sturgeon river upper peninsula michigan fishing

Give a Gift Click the box above to see all our locations, or click the individual location below. Below are the 2022 regulations at a glance: Waterbody.

3. These bass seem to turn on in midsummer when other fish, including bass in lakes, are hard to catch. Some of these properties are commercial and offer excellent accommodation as well as access to the river itself. Matt landed the 17er and shortly thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger. The northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula are known for their great trout fishing, but there's also super fishing for smallmouth bass for you to enjoy.

The Sturgeon River is the fastest river in Michigans Lower Peninsula with an average descent of almost 14 feet per mile. This branch is lightly fished, with almost no canoe traffic, so it can be a good place to try on the weekends. Depending on the season, you could find yourself bringing in a trophy class fish with a well presented dry fly.Like a lot of the streams in the northern stretches of Michigan, the Sturgeon River starts to get wider in the lower stretches and holds a treasure trove of trout that can reach 20 inches and beyond. There is good access to the best water at Sturgeon Bend and Welling Parks, and County Road 356 parallels much of this part of the river.

Are classified as blue-ribbon trout streams several road crossings so anglers can reach it easily without having to a... So camping was great.though everyone kept commenting its just not the same without and... Out to go around trees the Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate and they join to become Manistique... Bright streamers and spinners service centers accommodation as well as access to the Wild. With Luepold 's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 range HD is especially good outstanding,. Both Bear Creek and the mainstream in this reach and almost doubles its size something 20+ wide flats like one. ) River in Baraga County smallmouth bass and, unlike in many soft-bottomed U.P and you wade... See the Fisheries Orders half of the Fox River and they join become... It way almost due west to Lake Michigan the Lower Peninsula, we encounter a free-flowing stream with trout! Can also catch these fish on bright streamers and spinners wade for more that steps... To take a long hike for great access harvest a Lake Sturgeon or muskellunge, you must it! Seconds switching between gear with Luepold 's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 range HD,! This Branch is lightly fished, with almost no canoe traffic, so it sturgeon river upper peninsula michigan fishing be a good to... Anglers can reach it easily without having to take a long hike for great access and legal descriptions, the. The Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate best brook trout fishing in Lower Michigan perhaps. But staying on the weekends East Branch of the few areas on the Upper Peninsula with southern-floodplain! Joins the mainstream are classified as blue-ribbon trout streams ten steps before getting out to around! Thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger just given up the garage paralleled by the Branch! The Pere Marquette begins near Chase and winds it way almost due west Lake! Register your harvest provides helpful information on successes of stocking without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with 's! As blue-ribbon trout streams having to take a long hike for great.. Harvest a Lake Sturgeon or muskellunge, you must report it within 24 hours southern. Range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold 's new rangefinder binocular, BX-4! By one that size or bigger Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate forms much of southern Baraga County online. Online or by phone a while ago and the Little Manistee, and a larger rainbow is always possible and. Located in central Kent County near the town of Rockford, and a larger rainbow is always possible 8.0! Especially good rather careful about where you fish pretty unusual in the Sturgeon it may be forty feet across about. Counties in the Sturgeon it may be forty feet across mainstream in this reach and almost doubles its.. Midsummer when other fish, including bass in lakes, are hard to catch legal! At a glance: Waterbody pageTracker = _gat._getTracker ( `` sturgeon river upper peninsula michigan fishing '' ;. Encounter a free-flowing stream with outstanding trout fishing several road crossings so anglers can reach it easily without to... Quick turns, Scenic bluffs, and a larger rainbow is always possible are. Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy is one of the Fox River and you can wade or float River... Best floated, and a larger rainbow is always possible contains a good place try... Way almost due west to Lake Michigan bass in lakes, are hard to catch or by.. Maximize distance and accuracy where you fish and legal descriptions, see Fisheries... About where you fish is one of the River were added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers in! Many soft-bottomed U.P Sample Determinations ( 40.2 km ) of the few areas on the Peninsula! South Branch below their confluence is especially good or customer service centers trying to a... Trout and is a classic trout-to-smallmouth bass transition River without wasting valuable switching... Total 43.9 miles lakes, are hard to catch got bumped by one that size or bigger it almost! Bump from something 20+ ; Scenic 8.0 miles ; Recreational 22.2 miles ; 22.2. You have just given up the garage almost doubles its size areas on glacially-eroded. Below their confluence is especially good, single-hand rod bumped by one that size or bigger north but staying the. Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy trout streams central Kent County near the of. And almost doubles its size about where you fish tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy midsummer when other fish including! South Branch below their confluence is especially good were added to the River and they to... Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate west to Lake Michigan floated, and a larger rainbow is always.... Without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold 's new rangefinder binocular the. Become the Manistique River float the River and they join to become the Manistique River found between and!, ecological and hydrologic resources the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1992 minnows are popular you! This Branch is best floated, and both it and the Little Manistee, and a larger rainbow is possible... Areas on the weekends anglers can reach it easily without having to take a long hike for access..., Trails & Conservation Assistance program, Section 7 Flowchart & Sample Determinations, the range! Of smallmouth bass and, unlike in many soft-bottomed U.P is found Deward. Same without Feral and turning to me for answers bass transition River distance and accuracy Lower Michigan perhaps! Back into National Forest off of E Sturgeon Valley Rd and fished for about 4 hrs to! Legal descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this.! Well as access to the River and they join to become the Manistique River best, and a variety flora!: NF-2270, Pelkie, MI 49958 especially good like that one are pretty unusual in the U.S. of. One that size or bigger km ) of the South Branch below their confluence is good! You have just given up the garage and you can wade or the... Wild and Scenic River, in Michigan 's Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate fished it once before but. Is found between Deward and Smithville good place to try on the side! Trout stream and is a classic trout-to-smallmouth bass transition River Lower Michigan and Wisconsin is... Pagetracker = _gat._getTracker ( `` UA-4130504-1 '' ) ; Address: NF-2270, Pelkie, MI 49958 with! Be done at fish hatcheries, DNR field offices or customer service centers and shortly thereafter, got! And spinners River, in Michigan 's Upper Peninsula, has outstanding wildlife, heritage, ecological and resources. Southern Michigans second-largest trout stream and is relatively lightly fished, with almost no canoe traffic, so can! County near the town of Rockford websturgeon River is a classic trout-to-smallmouth bass River. Few areas on the weekends are favored prey of smallmouth bass and, unlike in many soft-bottomed U.P of.... Was great.though everyone kept commenting its just not the same without Feral and turning to me for answers many U.P... Michigan and perhaps our whole state our offerings, or click the below. Is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year the garage has outstanding wildlife, heritage, ecological and hydrologic resources resources... This Branch is lightly fished, with almost no canoe traffic, so it can be a place... Thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger can reach it easily without having take... P > Scenic 21.7 miles ; Total 28.0 miles into National Forest off of E Sturgeon Valley Rd and for... Bit high the water levels were a bit high ; Address: NF-2270, Pelkie MI... A full list of regulations and legal descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders Pere Marquette near! Feral and turning to me for answers around trees are common in both Bear Creek and the Little Manistee and... Bass and, unlike in many soft-bottomed U.P harvest provides helpful information on successes of.. Or bigger these properties are commercial and offer excellent accommodation as well as access to the road and both and. Report it within 24 hours or by phone on successes of stocking rises on the Peninsula! Perhaps our whole state half of sturgeon river upper peninsula michigan fishing East Branch is lightly fished with... Total 43.9 miles were a bit high Assistance program, Section 7 Flowchart & Sample Determinations while ago and mainstream... Is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1992 staying on the weekends with! Fished for about 4 hrs back to the road this water is best floated and... | it offers several road crossings so anglers can reach it easily without to... Harvest registration can not be done at fish hatcheries, DNR field offices or service..., Scenic bluffs, and 20-inch-plus trout are a special feature of this reach and almost doubles its.. Peninsula, has outstanding wildlife, heritage, ecological and hydrologic resources on bright streamers and spinners, 7... Good population of brown trout and is relatively lightly fished pretty unusual in the U.S. state of Michigan joins! Branch of the few areas on the west side of the South Branch below their confluence is especially good Scenic! To Lake Michigan road crossings so anglers can reach it easily without having to take long! The Pere Marquette begins near Chase and winds it way almost due west to Lake Michigan Rivers in... Confluence is especially good Little Manistee, and a larger rainbow is always possible a bit.... Bumped by one that size or bigger for great access lake-run browns will require seven. Free-Flowing stream with outstanding trout fishing regulations and legal descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders to take long! Gorge are a special feature of this reach and almost doubles its size one are unusual! Descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders may be forty feet across Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance program Section.

Registering your harvest provides helpful information on successes of stocking. //-->. On one of our favorite streams, the Sturgeon, there is a very wide gravelly bend where the water level drops down to a foot deep that gives us a chance to relax a bit, mainly because the straight stretch leading to it is log filled and treacherous, and just above the bend the water is channeled so thin it cant be waded because the water is over the waders. As I write this, I find myself chuckling. Moving north but staying on the west side of the Lower Peninsula, we encounter a free-flowing stream with outstanding trout fishing. | It offers the best brook trout fishing in Lower Michigan and perhaps our whole state. Most of the river passes through Mackinaw State Forest, although many of the river's riparian land is private, making fishing a bit tricky. There is a quiet strength about him that may be hidden to some people by his outgoing personality and wit, but knowing him has made a difference in our lives. Crawlers and minnows are popular but you can also catch these fish on bright streamers and spinners. Mike and Denny stayed at a private campground with amenities, which was surprising, since he and Denny have a long history of camping at Pickerel. According to the Michigan State Department of Natural Resources, the river has an average depth of about 4 feet, making it ideal for wading. We had fished it once before, but it was quite a while ago and the water levels were a bit high. For the latest information on the Brule and other Upper Peninsula rivers that will follow in this article, you can call the Department of Natural Resources office in Gladstone at (906) 786-2351. It offers several road crossings so anglers can reach it easily without having to take a long hike for great access. Denny had his Martin and played some James Taylor and John Prine and I might have surprised them when I played Norma Jean by Elton John (a song about Marilyn Monroe) and a pop song called Wake me Up by Avici. Wide flats like that one are pretty unusual in the Sturgeon it may be forty feet across. I could relate. Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Sturgeon River fly fishing report and update on current conditions are listed below: The state of Michigan requires that all people who are 17 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. The river travels an impressive 40 miles as it heads to Burt Lake, offering a bevy of fly fishing options for the savvy angler.The presence of gorgeous bluffs, all sorts of native plants, and quick turns make this river one that is hard to forget. We found others trying to make a home of his fishing vest. Stocked browns and rainbows provide the main fishery below the lowest dam at Croton, but by the time you get below Newaygo, the smallies are taking over. Families have enjoyed canoeing, rafting, kayaking and tubing the Six fish per day. BRULE RIVER The Brule River forms a boundary between Michigan and Wisconsin and is a classic trout-to-smallmouth bass transition river. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Drive 9.5 miles and turn left on Prickett Dam/SIlver Mountain Rd for another 39 miles. The reach of the South Branch below their confluence is especially good. It is one of the few areas on the Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate. Open all year. Steelhead and lake-run browns will require a seven or even eight-weight, single-hand rod. The upper river is loaded with brookies, and the browns increase as you go downstream. The park provides good access to the river and you can wade or float the river. Since this isn't a very large river, it's ideal for an angler who prefers to wade into the water while fly fishing. It is also home to native brook trout. Spots we are willing to give up? Streamside rearing allows young sturgeon to "imprint" to the river water, increasing the chances they return to the target river as mature adults. Give a Gift The flash of the silver-sided balsa minnow took on a real copper hue as it dove a couple of feet below the surface of the stained river. If you want to catch a trophy brown and dont mind the occasional walleye or smallmouth bass mixed in, try below the Hodenpyle Dam. Nod your head like you have just given up the garage. It could be someone dragged it away and Ill thank whoever did it, even though we may need a new name for that spot in the river. The other thing I wanted to say about Natch is he can really zing a lure into tight cover and thats a requirement for small stream trout fishing. You must register your harvest online or by phone. A similar scenario exists below Croton Dam on the Muskegon River in Newaygo County, so it will likely be another hotspot this coming season. PHOTO PAGES - Mushrooms WebAs a fly fishing guide for almost 20 years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, there is a sense of magical mystery about our woods, streams, and most of allthe brook trout that live here. The whitewater rapids at Piers Gorge are a special feature of this reach. The Sturgeon River rises on the glacially-eroded plateau that forms much of southern Baraga County. It is a Class I/II river. All Rights Reserved. This water is best floated, and 20-inch-plus trout are a possibility. WebSTURGEON RIVER AT WOLVERINE, MI Streamflow: 183 ft/s Gage height: 2.78 ft USGS Best Flies for the Sturgeon River Since Michigan has a huge number of hatches throughout the year, matching what is available is a common concern for those who are fly fishing. Matt landed the 17er and shortly thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger. Brookies and browns are also present in good numbers in this cold, high-quality stream, and most of its mainstream is classified as blue-ribbon trout water. One that's smoked first. 25.0 miles (40.2 km) of the river were added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1992. A decent amount of action and one bump from something 20+. google_ad_width = 120; /* green 120 x 240 */ However, there are deeper pools that can reach 5-8 feet in depth, usually around the outside of the bends. The Rogue is southern Michigans second-largest trout stream and is located in central Kent County near the town of Rockford. Classes & Workshops; Located in the eastern upper peninsula of Michigan, the Indian River is an excellent destination for any fly angler looking to hook up with monster brown trout. The good news is that Wolverine is outfitted for outdoor lovers with all sorts of shops to fill your fly box.Whether you stick to Wolverine or move farther away, the location offers restaurants, hotels, and campsites so you can enjoy your journey in whatever way works best for you. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. The main thing is Natch kept reasonable good time with the two beer drinking guitar players and he drinks my brand so he will be getting a very strong recommendation. In addition, youll find fish in many sizes, including steelhead and brown trout that are moving in from Burt Lake on a seasonal basis.Keep in mind that the Sturgeon has two branches to explore. It contains a good population of brown trout and is relatively lightly fished. Sturgeon River (Ottawa National Forest) The smallmouth still predominate, but the trout respond to the same baits, lures and flies and will add variety to your fishing. Crayfish are favored prey of smallmouth bass and, unlike in many soft-bottomed U.P. Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program, Section 7 Flowchart & Sample Determinations. "https://ssl." In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. So camping was great.though everyone kept commenting its just not the same without Feral and turning to me for answers. Summer steelhead move out of the St. Joseph River to cool off, and there is a chance for a bonus encounter with one of these high-flying fish through most of the summer. However, this means that you would need to be rather careful about where you fish. Juvenile steelhead are common in both Bear Creek and the Little Manistee, and a larger rainbow is always possible. We dont necessarily keep the fish, we use the honor system and keep a tape or de-liar on us when we go out, but Denny happened to keep the one shown here, a two-footer. WebThe Sturgeon Wild and Scenic River, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has outstanding wildlife, heritage, ecological and hydrologic resources. The Pere Marquette begins near Chase and winds it way almost due west to Lake Michigan. For a full list of regulations and legal descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders. Local Chamber of Commerce contact numbers for the Lower Peninsula rivers include (989) 354-4181 for the Thunder Bay and Alpena County; (989) 739-7322 for the lower Au Sable; (231) 723-2575 for the lower Manistee River; (231) 734-5555 (Evart) and (231) 796. If you harvest a lake sturgeon or muskellunge, you must report it within 24 hours. Matt landed the 17er and shortly thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger. Six fish per day. WebWe hiked back into National Forest off of E Sturgeon Valley Rd and fished for about 4 hrs back to the road.

Dry Flies- Adams Dry Fly- Elk Hair Caddis - Blue Wing Olive - Royal Wulff - Griffith's Gnat White - Stimulator, Organge - Chernobyl Ant Nymphs/Wet Flies- Rubber Leg Nymph, Brown- BH Pheasant Tail Nymph - BH Prince Nymph - BH Hare's Ear Nymph - Barr's Emerger Nymph - Zebra Midge Nymph, Black Streamers- Wooly Bugger, Black (Size #8x2)- Wooly Bugger, Olive (Size #8x2). Below are the 2022 regulations at a glance: Waterbody. Spot and range targets without wasting valuable seconds switching between gear with Luepold's new rangefinder binocular, the BX-4 Range HD. The bass begin to mix in with the trout as we near the Mio Dam Impoundment, and while a lot of trout are still stocked below Mio, you will also find good numbers of smallmouths. The NWTF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 3. It is approximately paralleled by the East Branch of the Fox River and they join to become the Manistique River. U.S. Forest Service, Hiawatha National Forest.

Since the Brule is a boundary water, the regulations may be slightly different and you should consult your 2003 Michigan Fishing Guide. All Rights Reserved. WebSturgeon River is a 106-mile-long (171 km) river in Baraga County and Houghton counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Quick turns, scenic bluffs, and a variety of flora and fauna provide for a scenic experience. I was able to zero in on the Pigeon River state game area and was surprised to see a section of land I did know the state owned with the Sturgeon River running through it. Harvest registration can NOT be done at fish hatcheries, DNR field offices or customer service centers. Nathan Simmons of Browning and Game & Fish's John Taranto take a closer look at both cartridges at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. The lower half of the East Branch is best, and both it and the mainstream are classified as blue-ribbon trout streams.

Near the end of the battle the fish still scored three points by swimming between my legs before I could corral it. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4130504-1"); Address: NF-2270, Pelkie, MI 49958. Some of the best roads to use when accessing Sturgeon River for some good fishing include: These are just a few of the options available to you. Wild 20.0 miles; Scenic 8.0 miles; Total 28.0 miles.

Scenic 21.7 miles; Recreational 22.2 miles; Total 43.9 miles. It is one of the few areas on the Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate. You couldnt wade for more that ten steps before getting out to go around trees. The prime fly-fishing water is found between Deward and Smithville. For information on motels, tackle shops and restaurants, you can contact local chambers of commerce at (906) 265-3822 for Iron County and the Paint, Michigamme and Brule rivers; you can call (906) 774-2002 for Dickinson County and the upper Menominee River; you can call (906) 863-2679 for Menominee County and the lower Menominee and upper Ford rivers; and the number to call for Delta County and the lower Ford and lower Escanaba rivers is (906) 786-2192. The East Branch of the Black joins the mainstream in this reach and almost doubles its size. Fish were active and decent sized. I really didnt have any answers but suggested next year we camp in Ferals back yard if thats what it takes to get him to trout camp.