So you want to go fly fishing in Michigan? Excellent choice! Known as the Great Lake State, you can’t swing a cat without it landing in prime fly fishing waters. This is the state where you’ll find the longest freshwater shoreline in the whole world – you know the fly fishing is going to be epic with that kind of achievement!
What to Expect
Michigan has access to three of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Erie. This means you can book a trip as short as four hours and be fishing in no time.
Most local trips focus on targeting a particular species, which changes depending on the time of year. If you’re heading out with one fish on your mind, make sure it’s in season before climbing aboard.
For some species, you should consider heading out very early in the morning or during the evening. Fish such as Steelhead and Trout avoid the bright midday sun; they come to the surface to feed when it’s darker, which is when you’re most likely to catch them.
What to Catch
Trout fishing is especially popular in Michigan. There are over 20,000 miles of cold water for Trout to live in, both stocked and wild, making this a bucket- list destination for fly anglers. The official beginning of the Trout season is usually in the last week of April, and this is your time to hit the water.
Salmon is another prized catch in Michigan, and for all the good reasons. The best time to go after these feisty fish is any time from late spring to early autumn (depending on the species). Chinook are out and about mid-August, and Coho is available all year, though the action is best in early spring and late October.
If you’re on the lookout for Pink Salmon, you’ll have better luck in odd-numbered years. As for Atlantic Salmon, they’re late bloomers, and the best period to target them is usually in late fall.
Other species you can catch include Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Pike, Rainbow, Brook, and Brown Trout.
Where to Go
As well as the Great Lakes, some other top waters to fish in include St. Clair River, Lake Huron, Manistee River, and of course the famous Au Sable River. Measuring nearly 80 miles long and leading into Lake Huron, this river is the best place to go fly fishing for Trout. It even has a famous hatch, the “Hex” hatch, which cannot be missed! There are parts of the river that are great for beginners, and others that will really test your skills. Top targets here include Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout, as well as good populations of Steelhead.
Other top waters you won’t want to miss include Betsie River, Huron River, Muskegon River, White River, Fox River, and plenty more.
How to Prepare
Michigan fly fishing guides can show you where to find the best bite based on the time of year. Some guides provide fly fishing gear for their customers, but you should confirm this ahead of time. If you plan on bringing your own gear, pack two fly fishing rods – one 8’ with a 3 wt and a 10’ rod with a 6 wt. This will allow you to catch the full range of species in Michigan’s waters.
Before your trip, everyone in your group over 17 will need to buy a fishing license. Check the current regulations for each fish in the body of water you’ll be fishing – these are subject to change each season.
Don’t forget to pack your amber polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug repellant, and you’ll be ready to fish.
Book a Michigan fly fishing trip today and you’ll be hooked for life.