippy Dam Recreation Area and Tippy Dam Campground are closest to the dam and the river. Loomis Landing Campground and Marina, and Twin Oaks Campground & Cabins are also nearby. The DNR campground is basic but well-maintained — smaller sites, not a lot of traffic, and short walks to the river.
Is Tippy Dam Pond good for kayaking?
The pond above the dam is calm and suitable for kayaking. Below the dam, the Manistee River flows toward Lake Michigan and offers a solid river paddling experience, though you'd want to be aware of current and fishing activity. The pond itself is a low-key paddle.
How crowded does Tippy Dam get during salmon season?
Very. During peak fall salmon runs, bank space below the dam fills up fast — especially after work hours and on weekends. Anglers line up along the spillway and downstream banks. If you want a good spot, plan to arrive early. The spring steelhead run also draws crowds but is slightly less intense.
Can you swim at Tippy Dam?
The Tippy Dam Recreation Area has river access, and Sand Lake Recreation Area is nearby with beach access. Swimming directly below the dam isn't advisable due to currents and heavy fishing activity, but the recreation area offers spots for wading and cooling off.
What is Tippy Dam?
A hydroelectric dam built in 1918, originally called Junction Hydro. It was renamed after Charles W. Tippy, a Consumers Energy board member. It's operated by Consumers Energy and spans the Manistee River. The dam is significant for anglers because it blocks upstream fish migration, concentrating salmon and steelhead runs below the spillway.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Tippy Dam Pond is the impoundment behind Tippy Dam (built 1918) on the Manistee River in Manistee County — roughly 20 miles upstream from where the river meets Lake Michigan. The dam, operated by Consumers Energy, creates a relatively small but significant pond that serves as a staging area for migratory fish pushing upriver. The real draw here isn't the pond itself — it's the dam and the river immediately below it. Tippy Dam acts as a barrier that concentrates salmon and steelhead runs, making it one of the most productive bank-fishing spots in the entire state during fall and spring runs.

Fall king salmon fishing below the dam borders on legendary — anglers line the banks shoulder-to-shoulder during peak runs in September and October. Spring steelhead draws similar crowds, though slightly less intense. The water runs crystal clear, which makes for both great sight-fishing and wary fish. Above the dam, the pond itself offers calmer water for kayaking and relaxed fishing. Several campgrounds cluster near the dam — the DNR's Tippy Dam Recreation Area is the most popular — and the area has a loyal following of anglers who return year after year. If you're looking for elbow room during peak runs, arrive early or be prepared to wait.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

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