Pere Marquette River near Ludington, Michigan
Form its birth in the boggy land of the Manistee National Forest the Pere Marquette River grows into one of the top 100 trout streams in the US with trout big enough to surprise anglers from out west who think the only big trout are out in their territory. And that’s not to mention the huge lake run fish that flood the river every spring and fall (and other times of the year when they fell like it). The middle branch of the river starts to be worth fishing near the Rosa Road Bridge. The river here is only about 20 feet wide and 3 feet deep. The bottom of this part of the river is gravel and sand with lots of undercut banks that fish like to hang out in. By fish I mean big browns. June and July is the best time to catch browns that stay in the stream year round. The best baits to use are Hendricksons, BWOS, Sulphers, Gray and Brown Drakes, and caddis. While it’s true those all work very well don’t forget ants and hoppers. The sizes that work best are #14 to #18. These flies can catch good fish in the other parts of the river too. As the river keeps flowing downstream the Little South Branch joins near the Route 37 Bridge and the real Pere Marquette River is born. From the point the Little South Branch joins an 8 lime fly fishing and catch and release only starts. The river in this section is very popular and, if you fish it, you can see why. The water twists and turns like a snake with its head cut off creating lots of pools that contain lots of current blocking fallen trees, undercut banks, and riffles. Once we start to see a little bit bigger water Nymphs and streamers in Black Stonefly, Woolly Buggers, black hare’s ears, dark clousers, and yellow and black marabou muddlers take center stage. In June having a large assortment of dries is a good idea. Adams, Elkhair Caddis, Boucher’s Drake, and Lime Trude are also must for the old fly box year round. Once the river reaches Gleason’s landing the special regs section is over. Gleason’s is also about how far the lake run fish come up the river. The best patterns for the lake run fish are the usual egg and streamer patterns. On this river it’s more of a matter of what you would like to lose when that huge fish gets to a logjam. From this section of the river all the way to Lake Michigan is too deep to wade easily. Where the big South Branch runs into the river the flow is almost doubled and if you could find a way to wade before that vanishes now so your best bet is to find a boat be it yours, a friends, or a guide. The river in these parts are known for its deep pools, large flats, and powerful runs that have a western feel about them. Good luck fishing!
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Pere Marquette River Fishing near Ludington, Michigan
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Details for Pere Marquette River
Species Caught Here:
Atlantic Salmon
Steelhead Trout
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Access: Public Property
Body of Water Type: Stream
Lat/Long: 43.951672 -86.460358
Bodies of Water near Pere Marquette River
Description for Pere Marquette River, Mason County, Michigan
Pere Marquette River is a stream located just .5 miles from Ludington, in Mason County, in the state of Michigan, United States. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including atlantic salmon, steelhead trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, chinook salmon and coho salmon here. Whether you’re baitcasting, spinning or fly fishing your chances of getting a bite here are good. So grab your favorite fly fishing rod and reel, and head out to Pere Marquette River. Alternate names for this stream include Notipekago, Not-a-pa-ki-gon and Notepseakan River.
For Fishing License purchase, fishing rules, and fishing regulations please visit
Michigan Fish & Wildlife.
Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Now get out there and fish! Check out our
Fishing Times chart to determine when the fish will be most active.
Fishing Hot Spots near Pere Marquette River
"I think this lake is great! nothing out of the ordinary very clean water and very beautiful fish...." Cecilia Lake
"Fishing has been pretty good. Lots of people catching different kinds of fish. Mostly small..." Diamond Lake
"Lots of walleyes that average 18 inches, abundant pike that average in the mid 20s, ok panfish, and..." Fremont Lake
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