Fish

• The waters of the Pere Marquette region are populated with brown trout, steelhead and salmon, which are ideal fly fish. The state records for brown trout and steelhead are 34 lbs. and 26 lbs. respectively, and both records were set in Lake Michigan, which is connected to the Pere Marquette watershed via the Pere Marquette River. Browns up to 20 inches long and wild steelhead and coho salmon in the 30-lb. range have been known to lurk in the waters of Pere Marquette. Steelhead populate the area in large numbers in early spring and late fall when the waters are cool and murky. Brown trout start to pick up in late spring and chinook salmon typically arrive in late summer; September 1 to November 1 is peak season for chinook.
  
  

Bait and Tackle

• A 7-weight to 8-weight fly rod and 10- to 20-lb. test line should be adequate for fishing in the region. Local fly hatches provide a wide assortment of bait, especially from late May to early July. According to local fishing authorities, mayflies on the river include "Hendricksons, sulphurs, blue-winged olive, gray and brown drakes, and hexagenia limbata." Stoneflies and caddis are also abundant, and they are favored by large brown trout. Steelhead are known to take to a variety of flies; nymphs with egg patterns or little black stoneflies will be effective. When dry flies are not available, large ants and wooly buggers will do. According to local fishing authorities, fishing with streamers can be highly effective in early spring and late fall.
  
  

Regulations

• Fishing in Michigan requires a Michigan fishing license. The Upper Pere Marquette River from the M-37 Bridge to Gleason's Landing is catch-and-release only, and only artificial baits may be used. The river from Gleason's Landing downstream to Indian Bridge is open all year to all fish species except brown trout, brook trout and Atlantic salmon, which can only be caught between the last Saturday of April and September 30. You are permitted to catch five fish daily, but only three fish may be 15 inches or larger. Brown trout and steelhead must be over 10 inches to keep, and Atlantic salmon under 15 inches must be released.
  
  

Fees

• An "all-species" Michigan Fishing License for the 2010/2011 season is $28 for residents and $42 for non-residents for the season. A one-day license is $7 for both residents and non-residents. Anglers under age 17 can purchase a permit for $2 and seniors over the age of 65 can fish for $6.
  
  

Considerations

• The Pere Marquette River and its tributaries are divided into the following major regions: the Little South Branch, the Middle Branch, the Baldwin River, and the Big South Branch. Trout holding waters are abundant as the waters are frequently littered with fallen trees and other debris, and the natural geography of the rivers includes many sharp bends. There is a large area of water to be covered, but keep in mind that not all river banks may be conveniently accessible by foot; if you don't want to be held back, prepare to wade. Local trail guides are available online.