Fly Fishing Michigan Upper Peninsula: Ultimate Guide 2024
Thinking about fly fishing in Michigan Upper Peninsula this year?
Then this is the post for you as I’m a Michigan local and I love going fly fishing!
Fly fishing is a common hobby for many across Michigan, and there’s no place quite like the Upper Peninsula, which has plenty of great spots for the sport.
With dozens of fish species to entice, anglers come from all over the state to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Upper Peninsula alongside the fights that the trout and bass will put up.
This guide will give you all the information that you need to know about fishing in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, including the best spots, when you should fish and what you can expect to catch.
Best Places For Fly Fishing On The Michigan Upper Peninsula
Whether it’s for better or for worse, you’ll find that people like to keep many of the best fishing spots secret so they don’t become overcrowded and overfished, but here are just 3 of the many incredible places you can go fly fishing on the Upper Peninsula in Michigan.
Escanaba River
The Escanaba River in Upper Peninsula Michigan provides an exciting environment for anglers, with clear waters and huge populations of fish. The river meanders through some beautiful landscapes which give the perfect backdrop for a long day of fishing.
The river is full of brook, brown and rainbow trout, particularly in its upper stretches as the water is cooler and well-oxygenated. There is also a high chance of catching walleye, should you know where to look.
The river is easily accessible with several entry points to its banks and some great trails around it should you fancy a hike. The Escanaba is also a suitable river for taking a boat out on the water if you don’t want to wade.
Fly fishing in the Escanaba River would suit anglers of all skill levels, from the seasoned fisherman to the complete beginner who needs a good space to learn.
This DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Escabana River in Michigan is a great place to brush up on some knowledge in fly fishing in the Escabana River before you go!
Two-Hearted River
The Two-Hearted River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is another scenic and popular area for fly fishing. It is most popular for trout fishing, with several species including brook and steelhead.
The Two-Hearted River has been famously mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s works and flows through the Lake Superior State Forest, spanning for 100 miles before reaching the lake.
The river features a mix of fast-moving riffles and deep, calm pools. Access can be challenging due to the marshy surroundings, making canoes or kayaks ideal for navigation.
Anglers can enjoy fishing at Two-Hearted River from spring through fall, with peak times during the steelhead and salmon runs.
When it comes to trout, you’ll need to stick to the trout fishing season, which runs from the end of April through to the end of September.
But don’t worry; you can also catch pink salmon, Coho salmon, steelhead, and stocked rainbow trout.
Indian River
Fly fishing in the Indian River, located in Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest, is the go-to place for anglers targeting trophy-sized brown trout.
The river’s logjams and deadfalls create perfect habitats for these large fish, and some anglers have reported catching ones that even exceed 24 inches!
Known for its reliable Hex hatch, the Indian River offers excellent fishing opportunities, but the time of day you choose to fish is very important.
The larger trout in the river are largely caught at night time, so an evening fishing session is in order should you want some Instagram-worthy catches.
Along with fly fishing, visitors can also engage in other fun activities like kayaking and canoeing on the Indian River due to the water’s steady flow. Its location in the national park provides a beautiful setting for hiking and picnicking too.
The best fishing periods are from late April through early July, and again in the fall during the spawning season. The first couple of weeks of May are extremely popular due to early fly hatches, which attract more fish to the surface.
While fishing all year round is possible, its best to avoid the river during the winter months as it commonly freezes over, making it impossible to fish in.
You can also read my post on the best fishing lakes on the Upper Peninsula to find more spots for fishing.
Best Time Of Year For Fly Fishing In Michigan
May and June are undoubtedly the best months for fly fishing in Michigan. During these months, the conditions are ideal, offering anglers the perfect combination of weather, water levels, and fish activity.
During the early summer months, Michigan experiences mild and stable weather, which is crucial for a successful fly fishing trip.
The water temperatures are perfect for trout, one of the most sought-after species in the state and the streams and rivers are clear and at their optimal flow, making it easier to spot fish and cast flies effectively.
May and June are also the months when there is the biggest abundance of insect hatches.
During this period, the state sees significant hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, which provide a rich food source for trout, bringing them to the surface to feed actively.
Anglers can take advantage of this by using dry flies that mimic these insects, resulting in more surface action and higher catch rates.
Trout and other fish species are highly active during May and June. After the long winter and early spring, fish are eager to feed and replenish their energy reserves. This heightened activity increases the chances of successful catches.
But fly fishing in Michigan during May and June is not just about the fish; it’s also about the experience.
Michigan is blooming in these months, with lots of lush greenery, flowers and shrubs all sprouting, fishing outings become so much more enjoyable and it’s very hard to feel stressed when surrounded by such beauty.
What You Can Catch Fly Fishing On The Upper Peninsula
One of the most fun parts of researching fly fishing is finding out what you can catch. The good news is, you can catch a lot of different types of fish in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here are the most common catches:
Brown Trout
Brown trout are a highly sought prize by fly fishers seeing as they are so wary and skiddish. While the rivers and lakes of the Upper Peninsula are full of brown trout, you’ll have quite the challenge if you wish to catch this species.
Your best bet is to fish in the cooler months between April and June if you’re set on catching some Brown Trout.
Brook Trout
Brook trout are native to the Upper Peninsula’s cold, clear streams and rivers. They are known for their vibrant colors and can be caught using dry flies and nymphs.
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are found in the St. Marys River. They offer an exciting fly fishing experience with their strong runs and leaps, especially during their fall migration.
You also have a pretty good chance of catching Atlantic Salmon in July and August in the larger lakes.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout/steelhead are abundant in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, especially during spawning runs in rivers. Their acrobatic fights and aggressive latches onto the flies make them a fan favorite among fly fishers.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass are commonly found in many lakes and rivers throughout the Upper Peninsula. These fish are renowned for their powerful fights and thrashing behavior.
They will readily take a variety of fly patterns, including poppers and streamers, making for an exciting fishing experience.
Michigan Upper Penisula Fly Fishing Packing List
It’s important to be prepared when you go fishing. Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect fly fishing trip – including all of the basics and some things you might not have thought of!
Must-Have Equipment:
- Fly Rod – because you can’t go fishing without a rod, right?
- Fly Reel – make sure it matches the weight of your rod!
- Fly Line – and plenty of it! Without the fly line, you’ll be flinging your rod about to no avail…
- Backing – while many people will skip out on buying backing, it is an important component of your fly fishing gear and allows you to fight those larger fish out of the water.
- Leader and Tippet – provide a nearly invisible connection between the fly line and fly, enhancing the line’s presentation and reducing fish spooking.
- Flies – because you wouldn’t be fly fishing without them! Make sure to have a variety of dry and wet flies to imitate different species and movements, attracting fish to the surface.
Clothing:
- Waders – waders will help you keep dry up to your chest. You’ll want to do some research on which brand and type will be best for you depending on the time of year your trip is taking place as they come in lots of different materials and thicknesses.
- Wading Boots – make sure to keep your feet warm and dry with some wading boots. They’ll also provide you with some great grip under the water, preventing any trips or falls.
- Fishing Vest – a fishing vest is very useful for storing all of your fishing tools as you fish.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing – reading up on the weather conditions before your trip is very important to make sure you’re packing appropriate clothing that will keep you warm (or cool) during your fishing trip.
- Hat – a hat is very important during the spring and summer months to help keep the sun off your head, preventing any nasty burns.
- Sunglasses – sunglasses are useful all year round as you’ll often get a glare off the water which can be quite dazzling. Polarized sunglasses are particularly helpful at reducing glare and allowing you to see the movements of fish underwater.
Tools:
- Forceps or Hemostats – for removing hooks and handling fish.
- Nippers – for cutting the tippet and leader material.
- Fly Box – for organizing and storing flies.
- Landing Net – to help protect the fish, and stop it from flapping about and injuring you.
- Strike Indicators – useful when nymph fishing to help detect bites.
- Floatant – to keep your dry flies floating.
- Tippet Spool Holder – to help organize your tippet varieties.
Safety Equipment:
20. First Aid Kit – just in case!
21. Life-jacket – while many people may think they don’t need a floatation device, it doesn’t hurt to have one nearby, especially if you are accompanying any children or beginners.
Mary’s Fly Fishing Tips For Michigan
I absolutely love fly fishing in Michigan, and I have many years of experience. Here are some of the best tips I have picked up in my time.
- Do Some Fly Research: You’re already doing research by reading this post, but it helps to get to know the local insect activity and use flies that imitate the prevalent species to increase your chances of success in Michigan’s diverse lakes and rivers.
- Use Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized lenses help reduce glare, allowing you to spot fish and underwater structures more easily in Michigan’s waters.
- Fish Early and Late: Dawn and dusk are prime times for fly fishing in Michigan, as fish are more active and feed closer to the surface.
- Check Local Regulations: Ensure you’re familiar with Michigan’s fishing regulations and seasons for specific waters and species to avoid fines and contribute to conservation efforts.
- Vary Your Retrieval Techniques: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and patterns to mimic natural prey movements. This will increase your chances of enticing bites from cautious fish.
FAQs
Below are some commonly asked questions about fly fishing in Michigan along with my expert answers to each question.
Yes, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is home to various trout species, including brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, making it a great fly fishing destination for trout enthusiasts.
Yes, Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, offers excellent fly fishing. Its lakes, rivers and streams are rich with trout, salmon, and steelhead, making it a top destination for anglers.
There are plenty of great salmon fishing spots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but one of the best is the St. Mary’s River as the fish make their annual run from Lake Huron during early June.
The best places for shore fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula include Lake Superior’s shoreline, and inland lakes like Lake Independence and Lake St. Clair which offer a variety of different fish species.
Conclusion
There are plenty of great fly fishing spots in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and it is actually one of the most diverse places to fish in the State.
From Brown Trout to Salmon, there are plenty of fish in the clear waters of the Upper Peninsula’s rivers and lakes, and with some good technique, you’ll be bound to be able to make a number of catches while on your trip.
No matter where you choose to fly fish, I hope you have an amazing time and take the opportunity to admire some of Michigan’s beautiful nature while you fish!
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