#Fight4Fish: Passion, conservation drive Manistee River cleanup event

Kristina Kennedy • June 19, 2023

Roger Hinchcliff puts his time and money where his passion is — into the river and fish he loves.

Creator and curator of Steelhead Manifesto, an online community for steelhead anglers, Hinchcliff has turned his passion for Michigan’s fisheries and natural resources into a resource for anglers nationally.

MUCC’s On the Ground stewardship program has partnered with Hinchcliff on his Manistee River Cleanup for seven years and this year’s will be July 15. Anyone interested in attending, please visit mucc.org/on-the-ground/

Hinchcliff’s love of fishing started at eight years old and was passed down from his father. While he pursues many species across the United States, steelhead are his favorite.

The Manistee River below Tippy Dam is fantastic steelhead water almost year-round. With the exception of some hot summer months when only a few skamania (summer-run fish enter the system), steelhead can be fished from October through June in decent numbers.

Fishing the Manistee River is also one of Hinchcliff’s favorite things to do. Over the years, Hinchcliff and other anglers started to notice how much litter was accumulating in the river. 

“We decided to do something about it,” he said. “We organized our first cleanup nine years ago and have done it ever since.”

MUCC’s first cleanup event in partnership with Steelhead Manifesto was July 11, 2015. Since, the cleanup event has taken place each summer starting and ending at High Bridge Boat Launch in Manistee County.  

Hinchcliff hopes that families with young volunteers can learn not only the importance of taking care of the fishery, but also how to work as a team with a common goal of caring for the environment.  

“My hopes are that people realize how short life is and how fragile Mother Earth is,” he said. “Fishing and the outdoors are food for the soul… let’s leave the resource better than we found it and pass it on.”

At the cleanup event, MUCC will provide all necessary gear like gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. Volunteers will receive free lunch and a t-shirt for their efforts on the river. There will also be a free raffle for volunteers to participate in during lunch with prizes from Lamiglas Fishing Rods, Pro Cure, VooDoo Jigs, Jay’s Sporting Goods and FishUSA.

Other supporters of this project include Great Lakes Great Responsibility, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Adopt-a-Forest program, and the US Forest Service.

If you want to get involved but don’t know where to start, MUCC has you covered. View more details and register for the Manistee River Cleanup here , and help MUCC #fight4fish by entering into our Fight4Fish Sweepstakes to ensure continued public access to boat launches and access sites across the state.

Each $35 or more entry into the #Fight4Fish Sweepstakes enters you into the drawing for one of four fish-tastic prizes:

  1. $500 Jay’s Sporting Goods Gift Card
  2. Northern Michigan Fly Fishing Trip with Mangled Fly Guide Service
  3. Lake Michigan Salmon Charter with Dutchman Guide Service
  4. Walleye Jigging Trip on the Saginaw River with Michigan Out-of-Doors Magazine

Recent Posts

By Justin Tomei March 13, 2025
March 2025 NRC Recap
By Olivia Triltsch March 13, 2025
Blanchard’s cricket frog plays both roles of predator and prey within the ecosystem, influencing other species populations from both sides.
By Tyler Mehigh March 11, 2025
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) proudly honored outstanding individuals and organizations for their dedication to preserving Michigan’s natural resources at the 2025 Conservation Awards Banquet. The annual event recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service to conservation. Ron Olson – 50 Years of Service to Conservation Award With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Ron Olson has made a lasting impact on Michigan’s parks and outdoor recreation. As Chief of the Parks and Recreation Division for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Olson expanded the state park system, enhanced trail programs, and secured significant funding for infrastructure improvements. His leadership has shaped the future of Michigan’s outdoor spaces for generations to come. Ron Burris – President’s Award A dedicated leader within MUCC, Ron Burris played a pivotal role in restructuring the organization’s governance, ensuring a more effective policy and executive board structure. His efforts in promoting conservation education, community engagement, and safety initiatives—such as increasing AED availability in clubs—have strengthened MUCC’s impact across Michigan. Senator Sam Singh & Representative Graham Filler – Conservation Legislators of the Year Recognized for their bipartisan leadership in securing $1.9 million in funding for the Elsie Dam removal, Senator Singh and Representative Filler have demonstrated a commitment to conservation and ecological restoration. Their advocacy ensures the protection of Michigan’s waterways, fish habitats, and public safety. Grand Valley Cap N Ballers – Affiliate of the Year With a long-standing tradition of promoting historical shooting sports and conservation, Grand Valley Cap N Ballers (GVCNB) has been a key supporter of MUCC’s mission. Hosting major regional events and fundraisers, GVCNB has played a crucial role in supporting MUCC’s conservation efforts while preserving Michigan’s outdoor heritage. Mike Avery – Conservation Communicator of the Year A leading voice in outdoor media, Mike Avery has dedicated his career to educating and inspiring Michigan’s outdoor enthusiasts through his popular radio show and podcast, Mike Avery’s Outdoor Magazine. By spotlighting conservation leaders and critical environmental issues, Avery has significantly contributed to public awareness and advocacy for Michigan’s natural resources. MUCC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding contributions to conservation. Their dedication ensures that Michigan’s natural heritage remains protected for future generations. For more information on MUCC’s conservation efforts, visit mucc.org .
More Posts
Share by: