Attention, anglers! Here are the 8 best fly fishing spots in Michigan

Get your waders out, because Michigan was voted the best state for fly fishing, and we’ve got the inside scoop on where to go!

Fly fishing enthusiasts, listen up: Did you know that Michigan has more rivers and lakes to go fly fishing in than any other state in the entire United States? It’s true! Michigan is such a rich and accessible state for fly fishing that Field and Stream magazine even voted it the single best state for fly fishing.

According to Pure Michigan, the mitten state is known as the fly fishing “mecca” for trout, largely thanks to its over 20,000 miles of cold, quality trout waters. If you’re looking to wade into the world of fly fishing in Michigan, here are some of the best fly fishing spots we found to cast your net, er, reel. While we have provided current information, fly fishing regulations and rules can change seasonally, so be sure to check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) most up-to-date fishing guide before heading out to any of these areas. 

1. The Au Sable River System

Au Sable River Holy Waters, South Wakeley Bridge Road, MI 49738

The Au Sable River is one of the most renowned trout waters in the entire world, earning the nickname “Holy Water” among many fly fishing enthusiasts. Each branch of the river offers a distinct fishing experience and different fish, primarily trout. In fact, more trophy trout come from the Au Sable River than all other Michigan rivers combined. The river holds 476 miles of fishing-friendly waters.

The Au Sable River is also convenient because it offers comfortable wading and easy-to-find public access. The river is 100-150 feet wide with an average depth of 4 feet, so you can see why it makes such a popular fly fishing spot. There are a plethora of deep dives, fly fishing guides, and forums dedicated solely to the Au Sable River system, so if you’ve never been, definitely do some digging before you plan your trip.

2. Huron River

Near Barton Pond, W Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Huron River Proud Lake Recreation Area is a popular spot for fly fishing thanks to its smallmouth bass and seasonal steelhead. The warm water fishery has panfish, pike, smallmouth bass, and seasonal trout, and the river receives an annual stocking of brown and rainbow trout from the Michigan DNR hatchery system that will reach a size of 2 to 5 pounds or more. With the variation of water depths and temperature, every season offers something unique—spring and summer will bring more steelhead trout, browns, brook trout, and rainbows, while fall and winter will see more steelhead and smallmouth bass. 

Because the river runs through Ann Arbor, it’s easy to reach without a trek through the woods and has boat launch sites near the mouth of Lake Erie, Belleville Lake, Kent Lake, and Flat Rock. The Huron River has split regulatory seasons and is a designated Type 1 trout stream, as well as gear restricted during part of the year, so check the Inland Trout and Salmon Stream Regulations in the current Michigan Fishing Guide before planning your trip. 

3. Manistee River System

CCC Bridge State Forest Campground, 7184 Sunset Trail SE, Fife Lake, MI 49633

The Big Manistee River system spreads 190 miles through five different counties, eventually spilling out into Lake Michigan. It’s located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and extends partly through the Manistee National Forest.  The rivers provide dynamic steelhead, chinook, and coho salmon fishing, most often in the spring and fall. You’ll find a varied landscape, from gravel bottoms to log-choked banks, making it ideal for both wading and drift boat fishing. 

There are plenty of locations with easy parking, and if you’re looking to extend your fly fishing trip, you can even reserve campsites for overnight use. Guided fishing tours are also very popular in this river system. 

4. The Branch Black River Crockett Rapids Bridge

Milligan Highway and South Black River Road 

There are a few different access points along the Black River for fly fishing, but overall, most sites are easy to wade and contain both wild and stocked brook and brown trout. The Main Branch Black River is one of the most popular areas, and it’s recommended you head there in the spring, since the water can get too warm for bountiful fly fishing in the summer months.

The Black River is a type 1 trout stream, and some of the larger trout create a nice challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts. The river also features open tree canopies, making it an accessible and aesthetically pleasing spot for fly fishing.

5. Pere Marquette River

Gleason’s Landing, S Brooks Rd, Baldwin, MI 49411

The Pere Marquette River has bragging rights as the location of the first stocking of brown trout in the United States. It’s also the longest unregulated (no dams or impoundments) river system in the Lower Peninsula and is a nationally recognized fly fishing river. You’ll find a designated “Blue Ribbon” trout stream from Reek Road upstream to Switzer Bridge on the Middle Branch, along with a self-sustaining resident fishery.

The River features nearly year-round fishing with salmon, steelhead, and brown trout, and lots of opportunities for trophy fish. There are some catch-and-release regulations for 8 miles on the upper Pere Marquette and a “flies only” Section from M-37 to Gleason’s Landing. If you’re looking to camp, there are designated camping sites within the river corridor on National Forest System Lands—these range from full campgrounds to canoe-in only camps. 

6. Jordan River

Webster Bridge Rd, East Jordan, MI 49727

Famous for world-class brook trout, the Jordan River in East Jordan also houses an abundance of brown and rainbow trout. This Blue Ribbon fly fishing river has around 25 miles of cold water fresh from many different springs, making it ideal for some of the largest trout that anglers dream about. The water temperature rarely exceeds 60 degrees and eventually flows into the south arm of Lake Charlevoix. 

The Jordan River also flows through cedar forests, which set the scene for gorgeous canoe fishing. You’ll also find many “hidden” islands throughout the river, which are perfect spots for a quick break or picnic. You can find access points to the Jordan River along the 18-mile Jordan River Pathway as well as along State Route #66, U.S. Highway #131, and State Route #32. 

7. Paint Creek

Paint Creek Trail Parking, 383 S Broadway St, Lake Orion, MI 48362

For fly fishing in South Eastern Michigan, check out Paint Creek, which flows out of Lake Orion and empties into the Clinton River. The creek is a high-quality coldwater stream (the lake provides cold water, so temps are usually kept under 70 degrees) that varies in depth and features plenty of wadable sections for anglers. You can expect to find trout ranging from 7 to 14 inches, with some specimens reaching over 20 inches.

May is the most popular fishing season for Paint Creek and is especially welcoming for beginner anglers. The creek is stocked annually with trout by the DNR and is classified as a Type 1 trout stream. You’ll find many access points along the Paint Creek Trail, part of Michigan’s first Rail-to-Trail (a project that transformed old railroad routes to public trails for walkers, runners, and bikers). 

8. Boardman River

Grand Traverse, Traverse City, and Kalkaska Counties 

The Boardman River is a Michigan state-designated Natural River and a Blue Ribbon Trout stream for 36 miles. Overall, the stream is considered one of the top 10 trout streams in the entire state. It’s also one of the most popular natural attractions in the entire Grand Traverse Region. The upper section of the river is ideal for dry fly fishing, while the middle section is a natural riverbed. The river has self-sustaining populations of brown, brook, and resident rainbow trout, plus migratory rainbow trout, and Chinook and coho salmon. The river flows into Boardman Lake, which has warm-water game fish populations.

There is something for everyone on the Boardman River, from beginner to seasoned fishing enthusiasts, as well as areas for those looking for a challenge. Anglers will find a wide range of fish, from wild brook trout to stocked trout, salmon, and steelhead. Salmon and steelhead are especially plentiful in the fall, and you’ll likely find trout in the Scheck’s Place of the river in the summer, thanks to cool temperatures and a stretch of gravel. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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