If you're in Traverse City, you must find Supply Road
Take Garfield Rd south out of town to the light at Hammond Rd. Turn Left - continue through the light at Three Mile Rd. - bearing Right at the 3-way intersection after Four Mile Rd - you will make a Left at the next obvious 3-way intersection - and, Lo !, you are on Supply Road. (eventually crossing the Boardman River - you'll see signs for Ranch Rudolf and the Forks - you're near the north branch)
Above CCC Bridge: Take Supply Road until it seems to end; that is, you take it across 131, through South Boardman, cross M-66 and continue, Supply will change to a gravel road. Continue on to a Stop sign. Turn Right and continue over, the CCC Bridge. The Fly Fishing Only water is upstream of the bridge. Turn Left on King Rd and drive upstream. You will find a number of access spots mingled with private property. I like this area very much. Varied bottom of sand and gravel, good wading, and the opportunity for larger fish. You'll like it too. Easy walk but wading skills may come in handy.
Fine stretches of the Manistee may also be reached from the M-72 area between Kalkaska and Grayling, (see below for getting to Grayling) and County Rd 612 further upstream from M-72. Grab a map and check out these roads and the connecting Manistee River Road. And you won't have to find Supply Road to get there.
For more information on these and other rivers, you should check with Streamside Orvis, 231-938-5337, The Northern Angler, 231-933-4730. All are well-stocked stores with sound advice and guide services.
Explore: the Boardman's North Branch near Broomhead Rd., Ranch Rudolf, Nolan's Cigars downtown, Apache Trout Grill, Bob Summers' Classic Bamboo Rod Building shop on the Boardman, and almost any walk in, and around, downtown Traverse City.