FISHING
Fishing Gear
The weight of fly rod you need for Michigan fishing depends on the type of fish you’re trying to catch:
-
- Trout
- A 5–7 weight rod that’s 8.5–10 feet long is a good choice for trout fishing in Michigan. A 5 weight rod is considered a “universal trout rod” and can handle dry flies and streamers.
- Mid-sized species
- A 6–8 weight rod is a good choice for fishing for mid-sized species like bass, pickerel, or snakehead.
- Larger Bay species
- A 7–9 weight rod is a good choice for fishing for larger Bay species like rockfish, bluefish, and redfish.
- Trout
The tippet range for fly fishing in Michigan depends on the type of fly you’re using, the type of water, and the size of the fish you’re targeting:
-
- Dry fly: A good tippet range for dry fly fishing is 2x to 4x, and the tippet material should be monofilament. You can use a tapered monofilament leader that’s 7.5 to 9 feet long.
- Nymphing: A good tippet range for nymphing is 3x to 4X.
- Streamers: A good tippet range for streamers is 0-2X.
- Steelhead: Steelhead require a thicker tippet due to their size and speed. You should use a tippet of at least 3X.
- Slow current: In slow current, you should use a 7X tippet.
- Faster water: In faster water, you can use a thicker line to increase your landing rate.
Other Essential Gear
- Waders – Some of the waters are relatively warm and some are cold. Waders aren’t always needed but may be recommended.
- Wading boots
- Wading staff
- Split shot (Optional)
- Polarized sun glasses if you have them.
License
You can buy a fishing license at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources eLicense site.
Technique
Here are some fly fishing techniques for Michigan:
- Indicator nymphing
A standard technique that can be used to catch steelhead in smaller waters. It’s similar to the summer trout technique, but with larger equipment and heavier leaders.
- Float fishing
A common winter technique that uses long leaders, egg flies, and beads.
- Swinging Spey
A refined technique that uses a long, two-handed fly rod and a floating line with a sinking tip. It’s often used for steelhead on larger rivers in the fall.
- Dry fly fishing
A pure form of fly fishing that uses a fly line to propel a dry fly to a rising trout. It’s often used for trout, Atlantic salmon, and smallmouth bass in the summer.
- Chuck and duck
A less traditional technique that involves attaching a 10-foot section of 15-pound test line to a small diameter running line. The line ends with a swivel, and lead is added above the swivel. The weight is then lobbed into a likely run and felt to touch the bottom.
- Dead drifting
A streamer tactic that involves casting the fly upstream and retrieving the line just fast enough to keep a tight line to the fly
Be patient and don’t be shy about asking for help. Other campers and staff will be glad to lend a hand.
Use the Buddy System
Don’t fish alone. You might be tempted, but don’t do it. You may fall. You may encounter bear. You may need help. Plan for it, be safe and have fun.
Should I hire a guide?
To hire a guide or not is a very personal choice. If you have never fished these waters before or fished in Michigan before, then you may benefit from hiring a guide. We can provide recommendations of local guides.
We have a lake!
Beebe Lake is a spring-fed lake right outside your bunkhouse doors! Enjoy fishing on our lake when you aren’t on the river.
Interactive Fishing Map
Anglers’ Basecamp is central to many amazing fly fishing locations in the state of Michigan. West, North, East — you can’t go wrong with the Muskegon, Pere Marquette, Au Sable, Rifle, and other rivers. Use our Interactive Map to plan your days!
