Pere Marquette River Fishing Report

Here's what's happening in Northern Michigan

NOVEMBER 3, 2025

SUNNY DAY STEELHEAD

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PERE MARQUETTE RIVER FISHING REPORT:
This is such a great time of year to be in the woods. I had a little break to take the dog’s into the woods hunting. Although, the weather was more like “fishing weather” than hunting weather.  Steelhead season has kicked off now! I cannot believe it’s already November.  Fishing on the Pere Marquette River last week wasn’t easy with the water levels beginning to drop and the bright sun every day.  Fishing right now is so similar to the fall of 2024.  The low water is keeping fish from wanting to move up each day. We saw a little push of fish a week ago with the rain we were blessed with. You can find fish throughout the river.  Numbers are lower though.  For flies smaller Leech and Baitfish patterns on the swing have worked well.  For Indicators with floating lines try smaller more natural Egg flies. Colors like Oregon Cheese, White, and Steelhead Orange have worked well. For Nymphs, try Steelhead Buggers, Hex Nymphs, and even Fry patterns. These patterns can work well with the clear water.
My condolences and prayers go out to Kate and the Schmidt family.  Last week Ray Schmidt passed away. Ray was a pioneer and ambassador for Fly Fishing in the Great Lakes. From developing great fly patterns for Trout and Steelhead to fly lines and rods.  He ran Schmidt Outfitters for many years in Wellston, Michigan.  He was a legend on the Big Manistee River. He was a real influencer and mentor to many guides and anglers.  He will be missed! Rest in peace Ray. 🍻 to tight lines and screaming drags.
PIC (ABOVE):  Greg with a great Steelhead that took a swung fly last week. This was Greg’s first time on the PM his first time casting his new switch rod and first Steelhead ever! A special moment indeed, nice job Greg.
YOUTUBE: I’ve started a new YouTube page! Click on the link for some new videos and click the subscribe button. https://www.youtube.com/@OutfittersNorthJeffHubbard
LIVE FLY TYING WITH THE NORTHERN ANGLER:  If you missed it – I had the opportunity to head up to Traverse City to visit good friends Brian and Matt at The Northern Angler Fly Shop. Thanks to all who joined us on YouTube for the Live event. If you missed the live event, you can still watch the full video on the Northern Angler’s YouTube Page.
If you are ever in Northern Michigan stop by their shop and say “hi!” They have a great assortment of gear, tackle and fly tying materials. You can find them online at The Northern Angler

FLY OF THE MONTH

HUB'S HOPPER

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The Hub’s Hopper is more than a grasshopper, it’s a hunter. This is a great searching pattern. This fly will get their attention on a drag free drift or the twitch with its longer rubber legs. I usually fish this fly on a faster 6 weight rod.  Please go to my YouTube page, like and subscribe, and see the details on tying this great fly and others.  Thank you and Tight Lines!!

Learn More About booking a trip with Outfittersnorth

I am Jeff Hubbard. I grew up in West Michigan with a real love for the outdoors. After guiding in Alaska for a few years, I returned to my favorite rivers and streams, here in Michigan. Among these, the Pere Marquette River is my favorite by far. I have spent many years next to this great river in the town of Baldwin and have a great love for this great natural scenic river. I became a professional guide in 1998, and fishing still remains a real passion to me.

I’m a licensed USFS Special Use Permit holder and State of Michigan Permit holder.  This allows me to fish the whole water shed of the Pere Marquette River.  I am fully insured and CPR Certified. I run Full and Half Day Trips, Instructional, walk and wade, or float trips.

Always feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions or ideas!  Thank you for stopping by!