Michigan is a trout fishing capital with tens of thousands of miles of cold, pure trout streams, many of which are wild. As one of the country's top destinations for fly fishing, Michigan boasts a variety of streams, rivers, and lakes to choose from, all home to countless species of fish.
Some of the best places to fly fish in Michigan include:
- Au Sable River System
- Black River
- Boardman River
- Dowagiac River
- Fox River
- Huron River
- Jordan River
- Manistee River System
- And more
Regardless of where you choose to fish in Michigan, you're sure to have a great time and catch some trophy fish. This article will explore the top 15 places to fly fish in Michigan based on popularity, ease of access, and variety of fish.
Best Fly Fishing locations in Michigan
Because Michigan is home to so many great trout streams, it's hard to narrow down the best places to fly fish. However, these are some of the best locations for fly fishing that Michigan has to offer.
1. Au Sable River System
The Au Sable River in Michigan, United States, runs 138 miles (222 kilometers) through the north of the Lower Peninsula and Grayling and Mio. It flows into Lake Huron at Oscoda and has been designated a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The confluence of the Kolke and Bradford Creeks in Frederic Township in Crawford County forms the main branch of the Au Sable River. The river flows south, then turns east to Grayling, where it is joined by the East Branch Au Sable River. The East Branch originates in Lovells Township, Crawford County.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Au Sable River System, Michigan:
- Elk Hair Caddis CDC Tan - Size 16
- Trophy Dungeon Black - Size 8
- Zoo Cougar Yellow - Size 6
2. Black River
The Black River is a 4.2-mile-long (6.8 km) waterway in the southwestern part of the state of Michigan that empties into Lake Michigan at South Haven, Indiana, where it flows past the South Pier Lighthouse. The river's name comes from its muddy brown color due to suspended sediments and biological materials collected along its route.
The Black River is a major tributary of the Saint Lawrence River. The river supports such species as trout, snapping turtles, leeches, and various types of flora and fauna.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Black River, Michigan:
- Parachute Adams - Size 12-22
- Rainbow Warrior- Size 14-22
- Trophy Dungeon Olive- Size 8
3. Boardman River
The Boardman River is a 45-mile (72 km) river that runs into Grand Traverse Bay to the west of Traverse City, Michigan. The upper tributaries of the Boardman originate near Kalkaska, Michigan, and its watershed covers 295 square miles (760 km2).
According to some standards, the Boardman River is one of the top ten trout streams in Michigan. Before entering the Grand Traverse Bay, it becomes Boardman Lake, a natural lake that was originally 259 acres (1.05 km2) in size and grew to 339 acres after the Union Street Dam was built in 1867.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Boardman River, Michigan:
- Adams - Size 12-18
- Royal Wolf - Size 12-16
- Muddy Buddy Olive- Size 6
4. Dowagiac River
The Dowagiac River is a 30.9-mile-long (49.7 km) river in the U.S. state of Michigan's Lower Peninsula that is fed by the St. Joseph River tributaries and eventually empties into eastern Lake Michigan. The unusual feature of the Dowagiac River in southwestern Michigan is that it closely resembles northern trout streams such as the Au Sable River in terms of temperature and flow.
Cold temperatures and constant base flow throughout the summer are provided by the high groundwater contributions along much of the Dowagiac River's length. In July, river temperatures range in the middle 60s, perfect for non-native brown trout.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Dowagiac River, Michigan:
- Copper John Beadhead Red - Size 12
- Elk Wing Caddis Tan - Size 16
- Bow River Bugger - Size 4
5. Fox River
The Fox River is a 36.5-mile (58.7 km) tributary of the Manistique River on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the United States. The Fox River begins near Lake Superior and flows south to Lake Michigan. It runs almost parallel to the East Branch of the Fox River. Brook trout are most commonly found in both the main Fox River and the East Branch of the Fox River.
The Fox River is one of the few streams in the state that does not offer steelhead or salmon, resulting in a lack of competition. Brook trout are introduced into the primary channel to boost wild trout numbers; however, there are no wild trout on the East and North Branches.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Fox River, Michigan:
- Elk Hair Caddis CDC Olive - Size 16
- Parachute Adams - Size 16
- Zoo Cougar Olive - Size 6
6. Huron River
The Huron River is a 130-mile-long (210 km) river in Oakland County, Michigan that rises from the Huron Swamp in Springfield Township and empties into Lake Erie as it establishes the boundary between Wayne and Monroe counties. The river runs through the cities of Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Belleville, Flat Rock, and Rockwood, which were built along its banks.
The Huron River is a typical Southeast Michigan river with mud banks, sluggish stream flow, and a low gradient. It flows through the Oakland, Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Monroe counties in order from headwaters to mouth. Anglers frequent the river for:
- Rock bass
- Sunfish
- Bluegill
- Black crappie
- White bass
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Northern pike and more
Recommended Fly Patterns for Huron River, Michigan:
- Muddler Minnow - Size 4
- Trophy Dungeon Black - Size 8
- Matuka Sculpin Olive - Size 4
7. Jordan River
The Jordan River is a river in the northwestern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. It is the largest tributary of Lake Charlevoix, with a 24.9-mile length (40.1 km). The headwaters of the Jordan River arise from springs in Antrim County's upper Jordan River Valley northeast of Mancelona.
In 1978, the Natural Rivers Program began designating rivers across Michigan, and the first was the Jordan River. The Jordan River is famous for its world-class brook trout fishing and scenic canoe trips. Many foot and ATV routes lead to the headwaters near central Warner Township in northeast Antrim County.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Jordan River, Michigan:
- Kaufmanns Stimulators Yellow - Size 12
- Rainbow Warrior Jigged Tungsten- Size 14
- Trophy Dungeon Natural- Size 8
8. Manistee River System
The Manistee River or Big Manistee River is a 190-mile (310 km) river that runs through the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan; it now passes through Sharon, Smithville, and Mesick and empties into Lake Michigan at Manistee. It's regarded as one of the finest trout fisheries east of the Rockies, like its neighbor Au Sable River.
Two hydroelectric dams act as barriers to immigration and the region's long history of logging. Non-native introduced salmonids such as brown trout, steelhead/rainbow trout, coho salmon, and Chinook salmon compete or prey upon native species.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Manistee River System, Michigan:
- Kaufmanns Stimulators Yellow - Size 12
- Hare's Ear Natural - Size 18
- Slump Buster Black - Size 6
9. Muskegon River
The Muskegon River is a river in the northwestern part of the lower peninsula of Michigan, United States. The source of the river is Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, which flows into Missaukee County. The river runs through Clare, Osceola, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Muskegon counties before emptying into Muskegon Lake.
A mile-long channel connects Muskoka Lake to Lake Michigan. The river has several major tributaries, such as the Hersey River, Cedar Creek, and Little Muskegon River. The main river channel is 216 miles (348 km) long and drains a 2,350 square mile (6100 km2) area.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Muskegon River, Michigan:
- Nuke Egg Alaskan Rose - Size 10
- Zoo Cougar Yellow - Size 6
- Trophy Dungeon White-Red - Size 8
10. Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette is a Michigan river designated as a Blue Ribbon fishery. This river's main stream is 63.9 miles (102.8 km) long and runs from Lake County south of Baldwin to Pere Marquette Lake, then into Lake Michigan.
In 1876, this river was stocked with rainbow trout, and the Baldwin River, a major tributary, became the first American river to be stocked with European brown trout from Germany in 1884, hence the name German Brown Trout.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Pere Marquette River, Michigan:
- Glo Bug Red Dot - Size 10
- Prince Nymph Beadhead - Size 12
- Muddler Minnow - Size 4
11. Platte River
The Platte River flows through the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Its mouth is in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with the rest divided between the Pere Marquette State Forest and Sleeping Bear State Park.
The Platte River is 29.5 miles (47.5 km) long from its source at Long Lake's outlet. The watershed covers around 193 square miles (500 km2), and publicly owned land accounts for roughly three-quarters of the area.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Platte River, Michigan:
- Kaufman Stone Black - Size 8
- Holy Grail-Tungsten - Hairs Ear- Size 12
- Muddy Buddy Black- Size 6
12. Rifle River
The Rifle River is a 60.3-mile-long (97 km) river in the state of Michigan. It rises in northern Ogemaw County and runs through Arenac County before emptying into Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. The waterway was once a logging river during the Michigan timber rush at the turn of the century, but it is now primarily used for leisure and is a designated natural river by the state.
The Rifle River, like the Au Sable and Au Gres Rivers in the region, undergoes several topographical changes on its journey to Lake Huron. The higher reaches are narrower and considerably steeper than the lower sections that enter large flat areas where fly fishing and wading are plentiful.
The Rifle is largely known for its brown trout population; however, in addition to brown trout, sparse runs of Chinook salmon and a few steelhead migrate up the Rifle River each year in October.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Rifle River, Michigan:
- Glo Bug Red Dot - Size 10
- Holy Grail Hairs Ear - Size 12
- Kaufman Stone Black - Size 8
13. St Joseph River
The St. Joseph River is an exciting trout and salmon sport fishery and 206-mile tributary of Lake Michigan, flowing through southern Michigan and northern Indiana in the United States.
It flows in a generally westerly direction through southern Michigan and northern Indiana to its conclusion on the lake's southeast shore. The river's watershed, which includes Lake Michigan, is mostly rural agricultural land.
Recommended Fly Patterns fort Joseph River, Michigan:
- Glo Bug Red Dot - Size 10
- Copper John Beadhead Red - Size 12
- Trophy Dungeon White-Red- Size 8
14. White River
The White Clay River is a 23.6-mile (38.0 km) long river on the western side of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Its source is the Oxford Swamp in Newaygo County, Michigan.
The White River, a tributary of the Manistee River, continues south into Manistee National Forest. The river flows through Oceana County and into Muskegon County before emptying into Lake Michigan near Whitehall and Montague.
Recommended Fly Patterns for White River, Michigan:
- Glo Bug Red Dot - Size 10
- Adams - Size 12-18
- Double Bunny Black and Olive - Size 6
15. Whitefish River
The Whitefish River is an 11.9-mile (19.2 km) long river in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The mouth of the river is located on Little Bay De Noc of Lake Michigan, in Delta County. The confluence of the east and west branches creates the river's main branch.
The east fork rises out of Trout Lake in southwest Alger County, while the west fork rises near Marquette County's town of Two Harbors.
The Whitefish River is chilly, powerful, and deep in the early spring, forcing anglers to test their skills. The lower section of the river during the summer creates ideal conditions to fish for brook trout in the upper reaches and diverse warm-water species downstream from the confluence of the East and West Branches.
Recommended Fly Patterns for Whitefish River, Michigan:
- Elk Hair Caddis CDC Olive - Size 16
- Parachute Adams - Size 16
- Muddy Buddy Black- Size 6
What Gear do I need to Fly Fish in Michigan?
There is a wide variety of gear that can be used for fly fishing, and what you use will depend on the type of fish you’re trying to catch and the water conditions. You will need a rod and reel, fly line, tippet, flies, and waders (if you’re fishing in a stream or river).
Fly fishing in Michigan will require a versatile 5-weight rod for the majority of the species that you’ll encounter. A 6-weight or 7-weight rod may be necessary for larger fish, such as steelhead or salmon. You should also consider a reel that can hold at least 100 yards of backing, as you may need to make long casts to reach the fish.
Additional Facts about Fly Fishing in Michigan
What is the fly fishing season in Michigan?
In Michigan, June is typically the best month for dry fly fishing. The hatches are at their best, the water temperatures are optimal, and the river conditions are ideal.
The most popular months to fish in this state are spring and fall when the weather is generally ideal. April is the peak steelhead month across Michigan, but in both seasons, there are a variety of species to choose from, and the temperature conditions are favorable for fly fishing.
Where is the best fishing in Michigan?
Michigan is filled with some of the best fly fishing in the country, with various locations to choose from.
There are a number of great fly fishing spots in Michigan, but some of the best include:
- The Au Sable River, which is considered one of the best trout streams in the country
- The Manistee River, which is great for steelhead and salmon fishing
- The Pere Marquette River - Known for its excellent brown trout and smallmouth bass fishing
- The Muskegon River - A great river for a variety of species, including trout, steelhead, and salmon
When can I fish for trout in Michigan?
Fly fishing in Michigan can be done year-round. The most important aspect is determining what species you're fishing for and matching the hatch. That being said, there are a few months when conditions are ideal for trout fishing in Michigan.
In the months of March and April, resident Brown and Rainbow trout breed in Michigan. March and April are great months to fish for trout in Michigan. Trout consume Steelhead eggs and feed on stoneflies this time of year.
What months are best for fly fishing?
The optimum month to dry fly fish in Michigan is usually June. The hatches are at their peak, the water temperatures are ideal, and the river conditions are optimal. April is another ideal month when steelhead migrate in Michigan's rivers.
Michigan is a great state for fly fishing, with a variety of locations to choose from and a number of different species of fish to target. The best time to fly fish in Michigan is typically in the spring or fall when the weather is ideal, and the water conditions are favorable. In order to have the best chance at success, it is important to be familiar with the different types of gear that are available and to select the right gear for the type of fish you’re trying to catch.
